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License Plate Wind Drag?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Fuel Economy' started by FranklinS, Feb 28, 2013.

  1. FranklinS

    FranklinS Ach crivens ye scunners!

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    I was just looking at my new Prius and knowing the research done on aerodynamics on the car it seems that the license plate/frame is a big flat brick. My state requires a front license plate. Wondering if it might be worthwhile to relocate it into the grill and cover it with a slightly rounded clear license plate cover (legal here, I believe)?
     
    #1 FranklinS, Feb 28, 2013
    wjtracy likes this.
  2. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

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    I saw a license plate frame that had a curved (bubbled out) clear plastic piece to protect the license plate (they also had flat versions). I was wondering if that would actually be useful.
     
    #2 ggood, Feb 28, 2013
  3. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    License Plate Wind Drag?
    Only when I back up. ;)

    Be careful relocating the front plate if you happen to live on one of the growing number of states that require them.
    The plate is required to be there for photo law enforcement which I have no problem with at all, but this is the 21st century and so front plates are kinda extra redundant.

    The point is that some states are kind of peevish about how you mount their plates. They could give a crap about the 0.003823 (est.) MPG that you're losing from the front plate but if you get in the way of their $$$ stream, then they will be all over you like a bum on a bologna sandwich!!

    ...Just sayin! :D
     
    #3 ETC(SS), Feb 28, 2013
  4. FranklinS

    FranklinS Ach crivens ye scunners!

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    #4 FranklinS, Feb 28, 2013
  5. drysider

    drysider Active Member

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    Now Zippco (see above) says .5 to 1.6 mpg increase, and you can't lie on the internet.
     
    #5 drysider, Feb 28, 2013
  6. ggood

    ggood Senior Member

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    I'm pretty skeptical myself. Pep boys has something similar for a lot less. Not as pronounced as that one. Doubt I would want to use either one. Just would look odd and get crudded up over time..
     
    #6 ggood, Feb 28, 2013
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