Can driving with open windows cause irreversible harm 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.

Picture this: It’s a serene early morning, the clock ticking at 7:45 AM. With the freeway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, savoring the cool breeze through your open windows. Isn’t it excessive to run the car’s air conditioner on such a lovely day? After all, why waste valuable gas?

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

What the research says about driving with open windows

Think it’s not that 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.

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 danger of permanent hearing damage?

Indeed, exposure to 85 decibels over an 8-hour time frame can result in permanent hearing loss.

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

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

Various aspects can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle might already seem noisy.

Engine and vehicle types

The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process taking place within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that run on gasoline. However, hybrids, electric cars, or smaller 4-cylinder engines might offer a quieter ride. On the other hand, sports cars such as Ferraris are capable of over 100 decibels of noise, especially when driving in lower gears.

Wind resistance

Air rushing past your vehicle can produce noticeable hissing and whooshing sounds, adding significantly to the overall ambient sound, even in cars known for their quiet ride. Studies have demonstrated that bicyclists face about 85 decibels of wind resistance at just 15 MPH, escalating to 120 decibels at 60 MPH. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable effect on your hearing, particularly since cars face increased wind resistance.

Heavier traffic leads to louder sounds

Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, contributes to noise amplification. Aside from the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing cars, further increasing total noise levels.

How to mitigate risks and ensure safe driving practices

Reduce the threat of hearing loss while driving with windows open by following these guidelines.

• Take breaks when you are on long drives, alternating between windows open and closed.
• One way for drivers of convertibles to reduce noise exposure is to put up the windows while keeping the roof open.
• Use smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
• To avoid being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended period of time, it is recommended to keep your windows closed when driving in heavy traffic.
• In order to safeguard your hearing, refrain from blasting music to hide traffic sounds.
• When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about obtaining helmets that are specifically designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
• Regularly track your hearing health, especially if you’ve been habitually driving with windows down.

In summary, driving with windows down subjects you to numerous sources of noise, including engine and wind noise, potentially impacting your hearing health.

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

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