Front License Plate - Impact on MPG?

[spietrek]

Today I picked up my new license plates. Living in OH, it is the law that cars must have both front and rear license plates. Although I see many vehicles, especially luxury brands (Lexus, MB, Cadillac) without front license plates in the area, not sure I want to take a chance. The thought of drilling 2 holes in a perfectly good bumper <shudder> plus the fact it will definitely reduce the look of the front of the car make me quite uneasy. The law is the law so it doesn't matter what I think anyway. Just wondering what are people's thoughts on the impact on MPG? I assume there would be some hit (<1 MPG, 1MPG, more).

[lamontcranston]

I wonder the same thing myself. But then again, here in California it seems the license plate holders come attached to the car when you buy them, so the damage has been done.

I wonder if there could be some sort of deflector that fit over the license plate that could mitigate the MPG loss.

[spietrek]

Interesting.

Front & Rear License Plate Accessories :: Sigma Automotive

[drees]

Zip tie it to the grille opening - that way you get a partial grill block year round - may be enough to improve fuel economy a smidge!

Either way, effects on aero should be minimal since the bumper s so flat, anyway.

Those swivelling plate mounts are designed to allow more air into the grille - not really necessary on the Prius. Keep air out of the grille should improve fuel economy.

[rrolff]

Originally Posted by spietrek

Today I picked up my new license plates. Living in OH, it is the law that cars must have both front and rear license plates. Although I see many vehicles, especially luxury brands (Lexus, MB, Cadillac) without front license plates in the area, not sure I want to take a chance. The thought of drilling 2 holes in a perfectly good bumper <shudder> plus the fact it will definitely reduce the look of the front of the car make me quite uneasy. The law is the law so it doesn't matter what I think anyway. Just wondering what are people's thoughts on the impact on MPG? I assume there would be some hit (<1 MPG, 1MPG, more).

OMG MPG

[Indyking]

Will fall leaves over my Prius impact the MPG?

[Blind Guy]

Originally Posted by spietrek

Today I picked up my new license plates. Living in OH, it is the law that cars must have both front and rear license plates.
* We in Mo. also have to have Front and Rear plates.

Although I see many vehicles, especially luxury brands (Lexus, MB, Cadillac) without front license plates in the area, not sure I want to take a chance.
* If you didn't, you can be assured, YOU'D be the one to get caught!

The thought of drilling 2 holes in a perfectly good bumper <shudder>
* You DO NOT have to drill holes. There are two little indentations in the Bumper where the Plate fassens, two self-tapping screws are supplied with the bracket.

plus the fact it will definitely reduce the look of the front of the car
* The burdons we have to bear to be compliant.

make me quite uneasy. The law is the law so it doesn't matter what I think anyway.

Just wondering what are people's thoughts on the impact on MPG? I assume there would be some hit (<1 MPG, 1MPG, more).

* I can't imagine there would be much of a hit, since the Front Bumper has a relatively high verticle stance, and thus, acts like a virtual Air Damn. The Front Plate stands above the top of the Bumper a very little, and the Plate extends below the bottom of the Bumper a little more, but I don't think they would affect MPG perceptably.

David (aka Blind Guy)

[RoyThePriusGuy]

Originally Posted by spietrek

Today I picked up my new license plates. Living in OH, it is the law that cars must have both front and rear license plates. Although I see many vehicles, especially luxury brands (Lexus, MB, Cadillac) without front license plates in the area, not sure I want to take a chance. The thought of drilling 2 holes in a perfectly good bumper <shudder> plus the fact it will definitely reduce the look of the front of the car make me quite uneasy. The law is the law so it doesn't matter what I think anyway. Just wondering what are people's thoughts on the impact on MPG? I assume there would be some hit (<1 MPG, 1MPG, more).

You've got to be kidding... really - can it be THAT much? 1MPG due to a .001 more drag at 55mph? c'mon...

I have a suggestion. Keep the front plate on and take the hit. And simply drive a few less miles per week. Like walk to Starbucks. Or forego that donut and save a few pounds off the bod. That will balance out your "MPG hit"....

Are we THIS anal about MPG? Perhaps eliminate the rear plate so we don't take the mpg hit when driving in reverse...

[gohybrid]

Of course, you could cut a license plate sized hole in the bumper, patch over it with .063 lexan to retain your bumper contour, and secure the license plate behind it.

of course, if you're worried about drilling holes, you can't be too jazzed about going at it with a dremel. "Air damn" indeed.

[xbdude]

Yay for RonThe PriusGuy. Finally some common sense emerges . . . . . .