Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste precious gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open present risks to your hearing?
What are the potential hazards connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British researchers carried out trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was less traffic, driving 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 pose a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, such as those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
Various elements can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 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.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can considerably add to the overall noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have shown that cyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the total noise level. In addition to the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which adds to a louder overall environment.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving practices
Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these measures.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are especially designed to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still taking pleasure in the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.
