Can driving with open windows cause permanent harm to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. British researchers conducted trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, driving at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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 level of noise present a danger of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in volume levels when windows are down?
While your car might seem loud, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
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 vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic results in louder noise
Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting overall noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
If you like driving with windows open, consider these measures to decrease hearing loss risks:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By adopting precautionary measures, you can safeguard 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.