Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you travel along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose dangers to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? British scientists carried out trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was less traffic, driving 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 present a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
While your car might seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process happening within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. 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 open can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting total noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving practices
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.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in typical traffic conditions (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows up.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
By adopting preventative measures, 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.
