2017 Prius prime. Snow/ice buildup

sounds bad, maybe try spraying it with some sort of ice melter?

 

I just had this happen on the Camry, but not enough to prevent opening of the trunk. On past hatchbacks, it would require a lot of ice to prevent opening; plenty of empty space in that area.

A 35% to 45% solution of rubbing alcohol can be used as a de-icer. Let fresh solutions chill to outside temps before using; it won't freeze.

 

some type of small magnetic cover would be perfect.

 

Is this where you're getting the ice?

 

The weather stripping is a good idea.

Does the gap appear a normal size, or larger than on metal skinned cars? The plastic panels of Saturns would expand and contract more than metal, and I was wondering if this true of the carbon fiber hatch. I can't tell from the photo.

Rolls of magnetic tape is sold for craft projects. This would be easier to try than weatherstripping. If the roof is steel.

 

oh yeah, the hatch is plastic fiber, or carbon plastic or something.

 

that looks custom, good luck!

 

I used to get have this problem on my Honda Fit as well. I'm sure the metal is strong enough that it's not causing any damage, but the crunching sound from the snow/ice compressing was certainly unnerving! How did the weather stripping work out for you?

 

If the ice build-up was adjacent to metal on both sides then the crunching when opening would be less of a worry. But the glass covers the hatch up there. I've worried about this too up here in Chicago. Ice build up around the hatch has been constant for 25 straight days now.