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Running the AC overnight

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by reactified, Mar 18, 2022.

  1. reactified

    reactified New Member

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    One of the main reasons I bought a Prius is the ability to run the climate control overnight while only using a little bit of gas, so I could setup a camping rig in the back later on.

    However someone on a discord server says that it's very bad for the engine to do this due to low oil pressure at idle rpms, how much truth is there to this?

    I know the prius idles pretty high at about 1100rpm and the engine only kicks on for about 30 seconds every 15-20 min when running the climate control, so I'm guessing this helps reduce potential wear because it's just not running that much.
     
    #1 reactified, Mar 18, 2022
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    none whatsoever. lots of people camp in their prius and have for 15 years with no ill effects. it is made to sit and run the hvac, kicking the engine on and off as necessary.

    there are camping threads here, with all kind of experts
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 18, 2022
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  3. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Someone didn't know what they were talking about. Prius doesn't really idle; when it's stopped but the ICE is running, it's spinning MG1and charging the hybrid battery and powering the accessories.
     
    #3 jerrymildred, Mar 18, 2022
  4. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    None. Don't worry about it at all.

    BTW, the world of Prius camping is awesome. I've spent 667 nights in the Prius over the past few years, mostly stealth camping. I've been able to attend major sporting events where hotel rates are sky high, follow good weather, and visit friends/places that I couldn't even consider if I had to be paying hotel rates.
     
    #4 Johnny Cakes, Mar 18, 2022
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  5. ToyXW

    ToyXW Active Member

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    No, it is not "bad" for your car. But you are adding wear & tear without adding any miles so you shouldn't expect things to last as many miles as you might otherwise. Batteries wear out in part due to charge/discharge cycles. Engines wear out in part due to hours of use...

    Cold starts do wear out your engine at an accelerated rate, but you're not doing cold starts overnight - your engine stays warm. If your engine starts to cool off too much, your Prius will kick it back on even if your battery doesn't need a charge.
     
    #5 ToyXW, Mar 18, 2022
  6. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Using fuel consumed as a measuring stick for engine wear/tear, overnight in the Prius is equal to 30 miles of driving.
     
    #6 Johnny Cakes, Mar 18, 2022
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