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 new perspective on these questions.
Envision this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? 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 the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very 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.
Could this level of noise create a hazard of causing lasting harm 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 happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?
While your vehicle may seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to 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 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.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, adding significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you like driving with windows open, think about these measures to decrease hearing loss risks:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer levels.
- Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is advisable to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- In order to safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are especially made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows up.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows open.
Call us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.
