How to Reduce Road Noise and Wind Noise in a Car

The doors are one of the biggest entry points for wind noise and outside road noise. Start by applying Damplifier Pro to the outer door skins. This reduces vibration in the metal panel caused by wind pressure and driving.

Next, add Mega Zorbe on top of the damping layer to absorb airborne sound inside the door cavity, reducing the overall amount of sound getting into the cabin.

If you have rattling plastic, apply closed cell foam sound deadening to decouple any plastic door panels from the metal. Finally, seal the door panel using butyl sealant to eliminate gaps that allow wind noise to enter the cabin.

Read more on how to soundproof a car door here.

The floor and firewall are large vibration paths that transmit road noise directly into the cabin. Apply Damplifier Pro to the cabin-side firewall and across the vehicle floor. Aim for at least 60% coverage to properly control panel vibration. This layer acts as the first layer of the Second Skin system, preventing large metal panels from vibrating and amplifying road noise.

Once vibration is controlled, install a sound barrier to block airborne noise from entering the cabin. Install Luxury Liner Pro with 100% coverage across the cabin floor. The barrier should run from the cabin-side firewall all the way to the rear trunk or back wall of the vehicle. This mass loaded vinyl barrier blocks tire noise, exhaust noise, and engine noise that would otherwise pass easily through the floor.

Read up on how to soundproof a vehicle floor for all the best tips and advice.

Wheel wells are one of the biggest sources of tire noise entering the vehicle. Apply three 1mm layers of Spectrum car soundproofing spray inside the wheel wells behind the plastic liners. Our wheel well soundproofing kit comes with Spectrum and the gun + bottle needed for an easy install. This spray-on coating helps reduce vibration and dampen noise generated by tire contact with the road.

Ambient temperature for the application and 24 hour curing should remain above 50°F. Allow each layer of Spectrum to dry for 60 minutes (or until no residue left when lightly touched) before applying the next layer.

Read our full guide on how to sound deaden wheel wells.

The rest of the car can still use some love if you’re wanting to get the most out of your project.

Car Roof Soundproofing

The roof can allow wind noise and vibration to enter the cabin, especially in vehicles with large roof panels. Installing sound deadening under the headliner can reduce roof vibration and outside noise. Read our guide on how you can soundproof your car roof.

Trunk Soundproofing

The trunk area can transmit tire and road noise directly into the cabin. Applying a trunk sound deadener helps reduce resonance in the rear body panels. Check out our guide to building a quieter trunk.

Undercarriage Soundproofing

Treating the undercarriage with an undercoat sound deadener can further reduce vibration and road noise coming from below the vehicle. Read up on how to apply a sound deadening undercoat for more information.

Engine Compartment Soundproofing

The engine compartment can also transmit noise through the hood and engine-side firewall. Applying sound deadening and insulation in this area can reduce engine noise entering the cabin. You should check out how to insulate a car firewall from the engine side and how to insulate a car hood for the best approaches to a quieter engine bay.