How to Make Your Own Car Soundproofing

A quiet cabin is one of the important needs for car owners to enjoy quality audio. Unfortunately, not all cars have a quiet cabin. Only cars priced above Rp.300 million have this type of cabin model. Therefore, knowing how to make your own soundproofing can be an option for those who want a quiet cabin without having to buy a new car.

The noise in your car can come from various sources. Therefore, when you plan to install your own soundproofing, make sure to address the source of the noise.

How to Make Your Own Car Soundproofing

To make your own car soundproofing, you need to first identify the location or part of the car where you want to install the soundproofing. Different locations require different types of soundproofing.

Once you know the location of the car part to be soundproofed, here are some steps and ways to make your own car soundproofing.

1. Choose soundproofing materials where you plan to dampen your car with materials like mats, foam, sprays, or insulation; it is recommended to use a combination of these products to achieve maximum dampening. These soundproofing materials absorb sound waves, eliminate resonance, and reduce vibrations.
2. Add weight to the panels using damping mats. This will help reduce the tendency of the panels to vibrate, which causes unwanted noise.
3. Place damping mats between two adjacent door panels to help reduce vibrations in the space between the two door panels.
4. Place damping mats inside the engine compartment to reduce rattling noise. These mats contain a metal paper base to increase heat resistance, allowing them to be near the engine heat. Apply using contact adhesive found at local auto stores.
5. Fill small spaces using spray or foam. These soundproofing materials expand as they cure, allowing them to push nearby panels together, creating a deadening joint that absorbs and disperses vibrational energy. Sprays and foams can be used around doors and the engine compartment, but be sure to check the specific spray or foam label to verify.
6. Measure the door panels and carpeted areas along the floor where you will apply your chosen damping material.

Types of Car Soundproofing

Making your own car soundproofing is actually quite easy to practice. However, you also need to know which type of soundproofing is suitable for use. Car soundproofing consists of three types: jelly, asphalt, and foam.

1. Asphalt

Asphalt soundproofing is stiffer compared to jelly. Therefore, to install it, you will need a heater and adhesive. Asphalt soundproofing has several advantages as it can dampen noise better. However, this soundproofing material is heavier. To install asphalt soundproofing on the door, you should use two layers of asphalt soundproofing weighing about 2.4 kg.

Therefore, asphalt soundproofing can make the weight of the car heavier than before.

2. Jelly

Another popular type of car soundproofing is jelly soundproofing. Jelly soundproofing is preferred because of its lighter weight. To meet the soundproofing needs in the car door, you only need to use jelly soundproofing weighing about 1.4 kg.

Jelly soundproofing is easier to install because the installation process does not require additional adhesive. Jelly-shaped soundproofing is already coated with aluminum foil, which serves to dampen heat.

3. Foam

The isolator soundproofing is shaped like foam. This soundproofing serves to block sound coming from noise sources. This soundproofing material is very suitable for dampening sound in the cabin but cannot be used to dampen heat from the engine.

The Process of Installing Car Soundproofing

Once you have determined the type of soundproofing to be used, the next step is to install the soundproofing. The first thing you should do when installing soundproofing is to remove the seats, carpets, console, and all items from the bottom of the car. However, for installation in the firewall area, you do not need to remove the dashboard.

Carefully remove the parts of the car to avoid cutting any wires. Also, memorize the positions of the wires that should be on the side of the trim.

After these parts have been removed, clean the surface of the car where the soundproofing will be applied, especially from any clumped oil dirt. Once done, remove the paper layer attached to the jelly soundproofing and press it firmly onto the surface to be covered.

If the application will be done on the door, then attach the jelly soundproofing at the hole, not on the wall. If the soundproofing is to be installed in the firewall, then start the installation from the bottom of the dashboard.

Once all soundproofing has been installed, reinstall the parts of the car that were removed, such as the console, car seats, and carpets. Don’t forget to reattach the bolts and screws as they were. Organize and return the wires neatly and according to their original positions.

Things to Consider for More Effective Car Soundproofing Installation

Noise in cars is generally caused by the car's diesel engine and seeps into the cabin. Therefore, the installation of car soundproofing aims to reduce noise so that it does not penetrate into the cabin. To reduce noise in the car with soundproofing installation, here are some things that should be done:

1. Know the source of the noise. By knowing the source of the noise, the "repair" of the car can be done more optimally.
2. If the car has a rear-drive engine with a protruding position, you should install soundproofing along the cross coupling path from the engine gearbox to the rear axle. This installation aims to reduce the noise that arises due to the rotation of the coupling.
3. Install at the correct points. You can also add a leak-proof layer that is usually used on walls and roofs to assist in the process of installing car soundproofing.
4. Pay attention to the quality of the materials used. Good soundproofing is one that has high density so that it does not easily get damaged or punctured once installed in the car.

Installing car soundproofing can be a beneficial choice, especially if the car you own produces loud noise. This method of making your own car soundproofing can be the right choice for those who want a quiet car. Therefore, do not forget to pay attention to the type of soundproofing and the quality of the materials used so that the results can be more satisfying.

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