The dashboard is one of the largest plastic assemblies in the vehicle interior and at the same time one of the main points through which a significant portion of noise enters the cabin. Here vibrations from the engine, structural resonances, and small movements of plastic parts meet, which during driving manifest as creaks, thumps, or increased noise. Professional soundproofing of the dashboard is among the technically most demanding interior modifications, and at the same time it is a service that leads to practically the most effective suppression of engine noise. And it brings additional benefits as well. 
Removing the dashboard trim is the first step toward its soundproofing. The photo shows the latest generation Mercedes V-Class.
Why the dashboard has such a big impact on interior noise
The dashboard is not just a design element of the interior. In fact it is an extensive structure composed of beams, plastic parts, ventilation, electronics, wiring harnesses, and other components. It also forms the direct border between the interior and the engine bay.
During driving, therefore, a combination of several noise sources can occur at once:
- Engine vibrations are transmitted through the firewall into the dashboard structure.
- Plastic parts of the dashboard can resonate during driving.
- Unwanted acoustic reflections occur in cavities.
- Plastic parts can lightly creak or rattle against each other.
The result is noise that the driver often does not perceive as a single distinct sound, but rather as an overall less refined character of the interior. A large portion of this noise comes from the area in front of the vehicle – especially from the engine and partly from the road. That is why professional dashboard soundproofing has such a significant benefit and is among the modifications that can most markedly elevate the vehicle's acoustic comfort.
One of the most demanding tasks in a vehicle interior
Dashboard soundproofing is among the technically most demanding modifications that can be performed in a vehicle interior. For correct execution it is necessary to completely disassemble the entire dashboard and reach deep into its structure. This means dismantling a large part of the interior and working with many plastic parts, wiring harnesses, ventilation, and electronics. In modern cars, the dashboard is also connected to airbag systems and other safety features. Each model has a different dashboard construction, so proper disassembly and subsequent reassembly require not only precise procedures but also detailed knowledge of the specific vehicle.
At Ahifi we have long been dedicated to these interventions and have a large number of implementations behind us. Experience is absolutely key for such demanding work. Thanks to it we can disassemble the dashboard, soundproof it professionally, and then reassemble it so that everything works exactly as it should – without new noises and with the certainty that the dashboard will remain quiet even with long-term vehicle use..jpg)
Lexus UX and thorough soundproofing of the inner part of the dashboard.
What are the benefits of dashboard soundproofing
From our experience, dashboard soundproofing is among the modifications that have a very significant effect on the vehicle's acoustic comfort. The greatest benefit lies primarily in suppressing engine noise, which reaches the interior through the front of the vehicle and the dashboard structure. After a properly performed modification, its intrusion into the cabin is significantly reduced and in many cases the engine is barely audible inside.
This modification also has a significant impact on noise coming from the front part of the road and the wheels. That noise does not spread into the interior only through the wheel arches but also partially through the firewall and the space behind the dashboard. It is precisely here that the application of acoustic materials can significantly limit its penetration into the cabin. Besides the reduction of overall noise, this modification also brings a firmer and more refined character to the interior. Small resonances of plastic parts are eliminated, dashboard creaking disappears, and the vehicle interior feels much calmer when driving.
A big difference is already noticeable from the dashboard soundproofing alone. The greatest effect, however, is achieved in combination with soundproofing of the floor and other parts of the vehicle, where the individual modifications complement each other and the resulting acoustic comfort of the interior is raised another level. Dashboard soundproofing thus addresses one of the main entry points for noise from the engine and the front part of the road.
How we carry out dashboard soundproofing
The whole process begins with the complete disassembly of the dashboard, which is at the same time the most time-consuming part of the work. It is necessary to dismantle a large part of the interior and access deep into the dashboard structure, where many plastic parts, wiring harnesses, ventilation, and electronics are located. We therefore devote maximum attention to disassembly so as not to damage any parts and so that the dashboard can be reassembled after the work exactly as it was from the factory.
After disassembly we first focus on eliminating vibrations of larger plastic parts of the dashboard. We treat these with anti-vibration materials, typically Comfortmat Viper or Comfortmat Extreme, which increase their stiffness, stabilize the structure, and prevent resonances during driving. In the next phase acoustic materials intended primarily for sound absorption come into play. The basis is Comfortmat Soft Wave Expert, which excels in its extraordinary ability to absorb sound waves. We apply this material first to the removable part of the dashboard and then into its inner structure, where it helps absorb noise coming from the engine bay. Its minimal weight and above all extreme flexibility are a great advantage, allowing the precise reassembly of the individual plastic parts.
An important supplement is Comfortmat SoundTrap – a special block made from the same acoustic material, which we place deep into the dashboard cavities. This significantly increases the ability to absorb noise in places where common materials cannot reach and where unwanted acoustic reflections often occur. Its ability to be compressed to just millimeters allows placement practically anywhere. The work also includes applying sealing tapes to the joints of plastic parts. These prevent creaking and other unwanted sounds during driving and help ensure that the dashboard remains quiet even with long-term vehicle use.
We also soundproof the front part of the dashboard, always in two layers – as in the Škoda Kodiaq in the photo.
Who benefits from dashboard soundproofing and how much does it cost
Dashboard soundproofing is among the technically most demanding interior interventions. It is neither a quick nor a cheap modification and certainly not a service that makes sense for every car owner. The greatest benefit is for customers who want to take their vehicle's soundproofing to the maximum and achieve the highest possible acoustic comfort in the interior.
It is especially ideal as part of complete vehicle soundproofing, where the individual modifications complement each other and the resulting effect is significantly stronger. That is why we often recommend this service in combination with our most effective soundproofing packages Expert Plus and Ultra, where it ranks among the interventions with the greatest benefit for the resulting acoustic comfort of the interior.
The work itself takes approximately one working day depending on the vehicle's construction; for more complex or premium models it can take up to two days. The price of this service usually ranges around 20 000 Kč depending on the specific vehicle and scope of work.
