Can driving with open windows cause permanent harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists carried out trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, traveling at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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 permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
While your car may seem loud, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that bicyclists face around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total volume level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Utilize cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is advisable to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are especially designed to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By adopting 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.
