Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible harm to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? 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 cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What are the potential hazards linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists carried out tests using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, traveling 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 danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in noise levels when windows are open?
Numerous elements can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise increases to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows down can certainly impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total noise 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.
Tips for reducing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- 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 keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- 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.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are especially designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows down.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.