Is driving with the windows down harmful to your hearing? Is it more fuel-efficient? Should you opt for closed or open windows when you’re driving? Here’s a fresh perspective on these questions.
Imagine this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a comfortable 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? What’s the point of wasting valuable fuel?
But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows open pose risks to your hearing?
What the research says about driving with open windows
Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK carried out 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 pose a risk of irreversible hearing damage?
Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can cause permanent harm to one’s hearing.
Extended exposure to extremely loud noises, like those exceeding 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.
What factors create a surge in noise levels when windows are down?
While your vehicle might seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.
Engine and vehicle types
The majority of gas engines generate about 85 decibels of noise caused by the rapid explosions in their cylinders, representing approximately 80% of gas-powered vehicles. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. Conversely, high-performance vehicles like Ferraris can produce more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.
Wind resistance
Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable hissing and whooshing noises, adding substantially to the total ambient sound, even in cars recognized for their quiet ride. Studies have shown that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, especially since cars encounter increased wind resistance.
Heavier traffic results in louder sounds
Each passing vehicle, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further boosting total noise levels.
How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving strategies
Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these steps.
- Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going between having the windows up and down.
- One way for owners of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
- Utilize smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
- To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
- To safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
- When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, consider purchasing helmets that are especially made to reduce the effect of traffic noise.
- Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.
Essentially, driving with the windows open can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a risk to your auditory health.
By adopting preventative measures, you can protect your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.
Get in touch with us today if you are concerned about noise-related hearing loss.