Is driving with the windows down detrimental to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a fresh look at these issues.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down present dangers to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
You don’t think it’s very loud. Researchers in the UK performed 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 pose a risk of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle might seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
Most gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered vehicles. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Alternatively, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can produce more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can considerably increase the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that automobiles experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can indeed impact your hearing.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further increasing total noise levels.
Tips for decreasing risks and ensuring safe driving
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these guidelines.
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows open and closed.
- One way for drivers of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- In order to protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially designed to reduce 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 open.
Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can subject you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
Taking measures to safeguard your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows down.
Contact us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.
