Just got my 2021 Model Y AWD LR with the stock 19" wheels & continental tires, and I really like everything about the car except the road noise rumble! It's my first EV and first Tesla so I spent most of the limited test drive focusing on all the other new stuff like one-pedal driving and didn't notice the road noise *too* much. Also I was mostly on smoother roads for the test drive. I had intentionally picked the 19" wheels to hopefully get a smoother and quieter ride.
Now that I've had more time with it, the rumble is kinda making me nuts. The noise is extremely bass-y and rather fatiguing on even slightly rough roads, at even super-slow speeds. Wind noise is actually pretty good, it's really just road noise that's bothering me.
Using my trusty dB meter things didn't seem too bad using the dBA scale (which under-measures low frequencies to more closely mimic our own hearing range), showing values in the 60-70dB range. Not bad. But when I swapped it over to dBC which is used in industrial settings where bass is a more prevalent issue, holy crap! Going all of 18 MPH on a slightly rough road I was measuring 96 - 100 dB!! Yikes!! Even on the smoothest pavement in town the dBC readings were in the mid-to-high 80's.
I brought up an iPhone app that plots the full frequency spectrum (iAudio Tool) and there was huge build-up at around 35Hz, which is super-low bass.
So I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to improve this? I'm guessing the extra rubber door seals from RPM Tesla and the like probably won't do much of anything, and I don't suspect I'll get a lot out of going down the dynamat/mass-loaded-vinyl rabbit hole without going completely nuts and covering the whole car.
But what about replacing the suspension with either the Unplugged Performance kit or the Mountain Pass Performance kit? Would either of these reduce the rumble?
And what about different tires? The ones on the car are already the ContiSilent (hah!) tires, but apparently Car & Driver has a low opinion of their road noise reduction:
Maybe a different tire would have better road noise characteristics?
Any insight is most appreciated!!
Now that I've had more time with it, the rumble is kinda making me nuts. The noise is extremely bass-y and rather fatiguing on even slightly rough roads, at even super-slow speeds. Wind noise is actually pretty good, it's really just road noise that's bothering me.
Using my trusty dB meter things didn't seem too bad using the dBA scale (which under-measures low frequencies to more closely mimic our own hearing range), showing values in the 60-70dB range. Not bad. But when I swapped it over to dBC which is used in industrial settings where bass is a more prevalent issue, holy crap! Going all of 18 MPH on a slightly rough road I was measuring 96 - 100 dB!! Yikes!! Even on the smoothest pavement in town the dBC readings were in the mid-to-high 80's.
I brought up an iPhone app that plots the full frequency spectrum (iAudio Tool) and there was huge build-up at around 35Hz, which is super-low bass.
So I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to improve this? I'm guessing the extra rubber door seals from RPM Tesla and the like probably won't do much of anything, and I don't suspect I'll get a lot out of going down the dynamat/mass-loaded-vinyl rabbit hole without going completely nuts and covering the whole car.
But what about replacing the suspension with either the Unplugged Performance kit or the Mountain Pass Performance kit? Would either of these reduce the rumble?
Tesla Model Y Luxury Coilover Suspension Kit by Unplugged Performance
The Unplugged Performance Luxury Coilover Suspension Kit for Tesla Model & installs in place of the factory dampers [shocks / struts] and springs, bringing a luxurious and sporty ride with full height and feel adjustment.
unpluggedperformance.com
Comfort Adjustable Coilovers for Tesla Model Y
The Comfort Adjustable Coilovers for Tesla Model Y offer a Suspension Upgrade for your Model Y! Lower your Tesla using this Strut and Spring Kit!
www.mountainpassperformance.com
And what about different tires? The ones on the car are already the ContiSilent (hah!) tires, but apparently Car & Driver has a low opinion of their road noise reduction:
Tested: Do Acoustically Insulated Tires Really Hush Road Noise?
We put acoustically insulated tires to the test—does the foam inside really make the experience more peaceful? Read more at Car and Driver
www.caranddriver.com
Maybe a different tire would have better road noise characteristics?
Any insight is most appreciated!!