Can driving with open windows cause 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 is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into an unhurried pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. Isn’t it unnecessary to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose risks to your hearing?
What the research indicates about driving with open windows
Think it’s not very loud? British scientists conducted trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during times when there was less traffic, traveling 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 volume of noise create a danger of triggering lasting damage to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely result in permanent harm to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those exceeding 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 open?
While your vehicle may seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines produce around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid combustion in their cylinders, accounting for approximately 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. Alternatively, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can substantially increase the overall noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at only 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.
Increased traffic leads to louder sounds
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, contributes to noise amplification. 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
Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these steps.
- Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows open and closed.
- For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer levels.
- Use cell phone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
- Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can exacerbate hearing damage.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are specifically made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.
Essentially, cruising with the windows open can subject you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, such as the rumble of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.
By adopting preventative precaustions, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.