Is Full Vehicle Soundproofing Really Effective?
2 Answers
Full vehicle soundproofing does have an effect, primarily providing noticeable improvements in isolating engine noise, road noise, tire noise, and wind noise. The causes of automotive noise are as follows: Engine Noise: The volume of engine noise increases with higher engine RPM. While driver control plays a role, automotive soundproofing projects can further enhance noise reduction. Owners can have professionals treat both the interior and exterior of the engine firewall to effectively reduce engine noise. Road Noise and Tire Noise: These are caused by vibrations and noise generated from friction between tires and road surfaces. Additionally, there's significant difference in tire noise between asphalt and concrete road surfaces. For road and tire noise, vibration damping is the optimal solution. Comprehensive soundproofing construction using damping plates (or specialized damping boards), acoustic padding, and door seals on wheel arches, floor panels, and doors can effectively improve tire and road noise.
As a seasoned car modification enthusiast, I must say that full-car soundproofing is indeed effective, but the results vary from person to person. Using high-quality soundproofing materials like butyl rubber and sound-absorbing cotton can reduce wind and road noise by over 20%, making the cabin quieter and more comfortable. However, installation must be precise—sloppy work can cause materials to detach or halve the effect. I've done it on an older car, and the highway noise was noticeably reduced, but with newer cars that already have good factory soundproofing, the improvement is limited. Also, consider that the added weight might slightly affect fuel consumption, with costs typically ranging from 3,000 to 8,000 yuan. Compared to partial soundproofing, a full-car solution offers comprehensive improvement, but when the cost-performance ratio isn’t favorable, I recommend trying low-noise tires or sealing strips first. Don’t invest blindly—consult a professional shop for an evaluation before deciding.
