Wind noise is a common problem when driving at high speeds. There are several things that can cause this, ranging from loose panels to bad seals around your windows.
In most cases, wind noise is simply an annoyance and not a serious safety issue.
However, if the noise is severe, it can be distracting and even dangerous. If you’re having trouble with wind noise, here are a few tips to help you fix the problem.
What Causes Wind Noise in Car?
There are many things that can cause wind noise in car. It could be the result of a problem with the car itself, or it could be due to outside factors such as the weather. Here are some of the most common causes of wind noise in cars:
- Car windows that are not properly sealed
- Worn or damaged weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Loose panels or moldings on the exterior of the car
- Poorly designed spoilers or other aerodynamic devices
- A loose panel on the roof or trunk, or even a crack in the windshield.
Aerodynamics
Some vehicles are designed in such a way that they will face less resistance when cutting through the air than others. Such cars are less prone to wind noise. This is known as aerodynamics.
A sports car is an example of vehicles with better aerodynamics. They produce less noise compared to larger vehicles like trucks, which create a lot of wind noise when moving. The large vehicles have disturbances when moving.
Air pressure
Whenever a car is moving, it is pushing air, which leads to pressure change. The air in your car will have higher pressure and starts finding a way to escape outside where the air is under low pressure.
This will create sounds of wind when driving. Openings in your car allow the air to flow outside to stabilize the pressure in your car. They are situated in places away from the people inside the car to ensure that the noise does not disturb them.
The openings are designed to produce less noise when air is escaping. When the air escapes through other ways, it will produce more noise.
How to Reduce Wind Noise in Car
1. Locating the Source
Before you can reduce wind noise in your car, you need to identify where the noise is coming from. This can be tricky, as the noise may seem to be coming from one area but may actually be originating from another. To help you narrow down the source of the noise, ask yourself these questions:
- Does the noise happen when driving at certain speeds or in certain weather conditions?
- Does opening or closing windows affect the noise level?
- Are there any patterns to when the noise happens?
- Once you have a better idea of when and where the wind noise is occurring, you can start troubleshooting possible causes.
- Loose weatherstripping: If the rubber seal around your car doors or windows is loose, it can allow air to enter the cabin, causing a whistling sound.
- Cracks in the door: Small cracks in the door panels can also let air into the cabin, causing wind noise.
- Worn out tires: If your tires are worn out, they may not grip the road as well, which can cause your car to shake and produce a humming noise.
- Poorly designed car: In some cases, wind noise may be caused by a poorly designed car. For example, if there are gaps in the door panels or the windows are not properly sealed, air can enter the cabin and cause noise.
2. Inspect the Car Doors
Since the doors are the largest entries in your car, you should frequently check if they are in good condition. A damaged door can leave some space after closing, which can turn out to be an opening where airflow inside the car.
If you notice that there are some deformities on the doors, take the car to a professional if you don’t have the skills to fix the problem. Don’t try fixing it yourself if the problem is complex to avoid further damages to your car.
3. Replace Car Door Seals that are Worn Out
Car doors have seals and weather stripping that may wear out after some time. Worn out seals have some holes or gaps on them, which may be a way for air to escape.
The seal may be okay but has fallen from its position, giving way for air to escape. Fixing the seal is easy, and you don’t have to call a professional to do it for you. Use weatherstrip adhesive to reseal it to the frame.
Apply the automotive adhesive directly to the seal the press into the door frame. The adhesive comes in many different colors so you can choose your preference. Amazing GOOP II Max or 3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive are great automotive adhesives that work perfectly.
This also applies to weather stripping on the door frame and the car door window. If the seal is worn out, you will have to purchase a new one, which you can fix it on your own.
What you have to do is remove the old seal, then clean the area to remove the previous adhesive. Install the Great BBA Large D-Shaped Rubber Car Door Seal on to the surface you have just cleaned. The best part is that the door seal has an adhesive backing and you don’t need to use an automotive adhesive.
4. Inspect the Exterior Car Body
If, after inspecting the doors and windows, you have found that they are all okay, try checking the outside body of your car. Check whether the body has rust or damage from an accident, holes, or cracks in the window shields.
A tiny crack may provide enough space for air to escape through producing wind noise. Consider taking your car to a professional to replace the car windows if there are have cracks on the glasses.
If there are holes or rust, seek professional repair or try filling the holes with a patching kit. Seals on the permanently closed windows may be worn out. If that the case, buy Dynatron 550 Auto Seam Sealer Grey Caulk to replace them. The sealer can also be used in door window seals or door strips.
5. Install Wind Deflectors
Window visors or deflectors as they are also called, have a very simple design. They are made to attach to the top of your window and extend outwards.
This extension allows for air to flow into your car while simultaneously keeping rain and debris from entering. In many cases, they will also reduce wind noise that can come from having your windows down.
Window visors or deflectors can be extremely useful, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain or snow. They can also be helpful if you enjoy driving with your windows down but don’t want to deal with the wind noise.
It is important to note that some window visors and deflectors are designed specifically to reduce wind noise, while others may just offer general noise reduction benefits.
When selecting a product, look for one that is easy to install and remove so that you can take it off when you don’t need it. You’ll also want to make sure that it doesn’t impede your ability to see out of the windows.
6. Install baffles inside the door panels
Another way to reduce wind noise in your car is to install baffles inside the door panels. Baffles are small pieces of material that can be placed in strategic locations to deflect the airflow away from sensitive areas.
This can help to reduce the amount of noise that enters the vehicle, making it more comfortable for passengers.
Baffles are typically made from foam or other sound-absorbing materials, so they can also help to reduce road noise and other types of exterior noise.
When selecting baffles, look for a product that is easy to install and that will fit snugly inside your door panel. You may need to trim the baffles to size in order to get a perfect fit.
7. Use Sound Absorbing Mats
Sound absorbing mats can be used to reduce various noises in the car cabin. The mats are made with a thick material that is able to deaden the sounds entering your car.
You will have to get to the bare metal so that you can stick them. On the floor, you will have to pull the carpet up to fix it so that it works effectively.
Even though it seems tedious, it is worth it since it is effective when it comes to reducing any noise reaching your car cabin.
You can use them on the doors or floors of your car to absorb noises such as loud engines, wind noise, muffler problems, or road conditions.
There is a variety of mats to purchase in the market, including the Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pack that has bine sheets made with thick material and can be easily installed in car door panels.
The mats come with their adhesive, so you don’t have to purchase an adhesive to install them. Its installation is simple since it sticks easily to the door panel.
8. Seal any gaps or cracks around the windows
One of the main causes of wind noise in cars is air leaks around the windows. By sealing any gaps or cracks, you can help to reduce the amount of noise that enters the vehicle. This can be done with sealant or weatherstripping tape, both of which are readily available at most hardware stores.
9. Install window insulation
Another way to reduce wind noise in your car is to install window insulation. This helps to block out external noise and can make a big difference in the overall comfort level of your ride. Window insulation kits are available at most auto parts stores and are relatively easy to install.
On How to Reduce Wind Noise in Car
Have you ever noticed a strange noise when driving your car? It may be a fluttering or whistling sound that’s only noticeable when the windows are down. This is called wind noise, and it’s caused by the turbulence created as air passes over your car’s body.
Wind noise can be annoying, but it’s also an indication that your car’s aerodynamics are not ideal. That means that the car is not as fuel-efficient as it could be, and it also means that the car is more susceptible to wind damage.
There are a few things you can do to reduce wind noise in your car. First, make sure that all of the seals around your doors and windows are intact. If there are any gaps, seal them with weatherstripping or caulking.
You can also install window deflectors. These are designed to redirect the airflow around your car, and they can make a big difference in the amount of wind noise you hear.
Finally, if you’re really serious about reducing wind noise, you can get your car’s aerodynamics tuned. This is done by making changes to the shape of the car’s body so that the air flows more smoothly over it. This can be a costly and involved process, but it can make a big difference in the amount of wind noise you hear.
No matter what method you use to reduce wind noise, remember that it’s important to have realistic expectations. You’re not going to completely eliminate wind noise, but you can certainly reduce it to the point where it’s not a major annoyance. And, of course, the more aerodynamic your car is, the better it will be for fuel efficiency.
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
I have a brand new 2020 Kia Stinger that has a wind howl at 65 to 75mph but only on certain freeways and certain directions. The dealership has not figured the issue out yet.
I have an idea for an electronic gadget that would go on the post and disrupt the harmonics that really cause the big noise/vibration. Any value?
the electronic gagdet would be a good idea if it worked. I have been interested in this concept for house noise and I reviewed a product claimed by a company to do this very thing. Ultimately the product fell short. If you could achieve this for the car I would be interested.