Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, nearly 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. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? Researchers in the UK carried out 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 lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Various aspects can boost 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 as a result of the swift combustion process occurring inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total noise level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting total noise levels.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you enjoy driving with windows down, think about these steps to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, 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, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.