Reasons to Sound Deaden a Car
There are several key reasons why car owners look to sound deaden their vehicle. One of the main purposes is to reduce unwanted road and engine noises from entering the passenger cabin. No one wants to feel every pebble and crack on the road surface while driving.
Sound Deadening helps create a more relaxing environment during long car rides. It also improves the quality of audio and allows you to better hear your music, podcasts, or phone calls over background noises. Many high-end or luxury vehicles come sound deadened from the factory for this reason. Overall, applying sound deadening material can greatly boost a car's quietness and comfort.
Some common areas owners notice loud unwanted noises include the dashboard, doors, trunk/cargo area, hood, and wheel wells. These are ideal locations to focus sound deadening efforts. The material works to block vibrations and insulate noise, providing a quieter, more pleasant drive.
Materials Used for Sound Deadening:
There are a few different types of materials commonly used for automotive sound deadening. One of the most popular is mass loaded vinyl (MLV). MLV has a high density plastic film loaded with tiny metal particles. This makes it incredibly effective at stopping vibration transfer. Another good option is Dynamat, which is specifically designed for vehicles. It comes in sheets of butyl rubber and lead compounds.
These materials work by converting vibration energy into heat energy before it can turn into sound waves. The heavier and thicker the product, the better it can absorb noise. Thicknesses of 40 mil or above provide great sound blocking. Some even offer 70+ mil versions for maximum damping. In general, dynamat and other butyl rubber products perform very well. Mass loaded vinyl also works well but may be noisier to apply due to its stiffer surface.
Proper application is important to get the full benefits. The material should be pressed firmly against all contacting surfaces without air pockets for best adhesion. Overlapping seams by at least 1-2 inches helps prevent sound from traveling past the edges.
Dashboard Sound Deadening
The dashboard is one of the primary sources of unwanted noise in a vehicle. It sits right in front of occupants and vibrates significantly from all road inputs. Focus Dodo Sound Deadening efforts on large flat areas as well as around vents, buttons, and accessories.
Some of the key application spots include:
The entire surface under the dash pad Around the A/C controls and vents Wiring ducts and housings Underneath gauge clusters Side panels connecting to doors
Pay close attention to properly squeezing out air bubbles during installation. Dashboards have many contours that can trap sound if not fully adhered to. After application, road noise here should be noticeably dampened. Vibrations passing through to the windshield area will also be reduced.
One way to test results is with deep bass tones playing before and after. Proper sound deadening will stop that “boomy” feel through the whole dash. Occupants will have a much quieter and isolated cabin experience even at highway speeds. Expect noise level reductions of 15-25dB from a quality dashboard installation.
Door Sound Deadening
Vehicle doors are significant contributors to unwanted noise. They have large hollow areas and experience vibrations from both inside and outside sources. To reduce this, focus on:
The inner and outer door panels. Take time to carefully apply MLV or dynamic to fully cover these large flat surfaces. Pay close attention to window tracks, door handles, and lock mechanisms.
Sea the seams where the inner and outer panels meet. Overlap tape or butyl rubber strips can further isolate any sounds traveling between.
The door jamb area between the window frame and the rest of the door. This thin gap conducts noise directly into the cabin.
Reinforce around speakers if installed in the doors. Overlapping the speaker cutout helps block resonances.
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