I just got my Prius. Since I have gotten it the temperature has often gone below 32F, in fact there have been several days when the temp has not reached 32F. My car's engine seems to run quite a lot at low speeds and even when the car is stopped. Is this normal due the low temperatures or should I contact the service department?

The Prius has emissions in mind first, with high MPG a side benefit from that.<br><br>In the winter, the engine must run more often to keep the catalytic converter and other such emissions control equipment at optimum temperature to keep the SULEV emissions. The engine may also need to be run to keep you (and by extension through the rear air ducts, the hybrid battery) warm. You will see lowered MPG, and more engine running, because of this.<br><br>(Basically, winter (cold weather) is just an extension of the first 5-10min stretch of driving when the car is started cold, the blue low temp light is on, and the engine runs more often, leaving lowered MPG. Short trips kill mileage in this way...)<br><br>Meanwhile, having the defroster (selector on windshield mainly, not as bad when on windshield/foot) on will run the engine more often. If the outdoor temp happens to be over 32F, the AC compressor is used in conjunction with the defroster (to remove humidity).<br><br>Heavy AC use in summer is known to run the engine for longer periods, and therefore lower MPG. (for example, Florida owners see better MPG in the winter than summer, which is the reverse pattern for owners in Massachusetts).

&gt; ...several days when the temp has not reached 32F. <br>&gt; My car's engine seems to run quite a lot...<br><br>Winter is cruel. It makes you yearn for Spring.<br><br>Michelle's response described the situation quite well. That's normal behavior for our hybrid. In fact, all vehicles experience some type of MPG drop due to the cold. My Taurus runs at a higher RPM to warm up in Winter than in does in the Summer. It's just that the in-your-face nature of the multi-display clearly points out what's happening. In traditional vehicles, you really don't have a clue.<br><br>JOHN<br><a href=http://john1701a.com target=new>http://john1701a.com</a>

Hi USBR,<br> I live in Winter Park, CO at about 9000 feet. Temps here are well below 32. This year it has been below 0 quite often. The engine does run quite a bit more; at funny times. Sometimes the gas engine comes on when I open the car door to get in. Sometimes I even get the warning lights and turtle sign after really cold days. I too yearn for spring.

You get the turtle? No kidding!? I don't think there have been any reports of the turtle on the US Prius, even when Robert climbed Mt. Washington, and even John1701 in Minnesota.<br><br>What happens? What other lights do you get? Do they go away as the engine warms up? What does it feel like to drive?<br><br>Burns