Major wind chill prediction, should I postpone trip?

o/p probably has no idea what to do now.

 

The higher air density will increase air drag, a major loss item.

The colder air temperatures also require more heat (fuel) to keep the engine up to operating temperature. If this was not a factor, nobody would use grill blocking in winter.

 

I know air density will effect every vehicles air resistance the same.

ICE will generate heat when running or when spinning so as long as speed is above 67km/h or 42MPH, heater isn’t used too much, grill is blocked enough, and everything has already warmed up fuel consumption difference should be very small.

 

People don't plan to fail, but they do fail to plan.

You're not in Canada's NWT.
If you have a cell phone and if all of the normal equipment that you should be carrying in your car is in good order and if you are capable of changing a flat tire, then you should be fine.
If not then I'd be more concerned about getting to the point where you can confidently embark in any reasonable WX condition just in case (GOD forbid) something happens at home and you don't have a choice about getting on the road.

The Prius was designed and built in Japan, and they have cold weather there.
Still.....if you're unsure then it would be prudent to wait.

Good Luck!

 

Thank you.

 

The OP was worried about some kind of danger when driving a couple of hours at 55 MPH in colder weather. We debunked that and extended the conversation. There is no doubt that using AC in has a verifiable effect on MPG (off highway), as the system puts a 3-4 drag on the engine. And that the Prius takes much longer to warm up in the cold. And we should agree that winter gas accounts for a couple of miles lost as well. And tire pressure can add another couple. Note: using AC at highway speeds IMPROVES MPG vs opening the windows and destroying the Prius' aerodynamics. Once a Prius warms up and is cruzing at highway speed however, the heater and/or any other electric use don't use much (if any) extra gas. Yes "warp stealth" has been attained by a talented few, but that is only good for a few, rare MPGs. It's more accurate to tell the OP that loss of MPG at highway speed, is almost entirely due to greater speeds. SUMMARY: The winter MPG loss for a Prius is due the warm up time and the winter gas formula, not the majority of the 55+ MPG highway cruze. I suppose everyone here is free to define hypermiling as they wish. I pulse and glide most of the time, but do NOT consider myself a hypermiler. Shall we ask Wayne Gerdes?

 

You'll be way ahead even if you run into a three dog night .
Three Dog Night - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

pleasure.

 

I remember about 20+ years ago being in Vermont for Christmas and it being 50 degrees below zero! We had the wood burning fireplace running all night. The next morning, stepping on the snow, it was cracking. Now that is cold.

I am sure my Prius would have done fine, except for not being awd.

 

i remember nights so cold in new hampshire, i had to set my alarm to get up and feed the wood stove.

 

The cooling room wasn't a sufficient alarm?

Checking weather records, that -50F temperature occurred in 1933.

 

nah, i sleep like a baby in a cold room with a few quilts, even 40 years later.