Can driving with open windows cause irreversible 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.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you travel along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
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. British researchers carried out tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, traveling 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 triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent harm to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
Various aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and vehicle 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 might offer a quieter ride. Conversely, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic leads to louder noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting total noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and ensuring safe driving
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
Taking steps to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.