On the race track: Engine noise measurement

In order to comply with the predefined noise levels, car and motorcycle engines are examined using sound level measuring devices from Trotec.

Noise regulations become increasingly strict on more and more race tracks. Residents, participants and visitors of the events shall be protected from harmful noise emissions. Thus, the rule for hosts of motor sports events is: Every vehicle should be checked with regard to noise emission in advance. Reliable measurements can be effected using the sound level measuring devices from Trotec. They guarantee a quick and precise application in noise measuring.

While noise is a blessing for some, it is a curse for others. This is the difference between people visiting a race track and taking part in motor sports events, and people living in the vicinity of such a venue. To protect residents from harmful noise emissions, operators of race tracks and hosts of motor sports event taking place there must meet certain noise requirements. Since the 2015 season, for example, the maximum sound level for events on the north loop of the Nürburgring has been 130 decibels. A limitation of 98 decibels applies for the Hockenheimring. The noise of vehicle passing by the stationary measuring spots must even be no more than 90 decibels. This again corresponds to a stationary noise of 98 decibels. During motor sports events, the sound level is measured permanently. As soon as a participant's vehicle appears to be too loud, it is taken out of the race and checked for its sound level by the race organizers.

Timely inspection

To prevent motor sports enthusiasts and their vehicles from dropping out of the race or from not being allowed to take part, cars and motorcycles should be checked for noise generation at an early stage. This can be done either by the owners themselves or, if they want to play it safe, they can ask professionals of tuning workshops and garages. Organizers at the race track must also be perfectly equipped for noise measurements. After all, they are the ones who have the final say about who is allowed to take part in a motor sports event. To be able to effect precise noise analyses of car and motorcycle engines, they need precise measuring instruments – the sound level measuring devices from Trotec.

On the track of noise

In order to take timely action against noise emissions of vehicles, it is essential to determine the precise noise level of the respective engine. A nasty surprise for many: For by now, some vehicles are even too loud for certain race tracks when they are in their original condition. And on top of that, some professionals also exaggerate in terms of tuning. Many motor sports enthusiasts don't want to do without open exhaust systems, which are usually the cause of an extremely high noise generation. And they don't have to – as long as they start determining the exact noise levels in a timely manner and observe the applicable limits when modifying their vehicles.

The noise professional

Professional inspections can be carried out using the sound level measuring device SL300 from Trotec. This easy-to-handle sound level measuring device unites modern electrodynamic sound transducer technology and compact design. The SL300 is quickly at hand when it comes to engine noise measurements. It meets the requirements for sound measuring devices of accuracy class 2 according to IEC 61672-1 and ANSI S1.4. The measured values are visualized particularly clearly on the backlit LCD display. The device is equipped with numerous practice-oriented functions, such as a fast/slow time weighting, and is able to store 50 measured values – ideal for a detailed analysis and documentation!

The benefits of the sound level measuring device SL300:

Accuracy class 2 according to IEC 61672
Maximum and minimum value memory
Reversible time weighting
Storage for 50 measured values
Display illumination

Using the sound level measuring device, you can measure the noise generation of a car or motorcycle engine during an inspection on the test bench, but also of a passing vehicle.

Further solutions

Automotive industry

Engine noise measurement

standard equipment

optionally available

not available

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