Can driving with open windows cause permanent harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, almost 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. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK performed experiments with various vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
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 volume of noise present a danger of causing long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Extended exposure to extremely loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Numerous aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
Most gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can considerably increase the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. At only 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these steps.
- 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 reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows up.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory health.
By adopting precautionary precaustions, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.