Swooshing noise as car drives near obstacles

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Driving with windows open can produce a swooshing noise when passing obstacles like trees, attributed to the interaction of air turbulence and sound waves. This effect may be enhanced by the car's motor and tire noise being reflected back, similar to the Doppler effect. The noise is particularly noticeable near walls or other solid structures. The discussion humorously suggests that if the airflow is interacting significantly with nearby trees, it might be wise to maintain a safe distance. Overall, this phenomenon highlights the audible impact of environmental factors on vehicle noise.
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As you drive with your windows open you can hear a sound due to some continuous stream of air that is hitting your face, or whatever. But why is it then, that when you drive past by some obstacle, like a tree, you hear a swooshing noise? What is causing this?
 
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Typically you're hearing tire, mechanical, and maybe some aero noise being reflected back to you. It's especially obvious when you drive next to a wall.

If you're driving close enough to a tree that your airflow is interacting noticeably with the tree, then you may want to back off a bit. :smile:
 
olivermsun said:
If you're driving close enough to a tree that your airflow is interacting noticeably with the tree, then you may want to back off a bit. :smile:

Very well put. I laughed.
 
You finally hear how noisy your car is.
 

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