Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you travel along at a relaxed 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 here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. British researchers conducted trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, traveling at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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 pose a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause irreversible harm to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
While your car may seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process taking place within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic results in louder noise
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Along with 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 decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you like driving with windows down, think about these steps to minimize hearing loss risks:
- 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 put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in typical traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are specifically made to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory health.
By adopting precautionary measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Contact us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.