Does leather interior amplify road noise???
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
Does leather interior amplify road noise???
Very interesting "test"
I have a 2012 Escape, Wife has a 2009 Mercury Mariner (escape clone)
We both have new tires, same size same brand, same PSI.
Both have the same engine and drivetrain.
My Escape is noticeably quieter with regards to road noise (on smooth pavement.
Her's is louder.
My quiet Escape has clothe seats/ interior
She has premium leather interior.
Is the leather amplifying, where the cloth is "absorbing"??????
I have a 2012 Escape, Wife has a 2009 Mercury Mariner (escape clone)
We both have new tires, same size same brand, same PSI.
Both have the same engine and drivetrain.
My Escape is noticeably quieter with regards to road noise (on smooth pavement.
Her's is louder.
My quiet Escape has clothe seats/ interior
She has premium leather interior.
Is the leather amplifying, where the cloth is "absorbing"??????
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
I put it in my '76 Bronco because it was "sweltering" in the back cause the floor was so close to the exhaust... dropped the temp by 20 degrees! plus quieter...
on the steel cap, it would "oil can" going down the road, and if you hit it, it sounded like a drum, with the Dynamat on the cap.... super sound deadening, and no more flexing!
on the steel cap, it would "oil can" going down the road, and if you hit it, it sounded like a drum, with the Dynamat on the cap.... super sound deadening, and no more flexing!
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,239
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From: Northeast Ohio USA
I believe I may be able to respond with experience but with GM vehicles as lab rats. Subject # 1 : 2001 Buick LeSabre Limited "Fully Optioned" with cloth interior, showing 23,000 documented original miles. Quiet ride with pleasant audio acoustics. Subject # 2 : 2004 Buick LeSabre Limited showing 38,000 documented original miles with leather throughout. Exterior road noise much more evident along with audio acoustics lost as a result. Both vehicles share the exact GM RPO Codes aside the upholstery RPO trim and both with seat heat . Big difference. It's well known that fabric absorbs noise. Walk across a hardwood floor with hard sole shoes, then walk across carpet with those same hard sole shoes....Fabric absorbs sound, smooth leather/vinyl reflects it. With that said, My Wife drives the '01 cloth, and I drive the '04 leather 
I'm thankful for the seat heat when I jump in it at 4 am 
I'm thankful for the seat heat when I jump in it at 4 am
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,926
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From: Saskatchewan Canada
Much the same as Whatsachevy? said. Materials like finished leather are considered "hard" acoustically and will reflect sound. Fabrics are "soft" and do not reflect sound. Try Googling "Acoustic treatments" and pick an interesting topic.
Beware of getting into a debate with an audiophile. It's like wrestling a pig in the mud. Sooner or later, you find out the pig likes it.
Beware of getting into a debate with an audiophile. It's like wrestling a pig in the mud. Sooner or later, you find out the pig likes it.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Connecticut
Thanks Guys, Just showed this to the wife, The Result is the new F-150 will have cloth!
(that is what I wanted) she thought leather originally....
Any reason they don't make heated CLOTH seats???
I believe they had to heat leather because it literally Freezes your a** and they hade to come up with something... So instead of the heat element "fixing a problem" marketing spun this to "luxurious heated leather" seats... You want this....right? you deserve this....not those lowly cloth seats.....
(that is what I wanted) she thought leather originally....
Any reason they don't make heated CLOTH seats???
I believe they had to heat leather because it literally Freezes your a** and they hade to come up with something... So instead of the heat element "fixing a problem" marketing spun this to "luxurious heated leather" seats... You want this....right? you deserve this....not those lowly cloth seats.....
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From: Angier, NC
Thanks Guys, Just showed this to the wife, The Result is the new F-150 will have cloth!
(that is what I wanted) she thought leather originally....
Any reason they don't make heated CLOTH seats???
I believe they had to heat leather because it literally Freezes your a** and they hade to come up with something... So instead of the heat element "fixing a problem" marketing spun this to "luxurious heated leather" seats... You want this....right? you deserve this....not those lowly cloth seats.....
(that is what I wanted) she thought leather originally....
Any reason they don't make heated CLOTH seats???
I believe they had to heat leather because it literally Freezes your a** and they hade to come up with something... So instead of the heat element "fixing a problem" marketing spun this to "luxurious heated leather" seats... You want this....right? you deserve this....not those lowly cloth seats.....
I have heated pleather in my Durango, the heat is nice at times but you can't cool them come summer so cloth fir me next time.
Oh my wife's Subaru has heated cloth seats and they are cool in the summer too.
Dave - - - -
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Edmond, OK
I never would have figured interior material would have an effect on road noise. You learn something new everyday.
I have cloth interior in my Olds and my f250. Of course, I'm not too worried about road noise when I drive them. My wife said she wanted leather in our daily drivers. It's more resistant to kid stains like milk, gummy bears and cheeze its.
I have cloth interior in my Olds and my f250. Of course, I'm not too worried about road noise when I drive them. My wife said she wanted leather in our daily drivers. It's more resistant to kid stains like milk, gummy bears and cheeze its.
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Mar 23, 2006 06:38 PM