OK temperatures are dipping below 32 degrees. And we are about to get snow in the upper midwest. It think this is the perfect time to install radiator "lips". Just sayin'
Yes, the varied methods of blocking the Prius radiator grills from cold winter temperatures, are often referred to at as "lips".
Ok. It's supposed to get clear and colder over the next few days here, overnight lows below freezing: I blocked the lower opening 50% this morning, one pipe insulation tube (of two).
Great time of the year for "lips"! I fitted my winter wheels and tyres yesterday, as I think it's cold enough, i.e. Below 7 Celsius. We're supposed to be getting the worst winter in 100 years here this year
Never seen a grill block called lips, and I've been into hypermiling for a while. I put my lower grill block on a couple months ago, haven't had any issues with it. I might try blocking the top in a month or two.
Public service bulletin: The radiator is functionally split into two sections -- top and bottom In the Gen2 the bottom half cools the inverter. In the Gen3 the top half cools the inverter. ------------- In cold but not freezing weather, best not to block inverter cooling. I personally only block if I can monitor temperatures.
Huh? Pretty sure top is inverter on third gen... I always leave top open, for that reason. Hope I got it right.
The other day I blocked 90% of the grille (top grille fully blocked, bottom grille all blocked except for the top upmost slat). Monitoring with my generic scan tool, engine temps haven't risen above 189f. Ambient temps here now flirting with daily highs in the low 40's, mid-low 30's.
