Garage vs. outdoors

[Shawn Clark]

Tried to post this before but there was a hiccup...

How much impact are folks seeing from parking in a garage vs. outside? In reading about the need to keep the battery pack in a reasonable temperature range it would appear that hot weather and cold weather would considerably reduce efficiency. In summer, cooling the battery pack (and passengers) would steal efficiency, while in winter heating everything up (including the passengers) would rob efficiency. So all else being equal, keeping the Prius in a moderate temperature garage climate seems best.

Hmm...I wonder if this is part of the plan with the solar cells...for when you have to park in the sun (at work, etc.) the cells could be used to charge the pack, then run the AC and/or blower to actively cool it for short periods. (That might tend to extend battery life as well as improve efficiency.) It might not result in any net temp reduction though due to charging inefficiency.

[dwreed3rd]

I have know idea how garage vs outside may affect mpg, but anytime that I can keep my vehicle in a garage at home or in a parking garage, out of the elements, I definately will. Solar may be I different story if I'd be out and couldn't plug it in. Sun, UV rays, heat, cold, birds, rain, snow, ice, hail, tree sap, cats, vandals, etc. I just wouldn't think of leaving our cars out, given the option to have them in a protected area.

[patsparks]

Keep under cover and keep your car looking like new for longer, therefore it will last longer and energy will be saved in production. I keep my car in a steel shed so temps aren't an issue because it gets very hot/cold in there. Keeping my car under cover keeps the dew off so reduces rust and keeps the sun off reducing paint fade. I also park in an open carport at work when I can or in a secure garage when I work nights.

[abq sfr]

Always use a garage if one is available. Why would you not? Like you said, your mpg WILL be better. In addition to what the others said, there are many postings regarding vandalism and even a couple lightning strikes! And, if you have an engine block heater, its easier to use if parked in garage.

[N3FOL]

Unfortunately my bike is in the garage along with my other car. The Prius stays outside, but she gets a whole lot of waxing - 2X/Yr.

[Shawn Clark]

As pointed out above many folks put things in their garages and park their cars outside. Yes we all know about weather effects on the exterior, comfort, and such but it might be wise to consider the impact on fuel efficiency in weighing garage options.

I'm wondering if anyone has tried to do some analysis/testing of the difference. (Hypermilers might have some interesting observations.) Those more familiar with the myriad details of this vehicle's operation might be able to quantify the resultant losses.

A steel shed would probably not be much better than parking it outside with respect to fuel efficiency.

[Bob64]

Garage is better.
1) Better for your battery in hot weather: Less baking in the sun. Your interior is cooler to start with, and you don't have to turn up the AC to get rid of all that absorbed heat in your seats!

2) In the winter with snow, you don't need to scrape ice off the windows. (also good in rain/damp mornings, less condensation!)

3) engine block heater works better without all the wind blowing away the heat.

4) keeps your car cleaner longer.