Can driving with open windows cause permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really 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.
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.
Does this noise level present a danger of permanent hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle might seem loud, several factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process happening inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that run on 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 over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can substantially add to the overall noise level, even in fairly 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 research. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies 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 increasing total noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the risk 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 owners of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Utilize smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.