Does Adding A Front Mask Hurt The Gas Mileage

Winter · 10-10-2006, 09:57 AM

Hi Everyone, I'm a New Prius Owner And Was Wondering If Anyone Knew If Adding A Front Mask
Will Cut Down On The Mileage Any? Thanks!!

DaveinOlyWA · 10-10-2006, 10:15 AM

minimal effect if any at all. hdrygas modified his with a zipper added to the slots that cover that radiator opening. in the winter he closes the zipper thus eliminating air flow and keeping the Prius warmer and helping to boost his gas mileage

David Beale · 10-10-2006, 12:10 PM

As Dave posted, doubt you could measure the difference. There would be slightly higher drag because air flow would be perturbed. If you closed off the vent openings there would be slightly lower drag, offsetting the drag caused by airflow perturbance of the material on the body.

If you normally cruised at 100 MPH you would notice the changes, but at speeds "normal people" travel at, probably not.

Winter · 10-10-2006, 01:55 PM

Thanks Guys! I think I'll go with the 3-M mask. I can't seem to be able to get the other from the dealer guess they are not out from toyota yet or they are having supply problems..

hdrygas · 10-10-2006, 11:37 PM

If you mean one or another bra for the front the answer is no it does not appeal to effect the milage as far as I can tell. If you are speaking about a radiator blocker, yes it will improve the milage in winter. There are several levels of blockers. I personally think that Franks "lips" ( i.e. Cut halves of foam pipe insulation with notches cut into them for the supports are the best cheapest solution and my Prius bra blocker the best looking but at a considerable cost.

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10-10-2006, 09:57 AM	#1
Winter Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hi Everyone, I'm a New Prius Owner And Was Wondering If Anyone Knew If Adding A Front Mask Will Cut Down On The Mileage Any? Thanks!!

10-10-2006, 10:15 AM	#2
DaveinOlyWA Opps !! I Did it Again!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Puget Sound, WA Posts: 9,667 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #4 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 5	minimal effect if any at all. hdrygas modified his with a zipper added to the slots that cover that radiator opening. in the winter he closes the zipper thus eliminating air flow and keeping the Prius warmer and helping to boost his gas mileage

10-10-2006, 12:10 PM	#3
David Beale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,556 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: B Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	As Dave posted, doubt you could measure the difference. There would be slightly higher drag because air flow would be perturbed. If you closed off the vent openings there would be slightly lower drag, offsetting the drag caused by airflow perturbance of the material on the body. If you normally cruised at 100 MPH you would notice the changes, but at speeds "normal people" travel at, probably not.

10-10-2006, 01:55 PM	#4
Winter Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 3 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Thanks Guys! I think I'll go with the 3-M mask. I can't seem to be able to get the other from the dealer guess they are not out from toyota yet or they are having supply problems..

10-10-2006, 11:37 PM	#5
hdrygas Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Olympia Wa Posts: 3,650 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	If you mean one or another bra for the front the answer is no it does not appeal to effect the milage as far as I can tell. If you are speaking about a radiator blocker, yes it will improve the milage in winter. There are several levels of blockers. I personally think that Franks "lips" ( i.e. Cut halves of foam pipe insulation with notches cut into them for the supports are the best cheapest solution and my Prius bra blocker the best looking but at a considerable cost.