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Wind Noise

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by David E. Edwards, Mar 27, 2017.

  1. David E. Edwards

    David E. Edwards Junior Member

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    While driving my 2017 Prius 2 with the right rear window down about 2/3 and all the other windows up the wind noise and buffeting is severe. My speed was about 50 mph.

    It reminds me of the prop-wash from a helicopter.I estimate the noise level to be over 80 db. with a lot of buffeting of passenger seat also.

    Any others with this problem?
     
    #1 David E. Edwards, Mar 27, 2017
  2. Paradox

    Paradox Prius Enthusiast / Moderator
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    Just crack the other back window open somewhat and it'll stop the buffeting. Happens to many if not most modern vehicles at higher speeds because of aerodynamics, this isn't a 'unique to Prius' issue nor problem.
     
    #2 Paradox, Mar 27, 2017
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  3. pakitt

    pakitt Senior Member

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    Most cars today are meant to be driven with windows closed all the time to improve fuel efficiency by not letting cooled/warm air out, and most of all not ruin aerodynamics.
     
    #3 pakitt, Mar 27, 2017
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  4. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Yes, every car I've owned in the last 25 years couldn't drive above 40km/hr with any windows down, particularly back ones.

    Since they got rid of ΒΌ Vents, it seems that cars have been designed not to be driven with windows down. I suspect it also coincided with Air-conditioning becoming standard equipment.

    upload_2017-3-28_9-23-20.png
     
    #4 alanclarkeau, Mar 27, 2017
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  5. first_superior_prius

    first_superior_prius Member

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    Yep... the buffeting issue is only having 1 window down. You have to at least crack one other window. That goes for any car, not just a prius
     
    #5 first_superior_prius, Mar 29, 2017
  6. ATHiker

    ATHiker Senior Member

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    Yikes!

    I have owned my car for over a year and never ever lowered my rear windows before when driving at "the prevailing rate of speed" on the highway.

    The amount of buffeting was crazy. I never would have guessed how much.

    Thanks for added some fun to my long drive home :).
     
    #6 ATHiker, Mar 29, 2017
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  7. kithmo

    kithmo Couch Potato

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    I had a 1970 Ford Cortina and when I once left one of the rear windows open the vacuum created in the car sucked the headlining down over my face.:oops:
     
    #7 kithmo, Mar 30, 2017
  8. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    There was a CORTINA - I think later than 1970 (?) - a journalist was testing top speed, and the back window blew out. Not sure if windows were open or not. They had a few quality issues - they also had a road-test vehicle with the lettering on the boot/trunk spelling "C O R I T N A"
     
    #8 alanclarkeau, Mar 30, 2017
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