Cold Weather Driving
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Cold Weather Driving
One of the main reasons we are considering a 400h as our second vehicle is, of course, fuel economy.
We drive relatively few miles (we just sold a 96 Ford Explorer after 10 years with 70,000 miles on it that we used almost exclusively). So either monetarily or environmentally our total gas consumption is well under most families.
However, I was hoping that the type of driving we do would be optimized by the 400h type system. One of the main gas wasters in our current and previous vehicles was that we do a lot of frequent short trips. I particularly notice poor milage in cold weather - the engine uses a lot of gas to heat itself up for a two mile trip, then cools down quickly and needs to be heated up again.
So my first thought is - hey, this would be great - I could go a couple of days of short trips and the engine would hardly turn on.
However, I read somewhere that in cold weather the 400h will turn on the engine and heat it up instead of using the battery?? That would negate one of the big benefits. I would appreciate any comments on this based on experience.
We drive relatively few miles (we just sold a 96 Ford Explorer after 10 years with 70,000 miles on it that we used almost exclusively). So either monetarily or environmentally our total gas consumption is well under most families.
However, I was hoping that the type of driving we do would be optimized by the 400h type system. One of the main gas wasters in our current and previous vehicles was that we do a lot of frequent short trips. I particularly notice poor milage in cold weather - the engine uses a lot of gas to heat itself up for a two mile trip, then cools down quickly and needs to be heated up again.
So my first thought is - hey, this would be great - I could go a couple of days of short trips and the engine would hardly turn on.
However, I read somewhere that in cold weather the 400h will turn on the engine and heat it up instead of using the battery?? That would negate one of the big benefits. I would appreciate any comments on this based on experience.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 52
From: AZ
The interior heat is from the hot water in the engine, so the computer will start the engine when cabin heat is needed. Once warmed up, the system is very effecient and will only start the engine when one of the parameters requires it. Unfortunately, in cold weather one of the reasons to start and run the engine is to provide heat to the cabin. My gas mileage actually is a little better in the summer.
Steve
Steve
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,754
Likes: 6
From: Colorado
Originally Posted by SilverLady
So my first thought is - hey, this would be great - I could go a couple of days of short trips and the engine would hardly turn on.
However, I read somewhere that in cold weather the 400h will turn on the engine and heat it up instead of using the battery?? That would negate one of the big benefits. I would appreciate any comments on this based on experience.
However, I read somewhere that in cold weather the 400h will turn on the engine and heat it up instead of using the battery?? That would negate one of the big benefits. I would appreciate any comments on this based on experience.
Neither the RX 400h nor the Prius use the battery to heat up the engine.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: UK
Short trips where the car does not reach optimal temperature kills the mileage in this car(as it does in other cars).During cold weather the engine indeed will start up using much precious gas in the mornings to warm the ICE up and allow the heating system to work.
So if you think you will get the electric engine to run you about for short trips in the morning you will be disappointed.
The weather is just about warming up here,so I'll see if it a little easier on consumption now.
It is a great car which suits my needs,but I wouldn't buy it if you needed serious off roading capability nor if you wanted real economy out of it-sure compared to other petrol powered SUV it has better economy,but it is still not what I would call an economical car(depends what you're used to
)
So if you think you will get the electric engine to run you about for short trips in the morning you will be disappointed.
The weather is just about warming up here,so I'll see if it a little easier on consumption now.
It is a great car which suits my needs,but I wouldn't buy it if you needed serious off roading capability nor if you wanted real economy out of it-sure compared to other petrol powered SUV it has better economy,but it is still not what I would call an economical car(depends what you're used to
)
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: FL
How long would it take you to break even on fuel purchases when you spent an additional $7000 on the hybrid model? $7000 in your pocket will buy a lot of gas, especially given the few number of miles you drive.
If what you want is something that sips gas on your short trips, perhaps a Civic or Corolla makes more sense?
If what you want is something that sips gas on your short trips, perhaps a Civic or Corolla makes more sense?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,419
Likes: 52
From: AZ
People keep repeating this "$7000" difference for the hybrid. With comperable equipment, the difference between the 400h and RX350 is more like $4000. With the $2200 income tax credit, the difference is less than $2000. The object of the RX400h is not better gas mileage, it is to improve the marginal performance of the RX330 which it does to a significant degree. It is also considerably faster than an RX350. The fact that the 400h also gets 8 - 10 mpg better overall mileage is gravy. If you are into reducing air polution, it is a major improvement in city driving. The 400h is not perfect, but it does provide improved performance, improved economy, and reduced emmisions with little downside. It is still too early to know, but it is possible (likely) that the extra cost of the 400h will be recovered on trade in.
Steve
Steve
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 935
Likes: 2
From: NJ
Originally Posted by Ullevi
Short trips where the car does not reach optimal temperature kills the mileage in this car(as it does in other cars).During cold weather the engine indeed will start up using much precious gas in the mornings to warm the ICE up and allow the heating system to work.
So if you think you will get the electric engine to run you about for short trips in the morning you will be disappointed.
The weather is just about warming up here,so I'll see if it a little easier on consumption now.
It is a great car which suits my needs,but I wouldn't buy it if you needed serious off roading capability nor if you wanted real economy out of it-sure compared to other petrol powered SUV it has better economy,but it is still not what I would call an economical car(depends what you're used to )
So if you think you will get the electric engine to run you about for short trips in the morning you will be disappointed.
The weather is just about warming up here,so I'll see if it a little easier on consumption now.
It is a great car which suits my needs,but I wouldn't buy it if you needed serious off roading capability nor if you wanted real economy out of it-sure compared to other petrol powered SUV it has better economy,but it is still not what I would call an economical car(depends what you're used to
)
I have a GX470 for any king of offroading, but reasonable snow capability is still high on the list for any vehicle here.
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