Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a fresh viewpoint on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK performed experiments with various vehicles, from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during non-peak hours at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 MPH.
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 irreversible hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors contribute increased noise with open windows?
While your vehicle might seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. 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 over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. 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. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the overall noise level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting overall noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows open, think about these measures to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (steer clear of using them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are especially made to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows open subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.