Is driving with the windows down detrimental 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.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you travel along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. Researchers in the UK conducted 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.
Could this volume of noise present a danger of triggering lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
Numerous elements can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer 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
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can substantially add to the overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting overall noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you enjoy driving with windows open, think about these steps to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners 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 typical traffic situations (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed 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 worsen hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows up.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By embracing preventative measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.
