Can driving with open windows lead to irreversible harm 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’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, nearly free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to use the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? What’s the point of squandering 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. Researchers in the UK performed 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.
Does this noise level present a danger of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent harm to one’s hearing.
In congested traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.
What factors create a rise in volume levels when windows are down?
Numerous aspects can boost the noise levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.
Engine and automobile types
The majority of gas engines produce about 85 decibels of noise due to the rapid explosions in their cylinders, accounting for 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 such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and hissing sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically add to the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists encounter about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the overall noise level. Along with the noise of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air created by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to minimize risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.
- Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible drivers, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to minimize extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
- If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, purchase helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows open subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
By adopting precautionary measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.