Noise pollution can be a problem when driving a car, which is why some drivers opt for earbuds or a stereo that blocks out the noise. However, this can be dangerous as it can make you less aware of your surroundings and increase your risk of being in an accident. For that reason, most people install noise-dampening materials as an extra layer of insulation against the outside world.
Noise-dampening material (also called noise suppressor) is made from a thin layer of material that absorbs sound waves and helps reduce unwanted noise in your vehicle. Most are made from foam, but some can be found in other materials such as fibreglass or even cork. They come in all shapes and sizes to fit the varying contours around instrument panels, speaker areas, radio head units and more.
When installing any type of aftermarket accessory in your vehicle, it’s important to ensure that all parts are compatible with each other and will work together without any issues.
Acoustic and thermal car insulation is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. However, if you want to get the most out of your insulation purchase without having to make any major changes to your car, then this blog post is for you!
Types of Insulation
Acoustic and thermal car insulation work by reducing sound levels and heat transfer through contact with air molecules. To maximize these benefits, I recommend using either a foam or fibreglass insulation material. The foam will create more friction against the air molecules, which results in better heat blocking, while the fibreglass will have a better sound-dampening effect through its thicker consistency.
If you want to reduce road noise and increase gas mileage, then I recommend using foam insulation. If you want to decrease engine heat and cool down your car faster, then I recommend using fibreglass insulation.
Foam insulation is great for both purposes because it has an excellent density of air molecules that tightly pack together when compressed. This means that foam can block sound waves from entering your car and block heat from escaping your engine.
Fibreglass insulation is also great for both purposes because it has a very open structure, which allows air molecules to pass through easily. This means that fibreglass can block sound waves from entering your car and block heat from escaping the engine.
Where to Add Insulation
There are several areas of your vehicle where you can apply acoustic lining and thermal insulation, such as the engine bay, doors, trunk and underbody. If you want to add sound dampening or thermal insulation in these areas, then I recommend using either foam or fibreglass insulation.
In order to properly apply acoustic lining and thermal insulation, you need to know the different areas on your car that should be insulated. The following list will give you an idea of where to look for these areas:
- Engine bay – Foam insulation can be applied around the engine block and wiring harnesses, while fibreglass insulation can be used around the air intake manifold.
- Doors – Apply foam insulation around the door seals to reduce road noise. Also, apply a layer of foam insulation under the carpeting in the door panels.
- Trunk – Add additional acoustic lining or insulation to the trunk lid, side panels and around the gas tank.
- Underbody – Use foam insulation to block road noise from entering your car through the underbody.
How to Install Thermal and Acoustic Insulation
When applying acoustic lining or thermal insulation, you want to make sure that you cut the material so that it fits in its intended location with no excess material hanging out. You can use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the material, but make sure that you are careful not to damage any wiring or parts of your car. If you are unsure of how to install acoustic lining or thermal insulation, then you should consult a professional mechanic.
The next step in installing acoustic and thermal car insulation is to make sure that the material is firmly pressed against the surface it is supposed to block. If there is any loose space between the two materials, then sound waves and heat will be able to enter or exit without being blocked by the insulation material.
To ensure that your acoustic lining or thermal insulation is firmly pressed against its intended location, you can use several different methods. One method is to place a layer of duct tape over the material and then remove it once the insulation has been installed correctly. Another method is to use a hammer to firmly press down any loose pieces of insulation or wiring harnesses that may have come loose during installation.
After installing acoustic lining and thermal car insulation, I recommend driving for at least 30 minutes in order to see the benefits of your new purchase.
