Is driving with the windows open detrimental 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. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the cool breeze through your open 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 down present dangers 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 numerous 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.
Could this level of noise present a danger of triggering long-term harm 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 contributes to escalated noise with open windows?
While your vehicle might seem noisy, several factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A slightly quieter ride might be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise 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.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every passing car, even on multi-lane highways, adds to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these steps to reduce hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is advisable to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to mitigate traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, including the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a risk to your auditory well-being.
Taking steps to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still taking pleasure in the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.