Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of squandering valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What are the potential hazards linked to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not that 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.
Their findings were consistent: irrespective of the vehicle model or speed, driving with windows down exposed the driver to a near-constant noise level of 89 decibels.
Could this level of noise present a hazard of causing long-term damage to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.
In heavy traffic conditions where exposure exceeds 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors cause a rise in volume levels when windows are open?
Numerous elements can boost the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and automobile types
Most gas engines generate about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the overall 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 studies. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, especially since cars face increased wind resistance.
Traffic amplifies noise
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total noise level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting total noise levels.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving practices
If you like driving with windows open, think about these measures to reduce hearing loss risks:
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in typical traffic conditions (steer clear of using them when operating a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to decrease the impact of traffic noise.
- It’s essential to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you regularly drive with the windows open.
In summary, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
By adopting preventative measures, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Call us today if you are worried about noise-related hearing loss.