Are you looking for information on how to soundproof a car? Look no further.
I have compiled a detailed article on how you can use readily available soundproofing materials to turn that noisy car into a quiet haven.
Whether your biggest issue is wind noise or sounds coming from your vehicle, this guide will work for you.
I’ve covered all the soundproofing tricks you can employ and highlight the materials you need to get the job done.
You will also find information on the common problem areas where car noises are concerned, so it is easier for you to handle the problem from the roots.
How To Soundproof A Car From Wind Noise
Below are different approaches you should consider when soundproofing your car.
This helps minimize distractions when on the road to help prevent distraction-related crashes.
Each section covers different ways to soundproof against various types of noises that affect your wellbeing inside your car.
Your car doors are the biggest entry points for noise from the outside. This makes them one of the main areas to consider while soundproofing.
It doesn’t help that car doors are made of thin metal sheets and generally not designed to block traffic noise.
Fortunately, you can tremendously reduce the noise coming in through the doors with suitable soundproofing materials.
One of the things to consider when selecting sound-deadening materials for the doors is the weight.
The last thing you want to install heavy materials that can interfere with your vehicle’s overall balance.
Sound-absorbing foam works excellent for doors since it is light and does an excellent job blocking and absorbing sounds.
If you can find foam with reflective insulation, the better.
You may find acoustic mats designed explicitly for doors by reputable companies such as DynaMat.
These are usually tested and proven to be effective for car doors soundproofing.
They also help maintain the internal temperatures at desired levels.
Aside from installing the soundproofing material on the door, you also need to check the door seal and install a new piece if the old one is worn out.
Most of these seals are made of rubber, and they also help with keeping outside noise out.
To install soundproofing material on the door, you will need to take the door apart.
The goal is to install the material on the innermost part of the door to minimize the chances of noise getting into the cabin.
If you do not know how to go about this, you can go through your car manual or ask a mechanic to help.
YouTube also has many videos step-by-step videos on how to take apart your car door for soundproofing purposes.
How To Sound Dampen A Car From Road Noise
Even after soundproofing the doors, some noise may still get to the cabin through the car floor.
The floor covers a wide surface area, and its proximity to the wheels and axles makes it notorious for transmitting vibrations into the car cabin.
Fortunately, soundproofing the car floor is easy, and you can easily DIY.
With sound-deadening mats, you can easily place them on the floor. Aside from keeping road noise from your vehicle, these mats collect dirt and also protect your carpeting.
Resist the urge to go for the basic mats you see on Home Depot or Amazon.
While these may be visually appealing than the sound-deadening ones, they will not be as great in keeping noise out of your vehicle.
Sound-absorbing mats are often thicker and are made to last.
A brand such as Noico or Sound Skins has a selection of butyl rubber mats with adhesive on one side, so they stick easily to the floor.
Other reputable brands include Dynamat and KilMat. They offer durable soundproof mats that are easy to install and just as easy to remove.
With these mats, you don’t need to cover every inch of the floor.
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You can decide to focus on the areas above the wheels and the trunk, especially if your car wasn’t too noisy in the first place.
If you have carpeting in your vehicle, use a roller to install the soundproof mat over it.
A roller ensures no bumps left, and the adhesive properly holds to the carpet layer.
If you do not get pre-cut mats to match your car floor, you can buy a large piece and cut it to the floor size.
You can also request the seller to cut it to the desired size. Double-check to ensure that you only get the soundproofing variety.
It is important to note that soundproofing mats for your car floor will come at a price.
However, because they last so long, they are worth every penny and much more.
Go through available options and select the option that matches your budget. Be sure to check user reviews to see which option is more likely to deliver as promised.
Sound Damping Mats
Most noise entering your vehicle occurs through the floor or underfloor. Unbelievably, a car’s floor is not as thick as one may believe; it is near the ground. The combination of these characteristics makes it easy for road noise to enter a car through the floor.
Place dampening mats beneath your floor mats to reduce undercarriage noise. Standard floor mats gather dirt, preserve the carpet, enhance comfort, and enhance the car’s beauty, but they do nothing to insulate the vehicle from noise. This is because they are often thin and not composed of sound-absorbing materials. However, damping mats are constructed from resilient, thick materials which can block noise and minimize resonance.
Several floor- sound-dampening mats are available, but Dynamat and Damplifier Pro are two of the finest. These mats have butyl rubber, a foil constraint layer on one side, and an adhesive substance to bind the product.
Installation procedures vary per product. Certain dampening materials must be cut to size before installation, whereas others are pre-cut and may be put in immediately. After positioning the damping mats, you may set your floor mats on top.
These products tend to be expensive; nonetheless, considering their benefits, they are well worth the expense.
How To Sound Deaden A Car Trunk
Your car trunk can be so noisy that it affects your driving experience.
While manufacturers have put a lot of effort into minimizing trunk noise in new models, the older varieties can get annoyingly noisy.
Noise in the trunk comes from three primary sources – mechanical parts, tires, and nature. You need to first identify the source before you start soundproofing.
If the noise is sharp and you can hear it even when driving at low speeds, a part of the vehicle may have come loose.
It is always wise to have a mechanic check and rectify such an issue fast before things get out of hand.
It is also possible for tire noise to seep into the cabin through the trunk. The noise is more noticeable when driving on rough roads and uneven surfaces.
If the trunk noise increases with your speed or when you are driving through the rain, there may be a space letting in sounds from the elements.
In this situation, soundproofing the trunk is the best course of action.
Soundproofing your trunk may also be a good idea if that is where you have installed your sound system.
When done right, the soundproofing will ensure that you enjoy clear sounds with minimal, if any, vibrations.
An inexpensive way to soundproof the trunk is by using soundproofing mats or blankets. These work great for the floor.
For the wall, get soundproof mats that are self-adhesive, so it is easy to stick them to the surface.
Simply follow the manufacturer instructions throughout the installation process.
Soundproofing the trunk door can be a bit tricky and may require a bit of expertise.
Since you will need to take the door apart to install the soundproofing, you are better off hiring an expert to do the job for you.
Final Thoughts
We hope that the above tips on how to soundproof a car will prove invaluable to you.
Whatever the problem area, we believe that you can enjoy the quiet you want with the right materials and a bit of effort.
If you are not a DIY person, you can leave the hard-to-soundproof areas to the professionals.
However, installing soundproofing mats on the car floor will take just a few minutes, and the difference they bring is enormous.
Take your time when selecting your soundproofing material to ensure you get nothing but the best quality you can afford.
You can even go with reflective soundproofing for some areas that will keep noise off your car and ensure that temperatures inside the cabin remain favorable.
References:
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.