Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK conducted experiments with various 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 irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
Numerous aspects can boost 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, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can significantly increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic results in louder noise
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 boosting overall noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
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.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Utilize cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- 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 especially made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
In conclusion, driving with windows down exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Get in touch with us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.