Can driving with open windows cause permanent harm to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? 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 freeway stretches out before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British researchers conducted tests 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.
Does this noise level present a danger of permanent hearing damage?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a rise in noise levels when windows are open?
Numerous elements can boost the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process happening within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles 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 like Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can significantly add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have revealed that cyclists encounter around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the overall noise level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing overall noise levels.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you like driving with windows down, think about these measures to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping 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 minimize prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- To protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are specifically designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, including the roar 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 pleasure of driving with the windows open.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.