getting HOT in a Prius

This tank is starting out even higher. I'm hoping to break the 800 mile barrier on this tank.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jimofdg\";p=\"98061)</div>

No full blast of A/C for me either.

Have you considered of openning the far side windows? I find that it is much easier on my ears. I keep both front and rear driver's side windows closed and I just need to crack down an inch or two for both the far side windows and the hot air can be drawn out quickly while driving. After that, the A/C do not have to work as hard.

Vincent

 

I was in Vegas about two weeks ago and it was 110 with laser beam eye melting sunligt. I found that the Solar absorbanr glas (which apparently is only in the eidshield and hatch) kept me free from "Solar" warming better than any other car I've ever been in, and the little warming that did occur was easily compensated for by adjusting were the vents blew.

 

Prius default at start calls for recirculated air. I switch it to the fresh setting, crack the right rear window, flow split to feet and face, fan on somewhere between half and full speed, temp just above max cold. Seems to speed cool down, but the Pacific Northwest doesn't normally fry like Sunbelt conditions (but it's a dry heat, heh).

 

Does anybody know of the technology where you can adjust the darkness/opaqueness of a window using an electric current? If I remember correctly, it's akin to a transparent LCD film that simply get's darker or lighter based on current.

I've been waiting for this technology to become commerically available/viable for ten years now but still haven't found it available. I would love to get this in lieu of tint so that I can always adjust the darkness based on conditions.

--GD

 

There's another thread where that was brought up. They have them for houses, and they are really expensive. I don't think they come in film.

Not commercially available? What would you call the dimming mirror?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GeekyDragon\";p=\"98423)</div>

It's available now in the new Ferarri Superamerica. It has a glass roof that flips open. When shut, you can control its opacity, and it automatically goes to maximum dark when the car is turned off. Bit pricey...

And doesn't the Prius itself have an electronically tinting rear-view mirror in the top-end US spec?

 

they also have it in the ceiling of the Maybach. i would like it to be in the ceiling/skyroof in the prius.. if it had one

 

Ok, my bad. I guess it is commerically available but what I meant to say was that itdoesn't seem to be readily accessible as an aftermarket install.

Having my windows tinted is great, but it would be awesome if I could adjust how dark the windows were.

Anybody know of any place that does this type of fabrication/install work for cars?

--GD

 

I live in Houston, Texas - which often has a heat index of over 110 F - so a well working AC is EXTREMELY important. I test drove a Honda Civic Hybrid and walked away unhappy because the AC often turned off while the was vehicle stopped (which is a commonplace even on any of Houston's busy roads, freeways and even tollways). I'm still looking into purchacing a Prius and haven't purchaced one yet. Can anyone comment further? What things should/can I do to keep cool?

Thanks a bunch!

 

How does one get the Huber Optik? Is it installed by the dealer or by private groups?

 

It has to be installed by an authorized dealer to get the warranty. I called the 1-800 number on their web site to locate the authorized dealers in my area. Make sure you tell the receptionist that this is for automotive applications.

 

It just starting to get sunny in Seattle -- though nothing like you folks are having to deal with. (70s-low 80s).

What I've been impressed with is that, when I get into my parked, hot Prius, it gets remarkably cool just by rolling the driver and passenger windows down and driving a block or two.

I usually roll the windows back up, and then turn on the A/C. Very comfortable!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RobotMan\";p=\"105729)</div>

Have you test-driven one yet?

The Prius A/C compressor is electric and driven off the high voltage NiMH battery. So when you stop in traffic and the gasoline motor shuts off, the A/C keeps running to keep you cool.

Like any car, the A/C works better at speeds of 30 MPH or faster. You then get much better airflow through the condenser and motor, helping cool things faster.

As rest, the electric cooling fans must run to pull air through the A/C condenser. This is still a far better approach than a conventional car idling with the fan barely turning.

You will notice in stop and go driving the fuel economy may take a 3-10 MPG hit, depending on conditions, with the A/C at full blast. The energy to drive the compressor must come from somewhere, and once the battery gets low enough, the gasoline motor must start to recharge a bit.

But again, the fuel economy is still way better than any other car out there.

Jay

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RobotMan\";p=\"105729)</div>

RobotMan

The Prius has an electric driven a/c compressor so it doesn't shut off at stops when the ICE does. I found, (thanks to a previous PriusChat post) that opening the rear hatch and a couple of doors does wonders to release the hot air after being parked for awhile. Orlando is quite hot & humid in the summer and the Prius a/c has not had any problems keeping me comfortable. I set it on auto and the interior temp setting is maintained within a few minutes.

 

Thanks a bunch for your advice. I'm going to look into getting the Hubor Optic Tinting 35% and the Dynamat Extreme insulation. Can any of you think of other suggestions to keep the car cool?

P.S.

I did take the car for a test drive and loved it. Unfortunately, I drove it in the evening so the temp. had already dropped.

 

Tony:

Yikes was it an early 70's Ford LTD Country Squire? As a kid I remember many road trips in Utah and Nevada with the folks in that beast. If I recall it had a 460 V8, 8 MPG but like a heavy bat out of hell.

I used to love sitting in the rear looking out the rear hatch. Ah, the many joys of my youth!

Jay

 

I can relate. With my black Pri, I was roasting inside if the sun was out and 65 degrees or warmer outside. I got some side visors so I could roll down the windows some without getting blown away and taking an mpg hit. I did tint all the windows, 50% windshield and 35% everywhere else. I know the windshield tint is not legal, but with 50% (the lightest available) you can't even tell its there. I took my first road trip with the tint yesterday. The sun was out, about 75 degrees outside. I only used the AC once to cool the interior after the car had been parked in the sun. I had the AC on for maybe 15 minutes, then turned it off and used the vent with fan on medium after that, windows closed, and was quite comfortable. I can say the tint made a huge difference. Like the tint shop said, the Prius is like a little greenhouse with the windshield and hatch windows positioned as they are.

 

Robotman-
My silver is great. I put Huper 35 sides and rear and Huper 60 on the windshield. I got a note from a doctor to make it legal. The installers cut around the inspection stickers. I arranged the stickers very carefully since their position is now permanent.