Wind noise can be highly annoying while you’re driving, and make it difficult to enjoy a conversation or your favorite music. Thankfully, there are various ways to fix the problem!
You can reduce wind noise in a car by finding the source, sealing all cracks, fixing slack windows and doors, installing a wind deflector, and soundproofing your car. You could also replace or repair weatherstripping and install acoustic windows.
Also read: How To Reduce Road Noise From Car Tires
How To Reduce Wind Noise in a Car
If you’re having this experience, don’t worry, there’s a solution. In this next section, I’ll break it down for you.
1. Find the Source of the Noise
The first step in reducing wind noise in your car is finding the noise source. You can do this in one of two ways.
The first method is taking your car for a drive on the highway at various speed levels. Deaden every other noise source and shut all windows, doors, and the sunroof. Listen carefully for a high-pitched sound coming from anywhere.
Consider bringing a friend to listen for noise if you can’t concentrate on driving and listening simultaneously.
The second method involves using air compression, and you don’t have to drive around for this method. After enlisting the help of a friend, sit inside the car, and ask your friend to force air into your car from the outside using an air compressor. You can then listen and feel where the noise is coming from.
2. Seal All Cracks
Air can get into your car through even the tiniest cracks or holes, and cause wind noise while you’re driving. You can prevent this by carefully inspecting your car for cracks and holes.
If you find any, use an automotive caulk or sealant to fill them.
3. Fix Slack Car Doors and Windows
If you have a slack car window or door, it won’t shut tightly. This can create a small opening through which air can enter as you drive, and cause wind noise.
Inspect how tightly your car doors and windows close and fix any slack sections by tightening any parts that have come loose.
4. Install a Wind Deflector
If your car has no wind deflector, buy one and attach it to the top of your doors. It’s important to buy the correct size length, so measure the length of both sides of your car doors beforehand.
Wind deflectors are easy to install if you follow the steps below:
- Remove the seal on the wind deflector. This will reveal the sticky part.
- Attach it to the top of your car door. Carefully attach it, making sure that there are no air bubbles.
- Test their effectiveness. Sit in your car with the doors and windows closed to experience the difference the wind deflectors have made.
- Replace or Repair Weatherstripping
Another cause of wind noise in a car is broken, loose or worn-out weatherstripping. After inspecting the areas in your car with weatherstripping, decide if they need to be replaced or you can fix them by gluing them down again. Buying new weatherstripping is, thankfully, not expensive.
5. Replace Standard Windows With Acoustic Windows
If you think the cause of wind noise in your car is due to thin or poor quality windows, consider replacing them with acoustic windows. These are double-layers of glass that consist of acoustic vinyl. The vinyl is responsible for absorbing sound, and this simple change will block wind noise when driving.
6. Soundproof Your Car
If you’re worried about the wind or any other noise in your car when driving, then consider soundproofing your car. There are car soundproof options available:
- Sound-deadening sprays: Sound-deadening sprays can reach tight and hidden areas that other sound-deadening materials can’t get to. They coat the car and cover tiny cracks and dents that may let in the air.
- Sound-deadening mats: Soundproof mats are ubiquitous amongst car users. You place the mat on the floor of your car, and it absorbs sound and vibration.
- Dampening: Coat your car’s door panels, rooftop, floor, etc. with a sound-dampening material. This product absorbs sound and vibrations.
Causes of Wind Noise in a Car
Here are some possible reasons wind noise is entering your car:
- Frayed or loose weatherstripping: Worn-out weatherstripping loses its ability to block air from entering the car. On the other hand, the adhesive holding may have weakened and become loose, or there may be a tear.
- Rusted or damaged car parts: Some car parts may have dents or rust due to weather exposure or previous accidents. These openings, irrespective of how small, can let in air.
- Open windows or sunroof: Driving is more fun when the windows are down or when the sunroof is open. However, these are huge inlets for air, and can create an annoying wind noise.
- One-layer windows: Windows that aren’t acoustic have a limited ability to resist air completely.
- Poorly repaired car doors: If your car doors have been replaced in the past, the soldering may be bulging. This bulge will prevent the car door from closing completely, resulting in air freely moving inside and creating a noise.
- Driving at high speed: Wind noise increases as your speed increases, and the air pressure also rises. When this happens, the car’s air vents cannot control the amount of concentrated air in the car, and the air will seek passage through another place.
- The make and shape of your car: The smaller your car, the less noise you’ll have to deal with. Larger cars, such as SUVs and trucks, have a more prominent front, and they encounter more air and wind noise problems.
- Stormy weather: Windy or stormy weather can cause wind noise because the intensity of the air has increased.
- Accumulated debris in the vent: A car air vent accumulates dirt over time and can produce strange sounds.
Conclusion
Wind noise can be irritating while driving but you can decrease its intensity by:
- Finding the source of the noise
- Sealing all cracks
- Fixing slack windows and doors
- Installing a wind deflector
- Replacing or repairing weatherstripping
- Installing acoustic windows
- Soundproofing your car
After using the above methods, you should no longer have a problem with wind noise in your car.