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? Let’s take a new look at these issues.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present risks to your hearing?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very 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.
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.
Does this noise level present a risk of permanent hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
While your vehicle may seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. 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 more wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Each passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you like driving with windows down, consider these measures to decrease hearing loss risks:
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from 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.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you regularly drive with the windows up.
Essentially, driving with the windows open can expose you to a variety of potentially damaging sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
By embracing precautionary precaustions, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.