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Leaving a cooler of ice in the Prius for hot weather.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Pijoto, Aug 30, 2016.

  1. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think toyota has done everything they believe is necessary to get the battery through warranty.
     
  2. Pijoto

    Pijoto Active Member

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    Yep. Also, they specifically said they consider the life of the Vehicle is 180,000 Miles, so everything they recommend is influenced by that number, from batteries to transaxle fluid changes. If you expect to drive your Prius much longer than that, you better take precautions now.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'm pretty sure bisco is being sarc'y. :)
     
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  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    If I were to attempt this, I think I would empty the spare tire well, load the frozen containers there, and replace the cargo cover with a sheet of rigid insulation board cut to spec. This would, IMO, create an internal "ice chest" that could A) cold soak the metal near the battery and B) chill the air closest to the battery.

    Additional pro's are better containment in the event of a leak (the bottles are lower than the HV battery) and better containment in the event of a crash.
     
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  5. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Then you end up with corrosion of the metal around you. At least when you get rear ended or get a flat in the desert, you'll have plenty of cold drinks in the back.

    Everyday as you're leaving for work....oh damn, I forgot to pack the car with ice again
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm serious mendel, do you think manufacturers try to build things that last way beyond warranty? i think it's too expensive.
     
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  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Whenever I buy beer, I look at the Best By dates and it seems the damn bottles are always defective and go empty before that date
     
    #67 JC91006, Sep 1, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 1, 2016
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    agree complete.
     
  9. LDB

    LDB Member

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    Get the window shades for the front door windows from WeatherTech. Then you can leave the windows open about 1.5 inches no matter what the weather. Combine that with their windshield shade and it will definitely make a difference in overall heat build up.
     
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  10. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    Get a white Prius too, right LDB?...sorry Pijoto
     
  11. LDB

    LDB Member

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    Yes, the white is definitely a help in keeping cooler as well but a much more expensive change to make than adding the window shades. The solar roof option is also a huge help and the best option ever in the history of automobiles, well, unless knowing Christie Brinkley and getting to drive her around is considered an option.
     
  12. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I think this whole discussion is pretty ridiculous.
    Common sense "precautions" I think can be taken. That is on really hot days, seeking out sheltered or covered parking. Using sun shades, cracking windows, and tinting.

    But all the precautions in the world won't stop the inevitable. The Hybrid Battery eventually will fail. As far as I know, nobody has ever been able to pick up their Prius new, and then circle the date the Hybrid Battery will fail on their calendar. Before warranty, after warranty, impossible to know.

    What I do know is Toyota will honor the warranty until it passes.
    I also know a lot of Prius owners have had LONGER than expected hybrid battery life.

    My personal opinion is the idea of packing the battery area in ice to help protect the battery seems ridiculous.
    One thing Toyota does warn against is transporting "water" in the back of The Prius. The idea of surrounding the battery area with ice on extremely hot days? Well it seems to me like taking the Titanic out to search for Icebergs.

    Try to park in cooler, shaded area's. Use sunshades. Leave windows cracked to promote ventilation. Go as far as to have windows tinted to reduce heat.

    BUT...enjoy your Prius. There is NOTHING you can do to make the battery last forever. It's a chemical based component, but like an engine, or a transmission, or a gear...it will eventually fail.

    I'd take the money one expects to spend on "ice" and put it in an account for the eventual, and inevitable battery failure. And I'd relax and keep the ice in the drinks.
     
  13. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    The OP usually has a cooler for his lunch in the car anyway.

    All Pijoto does is add a couple more frozen bottles, and leave the cooler open.

    At the end of the day the car is a little cooler and drier.
     
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  14. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    good way to get food poisoning, leave an open cooler with food in 100 degree heat
     
  15. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    Pijoto is a smart guy. I assume he puts in enough ice bottles to keep his lunch cool until lunchtime.
     
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    when i was a kid, we used to buy a huge block of ice to go camping.
     
  17. Pijoto

    Pijoto Active Member

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    I have a nearly hour long work commute, I use the cooler to keep my lunch cold during transport. I don't leave it in the car while at work till Lunch, there's a fridge there...

    And Guys...it is just a few extra bottles with the cooler lid open. I'm not packing down the back area with dry ice or something o_O
     
    #77 Pijoto, Sep 2, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2016
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  18. lar.smith42

    lar.smith42 Active Member

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    I also can't believe you guys are even having this discussion. I am also in Texas and my 2010 has set out side its whole life. You guys act like the Prius is some delicate thing like my Wife. The heat doesn't affect mine except for less mpg when the weather is hot. I treat it like any other car and in 6 years have not had any problems at all. I run air press in tires at factory specs for a nice smooth ride. Car rides nice is very comfortable and handles great at highway speeds 80 to 85.
     
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  19. Fred_H

    Fred_H Misoversimplifier

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    See? Pijoto is smarter than both of us!
     
    #79 Fred_H, Sep 2, 2016
    Last edited: Sep 2, 2016
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  20. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Cooling the cabin air 1 or 2 degrees is going to do squat to the temp of a massive battery under the hatch floor. But hey, that's what makes this thread interesting.
     
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