Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Imagine this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, traveling at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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 hazard of causing lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
While your vehicle might seem loud, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process happening within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. 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, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can substantially increase the overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have shown that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Each passing car, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Along with the noise 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 enjoy driving with windows open, consider these measures to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- To protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can subject you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.