DIY: Engine Grille Block

[steved]

I will probably take a carboard wrap in plastic and zip tie it on the inside of the grill.

I do this with my Echo and it works well. But will be harder to install on the Yaris

[PetersRedYaris]

Originally Posted by steved

I will probably take a carboard wrap in plastic and zip tie it on the inside of the grill.

I do this with my Echo and it works well. But will be harder to install on the Yaris

Or you could just let your thermostat do what it's supposed to.

I've been thinking about this whole blocking the grill during the cold months and am a little pesimistic. Diesel trucks do it because they won't even warm up do to the oversizes cooling system, but our little Yarii have no trouble warming up. My heat was blazing hot last winter even when it was well below zero.

Perhaps the loss of mileage in the winter months is more due to the cold air entering the intake. Cooler/denser air means more fuel is added to maintain air/fuel ratios. In addition, drag is always increased due to wet, snowey, and/or slushy roads.

Bottom line, if your heater is putting out hot air, your engine is warm enough to operate efficiently.