Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Picture this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches out before you, almost empty of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous 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 conducted experiments with numerous 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 damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in irreversible harm to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?
Numerous aspects can boost the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can substantially add to the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. 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 automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, 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 adds to a louder overall environment.
Tips for reducing risks and ensuring safe driving
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer levels.
- Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are especially designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, especially 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, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By embracing precautionary precautions, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.