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 new look at these issues.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost empty, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? After all, why waste valuable gas?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose dangers to your hearing?
What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?
You don’t think it’s really 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.
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 hazard of causing lasting harm to one’s hearing?
Certainly, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour period can result in permanent hearing loss.
Extended exposure to extremely loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can result in impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors cause a surge in volume levels when windows are open?
Various elements can increase the noise levels even while your vehicle might already seem loud.
A guide to engines and automobile styles
The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place inside of their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce over 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Resistance to Wind
Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, contributing substantially to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. At only 15 MPH, cyclists experience 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that cars experience even more wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.
Traffic magnifies noise
Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the total volume level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting overall noise levels.
Tips for reducing risks and ensuring safe driving
If you enjoy driving with windows down, consider these steps to minimize hearing loss risks:
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
- For convertible owners, shutting the windows while keeping the top down can reduce sound to safer volumes.
- Use smartphone applications to track the levels of noise in normal traffic conditions (avoid using them when operating a vehicle).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is advisable to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are especially made to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.
In conclusion, driving with windows down subjects you to various sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.
Taking measures to protect your ears can help you maintain your hearing while still enjoying the thrill of driving with the windows open.
If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.