One of the most irritating things is not being able to have a decent conversation while driving because of noise. Thankfully, by using the best sound-deadening materials, this can be a thing of the past. But what is sound deadening material?
What is Sound Deadening Material?
Sound deadening is the process of reducing rattles and making the car interior quiet. Sound deadening materials are, therefore, the things that work by reducing vibrations to make the inside space quieter.
While high-end cars like the Mercedes S-Class do not require sound deadening, vehicles such as trucks and jeeps do let in a lot of road noise hence require some soundproofing.
What Does Sound Deadening Do
Although most cars have some form of deadening material, most of the time this is not enough because deadening adds weight and cost. If you are living in the city, chances are there is no deadening to keep the car cheaper and lighter.
As a matter of fact, some manufacturers will even add double glazed windows to reduce the noise. The materials used for sound deadening generally depend on what kind of noise you want to block and what you want to achieve.
For instance, dense foams and MLV will block air-borne noise, but butyl is applied to stop panel rattling. While the top choice of sound deadening material is Dynamat it’s a little bit expensive. However, if you have the money soundproofing your car with Dynamat is actually worth it.
Other materials to use include Fatmat and Noico brands. Besides, there are also other alternative sound-deadening materials. So, before choosing any brand it’s important to factor in your budget and the climatic condition to which your car will be exposed to.
From peaceful drives to music quality to better in-car conversation experiences, there are several benefits that come with sound deadening.
Best Place to Put Sound Deadening In the Car
The best places to put sound deadening in the car include the passenger and the driver floor mats, under the back tires, under the floor mats, in the rear raw seats, the doors, roof, rear deck, and the firewall.
- Passenger and driver floor- This is a very important place that acts as a huge sound diaphragm.
- Under the back tires- If you have a vehicle with a large flat trunk, then this area should be deadened. Since it’s a huge sound diaphragm you really need to cover it.
- Floor mats- While there is no axle running here, it’s still a huge diaphragm.
- Doors- Given that some car doors are thin, sound deadening them will give you a quiet ride.
- Roof- The roof should also be insulated against wind, heat, and noise.
- Rear deck- This place needs sound deadening against vibrations and mechanical rattling.
- Firewall- Firewall should also be sound deadened to minimize engine noise, road noise, and insulation against heat.
However, when you are on a budget, you need to sound deaden the engine, car door, and car floor. Sound deadening these places will have a significant impact in reducing the car noise.
Best Sound Deadening Materials for Cars
Installing sound-deadening material in your car is one of the best things you can ever do. With the best sound deadening material, you’ll eliminate and reduce noise vibrations generated through car tires, engines, and any other external source.
However, if you’ve never done that getting into it can be a bit tricky. Thankfully, with this review, you’ll learn about some of the best sound-deadening materials for cars.
1. Dynamat Xtreme Self Adhesive Sound Deadener
If you’ve ever used sound-deadening material then you definitely know about Dynamat. Coming in two different types namely original and extreme, you can always choose the right one. Unlike other materials, it can be used at various parts of the car such as floors, doors, and trunks.
Although it’s a bit expensive it installs well and works great. Regardless of the car that you have it will significantly reduce the noise and quiet it. If you are driving an expensive car you’ll find Dynamat quite awesome. As a matter of fact, it’s the most recommended and suggested sound-deadening material out there.
<Key Features
- It can be used at the doors, rear, deck, and boot
- It’s moisture-free
- It has a black anodized finish with silver logos
Pros
- Suitable for expensive cars
- It can be used at the doors rears floors and boot
- Completely eliminates the sound
- Performs like it says it does
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive
2. Mfm Building Product Peel & Seal, 6 in. x 33.5 ft, Aluminum
As one of the most affordable sound-deadening materials, Mfm Building Product Peel & Seal has everything you need in sound-deadening materials. Sticky on one side, the other side is an aluminum type of paper.
Strong and effective, once you apply it will serve you well for up to 12 months. However, it’s important to get it right the first time. You should also prevent it from touching itself since it will fuse to whatever it touches.
Overall, it’s easy to use, sticks well, and covers two edges. The fact that it’s affordable makes it what to use for sound insulation in the car.
Key Features
- Quite affordable
- Can be used for a number of things
- It sticks quite well
Pros
- As compared to others, it’s quite affordable
- Works just as well as other expensive ones
- It provides a long term quick fix
Cons
- Cannot be used on some parts of the car
3. Frost King FV516 Duct Insulation & Tape, White
Frost King FV516 duct insulation is a combination of two popular materials in one handy roll. This makes it one of the most popular sound-deadening materials. Besides the car, it can be used for pipe and duct insulation as well as HVAC ducting.
By bringing innovative DIY solutions, it will allow you to insulate ducts and pipes from below freezing point. If you are buying it for the first time you’ll realize it’s just what you needed. The fact that it’s not very stick allows you to remove it wherever you want.
Key Features
- It combines the properties of two popular insulating materials
- It’s quite affordable
- It’s self-adhesive
Pros
- It’s not expensive
- Good product for what it’s made of
- You could easily remove it if needed
- Easy to cut and install
Cons
- It’s not very sticky
4. Kilmat 50 mil Car Sound Deadening Mat, Butyl Automotive
When it comes to this cost-effective 50 ml automotive foil and butyl sound deadening you are not just buying a good product but saving up to 20% of the cost. With this sound-deadening material, you can eliminate any annoying noise in your vehicle.
As a well-designed product, it not only handles the rattle but also reduces the noise while being quite affordable. It will deaden the whole car for the same amount of money that would only be enough to insulate the doors for expensive products.
Coming with a special indicator, you’ll not make any mistakes while installing it. In fact, it’s one of the best car soundproof DIY. Plus, it comes in handy size sheets to make the process of cutting and installing easier.
Key Features
- It’s cost-effective
- It’s a light weighted sound deadening material
- It comes in handy sheets for easy cutting and installation
Pros
- Works better than other products
- Quite affordable
- Can be installed anywhere
Cons
- Some people complain about its weight
5. Noico 80 mil car Sound deadening mat Automotive Sound Deadener
Naico is perhaps one of the most popular brands when it comes to sound-deadening materials. If you are not able to afford expensive versions such as Dynamat, Noico is the best alternative. Measuring 80ml thick, it’s far much better than other 50 ml materials.
Coming in different sheet sizes, you just need to set it perfectly plain and install it the way you want. For 100% insulation, you’ll be able to cover every corner. While the main version comes in a pack that can cover 36 square feet, it has smaller coverage packs of about 10 square feet.
Key Features
- Works great with car surface
- Thicker than Dynamat
- Rubbery scent
- The overall insulation is user friendly
Pros
- Its 1.5 thicker than other materials
- Its works more effective for low-frequency eliminations
- It’s the best material to eliminate engine road noise and metal vibrations
Cons
- Nothing much
Buying Guide
Sound deadeners come in different brand sizes and materials. With this in mind, if you are well informed choosing the right one should not be an issue. Here are the things to consider when looking or one
Method of insulation
Before settling on any material you need to know the method of insulation. If most of the noise is originating from inside, choose something that absorbs the noise. To get effective results combine the materials.
Type of Material
With different types of materials absorbing noise differently, you should know the differences so you can end up with the right one.
The thickness of the Material
When it comes to sound deadener, thickness plays a huge role. The thicker the material, the more effective the deadener.
Size of Material
Different deadeners come in different sizes. The size you choose should depend on the area that you want to cover.
Flexibility and Weight
When shopping for one choose lightweight materials since they are easy to fix and install.
Final Thoughts
There you have it- the best sound-deadening materials for cars. With several options in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. But if you take your time and go through this review you’ll end up with the right one. If you are confused, start here even as you explore others.