Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible harm to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you travel along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially hazardous to your ears?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s really 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.
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 pose a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in irreversible harm to one’s hearing.
Extended exposure to very loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
While your car might seem loud, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines generate about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized 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 studies. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
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 minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, especially if you frequently drive with the windows up.
In summary, driving with windows open subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By adopting preventative precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Contact us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.