This satisfying, solid thud is not a happy accident.
People often associate sounds in cars with something not right. Even though auto enthusiasts are more sensitive to vehicle sounds, there is also the positive side of an engine’s powerful exhaust note. While most people don’t pay much attention to the sound of a door closing, automakers seem to. They actually do.
According to Mel Magazine, the sound of a closed door is one of the most important sounds automotive engineers need to master. We don’t mean the sound is just a result of two parts slamming together. The closing door is designed to emit a specific muffled and clear sound that exudes strength, quality, and reliability. Some might argue that the sound you hear is fake. This isn’t an entirely fake sound, but engine sounds are running through the car stereo speakers.
Although the satisfying thud you can hear is real, due to the use of materials that absorb sound, it is often lower in the register than it should. Think of the sound that two pieces metal make when they clang together. Clanging is an accurate description. According to studies, metallic sounds give the impression that a car’s build quality is lower. The door closing is often the first sound buyers hear when buying a brand-new car. We’re all familiar with the old saying that you never get another chance to impress.
Automakers want vehicles to sound solid. Weatherstripping seals doors for noise and water, but this report’s detailed look at the engineering behind door closing is very fascinating. This is a side of automotive design that we didn’t know about, but it’s important to understand the importance of a first impression sound and the extraordinary effort put into creating a particular tone and feel.