Contents
Soundproofing, damping or sound deadening is the process of applying a certain type of material that will reduce the amount of noise produced by your car. It won’t make your vehicle run better but it will make it sound more luxurious i.e quieter.
This material is to be applied on all metal surfaces of your vehicle. The density created then makes it more difficult for sounds to pass through the vehicle, thus preventing vibrations and rattling sounds. These sounds usually come from the vibrations caused by sounds generated by the engine in the first place.
Sound deadening also helps improve your car’s audio system since it helps lower background noise. This can result in a 10 dB gain in the mid bass and bass region.
Is it Worth Sound Deadening a Car?
The answer is yes, it makes a huge difference when done properly. If you opt for car sound deadening you won’t only reduce the noise coming from your car, but you can also cut road noise by half.
Types of Sound Deadening
Mats
When it comes to soundproofing car panels mats are the ideal solution especially when it comes to the floor and doors. Whilst some tend to be bulky there are others that can fit in the tightest of corners. But it’s the bulkiness that makes mats the proffered solution when sound deadening the floor. Mats can be made of various materials such as vinyl and fibreglass.
Insulation
This type of material is made of lots of fibres and it comes as a thick panel. Alongside noise absorption, insulation materials are also capable of provoking better heat protection since they do not allow heat to pass through as easily.
Foam
A foam car sound deadening can be a piece of sheet or come in the form of a spray. Foam sheets are easy to install as you need to lay them down over a panel while spray foam requires a compressor can.
Sprays
While the above-mentioned solutions are quite common when it comes to car deadening they are not as capable as sprays. Spray audio deadening products can cover up areas that no foam sheet, insulation or mat can. Whilst not ideal for wider and bigger areas, tight corners and crevices are a spray’s speciality.
Rubber
If you don’t want to put in a lot of effort when audio deadening your vehicle and you want a simple solution, rubber is your best friend. Whilst you won’t get the best possible sound insulation, you will definitely hear the change in dB. Rubber car audio deadening materials are going to emit an unpleasant odour but this can be covered up by placing a nice smelling air freshener in your vehicle.
Foil
Foils, like insulation are too made of thick fibres that help absorb sound. Unlike rubbers, foils needs to be installed under the carpeting and provide a far better insulation than rubber. They may not be as thick as mats but they are easier to install when it comes to covering up awkward corners and tight ares in general.
How to Sound Deaden a Car?
1. Before you get to apply the car audio deadening material you need to remove the interior of your vehicle until you’re left with just bare metal. Detach door panels and remove car seat together with any carpeting. The door panels should come off easily as you usually need a flat head screwdriver to pry off plastic trims and other parts.
2. Once you’ve peeled off the roll of audio deadening material measure the area you want covered in it and start cutting in pieces. Here a good pair of scissors is all you need. Make sure to clean them afterwards from the tar found at the back of the material.
3. When you have everything measured and cut accordingly it’s time to stick the material to your stripped down vehicle. Get a roller and start applying the material by pressing it down with the roller. Make sure to fill out all the nooks and crannies as air bubbles can easily impede the adhesive on the backside. Make sure to apply even pressure throughout the whole surface and to do so repeatedly until everything looks and feels smooth.
4. When applying the material on the roof remember to remove the headliner before you stat rolling the material in. For the doors and floor make sure you clean the surface with rubbing alcohol to make sure no debris will get in the way of the adhesive backing. When applying the insulation make sure you start with the innermost sections and around holes too.
5. Applying car audio deadening material in the form of sheets and mats is preferred but you should also consider using foam sprays too. When applying foam spray insulation make sure you put a thick layer. This will ensure that the noise or even heat that goes through the material is going to be drastically reduced.
You might also like
