When someone mentions riding in a BMW, the image of soaring down highway lanes at sunset comes to mind. But even the most luxurious vehicles may not be as peaceful as they seem. The culprit might be an excess of cabin noise, which is the combination of several noises that can be heard from within the vehicle. While cabin noise is inevitable to some degree, measures can be taken to make sure your next ride is perfectly quiet so that you can fully enjoy the beauty of a good car ride.
SOURCES OF CABIN NOISE
The main factors that contribute to cabin noise originate from:
- The car’s engine
- The friction of the tires with the road
- The interaction of the car with wind
In order to reduce cabin noise, the causes of cabin noise should be understood. When the car burns fuel, it produces a large amount of energy, which in turn causes the engine to rumble and shake, resulting in noise resounding through the car and into the cabin. As the car travels, the rubber of the tires comes into contact with the ground, producing the friction necessary to accelerate the car. This friction contributes to noise, which often makes it way into the cabin. Finally, contact between the car and the wind results in cabin noise. Although wind is a force of nature that cannot be easily changed, many steps can be taken about the car to reduce cabin noise.
WAYS TO REDUCE CABIN NOISE
To reduce cabin noise, the sources of cabin noise simply need to be reduced, either directly or indirectly. Directly, the sources of the cabin noise can be reduced so that less noise is produced For example, the tires may be changed to reduce the friction, which would in turn reduce the amount of noise produced. That would entail reducing the amount of treads in the tire, opting for a thinner tire, or even changing to a softer rubber. The engine can be cleaned with a higher quality gasoline, and a regular oil change may cause the engine to function more ideally and produce less noise.
Wind, however, is a combination of the aerodynamics of the car as well as the wind speed. Although this factor cannot be directly reduced without getting a new car, wind noise (as well as engine and road noise) can be minimized by muffling it. This can be achieved by sound proofing, which is the same method used in libraries and other quiet areas. This may consist of options including thicker window glass, sound-proof carpets, and other sound-dampening materials.
PROFESSIONAL NOISE REDUCTION
Although some of the methods mentioned earlier to reduce cabin noise might seem self-explanatory, many of them require years of experience. To perform a customized assessment for your vehicle, a professional is most likely required to know what the best solution would be for reducing cabin noise. Many of these repairs may not be easy, let alone safe, for non-professionals to perform.
Depending on the car, a variety of solutions can be applied, such as modifying the tires and windows, changing the oil, or cleaning the engine. Ideally, each of these factors should be examined by professionals, who can provide you with a comprehensive analysis of the vehicle, as well as provide solutions for your automotive needs.
TRUST THE PROS AT FAST LANE EUROPEAN
Our professionals at Fast Lane European have the experience to identify all the possible ways to reduce cabin noise and recommend the best brands and materials that are suited for the make and model of the vehicle. Not only will we make your car run fast (and quiet) on the road, we will get you back on the road fast because our services are optimized and streamlined.
If you want the security of experienced professionals who can take care of your cabin noise and make driving a more enjoyable time, car mechanics are the way to go. At Fast Lane European, located in San Jose, CA, you can be assured that your next ride will be quieter than the library. You will be able to experience a ride where you can focus on the beauty of the scenery instead of being drowned out by rumbling and tumbling.