Is driving with the windows down detrimental 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.

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

But here’s the question: Does driving with the windows down pose dangers to your hearing?

What the research indicates about driving with open windows

You don’t think it’s really loud. Researchers in the UK conducted experiments with various 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.

Does this noise level pose a danger of permanent hearing damage?

Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause permanent damage to one’s hearing.

Prolonged exposure to extremely loud noises, like those surpassing 100 decibels in congested traffic, can cause impairment in as little as 15 minutes.

What factors cause a surge in noise levels when windows are open?

While your car might seem noisy, several factors can exacerbate the decibel levels.

Engine and vehicle types

The majority of gasoline-powered engines generate noise as a result of the swift combustion process taking place within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of vehicles that use gasoline. A somewhat quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. On the other hand, sports cars like Ferraris are capable of more than 100 decibels of noise, particularly when driving in lower gears.

Wind resistance

The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your vehicle can dramatically add to the total noise level, even in fairly quiet cars. Studies have revealed that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, rising to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows open can certainly impact your hearing.

Increased traffic results in louder noise

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

Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving

If you like driving with windows down, think about these steps to minimize hearing loss risks:

• Take breaks when you are on long drives, varying between windows up and down.
• One way for owners of convertibles to decrease noise exposure is to put up the windows while leaving the roof open.
• Utilize smartphone apps to monitor noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
• Keep windows closed in heavy traffic to minimize 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, consider obtaining helmets that are specifically made to reduce the impact of traffic noise.
• Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been repeatedly driving with windows down.

Essentially, driving with the windows rolled down can expose you to a range of potentially damaging sounds, including the roar of the engine and rushing wind, which might pose a threat to your auditory health.

By adopting preventative measures, you can safeguard your hearing while enjoying the freedom of open-road driving.

If you are worried about hearing loss caused by noise, please get in touch with us today.