Windows Up or Down Who You Got?

"glemon" (glemon)
10/08/2020 at 21:22 • Filed to: None

So I was driving home from work, perfect fall day, about 72 Farenheit, low humidity, and I decide to do my own informal survey, midwest town, what we call “through streets” with 35-45 mph speed limits. I tried to count but couldn’t keep two running totals in my head, anyway windows all up to any window down was about 50/50.

If I looked at Je eps and trucks with people who looked like they worked outside in them the open window ratio was much higher. If I looked at newer vehicles in general the ratio of closed windows skewed higher. Older vehicles of all types the windows open skewed higher (maybe the Craigslist “ air conditioning works, just needs a charge” effect).

I am firmly in the windows up camp. Strangely enough the full immersion of wind in a convertible is fine, but blasting one side of my face and buffeting from an open window is not my thing (but bring back vent wings and I am all in).

How do you roll (up or down)?

Side question, does Covid make a difference to you?

Side comment, doggo votes are considered biased and do not count!

DISCUSSION (69)

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:45

With the bad air out west this summer?

The research is clear that “windows up, air filtration on” is the best course of action.

glemon > SBA Thanks You For All The Fish
10/08/2020 at 21:47

Well there is an obviously significant factor I didn't consider. Not so much here, but for a big chunk of you.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:48

My unofficial perception: it depends on the car.

From the stuff I’ve owned:

Any Ford: windows down

Any Subaru: windows up

Current BMW: windows up

Current LR: windows down

VW: windows down

Honda: windows down

MM54 > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:48

Depends on the vehicle. In the Chevelle the windows are always at least cracked since it blows some serious hot air out the dash on anything but “vent” . The RX7 is great for windows down, very little turbulence blasting on your head, unlike the 4Runner (and my old Crown Vic was similar) that above about 25mph it’s downright unpleasant with the windows down. The 124 is a moot point since the top (and thus windows) are down unless it’s raining or I’m on a long highway jaunt, in which case they’re closed.

Chariotoflove > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:48

I do drive more with windows up since I got the super quiet luxury car, because that’s it’s specialty. Still, when it’s such a nice day like today, I roll the windows down.

What I don’t understand are all the convertibles I see with top up o n perfect days.

Also, covid means nothing when driving.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:50

For weather like that, windows down all the way. Front, back, and liftgate glass. Honestly, the fact that more SUVs don’t have roll down rear glass is a shame.

A Boy and His Longtail > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:50

Windows down gang

Aremmes > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:50

I drove to and from work today with the top down. Temps around 55°F/12°C, low humidity, heat vents on max.

On other cars, it depends on the temperature inside and out, but I generally try to keep some air flow, so I usually drive with the windows at least partially open.

glemon > MM54
10/08/2020 at 21:51

I have a convertible, despite my preference for windows up in a modern closed car, driving the Triumph with the top up (and windows in any position) takes away about 80 percent of the fun and is generally not done.

P5guy now GTIguy > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:51

Drivers window down sunroof open up to about 60

Svend > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:52

I'll lower the window a bit from time to time, but I'll always open the opposite side a touch also to even out the pressure as I get buffeting in the ear away from the open window otherwise.

glemon > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/08/2020 at 21:53

I find you belief system and ritualistic practices fascinating.

flatisflat > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:54

I don’t keep the windows up unless I absolutely have to. Which is rare. And I live in Houston. Thooooough, I also do not have a regular commute, and I think that’s a huge factor as I don’t have to worry about stinking up an enclosed room of strangers once arrived.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:56

Apparently even the lousy filtration in most modern cars is a huge help.

Of course, we all have N95 masks on anyway, as we await the Zombie Pockylypse to follow the Covid attack.

PowderHound > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:57

Windows down, Music up

glemon > Chariotoflove
10/08/2020 at 21:57

Yes, the top up on a nice day is a head scratcher for me too. On a nice day convertible > closed car > convertible with top up. If you are going to leave it up why have one?

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:57

If the air was good I love all the windows down and the sunroof open on a summer evening. I was hoping to have the truck done but this year has caused some issues!

Kinja'd!!!

ttyymmnn > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:58

In Texas, where it’s hot as balls for 9 months out of the year, in windows up with the AC on. But when fall happens (in Late November) I’m windows down. Sometimes, though, I’ll go windows down with the AC on.

Chariotoflove > glemon
10/08/2020 at 21:58

Quite. My daughter thinks it should be illegal.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > MM54
10/08/2020 at 22:00

I don’t find the turbulence that bad in the 4Runner with the rear glass down as well. It behaves a bit more like a convertible.

WilliamsSW > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:01

Down whenever possible, and lately I’ve been dailying the convertible because beautiful fall weather, so top down.

That said, newer cars are much quieter than older cars- and have strong buffeting tendencies which is super annoying.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:01

Dailies: typically windows up as most of my commute is at 65.

porsches: windows down till I need a fur hat, at which time they get tucked away.

“ Side question, does Covid make a difference to you?” in terms of windows? I’m not close to people.

subexpression > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:02

I almost always keep the windows closed now because I live in a city, I drive something with good HVAC, and nothing I’ve ever driven has been all that pleasant at speed with the windows open.

In the past I had the windows open more because I spent part of that time living in the country and I drove things without working air conditioning. And sometimes I needed windows cracked to balance the HVAC settings I needed to avoid fogging.

Nauraushaun > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:08

I’ve got t-tops, so top down is a PITA. But I do it most drives because I’m into it.

When I see someone in a nice modern convertible that can drop the roof with 1 button press up to 40km/hr...I scoff ;)

SmugAardvark > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:08

Lately, all windows up. But it’s been 90+ degrees with smoke-filled air for what seems like two months.

But the smoke is finally blowing out and temperatures are dropping to the high 70's during the day, and 50's at night. So I suspect I’ll be driving the C5 with the windows down and the targa top off quite a bit in the coming weeks .

HammerheadFistpunch > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:08

Windows down as often as possible

Nauraushaun > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:09

Mostly down if it’s warm enough. I’d much rather have the air come in than treat my car as some sort of climate controlled box. Often I have the heater on and the windows down too.

Usually the roof off if the trip is long enough or I’m doing a few trips in a day.

Covid has changed things since it’s still pretty much illegal to drive at all here. The pop to the shops is like 10 minutes each way and I’ll take off the roof for that most of the time.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:10

In the Alfa, windows down unless it’s a boring highway or it’s raining.

In the Jag, windows up unless I’m on local roads and the weather is a perfect 75F.

The ‘rona means windows up for busy streets with peds.

dumpsterfire! > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:11

This morning’s commute was 43F. Drove the interstate with top down, because why the hell not. The ride home was upper 70s and would probably have been window down if I were on side streets with any of my other cars.

PyroHoltz f@h Oppo 261120 > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:11

Certain cars manage low wind noises with the windows down, others (my 3er) do not.

Nice weather, I like the windows down until a stupid loud anything comes by and ruins that.

MM54 > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
10/08/2020 at 22:11

That’s true, with all the windows (including rear) and sunroof open it isn’t bad, but just the front windows, good luck.

TrickJos > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:17

Windows down whenever possible. I sometimes crank the heat up and turn the blower on high so I can put my windows down in the winter.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:17

Windows cracked, sunroof vented

Beefchips > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:22

Bro! All windows and sunroof (if so equipped) open. Gotta get that crisp fall air

wafflesnfalafel > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:22

I’ve got them down anytime I can - but I understand I am in the minority...

Boxer_4 > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:23

I’m generally a windows down guy unless it’s raining or winter. I’ll think about AC for temperatures in the upper-90s, lower if I have passengers (they tend to complain otherwise). I’m probably not doing my hearing any favors with highway driving, but I enjoy the rush of outside air too much.

facw > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:24

Windows down! As much as possible. And I’m shocked you got to 50/50, I’d estimate it’s more like 90-95% up regardless of whether (lower on the highway). And when I lived in Houston I was told that driving with the windows down is not a thing they do (due to a combination of heat, humidity, and homeless panhandlers at every major intersection).

UserNotFound > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:25

All of my windows are down and my arm is out the window unless it's under 60 degrees, I'm going over 60 mph, or I've driven more than 60 minutes.

Nothing > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:26

Down in the Mustang, I don’t even know if they roll up. Then again, I still have barely gone any distance in it. More to come on that story.

4Runner, sunroof open, back window down, whatever other windows down. Not as often lately with the smoke/ash in the air.

facw > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/08/2020 at 22:26

Any Ford: windows down

I won’t tell anyone to put the windows up, but this is really wasting that “ MAX A/C” button (I think Fords still have this?)

facw > P5guy now GTIguy
10/08/2020 at 22:27

Get some heated seats and you can do it until 40!

MiniGTI - now with XJ6 > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:31

As long as the weather isn’t extreme it’s more about speed for me.

Convertible top - always open unless raining or under about 50°

All other cars: windows and sun roof (all my cars have them) usually open up to about 45 mph. Closed on the expressway; I HATE windows open at speed.

Completely agree with everything said about convertibles, I don’t even mind top open on the expressway for up to an hour or so.

Shoop > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:31

Windows:down

Exhaust valve:open

Heat:on

Ears:deaf

glemon > facw
10/08/2020 at 22:32

We get crappy hot weather in the summer, crappy cold in the winter, so when we get nice weather people tend to revel in it.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > facw
10/08/2020 at 22:32

Don’t all cars have a “max a/c” button? Am I wrong? Am I living in a parallel universe?!?

camaroboy68ss > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:34

Unless its raining my windows are always down when I am by myself driving. I will roll them up on cooler days with others, but I love the window down.

fhrblig > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:39

Windows down, as much as possible. Sunroofs open too, but I’ve only had two cars with them.

My husband is the complete opposite, though. I get dirty looks from him if I leave a window open for even a minute.

MM54 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/08/2020 at 22:45

e39s have “Max [Snowflake]” which is quite effective

fintail > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:46

In the fintail, I have the window at least partly down, and/ or the wing window open, almost all the time unless the weather is cold. In the modern car, seldom as the AC works fine, the window line is too high for me to rest my arm comfortably, and the sunroof can be sufficient too.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:49

No rain? Down

BaconSandwich is tasty. > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:54

Windows down a crack. It's nice to be able to both see and hear one's surroundings.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > glemon
10/08/2020 at 22:59

On the pickup, my driver’s window is always cracked or down, and the wing window is cracked. On a really nice day, I open both sides and the rear slider for a grand total of fiiiiiive windows open.

On the Paseo, the windows are always up. Sometimes, I just want some peace and quiet. A nd let the auto climate do its thing. I will tilt the sunroof if I’m feeling zesty.

Brickman > glemon
10/08/2020 at 23:11

S10... windows down when cool. The lil 2.2 love cool air and more torque without the compressor bogging it down.

ZR2.... depends. I might put it on vent. Lots of wind buffering with the windows down, unlike the S10.

facw > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/08/2020 at 23:12

Mine (a Ford-era Volvo) doesn’t, I thought it was mainly a Ford thing.

sn4cktimes > glemon
10/08/2020 at 23:18

Old vehicles that scoffed at being actually aerodynamic: windows down. Ex my AMC Eagle and Dodge Rampage. Windows down all the time.

Newer vehicles that engineers ran sims on or put in a wind tunnel. Windows up, always. Ex my old Veloster, wife’s Juke, friends Camry.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > glemon
10/08/2020 at 23:22

Both front windows down at speeds less than 50 mph. Rear windows halfway down to reduce buffeting if I’ve got roll down rears.

Only a few things cause the windows to all be up.

Parking

Extremely hot or cold weather (hot weather closes the windows after the AC kicks in)

Picky passengers

Speed

Otherwise they are always at least cracked. I love windows down driving.

glemon > Chariotoflove
10/08/2020 at 23:28

Is it too late to nominate her for President?

P5guy now GTIguy > facw
10/08/2020 at 23:36

I meant mph but I go down to about 50 ish temperature wise. I've got the heated seats so worth a shot.

rctothefuture > glemon
10/08/2020 at 23:41

I’m the guy who blasts the A/C and keeps windows up as much as possible in summer. Then in winter I blast the heat and let all the windows stay down. I’m an odd duck.

Chariotoflove > glemon
10/08/2020 at 23:42

Maybe a write in candidate?

glemon > rctothefuture
10/09/2020 at 00:34

Like when it is zero out? I see that and figure smoker or hangover...

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > glemon
10/09/2020 at 00:41

I usually prefer to have my window open, at least under 55mph.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > MM54
10/09/2020 at 01:42

If they’re just cracked a bit, they’re still ok, even if it’s raining a bit

pip bip - choose Corrour > glemon
10/09/2020 at 02:22

i prefer to drive with them open

way2blu does a rev update > glemon
10/09/2020 at 07:15

I’m firmly “windows down” but I drive a Camaro so that’s like “windows 95% up” on any other car

Pickup_man > glemon
10/09/2020 at 09:22

It all depends on three big things, the temperature, wind, and the vehicle. Temp and wind are pretty self explanatory , but some vehicles buffet way worse than others. My old 924/3rd gen Camaro were amazing with the windows down and I put them down, and the sunroof off at every opportunity (plus they didn’t have AC so it got really hot), my Cobalt is mixed , if I open the driver window, and crack the rear driver side (crank windows, can’t reach the others) it’s smooth and pleasant so I do so when the weather is right. My old truck was amazing with both fronts open, the kick out windows on the extended cab open, and the rear slider open, my new truck (crew cab, no rear slider) is so so and I usually have the windows up in that one.

Overall I’m a windows down kind of person, but the weather here in the midwest is so temperamental that the perfect days come far less than the not perfect ones so windows are up the majority of the time.

Pickup_man > facw
10/09/2020 at 09:29

I have this weird aversion to using the MAX A/C and have no rational explanation for it, even in my black on black truck it can be super hot with regular A/C cranked and I look at that button and think mmmmmmm nope. I’ve maybe used it twice in the year I’ve owned my new truck and don’t recall ever using it it my older Ford either. What does it even do differently? Maybe I should look that up....

Pickup_man > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
10/09/2020 at 09:35

Rear sliders are highly underrated on pickups, it makes air flow with windows down so much smoother, or with the slider open and the rear windows (in case of bigger cabs) cracked a nice recirculating flow with the fronts closed. Also really nice when launching/loading a boat and communicating with the boat driver. And don’t forget letting your kids crawl halfway into the bed while on the highway to grab drinks from the strategically placed cooler.

My new truck doesn’t have a slider and I’m kinda sad about it.

rctothefuture > glemon
10/09/2020 at 13:12

Once it gets below 35, it’s windows down.