While it's impossible to completely insulate your vehicle's interior from outside noise, you can greatly reduce the intensity of those noises with an acoustic isolation system. This will not only provide a more pleasant environment, but also allow your car sound system to perform better, eliminating the need for advanced features.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the insulation materials that will be used
Insulating blankets, absorption foams, spray (polyurethane, glass wool, etc.) or fiber boards; it is recommended to use a combination of these to obtain a superior result. Insulating materials absorb sound waves, attenuate resonance and dampen vibrations.
- Insulation blankets: They are designed to cover the vehicle's internal panels, and their installation is relatively simple. They are typically formed by butadiene-styrene rubber or asphalt composition, and act by reducing the resonant frequency of the panel (to which it is glued with an adhesive), or transforming sound vibrations into thermal energy, depending on the material used.
- Foam sprays: Some are available in the form of simple individual aerosols, others in the form of refills for use with a compressor and a gun. Commonly used in situations where the use of insulation blanket is difficult or results in excess material, such as car floors and doors.
- Absorption foams: They come in the form of spray (as detailed above), and in layers, or "sheets". The foam layers look like insulation blankets, and are applied the same way - but instead of converting sound to heat, they just absorb the sound vibrations and disperse them.
- Wood Fiber Panels: Consisting of relatively thin boards, composed of sound-absorbing fibers, are commonly installed under vehicle floor mats. The main types used are jute (vegetable fiber) and vegetable microfiber. Although this type of insulation is less efficient, it is often used because it also provides good thermal insulation.
Step 2. Add weight to the inner panels using insulation blankets
This should curb the panels' natural tendency to vibrate, thus reducing noise.
Step 3. Install insulation blankets between the two panels of a door that are close together to dampen the vibrations produced in this space between panels
Step 4. Install insulation blankets in the engine compartment
Insulation blankets are reinforced/coated metallically to make them heat resistant, which allows them to be used close to the engine. For this, you must use a high temperature resistant contact adhesive, which can be purchased at an auto parts store.
Method 1 of 2: Insulation Foam Sprays
Step 1. Fill smaller spaces using insulation spray
In its composition there is a material that expands during drying or curing, which allows it to reach places of difficult access. This material, of course, is endowed with remarkable noise absorption capacity. There are usually no restrictions on the use of the spray in any location, but when in doubt, check the label.
Method 2 of 2: Fiber Panels and Insulation Blanks
Step 1. Measure the door panels and areas of the floor under the rugs where you plan to use this type of insulation
Step 2. Cut the panel or blanket into the proper shape and size
If necessary, remove the upholstery from the car.
Step 3. Apply high adhesion adhesive to the region of the vehicle where you want to install the insulation material
Step 4. Install the insulation material, after applying the adhesive, pressing firmly to ensure perfect adhesion
Step 5. Use spray or any other complementary insulation material as needed
