Front License Plate - Impact on MPG?

cossie1600 · 10-29-2009, 05:56 PM

Let's remove the rear wipers, spoiler and sideview mirrors, less drag!

rrolff · 10-29-2009, 05:59 PM

I think it has been clearly shown that tires do directly affect mileage due to drag and friction.

You will get your most bang-for-buck by simply removing the tires.

radioprius1 · 10-29-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrolff

I think it has been clearly shown that tires do directly affect mileage due to drag and friction.

You will get your most bang-for-buck by simply removing the tires.

Wind tunnel tst

JimboPalmer · 10-29-2009, 07:10 PM

I am betting driving with the dome light on will effect gas mileage more than having a front plate.

(bwilson4web will show up with spreadsheets to prove me wrong, watch)

Rokeby · 10-29-2009, 08:06 PM

Essential reading:

Bizarre or obscure details that effect mpg

Leakman · 10-29-2009, 09:05 PM

I was going to buy some triple edge wiper blades for the car but now I will have to re-think that plan. Could be a drastic change that I would have never even given a thought.

I am heading out to polish the underneath of the car to try and reduce some of the drag!

bwilson4web · 10-29-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spietrek

. . . cars must have both front and rear license plates. . . . what are people's thoughts on the impact on MPG? . . .

Mount it on the bumper air intake, radiator block and don't worry about it it. Between the radiator block and the license plate, it will help keep the air laminar as it flows up and down under the car with a minimum of drag. Worse comes to worse, vacuum form a clear plastic cover, radiator block and mount the license plate behind the bubble. In the summer, remove the sides and you should be good to go.

To see what I mean, look for Ken@Japan's photos of the Japanese Prius owners. The clever ones have extended their front license plate down so it always partially blocks the air inlet.

Bob Wilson

radioprius1 · 10-30-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimboPalmer

(bwilson4web will show up with spreadsheets to prove me wrong, watch)

Is there anyone on this forum scientifically inclined enough to understand bwilson's graphs? I try and get lost immediately. Every single time

That dude is a sharp cookie!

JimboPalmer · 10-30-2009, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radioprius1

Is there anyone on this forum scientifically inclined enough to understand bwilson's graphs? I try and get lost immediately. Every single time

That dude is a sharp cookie!

Yes he is. I sometimes feel I understand what he has drawn, I never feel I could be through enough to generate the data he has amassed.
He is an asset we are lucky to have. (I may go thank a couple of posts just to show we care)

a64pilot · 10-31-2009, 11:35 AM

Funny thing is, let gas go north of $4 again, and a completly different tact will be taken on questions of whether or not there is a mileage penalty of a front license plate or not.
In my opinion, it was a valid question, FE is gained by many small gains, not usually one big one

10-29-2009, 05:56 PM	#11
cossie1600 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: CT Posts: 181 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: II Package: No Package Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Front License Plate - Impact on MPG? Let's remove the rear wipers, spoiler and sideview mirrors, less drag!

10-29-2009, 05:59 PM	#12
rrolff Prius Surgeon Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: So Cal Posts: 530 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 34 Thanked 99 Times in 57 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Front License Plate - Impact on MPG? I think it has been clearly shown that tires do directly affect mileage due to drag and friction. You will get your most bang-for-buck by simply removing the tires.

10-29-2009, 07:10 PM	#14
JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Greenwood MS USA Posts: 378 My Car: 2009 Prius Model: N/A Package: #5 Thanks: 17 Thanked 66 Times in 53 Posts Friends: 3	Re: Front License Plate - Impact on MPG? I am betting driving with the dome light on will effect gas mileage more than having a front plate. (bwilson4web will show up with spreadsheets to prove me wrong, watch)

10-29-2009, 08:06 PM	#15
Rokeby Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Ballamer, Merlin Posts: 1,510 My Car: 2008 Prius Model: Package: #6 Touring Thanks: 94 Thanked 74 Times in 54 Posts Friends: 2	Re: Front License Plate - Impact on MPG? Essential reading: Bizarre or obscure details that effect mpg

10-29-2009, 09:05 PM	#16
Leakman Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 18 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: IV Package: No Package Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Front License Plate - Impact on MPG? I was going to buy some triple edge wiper blades for the car but now I will have to re-think that plan. Could be a drastic change that I would have never even given a thought. I am heading out to polish the underneath of the car to try and reduce some of the drag!

10-31-2009, 11:35 AM	#20
a64pilot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Albany Ga. Posts: 732 My Car: 2010 Prius Model: III Package: N/A Thanks: 19 Thanked 45 Times in 40 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Front License Plate - Impact on MPG? Funny thing is, let gas go north of $4 again, and a completly different tact will be taken on questions of whether or not there is a mileage penalty of a front license plate or not. In my opinion, it was a valid question, FE is gained by many small gains, not usually one big one

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Front License Plate Bracket	jmFightSpam	Gen II Prius Main Forum	15	06-03-2008 04:01 PM
front license plate	skuke	Gen II Prius Main Forum	5	04-24-2007 04:33 PM
Front license plate holder	Orsino	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	8	03-26-2005 08:47 AM
Front License Plate Frame	PRIUSINCTMI	Gen II Prius Main Forum	22	01-21-2005 08:22 AM
front license plate bracket	ofl	Gen II Prius Modifications	15	12-09-2004 04:47 PM