Can driving with open windows lead to permanent harm to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. Researchers in the UK performed experiments with numerous vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
The researchers’ results were uniform: regardless of the type of vehicle or its speed, driving with the windows open subjected the driver to a nearly continuous sound level of at least 89 decibels.
Does this noise level pose a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in irreversible hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in noise levels when windows are open?
Numerous aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and vehicle types
Most gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can significantly increase the overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise increases to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic results in louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are especially made to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
In summary, driving with windows down subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By embracing preventative measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.