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How to Pay for a Quiet Cabin Mat Upgrade

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Quiet Cabin Mat Upgrade

Install a sound-deadening mat to cut road noise without paying interest on the materials.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $750 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $750 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Driving a loud car gets exhausting on long trips, but adding cabin insulation is one of the easiest ways to make a cheap commuter feel like a luxury ride. While running a car is already expensive between gas and insurance, upgrading your cabin comfort does not have to break your budget if you time it right. The best time to buy DIY material kits is during holiday sales events when prices drop significantly.

When you are planning a car upgrade, keep the buying separate from the paying. Use your negotiating power to get the best price on the bulk materials first, then use a smart financing window to handle the cost of the kit and roller tools without paying extra fees.

Keep in mind that a 0% intro APR is a strict countdown, not a permanent discount. If you still have a balance left when the 15 months end, the standard variable interest rate will apply to whatever is left, which instantly wipes out any savings you got from the holiday sale.

The steps

  1. 01

    Wait for the holiday sales

    Cabin comfort kits go on sale during major holiday weekends like Black Friday or Memorial Day. Do not buy at full price in the middle of summer. Put the kit in your cart early and watch for the price to drop toward that $750 mark.

  2. 02

    Measure your cabin twice

    Pull up your car's forum or manual to find the exact square footage of the floor and doors. Buying too much material wastes money, while buying too little leaves you with a half-finished, noisy cabin. Add about ten percent extra for tricky corners and mistakes.

  3. 03

    Spread the cost with zero interest

    If you use the Discover it® Cash Back, you can take advantage of its 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This lets you buy the entire kit during the holiday sale but pay it off slowly. By breaking the $750 cost into $50.00 monthly payments, you clear the balance before any interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Gather your install tools

    You need more than just the mats to do this job right. Grab a heavy utility knife, some rubbing alcohol to clean the metal, and a solid wooden or metal roller to press the adhesive down. Skimping on the rolling step means the mats will peel off and fail to block the noise.

  5. 05

    Set aside a full weekend

    Stripping out your seats and carpet takes time. Do not rush this project in an afternoon or you will end up with broken plastic clips and a rattling dashboard. Take photos of where every wire and bolt goes so you can put the interior back together without any leftover parts.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Does sound-deadening matting actually work?

Yes, it makes a massive difference by stopping the metal panels of your car from vibrating like a drum. It won't make your car completely silent, but it cuts high-frequency road hiss and makes your stereo sound much cleaner.

Can I just do the doors instead of the whole floor?

You can start with just the doors if you are on a tight budget. It is easier to do because you do not have to pull the seats out, and it stops a lot of localized wind noise.

How much weight does this add to the car?

A full cabin kit adds about 50 to 70 pounds of weight. This is roughly equivalent to carrying a small suitcase, so you will not notice any real drop in your gas mileage.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment on the card?

If you miss a payment, you will likely lose your promotional rate. The bank can immediately bump you up to the standard interest rate, so set up autopay to keep your plan on track.