Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present risks to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? Researchers in the UK carried out experiments with various vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
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 permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
Numerous aspects can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and vehicle types
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 use gasoline. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically add to the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have shown that cyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic amplifies noise
Each passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. In addition to the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
Tips for reducing risks and promoting safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these guidelines.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (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.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.