Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow 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 gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, driving at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
Their findings were consistent: irrespective of the vehicle model or speed, driving with windows down exposed the driver to a near-constant noise level of 89 decibels.
Could this level of noise create a hazard of causing long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
Various elements can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might 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 somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can considerably add to the overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the total noise level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing overall noise levels.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving practices
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone 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 exceeding 100 decibels.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially designed to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can subject you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.