Is driving with the windows down detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present risks to your hearing?
What are the potential hazards linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that 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.
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.
Could this volume of noise present a danger of causing long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
While your car might seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A slightly 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.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the overall noise level. In addition to the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you like driving with windows down, consider these steps to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- To protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to reduce traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can subject you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.
