Prospective Prius buyer, cold weather info needed

Well. Did you see the block grill thread?

It seems to work great for cold weather.

Basically.... the Prius already running cooler than regular car. So blocking the grill will keep cold air out from cooling the engine and keeping the heat under the hood.

Some say they are getting 40ish mpg from their mid-30 mpg after doing it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mooney @ Mar 5 2007, 01:13 PM) [snapback]400367[/snapback]</div>

our Prius is in a 3-sided shed, offering protection from the weather only to the extent that the windshield is usually not sno-covered. Here near Lake Michigan we rarely see temperatures below 10-15 - but often in that range. A recent cold snap to below zero had no adverse effect on our Prius, with the exception of reduced fuel economy. I just found the 'blocked grill' thread a couple weeks ago and I think it has helped at least 10%.

Jim

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mooney @ Mar 5 2007, 11:37 AM) [snapback]400328[/snapback]</div>

As others have already said, the worst you will likely face is reduced fuel economy - possibly drastic reduction - depending on your heater usage and length of commute. In colder weather, the engine (ICE) will run more frequently, so if you have stop & go at the beginning of your drive, you will likely see more of a mileage hit than if you can get on the highway sooner.

As for startups, your odds against fuel line freezing are about as good as you will get with any car, with the bladder helping out. Mechanically, the hybrid system is easier on cold starts than a conventional car. If you have not already been there, John1701a (a regular member around here) has a wealth of Prius information on his site... B)

In terms of temperatures, I don't think your single digits are anything to be concerned about, as there are some members on here much further north (and colder) than you who have no problems at all.

One recommendation is to strongly consider getting winter tires, as the full-time traction control may be a bit of a headache in the snow using the crappy all-season Goodyear Integrities that come with the car.

Good luck and hope you get the car!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mooney @ Mar 5 2007, 11:37 AM) [snapback]400328[/snapback]</div>

I had my Prii out all winter in the driveway 30 miles north of Gotham - no trouble. You will experience a drop in fuel efficiency of about 15-20% when it gets real cold (near zero) --- but dont worry global warming is on the way

It is a great ride.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mooney @ Mar 5 2007, 05:37 PM) [snapback]400328[/snapback]</div>

Well as all others allready have said: Not really. I have used mine after standing outside in
-30 C. as coldest and normaly more like -10 C. Not problem. The ICE keeps on going, so it works like a "normal" car untill the motor gets warm. thats it really. So how bad is it, you get a "normal" car for a few km's in the morning? (I guess it would be for a few miles for you )

/Per

 

I've parked outside through two Alaska winters now and mine is running like a champ. I turn on the block heater a few hours before work and it helps ensure I don't get any weird noises from the engine, as well as providing heat sooner after I depart.

Snow tires are a must. Block heater is easy to install and it really helps when it's rediculously cold out.

 

Living west of you in the Amherst area. I too park my car outside. I agree with what has been said. Fuel efficiency will be effected (parking inside or not). I am getting about 46 mpg this winter, but as you know it has been mild (although recent temps don't feel such).

I would add that good snow tires are very important.

Welcome aboard.

 

I just came back to Northern Michigan after a week in Southern Florida. My Prius sat outside at the airport in cold, snowy weather. When we landed tonight, it was 11 degrees F with lots of wind and snow. I ran out in my sandals and fleece sweater and grabbed the hatch handle. The Smart Key System gave a little beep and opened right up. I tossed in my bags. It was too cold to dust off any snow, so I ran around and climbed in and pressed the START button and she fired up without any complaint. The wipers took care of most of the snow, and the backup camera let me see where I was going. I backed out through a foot or so of snow. The Prius is a good cold weather car.

Tom

 

I live in CT and park outside in the same winter conditions. My worst tank (highs in the high teens/low 20s, lows near zero, and about 60 miles through a snow storm with snow tires mounted) was about 46mpg on the MFD so probably 44mpg in reality. That's a 70/30 mix of suburban/freeway driving and a commute that's about 18 miles each way. Of course, I am pretty careful about the way I drive.

Cold weather hurts the car's ability to shut down the engine and run on the battery, but it does just fine.