Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. British researchers conducted trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was minimal traffic, driving 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.
Does this noise level pose a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?
Numerous elements can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process occurring inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, contributing substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total volume level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and promoting safe driving
If you like driving with windows down, consider these steps to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
By embracing precautionary measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.