Does the 2021 Audi Model Still Use Asphalt Damping Sheets?

[ArcherLee]

2021 Audi models still use asphalt damping sheets. Here is an introduction to asphalt damping sheets: 1. Introduction: Asphalt damping sheets refer to damping sheets made using asphalt as the raw material. These sheets are adhered to the inner surfaces of the car body, acting as a viscoelastic material closely attached to the steel panels of the vehicle. 2. Function: Their primary purpose is to reduce noise and vibration, serving a damping role. 3. Application: All passenger cars are equipped with damping sheets. 4. Drawbacks: The disadvantage of asphalt damping sheets is that they contain carcinogenic substances such as benzopyrene.

[DanielLee]

The 2021 Audi models saw significant improvements in damping sheets. I recall that Audi had already switched to more environmentally friendly materials by then, abandoning the old-style asphalt damping sheets. This is because asphalt might release harmful substances over long-term use, causing unpleasant odors or health issues inside the vehicle. As a luxury brand, Audi actively responded to environmental concerns. Having followed the automotive industry for several years, I know that around 2018, Audi began testing water-based or polyurethane damping materials, and by the 2021 models, these new materials had become mainstream. They provide equally good noise reduction, are more durable and safer, and reduce the content of volatile organic compounds in new cars. This means you'll feel the air is fresher while driving, enhancing overall comfort. Now, friends buying used Audis also have it easier, as the old asphalt materials were troublesome to maintain, while vehicles with the new materials have much lower maintenance costs, making the driving experience more reliable and reassuring overall.

[DelPiper]

I don't think the 2021 Audi models should continue using asphalt damping sheets anymore. Having driven an Audi for many years, I've experienced firsthand how the older models with asphalt produced pungent odors, especially noticeable when running the AC during hot summer days. The newer Audi models, which have switched to eco-friendly damping materials, offer a much fresher cabin air quality. This change aligns with the Volkswagen Group's transformation plan, which aimed to replace asphalt with water-based materials or synthetic rubber by 2021. These new materials are not only lighter and more heat-resistant but also equally effective at absorbing road noise, resulting in a quieter and smoother ride. As an owner, I've also observed that such improvements enhance the efficiency of the car's air conditioning system. With upgraded noise control, the AC operation no longer disrupts the cabin's resting ambiance. Overall, these advancements contribute to safer daily driving by reducing potential health risks, making these vehicles a much better long-term investment in terms of cost-effectiveness, in my opinion.

[LaLincoln]

The 2021 Audi models most likely no longer use asphalt for their damping sheets. Technically speaking, Audi has been promoting alternative materials in recent years, such as water-based polyester or synthetic fibers. These new materials match asphalt in performance while being more environmentally friendly and free of volatile compounds, and their manufacturing process also reduces carbon emissions. I personally test-drove the 2021 A4 and felt the cabin atmosphere was cleaner, without the odor issues found in older models. The damping sheets serve to reduce vibration and noise, and the new materials also maintain long-term reliability, enhancing the car's handling feel. Overall, this shift represents a major trend in the automotive industry, with Audi's new models post-2021 further strengthening these advantages.