Asian car manufacturers are notorious for using a thinner gauge steel... if you want thick, talk to the germans...
Roof Sheetmetal Very Thin
Has anyone else noticed how thin the metal on the roof is? I noticed during a recent heavy downpour and brief hail storm how loud the raindrops and hail were when bouncing off the roof. Downright alarming. Very hollow and tin-can sounding. First car I have ever owned that had such a thin sounding roof. Roof suffered a dent from a hailstone.
Today, while running errands, a stone was thrown and it bounced off the roof. Aside from sounding like a gunshot, the roof now has a second dent and nice paint gouge (hopefully the dealer will have a touch-up stick in stock...I have an appointment for my first oil change tomorrow anyway.)
Anyone else notice how thin the roof metal seems to be?
Today, while running errands, a stone was thrown and it bounced off the roof. Aside from sounding like a gunshot, the roof now has a second dent and nice paint gouge (hopefully the dealer will have a touch-up stick in stock...I have an appointment for my first oil change tomorrow anyway.)
Anyone else notice how thin the roof metal seems to be?
1 - 20 of 46 Posts
on the rear driver side, i have a little spot where the paint is cracked at almost a 90 degree angle. it looks like something, or someone leaned on there, causing the metal to fold and split the paint. there is no visible dent, luckily. but, yes, i agree... the roof gives easily.
Asia doesn't have high quality iron ore deposits. That's why they're always rust buckets.
shouldn't that be covered under the warranty ? it's obviously a defect in the paint if it wasn't inflicted by contact.
QUOTE (gregd71 @ Jul 20 2010, 06:43 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343341
QUOTE (gregd71 @ Jul 20 2010, 06:43 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343341
on the rear driver side, i have a little spot where the paint is cracked at almost a 90 degree angle. it looks like something, or someone leaned on there, causing the metal to fold and split the paint. there is no visible dent, luckily. but, yes, i agree... the roof gives easily.
QUOTE (ryster @ Jul 20 2010, 05:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343307
Hopefully this is not a sign that Hyundai is overdoing the weight management thing. It does concern me when they brag about eliminating 100 pounds of frame reinforcements by avoiding V6 engines, and then the literature says things like "towing not recommended with this vehicle".
On the other hand, hail and stones can dent any car. I'd be curious to see what other Sonata owners say.
I don't own a Sonata, but my Santa Fe has survived basketball impacts with no dents. My Hondas by comparison were very thin-skinned... full of dimples and dents within a couple of years.Has anyone else noticed how thin the metal on the roof is? I noticed during a recent heavy downpour and brief hail storm how loud the raindrops and hail were when bouncing off the roof. Downright alarming. Very hollow and tin-can sounding. First car I have ever owned that had such a thin sounding roof. Roof suffered a dent from a hailstone.
Today, while running errands, a stone was thrown and it bounced off the roof. Aside from sounding like a gunshot, the roof now has a second dent and nice paint gouge (hopefully the dealer will have a touch-up stick in stock...I have an appointment for my first oil change tomorrow anyway.)
Anyone else notice how thin the roof metal seems to be?
Hopefully this is not a sign that Hyundai is overdoing the weight management thing. It does concern me when they brag about eliminating 100 pounds of frame reinforcements by avoiding V6 engines, and then the literature says things like "towing not recommended with this vehicle".
On the other hand, hail and stones can dent any car. I'd be curious to see what other Sonata owners say.
QUOTE (ryster @ Jul 20 2010, 05:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343307
This is pretty typical of all cars these days. The roof of our Nissan actually collapsed under the weight of snow this winter. I was able to bang it out from inside but it will never quite look the same.Has anyone else noticed how thin the metal on the roof is? I noticed during a recent heavy downpour and brief hail storm how loud the raindrops and hail were when bouncing off the roof. Downright alarming. Very hollow and tin-can sounding. First car I have ever owned that had such a thin sounding roof. Roof suffered a dent from a hailstone.
Today, while running errands, a stone was thrown and it bounced off the roof. Aside from sounding like a gunshot, the roof now has a second dent and nice paint gouge (hopefully the dealer will have a touch-up stick in stock...I have an appointment for my first oil change tomorrow anyway.)
Anyone else notice how thin the roof metal seems to be?
QUOTE (mayasonata @ Jul 20 2010, 08:12 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343375
probably, but its so minor that messing with it would only make it worse. i looked the car over carefully when i picked it up and i didnt notice it in the shade where it was parked then. im more upset about the dealer using armor all on the new tires. i still havent been able to get the orange-ish crap of the sidewalls and outer treadshouldn't that be covered under the warranty ? it's obviously a defect in the paint if it wasn't inflicted by contact.
I traded in my 2008 scion xb, now that roof was thin. I couldnt even talk on the cellphone when it was raining it was so loud.
Another thing making the noise higher is that Hyundai skimped on sound deadening material on the '11 Sonata. I read an article in one of the magazines about things Hyundai did to the '11 model compared to the previous generation in order to shave 150 lbs from the car. The magazine article (Im sorry I dont remember which one it was), commented that vehicle noise was slightly higher than the '10 model for this reason.
One thing I am starting to see is that alot of the complaints or "quirks" of this car are the result of efforts Hyundai has done in the interest of fuel economy:
1. People dont like the "feel" of the power steering. This is a result of electric power steering, whcih is done to improve fuel economy.
2. People dont like the load of the engine when decelerating. This is a result of the "smart" alternator that only engages when there is no throttle, which helps fuel economy.
3. People say the engine is noisy when idling. This is a result of GDI, which is a technology that is known to be loud, but has very good fuel economy.
4. People dont like the 'tinny' feeling doors or thin roof. This is done to lower weight of the vehicle, which helps fuel economy.
I applaud Hyundai for being innovative in the interest of fuel economy, but perhaps the general public needs more education when buying modern cars, as I suspect other car companies are already (or soon will be) doing things like this in the interest of fuel economy.
One thing I am starting to see is that alot of the complaints or "quirks" of this car are the result of efforts Hyundai has done in the interest of fuel economy:
1. People dont like the "feel" of the power steering. This is a result of electric power steering, whcih is done to improve fuel economy.
2. People dont like the load of the engine when decelerating. This is a result of the "smart" alternator that only engages when there is no throttle, which helps fuel economy.
3. People say the engine is noisy when idling. This is a result of GDI, which is a technology that is known to be loud, but has very good fuel economy.
4. People dont like the 'tinny' feeling doors or thin roof. This is done to lower weight of the vehicle, which helps fuel economy.
I applaud Hyundai for being innovative in the interest of fuel economy, but perhaps the general public needs more education when buying modern cars, as I suspect other car companies are already (or soon will be) doing things like this in the interest of fuel economy.
Everything will change if we want more fuel efficient cars. Looks, weight, drive. The one most important thing to help save fuel is cut the electronics back. The smart alternator is a great thing but not when you have no education about it.
QUOTE (Mike Eckman @ Jul 21 2010, 10:03 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343539
Mike is right that these design decisions were made by Hyundai engineers made to improve fuel economy. All in all, we are not making any major sacrifices yet we get to drive relatively large, safe, fun to drive and oh yes, great looking cars that can achieve 40+ MPG on the highway. Some things may have annoyed me a first but I have learned to appreciate them. :thumbsup:1. People dont like the "feel" of the power steering. This is a result of electric power steering, whcih is done to improve fuel economy.
2. People dont like the load of the engine when decelerating. This is a result of the "smart" alternator that only engages when there is no throttle, which helps fuel economy.
3. People say the engine is noisy when idling. This is a result of GDI, which is a technology that is known to be loud, but has very good fuel economy.
4. People dont like the 'tinny' feeling doors or thin roof. This is done to lower weight of the vehicle, which helps fuel economy.
I applaud Hyundai for being innovative in the interest of fuel economy, but perhaps the general public needs more education when buying modern cars, as I suspect other car companies are already (or soon will be) doing things like this in the interest of fuel economy.
QUOTE (Mike Eckman @ Jul 21 2010, 10:03 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343539
I love the engine load decelerating. Makes me feel a little more like a manual trans car (I said sorta). This is my first auto in like forever and wasn't to keen on going back to auto.
Engine noise...meh. Some liken it to a diesel. Mine is slightly louder than a non-GDI car but its no where close to a diesel in my opinion.
Tinny feeling can be cured easily if it does bother you. This comment usually cracks me up. While I understand its not a 10K, its not a top of the line luxury either. Weight = reduction in mileage.
We had a heavy rain here last night and I cant recall that much of a "tin" sound. But then again my radio was on. Maybe I am already desensitized to these types of things? *shrug*
All my cars now have electric steering so its not new to me. Which hark ens back to your comment about education I guess my 91 is technically EHPS. Yeah steering doesn't have as much feedback, but gets the job done.Another thing making the noise higher is that Hyundai skimped on sound deadening material on the '11 Sonata. I read an article in one of the magazines about things Hyundai did to the '11 model compared to the previous generation in order to shave 150 lbs from the car. The magazine article (Im sorry I dont remember which one it was), commented that vehicle noise was slightly higher than the '10 model for this reason.
One thing I am starting to see is that alot of the complaints or "quirks" of this car are the result of efforts Hyundai has done in the interest of fuel economy:
1. People dont like the "feel" of the power steering. This is a result of electric power steering, whcih is done to improve fuel economy.
2. People dont like the load of the engine when decelerating. This is a result of the "smart" alternator that only engages when there is no throttle, which helps fuel economy.
3. People say the engine is noisy when idling. This is a result of GDI, which is a technology that is known to be loud, but has very good fuel economy.
4. People dont like the 'tinny' feeling doors or thin roof. This is done to lower weight of the vehicle, which helps fuel economy.
I applaud Hyundai for being innovative in the interest of fuel economy, but perhaps the general public needs more education when buying modern cars, as I suspect other car companies are already (or soon will be) doing things like this in the interest of fuel economy.
I love the engine load decelerating. Makes me feel a little more like a manual trans car (I said sorta). This is my first auto in like forever and wasn't to keen on going back to auto.
Engine noise...meh. Some liken it to a diesel. Mine is slightly louder than a non-GDI car but its no where close to a diesel in my opinion.
Tinny feeling can be cured easily if it does bother you. This comment usually cracks me up. While I understand its not a 10K, its not a top of the line luxury either. Weight = reduction in mileage.
We had a heavy rain here last night and I cant recall that much of a "tin" sound. But then again my radio was on. Maybe I am already desensitized to these types of things? *shrug*
My baby survived her first HAIL storm today...while I was watching her getting pelted from the window at work, I was thinking about this thread and worried about the roof...its all good..no dimples :thumbsup:
QUOTE (jdubs @ Jul 21 2010, 11:05 AM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=343591
This is pretty much the way I feel about it too.
I haven't owned a car thats weighed less then 3700lbs in probably 15 years. Yeah, the Sonata is a bit more noisy and bouncy, but to be honest the transition to a small(imo), fuel effiecent car has been painless.
And lets not forget about the money aspect here. Hyundai has found a way to sell affordable cars without making them feel like............well "hyundais".lol These cars feel way more luxurious then cars with comparable prices.
Mike is right that these design decisions were made by Hyundai engineers made to improve fuel economy. All in all, we are not making any major sacrifices yet we get to drive relatively large, safe, fun to drive and oh yes, great looking cars that can achieve 40+ MPG on the highway. Some things may have annoyed me a first but I have learned to appreciate them. :thumbsup:
This is pretty much the way I feel about it too.
I haven't owned a car thats weighed less then 3700lbs in probably 15 years. Yeah, the Sonata is a bit more noisy and bouncy, but to be honest the transition to a small(imo), fuel effiecent car has been painless.
And lets not forget about the money aspect here. Hyundai has found a way to sell affordable cars without making them feel like............well "hyundais".lol These cars feel way more luxurious then cars with comparable prices.
Personally I think it has to do with the fact that there is not a lot of (heavy) sound dampening material in the roof lining. If it bothers one that much, then remove the lining and get some of those 3M (i think) kits and stick it directly to the exposed metal, that should dampen any metallic resonance substantially.
Love the car but hate the tin roof
Makes listening to the radio or phone calls very difficult when it's raining. I also get that "I drive a cheap car" feeling when my passenger closes the door and the roof rattles
Is there a way to add sound insulation after-market?
Makes listening to the radio or phone calls very difficult when it's raining. I also get that "I drive a cheap car" feeling when my passenger closes the door and the roof rattles
Is there a way to add sound insulation after-market?
Has anyone else noticed how thin the metal on the roof is? I noticed during a recent heavy downpour and brief hail storm how loud the raindrops and hail were when bouncing off the roof. Downright alarming. Very hollow and tin-can sounding. First car I have ever owned that had such a thin sounding roof. Roof suffered a dent from a hailstone.
Today, while running errands, a stone was thrown and it bounced off the roof. Aside from sounding like a gunshot, the roof now has a second dent and nice paint gouge (hopefully the dealer will have a touch-up stick in stock...I have an appointment for my first oil change tomorrow anyway.)
Anyone else notice how thin the roof metal seems to be?
It's funny you would say this about the doors... The reason I say that is because I have had several people since I bought it about three months ago (most recently yesterday) tell me that they can tell that it's a good quality car by the sound of the doors when they're closed.Makes listening to the radio or phone calls very difficult when it's raining. I also get that "I drive a cheap car" feeling when my passenger closes the door and the roof rattles
Is there a way to add sound insulation after-market?
Yeah, our cars aren't as quiet as some, but for the price we paid, I'm VERY happy and satisfied with what I got! I feel like you'd be hard pressed to find as much car for your money even when certain compromises are factored in.
To answer your last question, yes, there are lots of sound deadening materials available. Dynamat is one of the most popular. Keep in mind though that it's not necessarily cheap and you'll have to disassemble your interior to install it.
Last summer my Grand Prix got mangled in a hail storm, there were at least 15 dings. Fortunately my Sonata hasn't been exposed to that. I haven't experienced the tin roof sensation yet.
In 2000 I had bought a new tiburon. We had a hail storm at my work and my car was the only one that got hail damage. I traded it in shortly after after.
I'm hoping they have improved since then. I was caught in a small hail storm 2 weeks ago and no damage to my 2012 sonata GLS. So far so good!
I'm hoping they have improved since then. I was caught in a small hail storm 2 weeks ago and no damage to my 2012 sonata GLS. So far so good!
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