The warmer months bring a few perks, nice temperatures, maybe a breeze, more sunlight… All wonderful things that can spur us to get out of the house and take a day trip. But, if we are using the car, sometimes it is just so tempting to put the windows down and let the summer air filter through. While it sounds fun, and maybe a little bit idyllic, it could not be such a good idea if the temperature is high enough.
The most important thing when on the road is ensuring that the temperature is comfortable for you to drive in, we can give you guidelines to follow, but everyone is different and the way we react to the heat and the cold is as unique to us as everything else. Having said that, when heat is above 85 degrees (30ºC) driving with the windows down may not be on your best interest.
Why driving with the windows down may not be a good idea
The first reason may be an inconsequential one, but when driving with the windows down, many people tend to put their arms out the window. Be it the driver or the passenger, this can be dangerous, as having your limbs unprotected by the car might lead to some unexpected consequences.
But the most important reason to reconsider the window placement is the car’s aerodynamics. Cars are designed to be the most efficient when they are as airtight as possible. This is because efficiency is based on the lowest possible aerodynamic coefficient. The lower the coefficient, the most efficient the car is. And this efficiency is quite important, as it helps drivers lower fuel consumption, get greater driving range, reduce emissions into the atmosphere and have greater stability and safety.
But the advantages are not just practical and environmental, windows up help to reduce the noise in the car cabin and improve the comfort while driving, as there are fewer distractions and the climate controls allow for better temperature regulation.
Open windows can also cause interior damages in the car, as the road sometimes has debris that can get inside the car, like small branches or pebbles that can lodge beneath the pedals and cause an accident. Or, most commonly, mosquitoes and flies that can get into the cab and distract the driver and the passengers, diverting their attention from the road and causing an accident.
A bit of a stretch, but having doors and windows closed in the car is important nowadays, as instances of criminals attempting to rob people in their cars are on the rise, and the more protected you can be the better, especially in areas where there is not a lot of traffic or people around.
At the end of the day, you must use your own discretion to decide whether or not driving with the windows down is worth it for you and your specific circumstances. The most important thing to consider is your own comfort, the temperature outside and if your climate control system is in working order and is going to help you keep the vehicle in optimal condition.
After all, if the air conditioning does not work, having a bit of a breeze may help you not pass out in your car if the temperature is high enough, and if the temperature is not too high or not too low, the fresh air can also help make the drive a lot more pleasant, especially if you are not driving too fast in a highway. There is a reason why convertibles exist and are so popular amongst those who enjoy the open road.
