Prius C A/C

don't go to a garage for a/c work, take it to the dealer. you may still be under warranty. if it worked last summer, it should work now.

 

Living in MI I have no idea what it's like to be in those kind of temperatures on a daily basis; actually at all. I don't use my AC a lot, but, have made one observation. If I just turn on the AC it runs all the time, but, if I set the automatic temp control it only comes on as needed per where I set it. You're probably well aware of this, but, I thought I would mention it just in case. I noted the proceeding while down in FL this summer and MPG's were greatly improved when using the auto temp setting. I also would take the car into the dealer as it is more than likely a warranty item if there is something wrong with your AC. Best of luck.

 

I usually put A/C on auto, and keep temps in 80-84 range. At 110 it will be on all the time, and having re-circulation on makes a huge difference in MPG.

Have your A/C checked you may be low on freon.

 

we were passing through the area last August, it was 102 on Hoover dam, then it jumped to 106 on a way up. Luckily we got to the city before 1pm. With 4 people and full load I was honestly scared to floor our Gen3, that climb was sloow.. almost as bad as one from Death Valley.

 

I'm not far from you geographically speaking (a high of 108 yesterday) and am seeing some fairly precipitous mpg drops myself. Worse yet, I have a 2012 model, so there's an even greater likelihood I'm low on coolant. I typically keep it at 78F. Don't recall if I had similar drops in the last 3 summers (I work from home so no regular commute).

 

that's the thing keeping on auto/re-circulate at @84F would make the difference.

How much of your driving is freeway and how much is congested? sitting in gridlock with A/C on eats into MPG

 

I'm at 44MPG for the month of June with stop & go driving and AC always on. Low 30's doesn't sound right. Mine is a year old this month with 34K on her.

 

This was this past Sat on the roof of a strip casino hotel.

 

It is still possible if his commute 5mi long

 

Out of curiosity, what gas do you use? I wonder if Nevada sells 85 octane, and if it is properly labeled.
I would try a couple tanks on top tier gas and see if it helps.
here is the list of TT gas stations:
Top Tier Gasoline

 

I use ARCO & Smiths (I use points for money off per gallon).

 

Was already on recirc. I upped it to 84f (interestingly did little in improving comfort with outside temp in the low 90s whereas it helped much more when the outside temp was 100 and up; this could have been in part based on subjective needs of the occupants). I don't have much gridlock, but there are enough lights in town such that impeccable timing is not always possible. I also make a fair amount of short trips (plug-in is calling!).

 

Short trips would explain the MPG hit. What color is your C? if it is dark and you park it in the sun with windows up, the initial cooling will take toll.

We try to buy light color cars, and crack windows and put windshield shade when park - makes difference. Around here rain is daily probability, so wind deflectors are must; would not be an issue in Mojave.

IMHO C does not have powerful A/C, just enough for driver if you direct all vents at you. And other cars take A/C related hit, it is just more apparent in hybrid. 15% hit in 20MPG car is only 3MPG, where in 50MPG Prius it is 7.5

Consider tint, it will help with comfort and may actually pay itself off in few years in MPG.

EDIT:
Also forgot: check and replace cabin air filter. We went through your hack of woods (or lack of) last August, and when we got back from trip to west coast, the cabin filter was a toast. It was amazing to see what a few thousands in desert can do to cabin filter. Clogged filter will reduce A/C efficiency immensely.

Since then I have put K&N washable cabin filter, but on east coast you don't have to worry about dust

 

Good suggestions. I mostly keep it parked in a garage, but it's charcoal brown in color so when out, all bets are off. At nearly 40k miles, I do have a strong suspicion the aforementioned filter may be marred up by now, especially since this puppy was used to get to the PNW (as far as Olympic NP and the northern Cascades) and back just last month. On the way back, we took the more arid route (middle of NV), so I would not be surprised if the filter is compromised by now if it wasn't before.

 

I've thrown filter away with less then 20k - it was that clogged. You get more life out of engine filter.

 

Right, I think I had the cabin filter replaced once already. Need to look through my records...as I'm almost sure it's time once again. ;(

 

The disposable ones are <$8 on Amazon, and K&N is -40+ as I recall. Well worth it IMHO. Replacing is -5min, after you do it for the first time.

here is one on Amazon
"http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CB3QTO"

 

That link takes me to a cam adjuster bolt....

I would be more willing to do any DIY if it wasn't for my tendinitis ridden finger, elbows, and now shoulder. It's put a real damper on quality of life.