Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible damage 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.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? British scientists conducted trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during 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 create a danger of causing long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in irreversible damage to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
While your car may seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
Most gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 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, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic results in louder noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes adds to the overall volume level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (steer clear of utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is advisable to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In summary, driving with windows down exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By embracing preventative measures, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.