Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Picture this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the cool 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 wasting valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very 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.
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.
Does this noise level present a danger of permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
Extended 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 create a rise in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle may seem loud, several factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have revealed that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the overall volume level. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the 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.
- Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In summary, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.