prius hybrid in cold weather

There are extensive threads documenting people's use of grill-blocking in cold, and even not-so-cold climates, including careful analysis of engine temperatures while the grill is blocked.

So yes, it's done, and no, I don't think there are any cases of engines melting because of a blocked grill. The engine block heater doesn't add to the operating temperature of the engine, it simply helps you get the engine to operating/efficient temperature more quickly to reduce fuel consumption.

If you want hard info, search around the site and you'll surely find it!

 

It may be the LeBra guys, but around here openable grill blocks are common on other vehicles, particularly pickups. Usually they are flaps with snaps to hold them open or closed. They work very well. I currently have both grills blocked with pipe insulation. Above 20C ambient, the coolant will heat up to about 95C. No fans running. So I'd say it's pretty safe. It runs at this temp only on the highway, as the engine runs continuously there. In the city it rarely reaches 95C, usually high 80s only, as the engine cycles on and off a lot (at lights for example).

Really helps warmup speed. Pearl blows warm air after four blocks of running, with no block heater use. Coolant temp at that time is 50C and rising. I still haven't noticed the electric air heaters. BTW, when I start Pearl, coolant temps are usually around 20C, due to being off for over a day. The thermos isn't really well insulated and isn't really large. After only an overnight off period, the coolant starts around 50C, though these days it's a bit lower as the garage temp is only 10C.

 

I know big rig trucks use grill covers in extreme climates, but is it really necessary for everyday Prius driving? Of course, I live in sunny California, but it seems like a lot of bother to save a few mpgs. I could see if you live in the wilds of Alaska, or somewhere. (For me its 52 mpgs, and braless!) Just my .02.

 

Once you get a Scangauge and realize what the coolant temp likes to be at and you see how fast it drops, you realize that it really makes a difference. For me it is definitely worth the bother - the top will stay blocked year round, but the bottom will be blocked from mid Sept. until mid June or thereabouts.

 

I just ordered a lebra for our prii and would have Loved to have had the option of having a removable flap for the colder months! I think it's a great idea and I'm sure other Prii owners would agree. Looks much better then having the pipe insulation that I've seen others using and note I too will be using this very shortly!!! :blink:

 

I've got my Pri's entire grille covered by foam insulation already. Temps here have been in the 30s during the day and 20s at night. We'll have our first snow any day now. I use the EBH constantly as well. Despite all this, I still have to wait a bit for heat. It's obvious the EBH is working, but it's still not enough.

A bra that securely covered the entire front end would be nice, though I'll be moving to CA in December, so it's of no use to me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE([email protected] @ Oct 12 2007, 05:48 AM) [snapback]524533[/snapback]</div>

I would be most interested in such a product. Especially if it looks good as well as protects and helps avoid the trauma of trying to find something to "stuff" in the grill!

Though if it costs too much.....

 

When I saw the stock bra I realized that it had a felt like material on the back side that Velcro would attach to and came up with the idea of creating a bra that I could adjust. I purchased some vinal material like that used in the OEM Bra and using brown paper made a pattern. The upper part attaches to the mount fasteners and screws holding the plastic cover that is over the radiator and fan the lower edge has Velcro on it. The lower piece has Velcro all around and is shaped to fit. Each has a double ended zipper on it. I think the picture is the Mk 4 because it has the clear plastic covers sewn in over the fog lites. That was the last modification I added because we use a lot of sand on the roads in the winter and that is when small rocks are take out fog lites around here. I will post a few pictures. I have a CAN View and only in early fall and late spring when the ambient temps are all over the place from day to day are the zipper openings necessary. I take the blocker off about mid May they go back on in late September early October. From November to April they are zipped up tight. Never even came close to over heating the car. So here are a few pictures of the project.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE([email protected] @ Oct 12 2007, 08:48 AM) [snapback]524533[/snapback]</div>

Hi Tina,
I'm glad that you liked my idea. It seems that there might be some real interest in this concept. Thank you for responding to my e-mails. Please keep me informed
. Thanks. Wes