My new grill block

Sorry for my taste, they are all ugly. Not my cup of tea even if I have that model. Sorry.

 

I am hoping the block heater I just purchased will eliminate the need for something like this!

 

You are comparing apples to oranges, I would buy a block heater and forget it. I didn't say anything about Nascar . Lol glad you googled it though.

 

the block heater will be great.....but blocking the grill will have benefit of keeping it warm

 

Grill blocks are unnecessary. That's why the engine has a thermostat. You also risk overheating. This is one of those myths that should be busted.


Galaxy Nexus ? 4

 

Those of denying the benefits of grill blocking...you haven't tried it! I usually get 60-70 MPG on my commute. Turned cold last fall and MPG's (driving exactly the same) fell to 52-56. Threw my grill block on my lower grill only, MPG's back to 60-70. No question grill blocking on the Prius C makes a huge difference. I don't have a temp gauge on my model but from easing other posts sounds negligible.


iPhone ? - now Free

 

I do grill blocking, but you must drive without using the gas pedal or the brakes and all down hill. In a Prius C, 60-70 mpg on your daily commute, I call BS.

 

Maybe in January/February not earlier than that.

 

Agree just put in the same I made last year and all the slit were in the same place it was a breeze less than 3mint for the 5 pices to fit ... no ziptie nothing ... .it was 30-40 minutes last year to make them ... put them to storage in March and viola instant blocking

 

Something is up with cold air and my prius. Left austin (65 last week) I was averaging 54mpg on hwy. Know I'm up here in Springfield mo were temps are 22. I can barely keep 38mpg on the hwy. Nothing changed but the temp. My climate controls are even set the same. I'm about to block the lower off tomorrow whole ever one is cooking and see what happens.

 

cold air simply harder to push around .... but this seems a big drop... hwy only driving ?? is yes blocking will not help that much ... blocking help the most with short trips where the warm up is more significant part of the trip. Also check your tire pressure if you have not done.

Moving from 65 ambien temp to 22 could SIGNIFICANTLY lower your tire pressure easily 4-5 psi (even more) that COULD cause mpg loss on longer hwy driving...

 

Pressure is 44 front, 42 rear. Even with a 20 mile tail wind from Kansas City to Springfield mo I barely held 43mpg. During the summer (100 temp with 90% humidity) I was getting 51mpg at 70mph. Something up, still going to try it and see. 20 min try.

 

I am not saying not to try ... it helps even on highway (actually lowers your air resistance believe it or not). And it will help every time you start from a cold start.

 

Going for my test drive. Looks stock even. Pics to come later.

 

Test drive. Temp 47, wind w 12.
All test were done on the same strip of hwy I 44 between markers 94 and 100. A good mix of hill and flat road,extremely light traffic.
Climate control set on floor at 72 fan speed 2.
ICE warmed up, trip set and stop at same area.

Test 1 without grill blocked, 4 laps.
42.7mpg cruise set at 74mph

Test 2, grill half blocked, 4 laps.
43.4mpg cruise set at 74mph

Test 3, full grill blocked, 4 laps.
48.2mpg cruise set at 74mph.

Almost 5.5mpg gain for $5 and 20min time.

 

well this is the best it gets at this speed I guess .... this shows that blocking the grill lowered your air resistance but I am truly surprised at the gain

I am still holding out for the upper blocking maybe starting in January.

 

I wish I brought my gopro, all I brought was my SLR camera. Then I would have video it, big test is tomorrow when I do a 300 mile trip. Summer I did the same trip at 52mpg at 74mph. I found out the cruise control plus economy mode on hwy speeds over 68mph over long distance increases mpg. At 65mph cost you. Strange ....

 

Slow down! 62-65 mph will get you another 5-8 MPG YMMV