Is driving with the windows open detrimental to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you travel along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially hazardous to your ears?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British researchers carried out trials using different types 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.
Could this level of noise present a danger of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a rise in volume levels when windows are open?
While your vehicle may seem loud, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can significantly add to the total 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 rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the total noise level. 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 practices
If you like driving with windows down, consider these steps to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Utilize cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to reduce traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you regularly drive with the windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.