Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that loud? British scientists carried out tests 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.
Could this level of noise present a hazard of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?
Numerous elements can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically increase the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have shown that cyclists face about 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, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the overall noise level. In addition to the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- To protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In summary, driving with windows open subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.