Proper way to park your hybrid in the heat...

[R.I.D.E.]

Buy a light colored car. I park in the shade when available, even choose routes that have shade on the road.

Temps here will be in the 90s this week. Sometimes we get 100 plus days, with the humudity at saturation levels.

regards
gary

[msantos]

I will readily admit that leaving the windows cracked open a bit is perhaps the better way to ensure the vehicle remains cooler. Simple and effective. It sure beats waiting a coupe of minutes with the doors open before driving the car.


However, I do not do it for several reasons:

1. If it rains then the beading water will find an easy path into the car. This is a no-no for me. To avoid this, a window deflector setup would be absolute best solution. Unfortunately, I am not yet too keen on the resulting looks and aerodynamics... so I've avoided those.
2. I replace my cabin air filters every year in part because we want to leave the dust and pollen outside the passenger cabin as much as possible. Leaving the windows open even if just a bit would cause dust to form on the inside sooner or later. I absolutely do not like dirty interiors. Sorry. Some people are just weird and I am right there on that nit-picky group.
3. Security is still a concern but not as big as in other cars. You cannot easily hook the "absent" unlock stalk with a stick should the windows be left open with a 1" crack.
4. There may additional ways (compromises actually) that can still help a bit and I am definitely working on those. Large shades and ensuring that the heat is released from the car prior to driving off is one of these long time measures I prefer. The other, is this silly solar cabin cooler (a-la-2010-Prius) which so far appears to be promising. Pics will come soon.

Cheers;

MSantos

[Right Lane Cruiser]

By the way, 1" is totally unnecessary for an opening. I only use about 1/4" on mine. It is less obvious, harder to exploit, and just as effective.

[rdprice64]

I always leave my windows cracked as well, but only on the east side of the vehicle to prevent the rain entry.

I have always wanted one of those solar powered window fans. Has anyone tried them? Are they effective?

- Rob

[msantos]

Hi Rob;

Several years ago I did try those. They were a bit of a hassle to install since you had to open then close the window with that thing on. Then they were not that effective since if it worked at all (needs full-on sun), the amount of airflow was poor. Just my experience anyway.

[Taliesin]

Originally Posted by rdprice64

I always leave my windows cracked as well, but only on the east side of the vehicle to prevent the rain entry.

I don't have a hybrid, but regarding this...

The winds here are way too unpredictable. If/when rain comes you never know which way it's going to fall.

[uabcar]

Originally Posted by msantos

I The other, is this silly solar cabin cooler (a-la-2010-Prius) which so far appears to be promising. Pics will come soon.
Cheers;

MSantos

I'm patiently waiting for your final solution as I'll be doing this mod myself in the near future.

I don't have a hybrid (yet- waiting on one to come out with a MT) but I've been parking in the shade - or at least where the car will be in the shade for several hours prior to leaving work. This makes a huge diff for me- so much that I often don't have to use the AC even when it's near 90 degrees. If you knew me, you'd know what a statement that is because I can bust a sweat in 50 degree weather if I just think about physical activity.

[R.I.D.E.]

Make sure your vent is on fresh air so you get some thermosiphon effect.

regards
gary

[psyshack]

We always leave windows cracked in the summer about 1/4". Next mod for the HCHII will be the Mugen aero visors. Then maybe the solar powered fan. But we will not sacrifice the tint for the solar power. So that mod is still up in the air.