Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? 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 risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted trials using different makes 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.
Could this level of noise create a danger of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
Various aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
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. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can dramatically increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases 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 freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting overall 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 guidelines.
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (steer clear of using them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Contact us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.