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strategies for optimum winter mileage

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Fuel Economy' started by jimsoh, Oct 4, 2008.

  1. jimsoh

    jimsoh New Member

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    I drive 75 - 100 miles every day, to various construction sites. At a 25% Interstate, 75% surface st. split. My visits last from 5 minutes to 90 minutes (mostly shorter).

    Is there a way to provide insulation to the ICE? I'll cover the grilles, but I'd like to somehow add insulation to the engine so it doesn't cool so quickly.

    Any thoughts?

    Also is there a time period when you are better off to leave the vehicle running & in park, rather than turning it off, to maximize mileage? (I know how to lock it up running).

    I'm getting 56 - 63 mpg now (so you know I'm playing the game), and need some input from those who have been though a few winters.

    TIA from NW Ohio.

    PS I do have a Scanguage.
     
    #1 jimsoh, Oct 4, 2008
  2. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    with the mileage you are getting, there is probably nothing i can tell that will help...

    but one thing you mentioned about leaving the car on for short duration stops...forgetting security since it was not mentioned, i assume you ask because of some imagined "startup" penalty...

    now since your Pri starts and stops several times on it own, the only thing i would consider is what accessories you are running and there are some, burning electricity, so how much energy is used on bootup??

    probably not a lot and if you have EV, you can start in EV mode if you are like me and need to get things situated first before moving, but other than a less than one minute where turning car on and off is an inconvenience only, i would always turn off the car.
     
    #2 DaveinOlyWA, Oct 4, 2008
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    Two things that I can think of:

    • Yes, blocking the grill but only if you instrument your temperature readings (get a scanguage)
    • Get and install the Engine Block Heater (EBH) that is made for the 1.5 liter engine by Toyota. It shortens up the warm up cycle and saves a little gas each morning.
    JeffD
     
    #3 jdenenberg, Oct 4, 2008
  4. skoh

    skoh New Member

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    Have you tried using 0W-20 engine oil?
    This should help fuel economy and cold start performance.

    Toyota dealerships should have 0W-20 in quarts and some now have it in BULK.
     
    #4 skoh, Oct 4, 2008
  5. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    Jeff hit my two suggestions.

    When I use the heater (rarely) I set it to the lowest setting. I don't need it to be 75F inside my car when it's -3 outside. 65 is just fine.

    And congrats on the current mileage.
     
    #5 TonyPSchaefer, Oct 5, 2008
  6. jimsoh

    jimsoh New Member

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    I do not have a block heater or an EV switch. I'm running 0w40 Mobil one extended service. My trip in is 2 miles of county rds, right onto an interstate, so it perfect for cool mornings, but a block heater may be a significant benefit on cold mornings. I do have a scan guage.

    I saw something about winter lips, but don't know what they are. I'm using split pipe insulation to block the radiator now, with good success.

    Also saw something about adding insulation to the hood. How does one go about doing that??

    Again, thanks for the help, it is always appreciated.

    Mileage is MFD so it's likely slightly less, but w/ the variables of the beloved bladder, I've quit worrying about precision.
     
    #6 jimsoh, Oct 5, 2008
  7. briand

    briand Junior Member

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    How do you lock the car while its running?
     
    #7 briand, Oct 6, 2008
  8. JimboK

    JimboK One owner, low mileage

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    It can be done either with the mechanical key or by putting the driver's window down, exiting the car, reaching in to lock it with the armrest button, then hitting the switch to roll the window up.
     
    #8 JimboK, Oct 6, 2008
  9. DaveinOlyWA

    DaveinOlyWA 3rd Time was Solariffic!!

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    winter lips are same as blocking the grill. the most i go as far as unblocked is two slats top and bottom but only in during the hottest part of summer. for now, its 100% blockage (since i use individual pieces, some air is getting thru but not much and its been more than enough) and my temps are manageable.

    now the temps will run 10-20º higher (up to 207 instead of the max 190 it hovers at during summer) but the temps seen are still not high enough to turn on the cooling fan, so i consider it a non-issue. have done it for 3 previous winters with no ill effects so far

    plus running at higher temps only happens on freeway or other extended driving periods... around town which is where most of my driving happens, its rare to see it at anything above 180...sure it will spike higher, but i have seen the temps drop 15º while sitting at a single light so the higher average temps is a good thing anyway
     
    #9 DaveinOlyWA, Oct 7, 2008
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