The Best Soundproofing Materials for Vehicles: Comprehensive Guide

Driving in a vehicle that is free of unwanted noise can make your journey more enjoyable. Soundproofing and sound deadening materials can significantly enhance the comfort and tranquility of the passenger experience. In this article, we will explore the best soundproofing materials for vehicles, including their functions and applications.

Soundproofing Materials Overview

Two of the most popular soundproofing materials used in vehicles are Butyl-20 (Boom-Mat, Hush-Mat, and DUM-DUM) and Dynamat. These materials provide an effective solution to reducing noise from the engine, tires, and road vibrations.

Butyl-20 and Its Uses

Butyl-20, also known as Boom-Mat, Hush-Mat, and DUM-DUM, is a rubber-like material that can be sprayed factory-directly or applied in sheets that adhere to surfaces. This material is essentially a rust preventive spray that can effectively reduce noise. Eastwood, a well-known brand for car repair, carries various products similar to Butyl-20.

Dynamat: A Key Player in Soundproofing

While Butyl-20 is effective in certain situations, another popular soundproofing material is Dynamat, which is a Constrained Layer Damper. This material consists of an outer aluminum face that is stiff, and a gummy rubber layer beneath it. When applied to a car's panel, the rigid aluminum layer prevents deformation, thus reducing vibration in the rubber layer. It also comes with an aggressive adhesive on one side, bonding firmly to the body panels.

Synergistic Solutions for Interior Noises

To further enhance the soundproofing effect, many choose to add a thick felt and carpet over it, which can absorb and reduce noise inside the vehicle. For areas such as the floor, roof, and interior paneling, additional sound absorption materials can be applied to reduce noise further.

Sound Absorption and Deadening

Both sound absorption and deadening play crucial roles in reducing unwanted noise inside vehicles. Sound deadening refers to the process of reducing sound transmission through panels and other surfaces by adding viscoelastic materials. On the other hand, sound absorption involves absorbing sound energy, which is particularly useful in the cabin where there are already sufficient sound-absorbent materials, such as the seats and interior panels.

Self-Adhesive Products for Soundproofing

For those seeking to improve the interior noise levels, a self-adhesive product available in speed shops, auto spares shops, and even online retailers like JAYCAR offers a solution. These products can be cut to shape, peeled off, and applied to the inner surfaces of the body panels. By adhering to the door skins, floor mats, kick panels, and compartment interiors, these materials can lower noise levels by up to 20 dB.

Weight and Viscous Damping

Reducing sound emissions can affect both the mass and the viscous damping of the vehicle. For instance, adding a heavy material can reduce vibration but also increase weight. Materials like lead-based self-adhesive products can be applied with good results. Another lightweight option is bitumen, which increases viscous damping but adds minimal weight.

Heavy Plastic Solutions

Heavy barium-loaded plastic, when glued to steel with viscoelastic glue, provides a dual effect: it both adds weight and increases viscous damping. This makes it a versatile solution for soundproofing vehicles.

Choosing the right soundproofing materials can dramatically improve the interior environment of a vehicle, making every ride more enjoyable and quieter. Whether you're a car enthusiast or someone who wants to enhance comfort, understanding the various soundproofing solutions will help you make informed decisions for your vehicle.