Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you travel along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present risks to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? Researchers in the UK conducted 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 hazard of triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in volume levels when windows are open?
Numerous aspects can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may 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 operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these steps to reduce hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows open can subject you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
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 concerned about noise-related hearing loss.