Picked up our new Prius yesterday........

[HeidiHo]

We picked up our new '08 Prius at a dealership yesterday in Texas, and drove it 301 miles to our cabin in New Mexico. Before we stopped, we 'topped off the tank' and it needed 6 gallons of gas. Pretty fair I'd say, for driving 70-80 on the highways, and 'new'.
I've got a question.......We own a beautiful Female Chocolate Lab, and love to take her with us in our vehicles. Do you think it would be safe to leave her in the car with the windows up and the air conditioning going if we have to run inside a grocery store for a little while? It is much too hot here in Texas this time of year to merely roll the windows down. Or, should we leave her at home, if we know we will have to stop at a store? Approximately how long do you think this would be safe to leave her (she'll have water, etc)? Will this harm the engine?

Thanks,

[mingoglia]

Originally Posted by HeidiHo

We picked up our new '08 Prius at a dealership yesterday in Texas, and drove it 301 miles to our cabin in New Mexico. Before we stopped, we 'topped off the tank' and it needed 6 gallons of gas. Pretty fair I'd say, for driving 70-80 on the highways, and 'new'.
I've got a question.......We own a beautiful Female Chocolate Lab, and love to take her with us in our vehicles. Do you think it would be safe to leave her in the car with the windows up and the air conditioning going if we have to run inside a grocery store for a little while? It is much too hot here in Texas this time of year to merely roll the windows down. Or, should we leave her at home, if we know we will have to stop at a store? Approximately how long do you think this would be safe to leave her (she'll have water, etc)? Will this harm the engine?

Thanks,

It's perfectly safe. However you'll have some suggest that you leave a note on the window stating it's a hybrid and the A/C is running even when the engine is stopped.

This may not be necessary when it's real hot though because the Prius is actually pretty loud when sitting in very hot temperatures due to the electric fans. I've stated this in another thread that in Phoenix my Prius is actually louder than my Jeep TJ by quite a bit when sitting (due to the Jeep's mechanical fan).... it's probably even slightly louder than my SRT8. The reason I say this is because someone walking past the prius under these conditions would probably not think twice that it's in fact running.

Mike

[ravenmaniac]

Welcome to PriusChat and congratulations on your new purchase. It's best if you can leave your dog at home, but it's also okay to let the A/C run while you are away, if necessary. Your gas mileage will undoubtedly suffer though. Enjoy your Prius!

[kimgh]

Originally Posted by mingoglia

It's perfectly safe. However you'll have some suggest that you leave a note on the window stating it's a hybrid and the A/C is running even when the engine is stopped.

This may not be necessary when it's real hot though because the Prius is actually pretty loud when sitting in very hot temperatures due to the electric fans. I've stated this in another thread that in Phoenix my Prius is actually louder than my Jeep TJ by quite a bit when sitting (due to the Jeep's mechanical fan).... it's probably even slightly louder than my SRT8. The reason I say this is because someone walking past the prius under these conditions would probably not think twice that it's in fact running.

Mike

Check your state laws first. Here in CA, I believe you can be cited and have the animal taken to a shelter. And I bet the cops doing the citing won't buy the A/C is on story, either. I doubt the law takes Prii into account.

[GatorJZ]

Originally Posted by kimgh

Check your state laws first. Here in CA, I believe you can be cited and have the animal taken to a shelter. And I bet the cops doing the citing won't buy the A/C is on story, either. I doubt the law takes Prii into account.

Good advice. It is illegal in Florida as well.

[Sufferin' Prius Envy]

Originally Posted by HeidiHo

Do you think it would be safe to leave her in the car with the windows up and the air conditioning going if we have to run inside a grocery store for a little while?

Originally Posted by mingoglia

It's perfectly safe.

I wouldn't say it is "perfectly safe."

No, the car is not going to destroy itself, and your lab will be comfortable, BUT . . .

I highly suggest you take the little metal key out of the FOB and manually lock the driver door after you push the lock button on the arm rest of the driver door.

Certain elements of our society may see your beautiful new Prius and say to themselves, "Hmmmm, car left on, cool inside, I'm outta here . . . hey! . . . and a chocolate lab to boot!"

[sorthund]

Congratulations on getting your new Prius. Quick question, do you lay the rear seats down for your dog, have him on the back seat, or do you just keep him in the far rear "compartment"? I'm wondering how most people keep their big dogs in the car.

[offgrid]

In answer to big dog in car question---Our 95lb German Shepherd happily rides on the back seat, windows open, seat covers on...

[LittlePinkSequin]

In general, in this heat, I'd say no way to leaving your pet in the car. Granted, you say you'd have the AC running, but I don't know how long you can safely do that - do you want to risk it? If you're just running into the store, can't one of you walk her and/or sit with her while the other shops?