One of the most frequent questions we hear is, “What’s the best way to soundproof my car, van, motorhome, Land Rover, pickup, or classic car?” With so many options online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed—or even misled. The internet, while incredibly useful, has also created a world of self-proclaimed experts who may lack real experience. Proper soundproofing isn’t rocket science, but done incorrectly, it can waste time, effort, and money. Many people look for the cheapest solutions, and while cost-saving is understandable, you truly get what you pay for. When it comes to soundproofing, quality is key.
One important consideration is whether soundproofing is the primary focus of the company selling the products. Many companies that don’t specialise in soundproofing may still claim expertise, but this doesn’t guarantee results. We frequently see websites from businesses that sell a wide range of unrelated products and yet call themselves soundproofing experts. For instance, there was an “interior trim” company known for offering high-quality trims and leather seats, which even sourced some materials from us. Over time, they began selling low-cost soundproofing kits made with subpar insulation products, all while dispensing poor advice on installation techniques. So, always research a company’s background to see if they truly know what they’re talking about. Noisekillers is a company dedicated to soundproofing and has been for years.
A common question we receive is, “How many decibels will be reduced after installing one of your soundproofing kits?” Even if a specific figure could be provided, would you know what constitutes a reasonable decibel reduction? It’s important to understand how the logarithmic decibel (dB) scale works. We actually wrote a blog back in 2014 titled What is Noise? that discusses common noise issues, dB levels, and the fundamentals of airborne noise, impact noise, soundproofing, sound absorption, sound barriers, sound damping, and anti-vibration. Over the past 20 years, we’ve tackled all of these issues, testing and refining our UK-manufactured materials to address each problem individually. While it would be ideal to have a single material to cover all noise issues, no such product exists!
Each Noisekillers soundproofing kit uses different materials tailored to specific areas of the vehicle. This is where we differ from competitors, many of whom sell generic anti-vibration mats that range from 1-4 mm in thickness with foil-facing. Often, these products are imported, branded with a logo, and come with promises of results that fall short. Insulation, for example, lacks soundproofing properties and won’t yield the results you’re hoping for, so avoid products that seem too good (or cheap) to be true.
As soundproofing specialists, we would never recommend a one-size-fits-all approach. We do offer our own superior anti-vibration solution called NK Mat (formerly Barrier Mat), but it’s important to remember that while anti-vibration materials reduce vibrations, they don’t absorb sound. Once your vehicle is in motion, air displacement causes sound waves to bounce around, creating an oscillating pressure that can be uncomfortable. To address this, Noisekillers designed a composite Sound Barrier material that combines anti-vibration layers with open-cell acoustic foams, which absorb these airborne sounds.
For example, our VW T5 full soundproofing kit includes six different materials, each specifically designed for optimal noise reduction in its respective area of the vehicle.
Another advantage of Noisekillers kits is that each kit is pre-cut to shape and size, making installation quick and straightforward. If a piece needs to be adhered, it comes with a self-adhesive backing, so there’s no need for messy glues. Each piece is numbered, and a fitting guide explains exactly where each piece belongs. We also offer a fitting service at our workshop in the Lake District or a mobile fitting service at your location.
Have a look at our vehicle soundproofing kits and discover how we can help make your ride quieter and more comfortable.