Can driving with open windows cause irreversible damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
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. 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.
Could this volume of noise create a hazard of triggering long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in volume levels when windows are down?
While your car may seem loud, several factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like 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 car can significantly add to the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have shown that bicyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the overall volume level. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows down, think about these measures to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Remember 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 leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (steer clear of utilizing them when driving 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 closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are specifically designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Contact us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.
