Whether it’s road noise or engine vibrations, these disturbances can quickly diminish the joy of traveling, especially during long road trips. Transform your driving experience from noisy and discomforting to tranquil by incorporating sound deadening materials in your vehicle.
However, the key to effectively mitigating these disruptions lies in selecting high-quality sound deadening materials based on crucial factors:
- Nominal Thickness: Opt for thicker materials to achieve superior sound isolations. While most options out there have a nominal thickness of 80 mil, some options might be rated for up to 400 mil for better sound cancelation.
- Total Size: Choose the size based on the area you want to cover with these sheets. Select larger sizes, such as 30 square feet, to ensure comprehensive coverage, particularly in larger vehicles. While 10+ square feet for smaller ones.
- Number of Sheets: Look for options with multiple sheets for easier application, making them ideal for beginners. Most high-end options come as a single sheet that has to be cut into the required size.
To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve meticulously curated a list of the Best Car Sound-Deadening Materials and included a detailed “Buying Guide”.
Explore the information below to discover the perfect solution for your car’s sound insulation needs, which makes you enjoy every road journey quieter and more comfortable.
Let’s dive in and optimize your car’s interior for a smoother ride.
Best Car Sound Deadening Materials Table
| Car Sound Deadening Materials | Nominal Thickness | Total Size | No. of Sheets | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KILMAT Car Sound Deadening Material | 80 mil | 36 square feet | 34 sheets | Check On Amazon |
| Noico Car Sound Deadening Material | 80 mil | 10 square feet | 10 sheets | Check On Amazon |
| FatMat Car Sound Deadening Material | 80 mil | 50 square feet | 1 sheet | Check On Amazon |
| Dynamat Car Sound Deadening Material | 67 mil | 36 square feet | 9 sheets | Check On Amazon |
| Thermo-Tec Car Sound Deadening Material | 70 mil | 15 square feet | 1 sheet | Check On Amazon |
| CarInsulation Car Sound Deadening Material | 250 mil | 40 square feet | 1 sheet | Check On Amazon |
| Uxcell Car Sound Deadening Material | 394 mil | 16.36 feet | 1 sheet | Check On Amazon |
| SOOMJ Car Sound Deadening Material | 394 mil | 21.13 square feet | 1 sheet | Check On Amazon |
| HushMat Car Sound Deadening Material | 80 mil | 10 square feet | 10 sheets | Check On Amazon |
| Soundqubed Car Sound Deadening Material | 86.6 mil | 16 square feet | 1 sheet | Check On Amazon |
Best Car Sound Deadening Materials Reviews
1. KILMAT Car Sound Deadening Material
Kilmat is a highly popular brand of car sound deadening materials since it offers one of the easiest to use options out there for beginners.
The Kilmat car sound deadening material is present at the 1st position in this list since it is perfect for beginners and for those who want something easy to use. Even with its beginner-friendly design, it offers a standard nominal thickness of 80 mil which is on par with most other options out there.
You will be glad to know that this car sound deadening material comes with a total size of 36 square feet which is on the higher side. But the key feature of this car sound deadening material is that it comes as a total of 34 sheets which means that you do not have to cut it making it easy to install.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 80 mil
- Offers a total size of 36 square feet
- Comes as total 34 sheets
Pros:
- Perfect for beginners and ease of use
- Comes pre-cut as multiple sheets for saving time
- Pretty large total size for covering a large area
Cons:
- A bit on the heavier side
2. Noico Car Sound Deadening Material
You can also consider Noico and its offerings when it comes to car sound-deadening materials that are easy and quick to install inside your car without needing much effort.
Noico’s car sound deadening material is present at the 2nd position in this listicle as you get multiple sheets in the box making it quite easy to install. Other than being one of the quicker options to get started with, you also get a nominal thickness of 80 mil with it.
Although, the total size of this car sound deadening material is rated for just 10 square feet which can be a bit limited for many users. This is due to the reason that its included 10 sheets have a size of 1 feet x 1 feet.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 80 mil
- Offers a total size of 10 square feet
- Comes as total 10 sheets
Pros:
- Quick and easy to install in a car
- Offers quite great sound insulation
- Comes with pre-applied adhesive
Cons:
- Limited total size for heavy-duty usage
3. FatMat Car Sound Deadening Material
FatMat primarily makes heavy duty and high-end mats and sound isolation sheets that you can install in your car to make it sound isolated and prevent any additional road noise inside.
This FatMat car sound deadening material is present at the 3rd position in this article because it is the perfect option for larger cars where you may need a lot of car sound deadening material. Talking about its sound isolation performance, it is rated for a nominal thickness of 80 mil which is on par with other options.
But unlike others, this car sound deadening material offers a total size of 50 square feet, making it much larger than all other options out there. However, since it only has a single sheet in the box, cutting it down can be a bit time consuming due to its given size
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 80 mil
- Offers a total size of 50 square feet
- Comes as 1 sheet
Pros:
- Perfect option for heavy duty usage in large cars
- Offers a highly large sized car sound deadening material
- Decent thickness for proper sound isolation
Cons:
- Requires cutting up into smaller sizes
4. Dynamat Car Sound Deadening Material
Dynamat and its car sound deadening materials can be another viable option for those who want something practical and versatile for using inside their cars thanks to its given specifications.
The Dynamat car sound deadening material can be the perfect option for those who want a ready to use option for most cars. While this car sound deadening material is fairly versatile and practical, it does not perform the best because of its limited nominal thickness of just 67 mil.
Thankfully, you do get a fairly total size of 36 square feet with this car sound deadening material making it great for many users. In fact, this sound insulation kit comes with a total of 9 sheets allowing you to easily install it without having too small of sound insulation sheets inside your car.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 67 mil
- Offers a total size of 36 square feet
- Comes as total 9 sheets
Pros:
- Great for quick and easy installation
- Fairly large and practical for most cars
- Multiple sheets without using a too small size
Cons:
- Nominal thickness is a bit less than others
5. Thermo-Tec Car Sound Deadening Material
Just per the name, Thermo Tec primarily offers heat isolation production where some of its offerings can even work as car sound-deadening materials like the one given here.
Thermo Tec’s car sound deadening material is one of the only few options out there which offers protection against both noise as well as heat coming from the outside of your car. Since this is a combination of two different materials, its given nominal thickness of 70 mil is decent and expected.
However, its given total size of 15 square feet is a bit lower than most others and can be quite limiting for some. And since this is not a large-sized car sound deadening material, you only get a single sheet included in the box which is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 70 mil
- Offers a total size of 15 square feet
- Comes as 1 sheet
Pros:
- Versatile option for sound and heat insulation
- Decently thick for the price and usage type
- Easy to apply with a pre-applied adhesive
Cons:
- Limited total size for larger cars
6. CarInsulation Car Sound Deadening Material
Car Insulation is a highly popular brand of car insulation options that is known for its high-performance products that include both heat insulators as well as sound insulators like the one given here.
This Car Insulation car sound deadening material is one of the best options given here when you are talking about heavy duty usage thanks to its given specifications. Starting with its nominal thickness, it is rated for 250 mil which is much higher than most other options out there.
But unlike other thicker options, this one also comes as quite a large material with a total size of 40 square feet with this car sound deadening material. Unfortunately, you only get a single sheet in the box which can be a little frustrating considering the total size of this car sound deadening material.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 250 mil
- Offers a total size of 40 square feet
- Comes as 1 sheet
Pros:
- Perfect option for heavy-duty usage in large cars
- Quite a thick car sound deadening material for high insulation
- Large total size for applying over a large area
Cons:
- Requires you to cut into smaller pieces
7. Uxcell Car Sound Deadening Material
Uxcell is a fairly new and small brand of car sound-deadening materials that generally offers affordable and entry-level options like its sound insulation option given here.
The Uxcell car sound deadening material is the cheapest option given here making it the perfect pick for buyers who are on a tight budget. Despite having such a low price tag, this car sound deadening material still offers excellent performance thanks to its superb nominal thickness of 394 mil which is way higher than all other options out there.
Although, in order to keep its price low at such a high nominal thickness, this car sound deadening material only offers a total size of 16.36 feet. And similar to most other small-sized options out there, this car sound deadening material also comes as a single sheet which is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 394 mil
- Offers a total size of 16.36 square feet
- Comes as 1 sheet
Pros:
- Excellent nominal thickness for great sound insulation
- Does not require any cutting for application due to small size
- Offers waterproof construction for extra strength
Cons:
- Not the largest sized option out there
8. SOOMJ Car Sound Deadening Material
In comparison to most other car sound deadening materials out there, Soomj is a highly premium offering since most of its offerings are made for heavy-duty usage and offer performance accordingly.
Soomj’s car sound deadening material is one of the best performing options given here in terms of the sound insulation that it offers making it perfect for heavy-duty usage. To make sure that this car sound deadening material can properly insulate all external sounds, it uses an excellent thickness of 394 mil.
That being said, despite having such a premium price tag, you still only get a total size of 21.13 square feet with it meaning that you will need to get multiple packs to fully treat your car. Since this is a small-sized car sound deadening material, it only comes as a single sheet which is to be expected.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 394 mil
- Offers a total size of 21.13 square feet
- Comes as 1 sheet
Pros:
- Pretty thick for amazing sound isolation
- Offers great adhesion with a strong glue
- Small and compact sheets don’t need any cutting up
Cons:
- Highly expensive car sound deadening material
9. HushMat Car Sound Deadening Material
HushMat is one of the newer brands of sound insulation products that are targeted towards beginners and new users who are looking for something that is easy to install and use.
This HushMat 10200 car sound deadening material can be the perfect option if you are new to car insulation and looking for something that does not need a lot of time for installation. As for its performance in terms of sound insulation, this car sound deadening material is rated for a standard nominal thickness of 80 mil which is on par with most other options.
However, the total size of this car sound deadening material is on the lower side since it is rated for just 10 square feet. Thankfully, because you get 10 sheets in total, each sheet is quite small in size making them easy to install and work with for insulating your car from road noise.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 80 mil
- Offers a total size of 10 square feet
- Comes as total 10 sheets
Pros:
- Highly easy to apply and install for beginners
- Comes as multiple small-sized sheets for easy handling
- Standard thickness for decent sound isolation
Cons:
- Total size is not ideal for heavy-duty usage
10. Soundqubed Car Sound Deadening Material
Soundqubed is another viable option for those who are on a tight budget and looking for affordable options for sound isolating your car without paying a premium for the same.
The Soundqubed Q-MAT car sound deadening material is one of the best options for buyers on a budget who want something affordable. Even though this is an affordable car sound deadening material, you get a nominal thickness of 86.6 mil which is slightly higher than others.
Talking about the size of this car sound deadening material, it is rated for 16 square feet which is decent for the price. Although, since this is a budget option, it comes as a single sheet and requires cutting by the user itself.
Best Features:
- Rated for a nominal thickness of 86.6 mil
- Offers a total size of 16 square feet
- Comes as 1 sheet
Pros:
- Highly affordable and budget-friendly car sound deadening material
- Decent performance with a standard nominal thickness
- Good enough size rating for the given price
Cons:
- Comes as a single sheet and requires cutting
Buying Guide For Car Sound Deadening Materials
Enhancing the comfort and tranquility of your vehicle can be easily achieved through the installation of proper car sound deadening materials. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various types of sound deadening materials, key factors to consider when purchasing them, and address some FAQs to help you make a perfect selection that aligns with your specific requirements and preferences.
1. Types
Sound-deadening material used in the car plays a crucial role in reducing noise and vibrations, resulting in a quieter interior. These materials come in various types, each with its unique properties and applications. Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each material type will help you select the most suitable option for your specific needs.
- Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): MLV is a dense, flexible material that effectively blocks sound transmission. It is often used as a barrier layer to reduce road noise and engine vibrations. MLV is relatively thin and can be installed easily in various areas of the car, such as the floor, doors, and trunk.
- Closed-Cell Foam Insulation: Closed-cell foam insulation is lightweight and provides excellent sound absorption properties. It is commonly used to dampen vibrations and reduce airborne noise inside the car cabin. Closed-cell foam can be applied to door panels, roof liners, and other interior surfaces.
- Butyl Rubber Sheets: Butyl rubber sheets are highly effective at damping vibrations and reducing resonance. They are often applied to metal surfaces, such as car doors and panels, to prevent them from acting as sound amplifiers. Butyl rubber sheets are flexible and easy to install, making them a popular choice for sound-deadening projects.
- Acoustic Carpet Padding: Acoustic carpet padding is a thick, dense material that is installed underneath the carpet in the car interior. It helps absorb sound and reduce road noise, providing a quieter and more comfortable driving experience. Acoustic carpet padding also helps improve thermal insulation and adds cushioning to the floor.
- Foam Insulation Sheets: Foam insulation sheets are lightweight and easy to install. They can be used to fill gaps and spaces in the car interior, reducing airborne noise and vibrations. Foam insulation sheets are commonly placed behind interior panels and trim pieces to improve sound insulation.
- Spray-On Sound Deadeners: Spray-on sound deadeners are liquid coatings that can be applied directly to metal surfaces. Once dried, they form a durable and flexible barrier that reduces noise and vibrations. Spray-on sound deadeners are often used in hard-to-reach areas and can provide excellent coverage and protection against sound transmission.
- Damping Pads and Mats: Damping pads and mats are pre-cut sheets of sound-deadening material that can be easily applied to various surfaces in the car interior. They are designed to absorb vibrations and reduce resonance, resulting in a quieter cabin environment. Damping pads and mats are commonly used in areas such as door panels, floor pans, and trunk compartments.
Note: A combination of different materials may be used to achieve optimal sound-deadening results throughout the vehicle.
How To Purchase The Ideal Sound Deadening Material For Your Car?
Choosing the right sound deadening materials requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure optimal performance and value for your investment.
1. Noise Reduction Capability
The primary purpose of sound deadening materials is to reduce noise levels inside the car cabin. Evaluate the noise insulation capabilities of different materials based on factors such as thickness, density, and acoustic properties. Thicker and denser materials tend to offer better sound insulation, effectively blocking out external noise and minimizing vibrations.
2. Compatibility with Vehicle Components
Ensure that the selected sound-deadening materials are compatible with the specific components and surfaces in your vehicle. Consider factors such as adhesion properties, flexibility, and compatibility with paint finishes and interior trim materials. Some materials may require surface preparation or adhesive backing to ensure proper bonding and effectiveness.
3. Nominal Thickness
The nominal thickness of sound deadening materials is a critical factor that directly impacts their effectiveness in reducing noise. Thicker sheets typically offer better sound insulation, as they provide a greater barrier against external noise and vibrations. While multiple thinner sheets can be layered for increased insulation, the nominal thickness of a single sheet is crucial. Look for options ranging from 80 mils to 400 mils for varying levels of sound insulation performance.
4. Ease of Installation
Consider the ease of installation when choosing sound deadening materials for your vehicle. Some options, such as pre-cut damping pads and mats, are designed for straightforward installation and can be easily applied to various surfaces without specialized tools or expertise. However, certain materials, like spray-on sound deadeners, may require professional application and proper ventilation due to their liquid form.
5. Number of Sheets
Sound deadening materials are often supplied in sheet form, either as a single large sheet (to cut into the required size) or multiple pre-cut sheets, which are applied to the vehicle’s interior surfaces. Choosing a product with multiple pre-cut sheets is beneficial for beginners or those seeking convenience, as it simplifies the installation process without further cutting. While a large sheet is an ideal choice for professionals/experts, who can cut the sheet in the required length.
6. Durability and Longevity
Opt for sound deadening materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear. High-quality materials should maintain their effectiveness over time, providing long-lasting noise reduction benefits. Look for products that are moisture-resistant, heat-resistant, and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions typically encountered in automotive environments.
7. Total Size
When purchasing sound deadening materials, ensure that you obtain a sufficient quantity to cover the entire interior of your vehicle effectively. Check the total size rating, usually provided in square feet, to determine the coverage area offered by the product. Opt for larger sizes, such as 30 or 50 square feet, especially if you have a larger vehicle, or want to achieve comprehensive noise insulation throughout the cabin.
8. Weight
Consider the weight of sound deadening materials, as they contribute to the overall weight of the vehicle. Opt for lighter options with a lower weight rating, typically measured in pounds per square foot, to avoid adding excessive weight to your car. Lighter materials (rated at 0.5 pounds per square foot or lower) offer effective sound insulation without significantly increasing the vehicle’s weight, ensuring a balance between performance and practicality.
Verdict: Choosing the best sound deadening materials for your car involves considering all these key factors, including budget, and customer feedback. Evaluate these key factors carefully and select high-quality soundproof material that undoubtedly enhances the comfort and tranquility of your driving experience.
Car Sound Deadening Materials – FAQs
Ans: Sound deadening materials absorb or block sound waves, reducing noise and vibrations in the car cabin by converting sound energy into heat or dispersing it.
Ans: Focus on high-impact areas like the floor, doors, and trunk, as well as any panels that resonate. Aim for comprehensive coverage to maximize noise reduction.
Ans: Yes, many sound deadening materials are designed for DIY installation. However, some options, like spray-on coatings, may require a professional application for optimal results.
Ans: While there may be a slight increase in weight, the impact on fuel efficiency is typically negligible compared to the benefits of a quieter ride.
Ans: Yes, but ensure proper adhesion and compatibility between the materials to avoid any potential issues with installation or performance.
Ans: Many sound deadening materials are designed to be moisture-resistant and heat-resistant, ensuring durability and longevity in automotive environments.
Ans: While they significantly reduce noise and vibrations, complete elimination of all noise may not be possible. However, they can greatly enhance comfort during driving.
Conclusion
While most cars are equipped with some form of sound insulation, it may not always suffice, particularly in older vehicles where insulation may deteriorate over time. In such instances, investing in top-quality car sound-deadening materials, as outlined earlier, can significantly enhance your driving experience.
Here are our top picks for the best car sound deadening materials:
- FatMat Car Sound Deadening Material: Ideal for large cars, offering a generous 50 square feet total size with a standard thickness of 80 mil per sheet.
- SOOMJ Car Sound Deadening Material: Known for its exceptional thickness, providing a nominal thickness of 394 mil and covering 21.13 square feet per sheet.
- KILMAT Car Sound Deadening Material: Perfect for beginners, featuring 34 pre-cut sheets for easy installation and offering 36 square feet coverage with an 80 mil thickness.
We hope that our article has provided valuable insights to assist you in selecting the perfect option for your needs. If you have any queries or need further assistance regarding the selection or usage process, feel free to share them in the comments section, we’ll respond promptly to address those issues.
