Can driving with open windows lead to permanent damage to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a new look at these concerns.
Imagine this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, 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? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential hazards linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal 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.
Could this level of noise present a danger of causing lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What contributes to increased noise with open windows?
Various aspects can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise because of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. A somewhat 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, particularly when operating in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can dramatically increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have revealed that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic results in louder sounds
Every passing car, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing overall noise levels.
How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you enjoy driving with windows open, think about these steps to minimize hearing loss threats:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows up and down.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic situations (steer clear of using them when operating a vehicle).
- To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is advisable to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If operating a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, including the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the pleasure of driving with the windows open.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.