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Getting ready for a Central NY winter

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Electric Charge, Sep 25, 2012.

  1. Electric Charge

    Electric Charge Active Member

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    It's that time of the year where I have to get ready for the winter. Can I get away with skipping snow tires on this car (since it's a lease, I don't want to invest too much)? For the real fun snow driving, I'll use my 4WD RAV4 with snowtires, but mostly curious as to how the car/tires handle with a snow dusting and in cold weather.

    Is there anything else I should do? I noticed there is a block heater for sale in the PriusChat store, does this make a big difference? I assume I need to pop the hood for this?

    Any tips would be greatly appreciated :)
     
    #1 Electric Charge, Sep 25, 2012
  2. nickfromny

    nickfromny Member since 2007

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    Have Block heaters on my 2 Gen 2's, not on my Gen 3. With block heater you will get better MPG during the 1st 10-15 miniuts of operation due to heat of the i.c.e. It will turn off and the car will run on EV when possible. Without block heater i.c.e will run till it gets warm before EV will operate. I always run 4 dedicated snows on this car in winter, but I'll drive it right up to 6" of fresh snow then you have to park it.
     
    #2 nickfromny, Sep 25, 2012
  3. Jimbo69ny

    Jimbo69ny Active Member

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    Are you nickfromny from the s2ki.com website?
     
    #3 Jimbo69ny, Sep 25, 2012
  4. mad4sax

    mad4sax New Member

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    And after last years winter we in CNY are going to get rocked this year. :-(
    I have a 4x4 Tacoma for lake effect days. :)
     
    #4 mad4sax, Sep 25, 2012
  5. nickfromny

    nickfromny Member since 2007

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    Yes, Jim good to here from you.
     
    #5 nickfromny, Sep 27, 2012
  6. Electric Charge

    Electric Charge Active Member

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    Last winter was very strange, even my snowblower had a Wth look.

    Definitely not planning on driving this car when there is more than a dusting on the ground (unless it's an emergency), mostly concerned about very cold days, since that affects battery, tire performance, etc.
     
    #6 Electric Charge, Sep 27, 2012
    mrbigh likes this.
  7. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    I agree with you, but this vehicles it's not as bad as you think.
    I had no majors winter ill effects in the last 6 7 years at all.
     
    #7 mrbigh, Sep 27, 2012
  8. Jimbo69ny

    Jimbo69ny Active Member

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    What a coincidence! LOL S2000's to Prius Plug Ins.... Oh if Skip and Tripple H new... haha
     
    #8 Jimbo69ny, Sep 27, 2012
  9. terpsmandan

    terpsmandan Member

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    I just started to look for a set of rims for snow tires and I cannot believe what people on eBay want for a set, especially when the cheap alloys are $79 per wheel on tire rack. A friend of mine has a set of general arctic altimax tires on his and he said that they worked well. I am prob going to go with conti winter contacts. I used a set on the jeep last winter and they were the first snow tire that didn't feel squishy.
     
    #9 terpsmandan, Sep 27, 2012
  10. bfd

    bfd Plug-In Perpetuator

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    Ah, the days of winters past… don't miss them for a moment. It will be interesting to see how the PHEV fares for those in the colder climes.
     
    #10 bfd, Sep 28, 2012
  11. nickfromny

    nickfromny Member since 2007

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    Had to trade the garage Queen. She was sitting or going to get wrecked at the track. Daughters needed cars that get great MPG. Still have the Tundra for the big work. Call these rigs "Jap minivans"
     
    #11 nickfromny, Oct 3, 2012
  12. nickfromny

    nickfromny Member since 2007

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    Nokian Hak's rule.
     
    #12 nickfromny, Oct 3, 2012
  13. syscon

    syscon Member

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    See my post on Prius-V regarding block heater (yours will be no difference).
    Engine (preheating) block heater | PriusChat
     
    #13 syscon, Oct 3, 2012
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