Prius Accessories and Hybrid Car Parts

Toyota Prius installation of Curt rear hitch and rear bike rack.

Toyota Prius installation of rear hitch and rear bike rack.

Have you been thinking about getting a Toyota Prius but have wondered how will I be able to carry my bike around? There is an answer! Why not have the best of both worlds; great gas mileage and the ease of carrying two bikes around.

A rear hitch-mounted bike rack is one of the best option for Toyota Prius owners or shoppers looking into buying a Prius who are cyclists. Although the Toyota dealerships will install the trailer hitch it for you, installation is easy and something you can do on your own. You can install the hitch in about 30 minutes or less.

Things You Will Need That Are Necessary:

• Trailer hitch Curt Model 11468
• Socket wrench with a 14m and 17m socket
• Hand socket wrench with a 10m socket
• Flat head screw driver for releasing the plastic rivets holding the underbody fascia in place
• Heavy scissors or tin snips to trim the plastic under-body fascia
• Extra set of hands to help you lift the trailer hitch into place

Things That Are NOT Necessary But Helpful:

• Mechanic’s Creeper
• Drive-on Ramps

Step One

First, back the Toyota Prius on drive-on ramps if possible to make getting under the car easier (this step is not necessary for the install of the hitch). Then remove the two tow hooks under the rear of your Prius using a socket wrench, unbolt and remove the tow hooks from the under-body frame rails at the rear of the Prius on both the driver’s and passenger’s sides.

Step Two

Remove plastic under body fascia saving the plastic rivet hardware for the reinstall later.

Step Three

Lift the hitch into position under the Prius and secure with bolts and washers provided with the hitch. Tighten the bolts. This may require some help from someone. Holding the hitch in place and securing the bolts may be difficult to do alone but possible. A second set of hands is helpful for this step.

Step Four

Place the fascia up under the car so you can see where you will need to cut a slot in the facia so you can reinstall the fascia. Using heavy scissors or tin snips cut a slot in the fascia on the driver’s side. Extend the slot all the easy to the back edge of the facia and remove the small segment of fascia. Now the fascia will fit around the driver’s side of the newly installed hitch. There is no facia on the passenger side to worry about

Step Five

Reinstall the under body fascia with the existing hardware you set aside in Step 2. You are now ready to install your hitch-style bike rack.

Recommended Bike Rack

• Hollywood Racks - Commuter – this is a cool rack and the one I recommend. The Commuter two bike hitch rack fits both 1 1/4″ and 2″ hitches. Soft rubber cradles helps protect bike’s finish, “no wobble” hitch pin prevents rack sway and integrated tie-down straps secure bikes to rack. Tilts for easy cargo access, and arms fold when not in use.
• Thule 912 - Thule is a 2-Bike Hitch Rack that sets the new standard for performance and ease of use. Fitting perfectly on your Toyota Prius, it has a two bicycle carrying capacity, and provides you with the perfect combination of security and convenience.

Leave a Comment June 29, 2009

Articles – How Hybrid Cars Work

There are several advantages developed in hybrid cars in comparison to conventional gasoline vehicles. A hybrid car includes a small fuel-efficient gasoline engine combined with an electric motor that assists the engine when accelerating. While some of these gas engines are four-cylinders, they include new technologies that give it a boost.

Some of the new gas engines found in hybrid cars have the power of a V6 engine. The engine can do any combination of the following: charge a battery, charge a capacitor, directly power the electric motor. The main improvement in fuel consumption over a conventional vehicle with the same performance is possible.

The number one reason why consumers will not purchase a hybrid car is the battery. Some consumers fear that in two years, or three years, the battery will need replacing. The cost of replacing a battery could be anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the type and model.

However, some of these reasons not to buy a green car are myths. For example, a typical hybrid car battery will usually last around 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more. This is far longer than the typical car battery that operates the accessories and lights on a conventional automobile. Most of the original 1997 and 2004 Toyota Prius vehicles are still using their original hybrid batteries.

Hybrid cars are not really a new technology. The first hybrid actually dates back a few centuries as people looked to steam as a way to power a vehicle. A hybrid is the combination of two or more power sources aimed at achieving a particular goal.

For example, a hybrid train is a rail vehicle that uses an on-board rechargeable energy storage system, placed between a diesel engine and the traction transmission system connected to the wheels. Mopeds are also a form of hybrid as power is delivered by an internal combustion engine and the rider as they peddle.

There are several factors that come into play when deciding between a hybrid car or a conventional vehicle,. It certainly does not make the decision any easier. However, if you want to save on gas and maintenance, the hybrid electric is the best alternative.

No one really knows for sure when gas prices will spike like they did unexpectedly in 2008. The sudden surge to a near $5 per gallon was totally unexpected. The top foreign countries that sell oil agree that the price is still very low.

When gas prices soared in 2008, OPEC claimed that the price of oil was still too low. They claimed that they were trying to do a correction, and if successful, the price per gallon would be around $8. Could you imagine paying $8 per gallon for gas?

A neighbor of mine recently purchased a hybrid car. He uses it for quick trips to buzz around town and has not purchased gas in over a month. He still has three-quarters of tank left.

You might picture his car as a small golf cart, but it isn’t. It’s actually a 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid car. It seats five passengers, has good acceleration, and the car uses its battery on most trips, since he travels at speeds under 40 mpg.

Leave a Comment June 29, 2009