Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Envision this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really 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.
Does this noise level present a risk of irreversible hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to irreversible 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?
While your vehicle might seem loud, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 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 encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. In addition to the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you like driving with windows down, think about these steps to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- One way for owners of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic conditions (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- To avoid 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.
- To protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you frequently drive with the windows up.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
By adopting preventative precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.