How can I make my car have less road noise?

Lower road noise starts with quiet tires and proper maintenance, then targeted sound-damping upgrades inside the cabin.

Road noise comes from multiple sources, including tire tread and inflation, wind with vehicle speed, and mechanical noise from the engine, exhaust, and suspension. This guide outlines practical, real-world steps you can take—from quick DIY fixes to longer-term upgrades—to make your car noticeably quieter and more comfortable on the road.

Identifying the main sources of noise

Understanding where the noise originates helps you prioritize fixes that yield the biggest gains in cabin quietness.

Tire-related noise

Tire design and maintenance are often the largest contributors to road sound inside the cabin.

• Check and maintain tire pressure at the vehicle’s recommended PSI



• Ensure proper wheel balance and alignment to minimize vibration and thump from the wheels


• Consider switching to quieter, touring-style tires with softer tread and low rolling resistance

Regular tire maintenance and a shift to quieter tire designs can deliver immediate, noticeable reductions in cabin noise.

Wind and door seals

Wind noise often comes from gaps around doors and windows, especially at highway speeds. Seals and alignment play a major role.

• Inspect door weatherstripping for cracks or gaps and replace worn seals


• Check window alignment and ensure doors close fully; lubricate window tracks if needed


• Consider adding or tightening door seals at gaps around frames


• Secure exterior mirrors and antenna to reduce wind disturbance

Sealing and aligning components near the cabin can reduce wind intrusion and lower exterior wind-induced noise.

Insulation and sound-deadening upgrades

For a quieter cabin, adding mass and damping materials to floors, doors, and the trunk can make a big difference, especially in older vehicles.

• Install sound-deadening mats or sheets in doors, under carpets, and in the trunk


• Use mass-loaded vinyl or spray-on damping products on panels prone to vibration


• Upgrade floor mats to thicker, denser versions to dampen impact noise


• Consider aftermarket acoustic insulation if your vehicle lacks factory soundproofing

These upgrades reduce panel vibration and absorb sound energy, but they add weight and cost and may require professional installation for best results.

Engine and exhaust considerations

Some road noise is tied to the engine and exhaust; diagnosing and repairing leaks or worn components can reduce noise significantly.

• Check for exhaust leaks or damaged hangers and repair as needed


• Inspect engine mounts for wear; worn mounts can transmit more engine noise into the cabin


• Ensure the intake and exhaust systems are intact and not producing rattles or drone

Addressing mechanical sources of noise can yield quieter operation without sacrificing safety or performance.

Active noise control and factory options

Some modern cars include active noise cancellation (ANC) or acoustic glass. If your vehicle has ANC, ensure it is enabled in the settings; otherwise, consider OEM or dealer options for acoustics on new cars.

• Check if your car supports active noise cancellation and whether it is enabled


• Some newer models offer laminated acoustic glass or additional insulation as factory options

For most vehicles, ANC is built into newer models; retrofitting can be costly and limited in effect, so weigh options carefully.

Budget-conscious steps to reduce road noise quickly

If you’re looking for rapid improvements without major investments, focus on tire care, door seals, and basic insulation tweaks.

• Verify tire pressure, rotation, and balance; replace worn tires when needed


• Apply lubrication to door seals and fix any gaps around the doors


• Add high-quality floor mats and basic under-car deflectors to reduce rumble from the road

These quick fixes can yield noticeable reductions in cabin noise without large outlays, making your drive more comfortable on day one.

Maintenance and diagnostics

Regular checks can prevent noise from becoming an ongoing annoyance, and help catch issues early before they escalate.

• Schedule a professional inspection if you notice new noises or changes in sound at certain speeds


• Inspect for loose trim, rattles, or interior vibrations that can amplify road noise


• Keep up with general vehicle maintenance (engine, exhaust, suspension) to avoid noise fallout from neglect

Addressing problems early prevents bigger noise problems later and helps preserve cabin quietness over time.

When to seek professional help

If the noise persists after DIY fixes or has changed recently, a professional diagnostic can identify hidden issues such as structural gaps, body panel vibration hotspots, or exhaust leaks.

Summary

Quieting a car is a layered process. Start with tire maintenance and sealing, then modest insulation upgrades, and finally targeted structural dampening or wind-noise corrections. Tailor the plan to your vehicle’s age, condition, and typical driving speeds, and consider professional help for persistent or unusual noises. With a phased approach, you can enjoy a noticeably quieter ride without compromising safety or comfort.

How do you reduce road noise from tires?

To reduce road noise from tires, start with tire maintenance like proper inflation and rotation, and consider purchasing quieter tires with noise-reducing technology. If maintenance and new tires aren't enough, you can soundproof your car by applying sound-deadening material to the wheel wells, floor, and doors to block vibrations and noise before they enter the cabin. 
Tire and vehicle maintenance

• Properly inflate tires: Maintain the correct tire pressure to prevent uneven wear, which can increase noise. 
• Rotate tires regularly: Rotate tires according to your vehicle's maintenance schedule to ensure even tread wear. 
• Balance tires: Have your tires balanced to eliminate vibrations that can cause noise. 
• Check for damage: Inspect tires for any damage, especially on the tread, that could contribute to noise. 

Choosing quieter tires

• Look for noise-reducing technology: Some tires have built-in sound-absorbing foam or other technologies to create a quieter ride. These are often labeled to indicate their noise-reduction features. 
• Choose specific features: Look for tires with softer rubber compounds, high-profile (taller) sidewalls, a more narrow width, a larger number of smaller tread blocks, or varied tread block shapes to reduce noise. 

This video explains how tire manufacturers design tires to reduce noise: 48sTire ReviewYouTube · Oct 3, 2024
Soundproofing your car

• Soundproof wheel wells: Apply a spray-on sound deadener or sound-absorbing mats to the inside of your wheel wells to reduce noise at the source. 
• Add sound deadening mats: Apply sound-deadening mats to the floor and doors to block airborne noise from the tires and road. 
• Seal gaps: Ensure all soundproofing materials are properly installed and seal any gaps to prevent noise from entering the cabin. 

What is the best barrier for road noise?

What is the Best Sound Barrier Fence?

• Concrete fences, with an STC rating of 37, are the top choice for soundproofing due to their density and ability to absorb sound waves.
• Vinyl fences, with an STC rating of 26, offer a more attractive alternative while still providing excellent noise reduction.

How to make road noise quieter in car?

To reduce road noise, you can choose quieter tires, apply sound-deadening mats and sprays to the car's floor and wheel wells, and improve door and window seals. Additionally, checking and maintaining your car's suspension and exhaust system, along with ensuring correct tire pressure, can significantly decrease noise. 
Quick fixes

• Use quality floor mats: Place thick, quality floor mats over the existing carpet to add an extra layer of sound absorption. 
• Check tire pressure: Make sure your tires are properly inflated, as underinflated tires can cause more noise. 
• Close windows: Roll up your windows completely to block out wind and external noise. 

This video demonstrates how to reduce road noise using simple methods: 55sSoundproof GuideYouTube · Jan 4, 2025
Medium-effort solutions

• Improve door and window seals: Add extra rubber seals to your car doors to create a better seal against wind noise. 
• Undercoat the chassis: Apply a rubberized undercoating to the underside of the car to create a sound-dampening barrier. 
• Soundproof the wheel wells: Treat the wheel wells with a spray-on sound deadener to create a barrier against road and tire noise. 

More involved solutions

• Apply sound-deadening mats: This is one of the most effective methods. Remove the interior carpet and apply sound-deadening mats to the floor, especially in the footwells and under the seats, to reduce vibrations. 
• Add sound-deadening materials to the roof and firewall: Apply sound-deadening materials to the roof to block rain and other noises, and to the firewall to reduce engine noise. 
• Choose quieter tires: When it's time for new tires, choose ones with a tread pattern designed for a quieter ride. 

You can watch this video to see how to apply sound-deadening mats in your car: 54sJamie AygoYouTube · Aug 21, 2024
Maintenance and checks

• Inspect tires: Worn-out tires with aggressive tread patterns can be particularly noisy. Ensure your tires are in good condition. 
• Service the exhaust system: A faulty or leaking exhaust system can contribute to excessive noise in the cabin. 
• Check the suspension: Worn suspension components can cause noise. Have your mechanic inspect and service them if needed. 

Why is the road noise so loud in my car?

Loud road noise in your car can be caused by issues with your tires, such as imbalance, misalignment, or uneven wear, as well as problems with your car's suspension or exhaust system. Worn-out seals around doors and windows, insufficient factory soundproofing, and even the type of road surface can also be contributing factors. 
This video explains the common causes of road noise in a car and how to diagnose them: 1mThe Car Care NutYouTube · Nov 23, 2022
Tire and wheel issues

• Imbalance, misalignment, or uneven wear: These issues can create a constant humming or roaring noise, often getting louder at higher speeds. 
• Tire pressure: Incorrect tire pressure can increase noise, especially on rough surfaces. 
• Type of tires: Aggressive tread patterns (like those on all-terrain tires) are inherently louder on pavement than standard touring tires. 
• Debris: Objects stuck in your tire treads can cause additional noise. 

Mechanical and structural issues

• Worn suspension: Worn shocks or struts can't absorb vibrations as well, leading to more noise. 
• Exhaust system problems: Holes, cracks, or loose parts in your exhaust system can let more engine noise into the cabin. 
• Loose or damaged seals: Worn-out door, window, and windshield seals allow more road and wind noise to enter the car. 
• Lack of soundproofing: Many cars, especially older or budget models, lack adequate sound insulation from the factory. 

Other factors

• Road surface: The type of road you're driving on makes a big difference. Rough, poorly maintained, or construction zone pavement will naturally be louder. 
• Driving speed: Noise generally increases with speed due to greater friction with the road and air turbulence. 

This video demonstrates how to soundproof your car's wheel wells to reduce road noise: 1mSoundproof GuideYouTube · Sep 3, 2023
What to do

• Check tire pressure: and get your tires balanced and aligned to rule out common causes. 
• Inspect your tires: for uneven wear or debris. 
• Listen for specific noises: that might indicate a worn suspension or an exhaust leak. 
• Have a professional: inspect your car for issues with the seals, suspension, or exhaust system.