'10 Prius going on a trip through the desert

I just drove from socal to Utah, through Vegas where the temps were 105. Prius handled it great! Hopefully your windows are tinted and I recommend bringing a sweatshirt or long sleeve to cover up from the sun while your driving. That windshield is huge and lets a lot of sun in! Driving through the hot desert with a sweatshirt on sounds odd but it saved my arms from a gnarly driving tan.

 

I wouldn't worry about it, the prius won't have any issues in 115 degree heat

 

There are thousands of Prii living in that environment every day that do just fine.

 

I'll bet they meant the traction battery cooling fan--it's located in the rear, passenger side seat. The small grate located near the rear door.

There are two cooling systems associated with the hybrid power system, one for the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the other for the inverter. Both have reservoirs filled with pink (OEM) coolant. You mentioned bringing extra coolant, just don't buy generic. I think you need to use Toyota-specific pink fluid.

 

There's a fan cooling the hybrid battery, it's nestled in right beside it. It's inlet is on the back seat back, at the passenger end. Some info on cleaning it here:

HV Battery Fan Service? | PriusChat

 

Don't bring coolant with you on the trip, you won't need it

 

With the AC I'd suggest to set cabin temp around 75F, don't aim for ice cold. Also, at stops, shut it right off, roll the windows down. Don't leave it idling with the AC on. Basically, don't look on the car as a rolling ice box: that's what could lead to overheating.

 

Before you go in the trip, check your oil level and make sure it's full before you leave. If there's a history of your 2010 burning some oil, I would bring a quart on the trip

 

All of the above replies looks great to me. I have driven our 2013 in Montana, Utah, and also the desert. No problems, no sweat. Too bad the windows are not tinted.

Hint: Seriously consider getting a good 3M product of tint installed that will pass the local laws before you leave. The tint will keep the car much much cooler.

I do disagree with Mendel about the tips on shutting down the A/C and rolling down the windows. The traction battery should be adequate to handle any power needs and the ICE will fire up normally when the traction battery gets down to 2 bars.

Don't waste time hauling the extra coolant for the Prius. Just make sure the inverter pump is working properly. And make certain both of the coolant reservoirs are full to the full line of the coolant designed for Prius by Toyota.

Have a great time in Vegas. Don't lose all of your money!

Peace,
Ron (dorunron)

 

In regards to windshield, which UV rays does it filter?

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

I would be more concerned about evaluating the condition of the tires and windshield wiper blades. Instead of coolant, bring a gallon of windshield washer fluid to help you fend off the hundreds of bugs that will end up on your windshield.

If you want to do some maintenance ahead of the trip, I would suggest replacing the iridium spark plugs (if they weren't previously replaced) and inspecting the engine and cabin air filters to determine whether they need to be replaced.

 

I live in Vegas and there are many Prii here. The AC will not seem ice cold here during this time, because the starting temps are so high.

I'm also taking road trips out of here, through the desert. My focus is simply to make sure the fluids are all topped off. If there's a history of leaks, then bring some extra oil/coolant/fluids. Otherwise, pay attention to your tires. A flat should realistically be your biggest concern if your maintenance is up to date.

 

Well said Patrick and Melon,

I had meant to add to my reply in this string that the tires should be in good condition, aired up properly, wheels aligned and balanced. Also it would be a good idea to do the other basics: check all fluid levels before the trip and replenish as needed. Don't forget some good sun shades. Those are basic maintenance items that should be performed by all vehicle operators, however at times some of it can be mistakenly overlooked.

Ron (dorunron)

 

In those conditions do not use eco
Mode. Eco mode actually dials back the ac compressor some in the interest of fuel
Economy. When the car interior is super hot, I turn eco mode off until it cools down. I've also found they with outside temps above 95 the ac never feels comfortable when on eco mode.

 

To add on; keeping the cabin cool also keeps the battery cool. So in the interest of prolonging battery life, I'd use the warmest temp that you're comfortable with. For me this is 75-78 degrees.