Car sound deadening: materials or a complete job done for you
First find out where the noise comes from
Different sources make noise in a car, and each needs its own material. Vibration of the body metal is damped by vibration damping (bitumen sheets with foil). Engine and road noise in the air is blocked by a sound absorber (foam, foamed rubber). Plastic squeaks are removed by an anti-squeak material with a soft surface. So full insulation is usually two or three layers, not one.
What is insulated and why it affects the price
- Doors — usually you start with them, because they most affect the sound of music and the noise from the sides.
- Floor and wheel arches — the main source of road drone.
- Roof — dulls rain and body resonance, and also helps against heat from the sun.
- Boot and bulkhead — reduce the drone from the rear and from the engine.
- The amount of material depends on the area: an estate or crossover needs more than a hatchback.
You also pay for taking the cabin apart: removing seats, panels and carpet takes hours, so the price “complete” is much higher than the cost of the sheets alone.
What to put in your request
- What to insulate — doors, floor, arches, roof, boot or the whole cabin;
- Car model and year, because the area depends on it;
- Installation — work at a workshop or only the material;
- Materials or brands, if you have already chosen;
- Quantity in sheets or square metres, when you buy the material yourself;
- City and budget.
Example: “Kia Ceed, 2015, I need sound deadening of the doors and arches done for me at a workshop, vibration damping plus a sound absorber, a good known brand or equal. Shah Alam, budget up to RM 490.”
How to compare offers
Check what is included: how many layers, which makes of material, whether taking the cabin apart and putting it back is included, and whether the work has a warranty. Two prices for “door insulation” can describe different things: one has only vibration damping, the other adds foam. Ask about thickness, not only the name, and about how the fitter checks the bonding: a good fitter rolls the sheet with a roller so there are no air pockets.
For fitting it yourself, count the material with a reserve, ask the seller for a calculation for your car and find out whether leftovers can be returned.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
In one request you describe the car and the area to insulate, and fitters and material sellers reply in the chat. They see where their offer stands, so they often improve their terms. Your phone stays hidden until you choose a provider. Details are in “How it works”.
While you are at it, you can refresh the cabin: car mats or sunshades are often bought in the same set.
