Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, using 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 harmful to your ears?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK conducted experiments with numerous 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 level of noise create a danger of triggering long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to 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 rise in volume levels when windows are open?
Numerous elements can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process happening inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have demonstrated that cyclists face around 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating 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.
Traffic magnifies noise
Each passing car, even on multi-lane highways, adds to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting total noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these steps.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in regular traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows open can expose you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.
By embracing preventative precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Get in touch with us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.
