Why is driving with windows down such a pain?

I would guess that to get the best aerodynamics, they optimized for the most aerodynamic shape. What happens in less aerodynamic conditions fell by the wayside.

 

I find that just using the rear windows works well.


iPad ? HD

 

I do it all the time. Up to 50 MPH is fine. Above, it's a bit too much noise.

If it's too much wind for you, you can only open right side only front and rear or diagonal pattern. Rear ones only don't work, huge noise!

 

Nothing to do with aerodynamics. Well, it may be related but it's not "because". My FJ Cruiser is much worse, and it is CERTAINLY NOT aerodynamic!

Like most vehicles, if you open the rear windows you get a low frequency oscillation, a "booming". If you have a sunroof try opening it up just so it tips open, not slides, then only open the inside cover an inch or so. Then crack the side windows open an inch or so. If that is not enough you can turn on the fan, but after you turn it on you may have to turn off A/C. Seems sometimes it turns on when you turn on the fan.

On the highway it's supposed to be more efficient to use A/C with the windows closed. I have proven this in the GII but haven't tested the GIII yet. I suspect it's the same.

 

Much better than with my last non-Prius, the Volkswagen Jetta.

 

I crack the driver one/about an inch. and roll down the passenger about 20-40%. It is difficult to get a good airflow and no wind noise. With the radio on the driver window stays up. LOL At slower speeds I get better MPG with windows down and AC off. Soon it will cool off and can enjoy all the fresh cool air.

59-62.5

 

Quite some time ago, auto manufactures apparently decided that air conditioning was so prevalent (at least in the US), that they removed the small triangular front vent windows. These small windows worked really well.

Ever since, your only real option is a tilt up sunroof.

 

The Prius has the small triangular front windows, they just don't vent.

 

You are right. My Jetta was the same way.

 

Yesterday on the highway I was messing around with the free iPhone app Decibel_10th:
With windows closed: bouncing between 70-75 dB ( "average inside car" and "loud singing")
With windows open slightly louder: bouncing between 75-78 dB ( "loud singing" and "average car")

 

I agree, the wind noise is quite loud in the Prius, even with varying combinations of windows up/down. The best I've come up with at speeds greater than 40mph or so is rolling the front and rear windows down about 1.5 inches. Of course, this doesn't provide a ton of air flow, but does allow for fresh air to enter.

I miss my Corvette in this regard (and many others except fuel economy of about 21 mpg). I used to be able to drive at 65+ mph with comparatively little wind noise with the windows down half way. The Prius is MUCH louder. From this experience, given the commensurate drag coefficient of the cars (claimed 0.29 for a 2004 Corvette vs claimed 0.25 for a 2010 Prius), the aerodynamic efficiency of the car probably has little to do with how much noise is generated with the windows down.

 

I thought I was just getting old. I was thinking the other day, that it was a very long time in my driving career I drove cars without A/C and even longer when I was a kid. I always had the windows down but never remembered getting blasted like now. I was chalking it up to getting soft from having newer cars.

 

What speed and were all windows down completely?

 

I measured at 65 MPH speed, did not see much impact of speed down to at least 45 MPH.
As far as window, probably just passenger side where I was sitting.
Note that I did the measurements before I saw the thread, so I was not trying to answer the specific question.

 

Prius Side Window Deflectors may help...from the prius chat shop of of course...lol

PriusChat Shop : 2010-2013 Weathertech Toyota Prius Side Window Deflectors [W2482504] - $110.95

 

That's why I enjoy spoiling myself with A/C

 

When I was younger very few people could afford AC. I remember those wonderful hot sweaty says...LOVE MY AC!

SCH-I535 ? 2

 

Rode in a friends 60 something dodge dart a few years ago. Those little triangular windows that fold out were awesome!
That said i've tried driving around with windows down sometimes in the summer but where I live there is alot of traffic around you all the time so the noise and smell from surrounding vehicles is very unpleasant. Usually windows up and auto ac on all time time now. Quite often have to use recirc mode as well when behind a vehicle more than 10 years old thats belching out blue smoke or has a leaky exhaust/fuel system. Thank goodness for the local aircare program or i think vehicles with broken or no emissions controls would be much more common.