Road/Wind noise dB readings

tyres play a big part, but yes, sound dampening in the doors, floorboards and hatch make a big difference.

 

I am in the process of adding the sound deadening material to my prius. The spots that made the biggest difference was the trunk (including the side panels around wheels) and all 4 doors. When you do the doors make sure you get the round impact bars. I plan to do the floor and roof.

 

I like the Decibel10 app for iphone but I have not tried it for the car.

 

Once I finish the rear doors and under / around battery at the end of the week I will post some shots. Let me know what app you want me to use to measure the sound and I will download it to my iphone. I can do the recording next weekend.

 

there are some existing sound proofing threads here with great pics and write ups.

 

Getting better tires is much better solution than sound proofing. I replaced all 4 tires and then do to sound proofing early last year. The road noise drops dramatically. but 2 months ago, I replaced to a lightly used 17" Rim and tires. the 17" tires are noise as hell and pretty much makes the sound proofing not existed. Changing the tires is so much less work and even costs less.

 

Damn, you must be driving on some quietest road. I have just got new tires, Michelin X Ice 3, sound proofing on the door, and cargo and spare wheel well area, and when i drive 70mph, i got 75-78dB.
Before, sound deadening, i can't even get 75dB at 70mph.

On the same road, even a Volvo V60 read 73-75dB at 70mph.

I used Decibel 10th on iPhone.

 

Well at least we are all way ahead of a 1967 VW bus at 116 DB at 65 mph

 

I used the Decibel 10th on my iPhone. This morning it was about 34F and the decibel was 75-78 at 65 mph.

This afternoon it was 55F and the return trip was 62-65 at 65 mph.

So apparently temperature makes a big difference.

 

I doubt it's the temp, it's more likely whether you are driving against the wind or In a crosswind situation. I notice this all the time, the same road, back and forth is different because of the wind direction is diff. Heading and crosswind are the worst case.


iPhone ?

 

There was no wind to speak of that day. I cross two rivers on my morning commute and both were slick as glass. That was when the dB was the highest.

On the afternoon commute I also pass a recreation park with an American Flag flying. It was pretty limp that afternoon.

I think it has everything to do with the cold temps, cold tires and cold asphalt.

 

the only thing i can think of regarding temp is when its warmer, the tires got warmer, which the rubber compound got softer, and ride better.

And also, another thing is sound level is based off pressure, but i doubt the colder temp would cause the pressure diff that much to read that much off in dB.

I am an automotive tester, and i have never heard one day of forecast that it is 0mph of wind. even its calm, it's always something.