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Seeking Oppinions/Advice!

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by darkgiant, Nov 17, 2019.

  1. darkgiant

    darkgiant Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I was looking to apply some sort of "modifications" to my Prius (if you want to call it that), and I have scoured through Amazon and eBay, and I was hoping if someone here can better shed light on where to find the parts and even seeking general opinions on whether it is worth the attempt to apply these modifications.
    1. My 2013 Prius does not come with fog lamps, however, I was considering whether or not to install them. In my previous 2011 Prius, I did install fog lamps, and I thought it helped a bit, however, I would be lying to you if I told you honestly how much of a significance it was due to the time and effort it took to install them (they were aftermarket). To install the fog lamps on the 2013 Prius, it would require some time and effort again, but also require a replacement grill as the current grill does not have the cutouts to fit fog lamps. I was, therefore, wondering if people think it is worth it to spend $250+ on fog lamps? I mainly ask because in the 2013 Prius, the front bumper layout is a bit different so the fog lamps are a bit closer, whereas, the 2011 Prius had the fog lamps right under the turn signals, so I am not sure if using the fog lamps is really effective and just more of a gimmick/novelty.
    2. Hood Bug Deflector - where does one go to find these? l do see some on the Priuschat store, but I also see some priced quite cheaper (actually, more than a fraction of the price on the Priuschat store), is the Priuschat store the "go-to" place for this? For instance, I see some priced cheaper on eBay but the cutouts seem to be different. My commutes are prone to rocks and what not so thats my main reason as to why I looking for something like this.

     
  2. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Avoid the priuschat store, lots of fulfillment & communication difficulties lately.

    Think hard about a bug deflector. They deflect bugs by messing up your car's aerodynamic profile- it's a very noticeable MPG hit at freeway speeds. A clear film on the nose is a fair alternative. Best results come from pro installation but it is possible to DIY.
     
  3. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

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    1. I see fog lights to be a way to be visible in thick fog, anything cosmetic wise won’t make a good investment.

    2. Bug deflector to keep rock chips away, just get a bumper bra.

    If your commute calls for flying rocks, your add on fog lamps will take some of it also. Buy 2 pair set of fog lamps and prepare to replace the broken ones.
     
    Shibikku likes this.
  4. Shibikku

    Shibikku Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
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    I like to add to this, you can buy some film covers by Lamin-x or any other brand out there. It will protect your fog lights. I opted in and purchased the Morimoto XB LED fog lights and LOVE IT!!! I currently have the OEM LED headlights, and they aftermarket fog light color match almost perfectly. Here is the links for the two following items:

    Universal: XB LED - Fog Lights from Morimoto HID

    Precut Products
     
  5. darkgiant

    darkgiant Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Seattle
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    II
    My main ask for the opinion on the fog lights was simply the effectiveness, I do understand that it has greater chances of being visible to oncoming drivers when driving in actual foggy conditions, but I find with the regular parking lights on top of the actual headlight do an okay job for that too (at least it does for me, as I got rid of the generic bulbs and installed an LED one). My main ask was because of the change in position, does it seem to provide benefit to the driver (can you see better at night?) with them on the 2012-2015 Prius compared to the 2010-2011 Prius? I really am not sure if spending nearly $200 on all of this and an afternoon makes sense if the change in fog light location doesn't provide much benefit.

    As for the hood bug/rock deflector, the only reason I was interested in it is because I have had some history of rock chips on my windshield, and I do see them on various cars (mostly on trucks and SUVs) and I've always been told they do a decent job of attracting those rocks before they slam on your windshield, however, it just seems like it's a bit of a hassle to find one for the Gen3 Prius. Sure, I can get it clear bra or even one of those black car bra, but I don't think it does the job of actually deflecting/changing the direction of the rock that it impacts so it misses the windshield?
     
  6. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    Fog lights make the difference between being able to plod along at walking speed and having to just pull over and wait.

    They dump all of their light in a wide beam on the street immediately in front of the car, so it's easy to see the lane markings & guide rail. They don't add any light to the distant scene.

    Regarding the deflector- you are correct, a film coating or car bra won't do a thing to keep rocks off the glass. An air deflector can help but even that isn't perfect, because it can deflect some stones that would've hit your hood right up into your windshield. All I can suggest is that you do a little math with your annual miles vs. MPG lost to a deflector vs. the typical $100 deductible on a comprehensive claim.
     
  7. darkgiant

    darkgiant Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
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    II
    I think I'll just pass on the fog lights, remembering the amount of time it took installing on the 2011 Prius (I am pretty confident it took almost the entire morning and afternoon), and knowing my headlights provide enough light, I am realizing might be more of a gimmick, especially with the different location in the 2012-2015 Prius.

    I actually never heard of much MPG loss with those deflectors, are we talking about a dip in ~5< MPGs? You see, if my windshield was truly a $100 deductible, I wouldn't even care about this, but it's actually a $500 deductible! Fortunately, windshields around my area can be found for $200, so it's not like its too big of a deal, just annoying when something hits it and I start inspecting the windshield from every angle seeing if there is a chip or even a crack developing.