Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a new viewpoint on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists carried out tests using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, driving 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.
Could this level of noise present a danger of causing lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can occur within a mere 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
Various elements can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. 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 more than 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 overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have revealed that cyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the total noise level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing overall noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows open and closed.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use cell phone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets developed to mitigate traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you regularly drive with the windows open.
In summary, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
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 worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.