How Fast Should I Drive It?

[greg g]

.  My car has a comfortable spot between 45 to 55 on the speedometer.  Most of our driving is done on state and county highways and roads. These have a limit of 55.  We usually travel at 60 indicated.  With the windows down, vent open, at that speed its loud.  Wind, tires, fan and engine.  But it is just there.  Doesn't sound stressed in third direct, a little quieter with the od engaged.  But we are all used to driving around with windows up, ac on, and the engine just above idle at 60 / 65 in our modern cars.  Makes the old ones seem loud in comparison. Hardly ever hear the fan on either of our daily drivers.  I bet if you went down the road with the fan belt off, you would eliminate 40% of the noise at 50 to 60 mph and you would be less concerned about the sound from under the hood.  I have seen very brief bursts to 75. Usually to get separation from knuckle drager gawking at the car and drifting toward you.