Address Consumer Needs with Sound Damping Tape

As you likely know, consumer preferences play a large role in dictating automotive market trends. In particular, these preferences include sustainability, comfort and aesthetics and fuel efficiency. However, addressing them has been difficult until now.

One way automotive manufacturers can meet these consumer preferences is with automotive sound damping tape. Sound damping tape, also referred to as sound deadening, vibration damping and noise, vibration and harshness tape, can mitigate unwanted noise and vibration in a vehicle. Discover how this tape can address consumer preferences and create a more pleasing driving environment.

To reduce their carbon footprint, many environmentally-conscious consumers have reevaluated their vehicles for more sustainable options. This consumer preference has created a rise in electric vehicles (EVs), which produce little to no CO2 emissions on the road. The EV market is expected to exceed $800 billion by 2027 as more consumers desire greener vehicles.

However, there have been increased customer complaints about noise levels within EVs. One study found that while EVs create an equal amount of tire and aerodynamic noise compared to traditional engines, their ancillary parts and battery components create additional noise within the cabin. This can pose a safety risk to the driver; if the noise becomes too distracting, it may inhibit the driver’s ability to hear necessary traffic signals. Since EV drivers expect high safety standards, increased noise levels may result in consumer dissatisfaction and potentially decreased sales. Added noise can also negatively impact the EVs’ perceived value. To meet this consumer preference, manufacturers need a solution that can alleviate noise from mechanical components and the outside world from entering the cabin to increase driver confidence and security.

Studies show that consumers spend an average of one hour in their cars each day. Consumers who spend lots of time behind the wheel may place more value in comfort and aesthetics to improve their driving experience. For this reason, luxury vehicles are seeing a rise in consumer demand; market predictions show a 6% increase by 2025.

Manufacturers have improved car seat ergonomics to increase passenger comfort. They’ve also implemented luxury materials like leather and micro-suede. Some cars even feature climate control and ambient lighting to create a soothing, home-like environment within the vehicle.

Although manufacturers are putting an emphasis on comfort and aesthetically-pleasing interiors, road noises can impact their ability to meet consumer preferences for luxury. If a car is especially noisy, it can detract from the other comforting features in the vehicle and deplete the brand’s luxurious image. To address this issue, manufacturers will need a solution that not only absorbs sound, but also is discreet and will not conflict with the car’s stylish aesthetics.

Fuel efficient vehicles help consumers save money, so it’s no surprise that that they show preference to vehicles with better gas mileage. Many vehicle manufacturers are switching to lightweight materials to meet this demand. Studies show that for every 10% in weight reduction, fuel economy can be increased from 6 to 8%. This is especially important for hybrid and electric vehicles, as batteries are heavy.

Though lightweight materials address the preference for fuel efficiency, one disadvantage is that they create more noise and vibration.This is because they lack the weight needed to damp any vibration on its own. While there are many methods of damping this noise and vibration, most of them simply add back the weight that was removed. Additionally, lightweight materials are notoriously hard to bond to, further limiting options for sound damping equipment.

Sound damping tape can address concerns for all three of these consumer preferences:

• Sustainability: Sound damping tape will help diminish the increased noise level in EVs by preventing sound from mechanical components and the road from entering the car. This will help the driver feel safer and more confident while meeting their desire to drive an environmentally-friendly vehicle.

• Comfort and aesthetics: Sound damping tape is discreet; it can be applied along the vehicle’s trim or be hidden within storage areas, so it won’t conflict with the stylish aesthetics in luxury vehicles. By diminishing unwanted sounds, the tape can also help create a soothing driving environment. When combined with other comfort enhancements, sound damping tape can help the manufacturer achieve a more luxurious brand image.

• Fuel efficiency: To reduce noise without adding weight to the vehicle, sound damping tape is a great option. Several tape brands now offer solutions that bond to aluminum and other lightweight materials. This widened variety of sound damping tapes ensures you’ll find a solution that will be compatible with your materials.

Sound damping tape can help you meet consumer preferences, reduce noise easily and add value to your vehicles. If you’re interested in adding sound damping tape to your automotive production line, talk to your tape supplier, or contact a Bostik representative to learn more.

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