Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows while driving? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Envision this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, running the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
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 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 present a danger of causing long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent harm to one’s hearing.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in noise levels when windows are open?
While your vehicle may seem loud, a number of factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic results in louder noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes increases the overall volume level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting total noise levels.
Tips for minimizing risks and promoting safe driving
If you like driving with windows down, think about these steps to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- 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 recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are especially made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By adopting precautionary measures, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.
