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

Envision this: It is a tranquil morning, with the clock showing 7:45 AM. With the highway almost deserted, you cruise along at a relaxed 55 MPH, enjoying the refreshing breeze through your open windows. On such a picturesque day, using the car’s air conditioner seems unnecessary, doesn’t it? After all, why waste valuable gas?

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

What the research indicates about driving with open windows

Think it’s not that loud? Researchers in the UK carried out 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 irreversible hearing damage?

Exposure to 85 decibels for 8 hours can definitely cause 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 cause a surge in noise levels when windows are open?

Numerous elements can increase the sound levels even while your vehicle may already seem noisy.

A guide to engines and vehicle styles

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

Resistance to Wind

The whooshing and whistling sounds caused by wind passing over your car can considerably add to the total noise level, even in relatively quiet cars. At just 15 MPH, cyclists are exposed to 85 dB of wind noise, and at 60 MPH that volume rises to 120 dB, according to recent studies. Driving with the windows down can have a noticeable impact on your hearing, particularly since cars encounter increased wind resistance.

Increased traffic leads to louder noise

Every passing car, even on multi-lane freeways, adds to noise amplification. Besides the engine noise, you’re subjected to the wind resistance from passing vehicles, further boosting overall noise levels.

Tips for minimizing risks and ensuring safe driving

Reduce the risk of hearing loss while driving with windows down by following these steps.

• Remember to take breaks while on long road trips by switching between having the windows up and down.
• For convertible drivers, closing the windows while keeping the top down can decrease sound to safer volumes.
• Use smartphone apps to keep track of noise levels in normal traffic conditions (never while driving).
• To prevent being exposed to loud noises over 100 decibels for an extended time period, it is recommended to keep your windows up when driving in heavy traffic.
• To safeguard your hearing, avoid blasting music to mask traffic sounds.
• When operating a motorcycle or bicycle, think about obtaining helmets that are especially designed to decrease the effect of traffic noise.
• It’s important to keep a close eye on your hearing health, particularly if you regularly drive with the windows open.

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

By adopting precautionary 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.