Nowadays, when traveling comfort has become a priority, soundproofing a car is becoming an increasingly popular procedure among drivers. What exactly is car soundproofing and what materials and types are used for this purpose?
What is car soundproofing?
Car soundproofing is the process of reducing noise and vibration inside a vehicle. The purpose of this procedure is to improve travel comfort by reducing engine noise, tire noise and outside sounds that penetrate into the cabin. The effectiveness of soundproofing depends on the materials used and their proper application.
The most commonly used products for soundproofing a car:
- Sound Deadening Mats: These are one of the most popular products for soundproofing vehicles. Typically made of butyl rubber or asphalt-based material, these mats effectively dampen vibrations and reduce noise transmission. They come in various thicknesses, ranging from 2mm to 6mm, with thicker mats providing better sound insulation. Sound deadening mats are suitable for reducing road noise, engine noise, and vibrations, resulting in a quieter ride.
- Acoustic Foam Panels: Acoustic foam panels are designed to absorb and diffuse sound waves, rather than blocking them. Made from open-cell foam or polyester fiber, these panels are lightweight and easy to install. They are often used in conjunction with sound deadening mats to further improve sound insulation in vehicle interiors. Acoustic foam panels are suitable for reducing high-frequency noises and reverberations, such as echoes and road noise.
- Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): MLV is a dense, flexible material that is highly effective at blocking sound transmission. It typically consists of layers of vinyl with added fillers for increased mass. MLV is available in various thicknesses, ranging from 1mm to 4mm, with thicker sheets offering better soundproofing properties. It is commonly used as a barrier layer in vehicle doors, floors, and trunk areas to prevent noise from entering the cabin.
- Closed-cell Foam Insulation: Closed-cell foam insulation is a versatile material that provides both thermal and sound insulation properties. It is composed of tiny, densely packed cells that trap air and block sound waves. Closed-cell foam insulation comes in sheets or rolls and can be easily cut to fit specific areas of the vehicle. It is suitable for reducing airborne noise, such as wind and tire noise, as well as thermal insulation.
Why is it worth it? Benefits of soundproofing your car
Improved travel comfort: Noise reduction allows for a more relaxing ride, especially on long trips.
Improved audio quality: Soundproofing your car improves the sound quality of your audio system, allowing you to have a fuller experience listening to your favorite music.
Increased safety: Less noise in the cabin allows the driver to concentrate better, which can help improve safety on the road.
Reduced driver fatigue: Less sound means less strain on the driver’s senses, which can reduce fatigue on long trips.
Improving energy efficiency: Soundproofing a car can help improve energy efficiency by reducing engine load and better thermal insulation.
Protecting the vehicle’s interior: Noise reduction can help protect a car’s interior from vibration damage.
Added value for the vehicle: A car with professionally performed soundproofing is worth more on the secondary market.
Which parts are worth soundproofing?
Covering the doors of a car with soundproofing materials brings numerous benefits. First, it reduces road noise, making travel more pleasant. In addition, it improves the acoustics inside the vehicle, especially the bass, improving the sound experience. This also improves thermal insulation, providing a warmer car in winter and a cooler one in summer. It also fixes crackling and unwanted noises, and makes closing doors softer and more pleasing to the ear.
The floor, wheel arches and firewall are the most important areas when it comes to soundproofing installations. Along with the previously mentioned benefits, this action will additionally provide a significant reduction in road and traffic noise, as well as improved thermal insulation.
Soundproofing the trunk and tailgate will provide the following benefits:
- reduced tire noise,
- improved stereo sound quality, especially bass,
- no crackling inside the vehicle,
- the temperature inside the vehicle will be as high as possible in winter and as low as possible in summer.
The most important benefit of soundproofing the roof is to reduce the noise of falling rain or hail. In addition, it will improve thermal insulation.
In modern cars, the hoods already have an insulating covering and do not require additional measures. If you do not have such a covering, soundproofing this part of the vehicle will have the following effect:
- the engine will heat up faster and cool down more slowly in winter. This will also make the temperature inside the vehicle more comfortable,
- engine noise heard inside and outside will be somewhat reduced.
Trust the professionals at CCA
If you have decided to soundproof your car, trust the professionals at CCA Network. Our specialists have the experience and knowledge needed to perform this service at the highest level, ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible while traveling.
Store for Contractors – find everything you need
If you’re a contractor and looking for quality materials for soundproofing your car, visit our B2B Store. We offer a wide selection of foams, tools, films and bitumen mats to help you professionally soundproof any vehicle. With our products, your customer will be satisfied with the results, and you will gain trust and loyalty.
