Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose dangers to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? British researchers conducted tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was minimal traffic, traveling at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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.
Could this level of noise create a danger of triggering long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent harm to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?
Various aspects can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process happening within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and promoting safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these steps.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is advisable to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, including the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.