When on a dragstrip or racetrack, folks love to hear the roar of a powerful engine. When it’s their own car or truck making a racket, however, most folks don’t enjoy dealing with such a din. The truth is, if your car is too loud, there might be a notable reason for it. If driving to the grocery store has become a noisy experience, here are four ways to achieve a quieter ride in your vehicle. With a few adjustments, your drive can be relatively noiseless.
Check the Tires
The faster you drive, the noisier the ride—especially when it comes to the tires. Safety and silence depend on following the rules of the road and minding the speed limit! Remember to maintain the right tire pressure on all four wheels, too—and don’t forget the spare! Properly inflated tires provide a smooth, quiet ride and last longer. Periodic tire maintenance that includes regularly scheduled rotations and alignment preserves the tires’ treads and extends their lifetime. Ask your car specialist for recommendations on the best tires for the quietest rides.
Whistle Down the Wind
Wind is a big culprit of cabin noise. If outside wind noise sneaks into your vehicle, there are a few simple to complex fixes you can try. Start by inspecting the car for damage. A recent collision may have caused metal or other materials to bend out of shape, allowing the wind to creep into the cabin and cause cacophony. Repair such damages as soon as possible. Check the windows and doors to see if any rubber seals or weather stripping came loose. Again, a small breach can make a big noise.
Exhaust the Possibilities
There are several ways to ensure your exhaust system stays quiet. Mufflers reduce most of the sound and fury coming from your engine by muffling sound and redirecting it. It’s hard to miss the sound of a loose muffler. Regular check-ups ensure the muffler is secure and doing its job. If you hear excessive roars from below, it’s time to take the car to the mechanic. A bit of epoxy or metal repair tape may be all you need to seal a leak or crack in the muffler or exhaust pipe.
Enjoy the Silence
The last of our four ways to achieve a quieter ride in your vehicle can be as simple or complex as your budget allows. Most vehicles are already equipped with noise-reduction features, but you can take things a step further. See if sound-deadening floor mats are available. These mats can allow you to lower the amount of road noise in your car or truck for a relatively low investment. If you have the funds to do so, you can also arrange to install sound-deadening panels inside the doors, roof, and other parts of your car. It’s a slightly more involved process, but it will pay off in quietness and peace of mind!
