Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a fresh 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 comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What are the potential hazards connected to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK performed experiments with various 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 pose a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
While your vehicle may seem noisy, a number of factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
Most gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered automobiles. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your car can dramatically increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. At only 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows down, think about these steps to decrease hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal 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 up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Get in touch with us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.