Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s really loud. British scientists carried out tests using different types 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 risk of permanent hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
Various aspects can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your car can significantly add to the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have revealed that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases 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 minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these guidelines.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in typical traffic situations (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can subject you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.