Buick QuietTuning Technology: How Does it Work?

May 31 2023 -

Buick is striving to make its mark in the luxury genre in many ways, not least of which is targeting one of the main bugaboos of the discerning motorist: noise, vibration and harshness or “NVH”. This causes discomfort and distraction and reducing it will greatly improve the quality of life on-board that all Buicks represent. One of the tools Buick has employed in the fight against sound is actually a collection of tools all falling under the “QuietTuning” umbrella.

While “reducing NVH” is the overarching goal here, there are three main factors that Buick seeks to reduce with their tech: reduce internal vehicle noise – that is to say the noise from a car or SUV’s engine and powertrain; reduce external noise such as the thrum of your tires or the rush of wind; and absorb any noise that does make its way into the vehicle.

To help reduce the impact of vehicle-generated noise, Buick has employed a generous helping of the traditional noise reduction elements they’ve been perfecting over the years. Features like acoustic insulation material on both sides of the steel dash panel, under the hood and in the headliner help keep engine noise and vibration out or absorb those sound waves that do get in, while some more unique elements like liquid-applied sound deadener, specialized door seals and tuned intake and exhaust systems help reduce NVH even further. Another way to reduce this type of noise, of course, is to prevent it from occurring in the first place and to do so, Buick employs hydraulic suspension bushings and isolates the engine cradle so that the sound created has nowhere to go.

Acoustic laminated windshield and side window glass, meanwhile, helps keep wind noise out. Buick’s designers have also aerodynamically optimized the wing mirror shape so as to let air pass more smoothly over this often noisy portion of a vehicle’s body.

To combat outside noise from below vehicle, QuietTuning adds dual density carpets and special underbody panelling that not only reduces noise from the road but also reduces drag which both lowers noise levels and improves fuel economy. Indeed, not only is wind noise annoying, but it also means that drag is being created and that can (literally) cost you at the pump.

The final feather in Buick QuietTuning’s cap is of the electronic variety – Buick models equipped with the Bose audio system also get active noise cancellation. What this means is that like your favourite headphones, the car’s speakers are used to emit sound frequencies that neutralize unwanted frequencies from reaching occupants’ ears.

When you reduce the noise in a car, you improve the quality of life and Buick QuietTuning is here to help you every step of the way.

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