Who 's right, my husband or me?

Question

Is it true that having your rear windows dowm in some cars is dangerous due to the fumes from the fuel coming into the car? Hubby says yes, I say no.

I think he was speaking specifically about the tail gate windows that can be opened. Like in old wagons, they used to be able to open.

Answer 1

On older cars where the tail pipe is on the rear of the car, YES, it is dangerous to drive with the back window down. This will actually suck the fumes into the car.

Since this was an issue (doubting few who answered here are old enough to know) auto makers now have moved the tail pipe of vehicles that this could happen to, to the side of the vehicle.

Good example would be like a Chevy Blazer. Cause if the exhaust came out the rear, and the back window was open, it would suck that exhaust into the car, so instead, it was placed on the side.

Cars, specially small ones, will leave it on the rear so a side window doesn't do this same effect cause their back windows don't go down.

Your husband is right, cars are designed now a days to watch for this flaw of where the exhaust exits compared to where open windows can be. To prove him right, go take a ride in any 1980's station wagon and put the back window down, you will enjoy the smell within minutes.

You can even pull up old police and accident reports to show hubby is right. From reading the other answers, few know what they are talking about, even if they are mechanics. Basic air flow and physics tells us the fumes will come in.

ps - this is also why tailpipes are angled downward now and are cut at a angle to disperse the fumes better and away from the vehicle. all older tailpipes were straight pipe.

Answer 2

You are right, vehicles are designed to propel the exhaust fumes away from the vehicle. If there was a safety concern with having the rear windows down, then they would not install rear windows. Another thing to consider: In this day and age, one of the biggest concerns with driving a vehicle is the transportation of children. It is always recommended that children be placed in their car seats in the back seat, and there is no rule in place to suggest that you cannot have th rear window down. If having them down were to endanger anyone in the car, don't you think that the agencies that regulate the rules behind child safety would have happened upon it during their investigation. I mean, seriously, they probably put more thought into it than your husband when he through up this load of bull to try to make himself seem wise.

Answer 3

Rear side windows are not a problem. Open rear tailgate windows (like on a hatchback or wagon) can allow exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle. I'd say you're both right - to a certain degree!

Answer 4

If your driving a Station wagon with the back window down or an SUV you could suck in some fumes. However if its a side rear windows nah no fumes.

Answer 5

as the car moves forward it creates a vacuum... Air rushes in to fill the void...exaust CAN come into the open windows at some slow speeds..10 to 20 mph...worse in back window of wagon..not really anything to worry abt....Iv been married 15 years and learned early MY wife is always right!!

Answer 6

Depends.....
Rear window on the tailgate of a stationwaggon? Dangerous.
Rear windows on a Honda Accord? Not dangerous.

You're both right.

Answer 7

well, in this case,your both right.if your exhaust is good and the tail pipe is clean out the rear and your emissions are good,it shouldnt hurt nothing.if that was the case,then they wouldnt put rear windows in the car in the first place.

Answer 8

not dangerous unless there are a lot of fumes..... more dangerous to have up because then the fumes still get in through unsealed areas in car. with windows up no air circulating and then can get cabon dioxide poisoning

Answer 9

The only time it *could* be a problem is when you are stopped and idling. Going down the road, no problem. But if it makes him happy to have the windows closed, let him do that.

Answer 10

I suppose its essential to appear at what retailer the receipt is from as good as what used to be bought. It would supply you clues as as to if he used to be skipping paintings to do anything he shouldnt had been doing. If its anything normal, like groceries, perhaps the time used to be flawed. Try and suppose again to while he bought the object at the receipt. Perhaps its from a provide retailer and he needed to choose anything up for his workplace? If that doesnt support, I might name, or move to the shop, and ask the cashiers if the time is most likely correct and that i might enquire approximately the object that used to be bought at the receipt. Once once more, if its anything minute, I wouldnt fear approximately. But surely if its anything that he shouldnt had been purchasing then you definitely will have to without doubt convey it up.