Need some ideas about reducing cabin noise in Honda Element - maybe using Fat Mat

I have a 2004 Honda Element. The current tires have close to 70K miles on them, and need to be replaced soon.

I'm experience a high level of road noise, much of which I am assuming is coming from the tires, as it has increased as the tires have gotten more worn (and appears they are slightly out of alignment).

During a search of the Honda Element message boards, somebody showed them removing the spare tire, and insulating that area with a sound-proofing material. Then putting the tire back in, the cover back on -- and that is supposed to help reduce sound as that is an area allowing much more noise into the interior.

First - can anyone actually verify this will help. I would probalby use a product called FatMat (a friend recommended over Dynamat due to cost).

Also, I hear people talking about insullating the wheel wells. Are they really just applying this sound-reducing material directly to the wheel well? Does it stick well enough to not hang down and rub the tire?

I have no desire to take off my door panels, or any other such exercise. I'm mainly looking for the easier "fixes" -- like the spare tire holder, and maybe the wheel wells (if that is in fact a viable option).

I guess my main question is -- does anyone have enough experience to know if these tweaks will result in any significant noise reduction? I hope that buying the new tires will help, too (when I get around to it), but any extra reduction would be good. (Also, if you just happen to know a great, quiet tire for the Element, that would be good, too).

As always, thanks!!

If the tires are that worn and out of alignment, replace the tires and get an alignment. Problem solved.

LOL.....I think the best option if the excessive road noise is due to noisy tires is to replace the tires with less noisy tires! Especially since the tires need to replaced soon anyways!

Try a few bags of these...

Quote from BostonGirl : Try a few bags of these...

These are much more palatable than my packing peanuts. Plus, if you're stuck in a snow drift somewhere in BFE you can live off them for a few days before you have to even think about eating family members or friends.

Fatmat over the spare tire will have little to no noticeable effect on road noise from the drivers seat.

Quote from BostonGirl : Try a few bags of these...

Where can I buy one of those bags? I would bet if you at that whole bag, you would be pooping and peeing orange in no time.

Quote from Zoe Moon : If the tires are that worn and out of alignment, replace the tires and get an alignment. Problem solved.

This. Seriously, man. Proper maintenance on your vehicle will probably solve this.

Quote from ropiv : I have a 2004 Honda Element. The current tires have close to 70K miles on them, and need to be replaced soon. I'm experience a high level of road noise, much of which I am assuming is coming from the tires, as it has increased as the tires have gotten more worn (and appears they are slightly out of alignment). During a search of the Honda Element message boards, somebody showed them removing the spare tire, and insulating that area with a sound-proofing material. Then putting the tire back in, the cover back on -- and that is supposed to help reduce sound as that is an area allowing much more noise into the interior. First - can anyone actually verify this will help. I would probalby use a product called FatMat (a friend recommended over Dynamat due to cost). Also, I hear people talking about insullating the wheel wells. Are they really just applying this sound-reducing material directly to the wheel well? Does it stick well enough to not hang down and rub the tire? I have no desire to take off my door panels, or any other such exercise. I'm mainly looking for the easier "fixes" -- like the spare tire holder, and maybe the wheel wells (if that is in fact a viable option). I guess my main question is -- does anyone have enough experience to know if these tweaks will result in any significant noise reduction? I hope that buying the new tires will help, too (when I get around to it), but any extra reduction would be good. (Also, if you just happen to know a great, quiet tire for the Element, that would be good, too). As always, thanks!!

Your tires make a big difference. ie. michellin vs goodyear vs bfgoodridge vs kumo etc. Go to tire rack.com and look up the reivews for the tires you will be offered for your car. I've got bfs on right now and they are way louder than the michelins that came with the car.

Quote from tennisplayer123 : Where can I buy one of those bags? I would bet if you at that whole bag, you would be pooping and peeing orange in no time.

I don't eat them, I just bathe in them

Quote from Superocean : Your tires make a big difference. ie. michellin vs goodyear vs bfgoodridge vs kumo etc. Go to tire rack.com and look up the reivews for the tires you will be offered for your car. I've got bfs on right now and they are way louder than the michelins that came with the car.

Yeah, tirerack is a great source for tire info. They have great prices too.

Like everyone else said, new tires and an alignment is the way to go. Also, when people refer to sound insulation in the wheel wells, it is INSIDE the car, not outside. I suppose insulating the rear spare tire area will technically help, but I doubt you will be able to perceive the difference.