Is driving with the windows open harmful to your hearing? Does it save on gas? Should you drive with your windows up or down? Here’s a new perspective on these questions.

Picture this: It’s a peaceful early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the highway almost empty, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the refreshing breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to use the car’s air conditioner on such a beautiful day? What’s the point of squandering valuable gas?

But the question is: Is driving with the windows rolled down potentially hazardous to your ears?

What are the potential risks connected to open window driving, according to research?

You don’t think it’s really loud. British researchers carried out tests using different makes of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, during 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.

Does this noise level present a risk of permanent hearing damage?

Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can result in permanent damage to one’s hearing.

In heavy traffic conditions where exposure surpasses 100 decibels, hearing damage can happen within a mere 15 minutes.

What factors contribute escalated noise with open windows?

While your car may seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.

A guide to engines and vehicle styles

The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process happening within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller sized 4-cylinder engines may provide a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.

Wind resistance

Air rushing past your vehicle can generate noticeable whistling and whooshing noises, contributing significantly 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 only 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows open can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.

Heavier traffic results in louder sounds

Every car that goes by in multiple lanes increases the total volume level. Along with the sound of the engine, you are also exposed to the rush of air produced by other cars passing by, which contributes to a louder overall environment.

How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving practices

Decrease the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these guidelines.

• Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
• One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to roll up the windows while leaving the roof open.
• Utilize smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
• Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises surpassing 100 decibels.
• To protect your hearing, avoid blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
• If riding a motorcycle or bicycle, invest in helmets designed to reduce traffic noise.
• Regularly monitor your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows open.

Essentially, driving with the windows open can subject you to a variety of potentially harmful sounds, such as the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which may pose a threat to your auditory well-being.

By embracing 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.