Can driving with open windows lead to permanent harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK conducted experiments with various vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
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 create a danger of triggering long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in noise levels when windows are open?
While your car might seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that cyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic amplifies noise
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating 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.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid using them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize extended 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 purchasing helmets that are especially designed to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In summary, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By embracing precautionary precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.