Who will be grill blocking soon?

Thanks for the info..seems easy enough...i'll be trying it out

 

I have never blocked the grill and am not going to, temps in my winter do not justify this kind of improvisation.
A properly designed dynamic blocker controlled by engine temp and tested in wind-tunnel for improving drag coefficient is most desirable, after all it is a win-win situation - when the blocking is needed most to protect from engine over-cooling (high speeds) - the drag is most dominant.
This is especially true for a vehicle like the Prius which strives for efficiency. Its about time Toyota will "pick-up the glove" or maybe they did?

 

Unless the temperature drops below freezing and stays there for an extended period of time, it's not cold enough to bother blocking. The benefit isn't there when all you need is a light jacket.

Real winter is when they warn you not to lick any metal.

 

Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to have to get one's tongue unstuck from a metal pole by a fire rescue crew, with the TV news camera running?

 

In the coastal area, where I live it is usually about 14-20C (57-68F) during day, can go high to 25C (77F) or more several days in a winter. Nights are cooler by 5-8C. Winter is relatively short.
On the mountains it can go down to freezing 2,3 times a winter.

 

Is the idea of the blocker to keep cold air out of the engine compartment? At least in prehistoric times, water was sent through the radiator under the control of a thermostatic valve, so in cold weather, the issue was the block itself getting too cold, since nothing was going through the radiator.

 

It happens every year.

Retention of heat by any means practical.

Blocking the grille in front has proven quite effective, as well as cheap & easy.

 

lets see some pics guys....I am gonna do this finally this year, i was away alot last winter and never got around to it.

thanks!

 

Sadly, I don't have any photos readily available of my PHV blocked, only shots with my 2010 posted here...

Worried about upcoming MN winter season.... | Page 2 | PriusChat

I do have a reminder of winter driving though...

 

Nice! can't wait!
Thanks for the memory!

 

As I'm also live in SJ, I did the upper part grill block since two years ago. It rally helps keeping the water temp. a bit warmer in winter and MPG improved a bit.

 

60+ here today, i'm hoping i never have to block!

 

Yes! Put me on the list of folks wanting to see some PiPs with the grill blocking installed.

I won't do it, because I live in the SF Bay Area and it never freezes. But I think it's a neat idea!. And I'm always happy to hear of yet another use of foam pipe insulation (I keep sections of ½" and ¾" in my garage for all kinds of uses).

 

The consensus is to leave at least 50% of the upper opening open, and to leave that portion of the blocking to the coldest times.

 

The key is "cold enough". For me, that means multiple daytime temperatures no higher than 10°F. Some never see anything that cold. It's routine here. So, there are understandable differences in suggestions.

Not knowing whether or not owners actively monitor temperature is a big part of the recommendation hesitation. With the JUST DRIVE IT motto, that doesn't fit.

 

did mine a couple weeks ago....seems to help keep ICE from running more and also can run heater longer before ICE fires...

My plate is lowered so I have less area to block...have not fallen out yet even on hwy!

Dan

 

rockerdan, You Rock! These are just the kinds of photos I was hoping to see. Thank you.

I live in the SF Bay Area where it never hits freezing temperatures. I'm going to hold off on this mod, but I will keep it in mind for friends who live in colder areas.

Stay warm!