Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Does it save money on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Let’s take a fresh look at these concerns.
Picture this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a comfortable 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems excessive, doesn’t it? After all, why waste precious gas?
But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially hazardous to your ears?
What are the potential hazards connected to open window driving, according to research?
Think it’s not very loud? British researchers carried out tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, driving at speeds of 50, 60, and 70 miles per hour.
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.
Could this volume of noise present a hazard of triggering long-term harm to one’s hearing?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.
Prolonged exposure to very loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle might seem loud, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
Most gas engines generate around 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing roughly 80% of gas-powered automobiles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may offer a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, especially when operating in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing sounds, contributing substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have revealed that bicyclists face around 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that automobiles experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.
Heavier traffic results in louder sounds
Every passing vehicle, even on multi-lane highways, adds to noise amplification. In addition to the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other vehicles passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Decrease the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these steps.
- Take breaks during long drives, varying between windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to minimize noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
- Use smartphone applications to monitor the levels of noise in regular traffic conditions (steer clear of using them when driving a vehicle).
- Keep windows up 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, think about purchasing helmets that are specifically designed to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, particularly if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows open.
Essentially, cruising with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially harmful sounds, including the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a risk to your auditory health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you preserve your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are concerned about hearing loss caused by noise, please contact us today.