Is driving with the windows down harmful 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.
Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. As the freeway stretches before you, nearly empty of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the invigorating wind rush in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially harmful to your ears?
What are the potential risks linked to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s really loud. British scientists conducted trials using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was less traffic, driving at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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 create a danger of triggering lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause irreversible damage 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 increased noise with open windows?
Various aspects can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem loud.
A guide to engines and vehicle styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of around 80% of vehicles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, adding substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent research. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic results in louder sounds
Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total volume level. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, 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 risks:
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows open and closed.
- One way for owners of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in regular traffic situations (steer clear of utilizing them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize prolonged exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Avoid drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows open.
In conclusion, driving with windows down exposes you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, likely impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect 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 concerned about noise-related hearing loss.