Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you go with closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially dangerous to your ears?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists conducted tests using different makes 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.
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 danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
In congested 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?
Numerous aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
Most gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can significantly add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists face around 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and promoting safe driving
Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these measures.
- 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 minimize noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (avoid using them when driving a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows up 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 designed to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By adopting precautionary measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.