Bet you didn’t know that taking the highway was hurting your ears, did you?
At 85 decibels, heavy traffic drowns out your radio and makes you turn it up just a little more than what’s healthy. Sound deadening your car might sound like an extra, at first, but it can add value to your car over time and save your hearing.
This is definitely one car mod to get revved up for. Keep reading to find out how to make your ride more enjoyable, and safe!
What Is Car Sound Deadening?
Deading your car means you need to get some car sound deadening material and strategically place it. This is to reduce vibration, insulate your car for better air conditioning, and ultimately, reduce noise in your car from the engine and road.
There are many types of materials to use, which are:
- Insulation
- Sprays
- Foam
- Mats
Different materials are for different places and use cases. Insulation is generally fiber, where sprays get to hard-to-reach places. Foam and mats are what you’ll use on the majority of the car, as they can be placed on floors and vertical surfaces in most cases.
Sound Deadening in a Nutshell
You’ll need quite a few tools, but we promise you’ll be happy if you bring it all along. To deaden sound in your car, you’ll need:
- a heat gun
- a hard or soft rubber roller
- panel poppers
- screwdrivers
- auto body tape
- shears
- denatured alcohol with rags (and ventilation)
- Utility knife
- Work Gloves
- Weatherstripping adhesive.
Doors
Door panels are meant to be removed easily, so don’t force it. Make sure to take pictures before removing parts so you know where everything goes. Clean the areas well with the alcohol.
Cut material to size, place in the middle sections first. Apply gentle heat with the heat gun and use the roller to fix it firmly to the surface, and remove air bubbles. Don’t push too hard with heat or you can deform the sheet metal.
Floors, Roof, Trunk, and Rear Deck
First, remove the carpet and make sure every inch is cleaned thoroughly. Place the mat and cut to shape and use a roller to get rid of air bubbles. Remove the liner on the roof, and follow the same process.
This is a good time to add extra insulation in the flooring if you like. Replace the carpet and headliner, and you’re done!
The trunk flows very similarly to the floor and roof, removing fabric and cleaning it. The rear deck has tight workspaces but goes similar to the floor, roof, and trunk.
Firewall
The firewall requires removing your dashboard and is the most technical. Remove the battery, disable airbags, and take pictures of where things go as you dismantle—especially wiring.
Eventually, you’ll work your way to the firewall, where you can place your material with a heat gun and roller again, cut to shape. Close it all up in reverse and you’ll have a cool, sound deadened car.
I Can’t Hear You Anymore
Before you know it, you’ll be cruising down the road and have a different problem than sound deadening. You’re listening for your engine and wondering if you’re car is running at all. Don’t worry, it probably is!
Keep reading for more car tips to save you cash, build the value of your car, and increase your safety.