Concerning the GenIII Prius and the VentShade/VentVisor model 94181, I am wondering if this product has any effect on MPG? I have searched the other posts and, unless I just overlooked it, I didn't see the MPG question mentioned. This product is not the in-channel type; it is the stick-on type. Thanks in advance!
I don't know much about this product but vent shades do not increase nor reduce mpg. Very few mods make even a marginal difference. The one mod I'd say actually decreases mileage is mudflaps.
What about the small mudguards offered on the shop? They look like they barely stick out past the wheels, if any.
I really don't think that window vents would effect MPG, if they did it would probably be negligible as mentioned above. But I would seriously concider in channel's vs. stick on types. I have an old truck with the Ventshade stick on's never had in channel's in 1993. I had to replace them once due to the drivers side breaking, I was not wearing gloves and cut my hand when it broke again during removal. I have not put vents on my Prius yet but if and when I do I will put Weathertech in channel's. That is based on my brothers recommendation he just put the Weathertech's on his Ram and he is very happy with them. He has stick on's on his Charger and wants to switch them to in channel's. But then he would have to deal with the hassle of removing the stick on's. I just asked him if he thinks that the in channel's can be removed and reinstalled and he belives that they can. The stick on's could probaly be removed and reinstalled also if you get them off in one piece and clean them and put new tape.
I researched the Weathertech in-channel shades and it seems there are simply too many negatives, such as being very expensive, causing the windows to auto-reverse, causing the windows not to be able to roll up all the way (wind noise), scratching the edge of the glass, shade/parts falling out, flimsy construction, and more. I know these things do not happen to everyone, but in researching the standard Ventshades, I have not come across as many negatives as with Weathertech. I believe the biggest complaint I found stems from the installer not prepping the area correctly for the tape. In addition, I have been using Ventshades since about 1990 and have never had any trouble with them, never even had the tape to un-stick. In my research, I did not see anyone with a Prius mention their MPG dropping after installing the shades. So, I was just wondering if anybody has any info on it. I don't plan to install the mud flaps, so that is a non-issue at this time.
That's cool to each his own let us know how the Ventshades work for you after you install them. I would like mud flaps for mine though.
Mac, Could you pass along where you came upon the data that says installing mud flaps/guards decreases MPG. I would like to put some on my car I live in a rural area and have a dirt driveway, the sides of my car are taking a beating. I would be willing to sacrifice a few MPG's to keep the sides a little cleaner and better protected. If I was that concerned with maximizing MPG's I would remove all drag producing items like door handles, side mirrors, rear wiper, antenna and so on... I am already forced by my wonderful legislators to use E10 fuel, supposedly decreasing MPG's already. Thanks
Mudflaps will hurt mpg some. I don't know how much vent shades cost but i'm willing to bet you would never make your money back in fuel savings.
I appreciate your comment, but I am not trying to increase the MPG with Ventshades. I just don't want it to decrease. The main reason for them is to be able to crack the windows a bit to let the heat out in the Summer. It gets super hot here in hades. Since I have used them on my other vehicles in the past, it does make a difference in the heat. I mean, it is still hot in the vehicle after sitting in the sun all day, but it is not as hot as when leaving the windows rolled up completely.
I have in-channel ventshades. Have not noticed any difference on mpg numbers (mine kind of suck anyway...) However, there is no problem with the in-channel ones fitting well. It takes a little bit of time for the window and the ventshade to align properly, but once they do (and the temps warm up a bit), there's no issue. Had them in my last car and they were great!
