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Operating Temps?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by jwads, Dec 6, 2011.

  1. jwads

    jwads New Member

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    Is there a minimum temperature it must be outside for the Prius to start? I've moved to OKC from CA, and as it is much colder here, I am wondering if there is anything I need to know or change due to the cold?
     
    #1 jwads, Dec 6, 2011
  2. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    An engine block heater will help reduce the impact of the cold on your fuel economy. Other than that, just get in and drive...it's just a car.
     
    #2 efusco, Dec 6, 2011
  3. jwads

    jwads New Member

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    Ya, my fuel MPG is taking it in the shorts cause I've got the heat on so much..glad to know nothing special about the oil or anything
     
    #3 jwads, Dec 7, 2011
  4. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    You're in LA. You don't need the heater! : p

    Try turning the heater temp down some and dress warmer. This may reduce the mpg hit. Or at least keep the heater off until you hit the freeway. Also remember to check your tire pressure. We often forget to do so when the temperature drops. I was almost 10psi lower than expected when temps dropped from high 90s to mid 50s in the span of a couple months. Now my mornings start off at 30°-40° so tire pressure is even lower.
     
    #4 F8L, Dec 7, 2011
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    The oil is 0W20 synthetic. And L.A.?, oh you have nothing to worry about. Wait til you encounter this:

    [​IMG]
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Dec 7, 2011
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Looking at that pic I can almost HEAR the blower.
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Dec 8, 2011
  7. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    I take it you weren't in Vancouver when that picture was taken:D Where were you?
     
    #7 xs650, Dec 8, 2011
  8. Qyota

    Qyota Junior Member

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    Y'all need to read! The OP moved from LA to OKC. Still not a super cold location, but certainly intercontinental!
     
    #8 Qyota, Dec 8, 2011
  9. jwads

    jwads New Member

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    Ya, glad you caught that. I am in Oklahoma, NOT LA. A cold loation for sure for someone who grew up in Socal his whole life
     
    #9 jwads, Dec 8, 2011
  10. pjksr02

    pjksr02 Active Member

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    Isn't ironic that the A/C light was on, with -40 outside!?
     
    #10 pjksr02, Dec 9, 2011
  11. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

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    In most places A/C is heating and cooling. I'm not sure why we assume A/C is supposed to mean cooling only. Air Conditioning could go either way. :) I blame the Romans.
     
    #11 F8L, Dec 9, 2011
  12. Daddy Dave

    Daddy Dave Member

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    My 2010 Prius w/40k miles doesn't care how cold or hot it is. It always starts the same. We regularly see -10 and usually -25F here in Sheridan, WY. Gas mileage drops at least 20%.
     
    #12 Daddy Dave, Dec 9, 2011
  13. jwads

    jwads New Member

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    Alright, good to know I don't need to worry about temps. Thanks
     
    #13 jwads, Dec 9, 2011
  14. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    A friend commented "at those temps, A/C might actually be warmer!"

    But seriously, A/C doesn't mean cold air. It's conditioned air. In the winter, the A/C will run to dry out the air so that your windows won't fog up.
     
    #14 Tideland Prius, Dec 9, 2011
  15. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    On Hondas at least, AC will not run below some ambient temp, around zero Centigrade I think. You can push the switch, but nothing happens.
     
    #15 Mendel Leisk, Dec 9, 2011
  16. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    Funny thing is that -40 C == - 40 F. Weird.

    That's fricking cold by my standards. I've never experienced temps that low...
     
    #16 cwerdna, Dec 10, 2011
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I think it's 3°C for Toyota but even then, it has to work below those temps because if you try to recirculate at -20°C without the A/C button on, it will fog up quickly. You need A/C to run in cold temps to keep the air from saturating from all the moisture from your nose/mouth.


    cwerdna, yes it's a number we can all agree on! :shocked:
     
    #17 Tideland Prius, Dec 12, 2011
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