How to Reduce Car Noise

Cars can be noisy, and sometimes you want to quiet down the noise a touch. There are lots of different options out there, from interior sound dampening to exterior engine work.

Things You'll Need

• 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set Jack Jackstands Screwdrivers, both flathead and phillips head Sound deadening materials (like Dynamat or Hush-Mat) Heat gun Rubbing alcohol

Instructions

Interior

1. Locate the source of the sound problem. Typically, the trunk is a common area for noise, but the door panels and dash can also be loud areas, as well.

2. Clean the sheetmetal in the area you'd like to quiet down with rubbing alcohol.

3. Cut the dynamat or other sound-deadening material into the size you need for the area you'll be applying it to.

4. Peel the protective backing off of the dynamat and press it into place. If you need to work the material around a corner, use a heat gun to make the dynamat more pliable.

5. Apply sound deadening material to the entire area that you want to deaden, working around all bare sheetmetal. Continue the process with any other noisy areas.

Exterior

1. Jack up the vehicle into the air, and place it on jack stands.

2. Remove the stock muffler with the 3/8-inch ratchet and sockets. If you can't remove the muffler, you may have to take it to a muffler shop for this part of the process.

3. Bolt a replacement muffler in place of the stock one. The goal is to install a quieter muffler than was previously installed.

4. Use the jack to lower the vehicle back on the ground.

Resources

• Dynamat