Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Picture this: It’s a serene 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 rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially hazardous to your ears?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s really loud. British researchers carried out trials 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.
Does this noise level pose a risk of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent 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?
Numerous aspects can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered automobiles. A somewhat quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can substantially add to the overall 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 noise rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic results in louder noise
Each passing car, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. In addition to 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.
Tips for decreasing risks and promoting safe driving
If you like driving with windows open, think about these measures to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- 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, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.