Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible harm to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. On such a picturesque day, running the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not 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?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
Numerous aspects can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process happening 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 offer a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can generate over 100 decibels, especially in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, contributing significantly to the total ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, adds to noise amplification. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Take breaks during long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in typical traffic conditions (avoid utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to protect your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.
In summary, driving with windows open exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.
