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

Envision this: It is a peaceful morning, with the clock reading 7:45 AM. As the highway stretches out before you, almost free of traffic, you settle into a leisurely pace of 55 miles per hour, feeling the refreshing wind flow in through your rolled-down windows. On such a beautiful day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? What’s the point of wasting valuable gas?

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

What are the potential hazards linked to open window driving, according to research?

You don’t think it’s very loud. British scientists conducted trials using different types of vehicles, ranging from Mazdas to Aston Martins, at times when there was minimal traffic, traveling 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.

Could this level of noise present a danger of triggering lasting harm to one’s hearing?

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

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

What contributes to escalated noise with open windows?

While your vehicle might seem noisy, a number of factors can increase the decibel levels.

A guide to engines and automobile styles

The majority of gasoline-powered engines produce noise because of the swift combustion process occurring within their cylinders, which is a characteristic of about 80% of automobiles that use gasoline. A slightly quieter ride may be expected in hybrid vehicles or vehicles with smaller 4-cylinder engines. Conversely, high-performance automobiles like Ferraris can generate more than 100 decibels, particularly in lower gears.

Wind resistance

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 are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that noise increases to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Given that cars experience even greater wind resistance, driving with windows down can indeed impact your hearing.

Increased traffic leads to louder sounds

Every car that drives by in multiple lanes adds to the overall noise level. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting overall noise levels.

How to reduce risks and ensure safe driving practices

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

• Don’t forget to take breaks while on long road trips by going 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 apps to keep track of noise levels in regular traffic conditions (never while driving).
• Keep windows up in heavy traffic to avoid extended exposure to loud noises exceeding 100 decibels.
• Refrain from drowning out traffic noise with loud music, as it can worsen hearing damage.
• When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about purchasing helmets that are especially made to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
• It’s important to keep a close watch on your hearing health, particularly if you frequently drive with the windows open.

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

By adopting precautionary 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 get in touch with us today.