What does NVH mean for a car?
2 Answers
NVH in cars refers to Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, which is a comprehensive indicator for measuring automotive manufacturing quality, providing users with subjective and surface-level perceptions. NVH issues in vehicles are one of the key concerns for major global automotive manufacturers and component suppliers. For automobiles, NVH problems are ubiquitous. Based on their sources, NVH can be categorized into three main areas: engine NVH, body NVH, and chassis NVH, with further subdivisions including aerodynamic NVH, air conditioning system NVH, road driving NVH, and braking system NVH.
As someone who has worked in auto repair for many years, let me talk about NVH in cars. NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness. Simply put, noise refers to all the sounds you hear while driving, like the rumble of the engine, the hum of tires on the road, or the wind rushing in—these are all unpleasant noises. Vibration, on the other hand, makes you feel the car shaking, commonly noticed as steering wheel tremors during startup or seat wobbles during acceleration, often caused by loose engine mounts or poorly adjusted suspension. Harshness describes the rough sensation during driving, like the uncomfortable jolts you feel on bumpy roads. From my experience, a car's NVH quality directly affects driving comfort—poor NVH can make long drives exhausting. I've repaired many cars where NVH issues were mostly due to loose chassis bolts, worn tires, or aging soundproofing materials. Nowadays, new cars prioritize NVH by adding sound-absorbing foam and vibration-damping pads, making them quieter and smoother. Remember, regular checks on these small components can significantly improve NVH, turning driving into a pleasure rather than a chore.
