As the UK government has instructed the nation to stay at home and only venture out for specific, essential reasons in light of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation, many of us are being encouraged to park our cars if we can. Some owners of Toyota hybrids might be wondering what will happen to their car during long periods without use, particularly when it comes to the level of charge in the batteries.
The reassuring news is that no difficult car maintenance is necessary. However, there are some tips that, if followed, can help ensure your Toyota remains in tip-top condition during an extended layoff.
To recap, Toyota hybrids generally contain two batteries: a 12-volt battery (which powers systems such as the headlamps and audio) and a high-voltage hybrid system battery (which supplies the power to start the combustion engine and drive the electric motors).
The simplest way to maintain charge in both of these batteries is to simply go through the normal start procedure: press the ‘Start’ button with your foot on the brake and ensure the ‘Ready’ light is illuminated on the dashboard (you don’t have to keep your foot on the brake thereafter, but ensure your vehicle’s transmission is in ‘Park’ and the parking brake is engaged).
We recommend you put the car in ‘Ready’ mode for about 60 minutes before switching it off again and repeat the process at least once a week, providing you can carry out this procedure while adhering to the government’s advice regarding social distancing and Coronavirus (Covid-19). Please do not leave your car unattended when it is in ‘Ready’ mode.
During the time that that car is in ‘Ready’ mode, you may hear and feel the internal combustion engine kick in; this is a normal part of the self-charging process. You might be tempted to switch on the radio to pass the time, or turn on other systems, but bear in mind these will consume small amounts of electrical power so it is preferable to leave them off.
Ensure the handbrake is on; there’s no need to go for a drive, although we must stress that this procedure should take place in a well-ventilated area – something to consider if you park your vehicle in a garage.
What if my Toyota isn’t a hybrid?
Our petrol and diesel cars only have a 12-volt battery, which provides the power to start the engine in addition to the other systems mentioned above. Regular start-up of the vehicle on conventional petrol and diesel engines needs approximately 20 minutes of running to put back into the battery what you remove on start up, so to maintain this battery we would suggest 60 minutes of running at least once a week.
Is there anything else I need to do?
Whether you own a hybrid or a Toyota equipped solely with an internal combustion engine, there are a few other easy car maintenance points that can ensure your Toyota hybrid remains healthy and happy during an enforced hibernation. Again, please adhere to the latest government advice regarding social distancing.
- Check the tyre pressures are fully inflated to the recommended level and top-up if necessary. It can be a good idea to repeat this process when you first drive your car after a long period of inactivity.
- Clean the car thoroughly inside and out. If you are storing your car in a garage, make sure the vehicle is completely dry before you put it away.
- If you do plan to store your car in a garage, ensure the chosen storage area offers plenty of ventilation. If the space is secure, you could consider opening one of the car’s windows a small way to ventilate the interior. If you do this, you might have to change your car alarm’s setting to prevent it setting off the intrusion sensor – please consult your car’s manual for more information.
- It can be beneficial to leave the vehicle with the parking brake disengaged to prevent the brakes from binding, but only do this if you are certain the car is on level terrain and isn’t going to move. Ensure the transmission is set to ‘P’ for park and place wedges or chocks, if you have them, under the wheels.
- If you have a 12V battery trickle charger, or a solar panel charger, and are confident using them, then these are a good option to keep the battery fully charged while the vehicle is stationary for a period of time.
- If your vehicle is equipped with smart entry and start but the system isn’t operated for a long time, a battery-saving function will automatically be activated to prevent the electronic key battery and the 12-volt battery from being discharged. Battery depletion in the key is minimised by stopping the electronic key from receiving radio waves. On many models equipped with this system, it is possible to manually put the key into battery-saving mode, so please consult your car’s handbook for more information. If you aren’t planning to drive your car for a long time, consider putting the smart key in a safe place and not carrying it around with you in your pocket. This will prevent the car from ‘waking up’ unnecessarily should you happen to walk near it in your garage or driveway.
- If the vehicle will be kept on private property (such as inside a garage) for the duration of its storage, you could consider applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This informs the DVLA that the car is off the road and you will receive a refund of any remaining full months of tax. However, you won’t be able to drive your car legally until you tax it again, so it is only advisable if you are positive you won’t use your car for a long time. You can read more information about how to SORN your car here.
Read more Toyota GB’s latest statement on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) situation
I too am frustrated as others on this site having a 21 Reg Yaris Hybrid was caught out during this latest cold spell and also a light user. AA recommended a solar panel charger which I now plug in religiously but also have purchased a jump start battery pack and also find the leads are quite short. Now coming up for 3 year service and MOT but seriously considering trading in for a petrol only engine.
Can I ask which Solar trickler you got and does it chare via the lighter port or do you connect directly?
I feel so stupid I didn’t read this before I purchased hybrid Yaris. Bought it last August and having problem with car not starting. The dealer has confirmed battery is faulty and has placed order for new battery. I would be interested to know what advice do Toyota (not their dealers) recommend for owners who only have minimal use of their cars?
Hi Encarna,
The electricity stored in the 12-volt battery will discharge gradually even when the vehicle is not in use, due to natural discharge and the draining effects of certain electrical appliances.
If the vehicle is left for a long time, the 12-volt battery may discharge, and the hybrid system may be unable to start.
The 12- volt battery recharges automatically while the hybrid system is operating whilst you are driving the vehicle.
If you have a 12V battery trickle charger, or a solar panel charger, and are confident using them, then these are a good option to keep the battery fully charged whilst the vehicle is stationary for a period of time.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Hello, please define ‘a long time’ in this reply. Toyota obviously have a major design flaw in connection with the electrical appliances constantly draining the 12v battery. How do you seriously expect older drivers to keep having to plug in a trickle or solar charger?
Hello Nick,
Thanks for your comment.
We understand your concern, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.
While we don’t have an exact definition for “a long time,” we recommend considering alternative charging solutions whilst a vehicle is not in use to ensure the 12-volt battery remains adequately charged.
Thanks.
No….Your comments don’t help – I spent £22,000+ on a car that that won’t start after 3 days of no use. As you suggest, I do have a large solar trickle charger delivering over 14 volts in the sun (but shouldn’t need one) it makes no difference anyway as the battery still loses about 1 volt per day. I also spent £140 on a jump start power pack, which is more reliable that the 12V battery installed in my Yaris. I drive 30 miles every Saturday (after a successful jump start) and come the following Tuesday there is not enough power to start the system. My driving habits are the same as they have always been for the last 47 years, and I have never had to jump start any of the 1970’s, 80’s or 90’s petrol only cars. Steven Eagell Toyota, St Albans, suggest I drive it more often and were not interested in my complaint. So many people are affected by this issue and Toyota needs to resolve it. This could be a real problem for OAP’s, and I won’t be even considering buying another Toyota hybrid in the future unless Toyota issues a recall and rectifies the problem.
What an insulting reply to a customer, Toyota! These cars can fail after just a couple of days, which is *not* “a long time”. The capacity of the 12v battery should be better than this and it is time Toyota took responsibility for this faux pas, instead of blaming the customer for not driving it enough. If you read any Toyota forums, this is probably the biggest topic. At 69 years old, I don’t think I’ve ever spent so much time under the bonnet of any car I’ve owned. I can start it with my booster pack but apart from another expense, why should I have to? Also, if it was frosty, not only would it be a more unpleasant task, it might not be possible to open the bonnet. It’s a Yaris GR Sport ’72 plate and I’ve asked my dealership to check how many times I’ve had to jump start it.
Toyota are known for reliable vehicles but I’m sure some owners would now take a different view. Please, you know this is damaging your reputation, do the right thing.
I see there are still issues. I have made comments a few times, Toyota seem not to care and it is really off that the garages don’t warn you re issue of battery. We should not be in this position. Car cannot be relied on in an emergency. Perhaps people need to contact magazines and inform them of issue and once it gets out people will think again about investing in a Toyota hybrid. All we get is the same old thing,use more,run an hour a week,get trickle or solar charger we are sorry and understand your frustration. No they dont
Its actually disgusting and Toyota know it! They need to recall these cars with thecrap 12v battery and get them replaced.
I purchased a Yaris Cross in June 23, i had battery problems after 3 months, same advice re lack of use, on the advice of the Toyota service manager i purchased a solar trickle charge and have used it since, until today, i am waiting for the AA once again as no power to start the car.
Could you please say which trickle charger you use, and if it works via the cigarette lighter or did you have to connect to the battery under the back seat?
Hi Georgina. Don’t waste your money or time on purchasing a trickle charger – it won’t make any difference and why should you or anyone else need one anyway? It’s Toyota’s problem and they need to fix it rather than brushing people off with pathetic so-called remedies.
Just back from 10 days holiday and, as we anticipated, our Yaris GR Hybrid (bought new December 22) would not start. This has happened twice previously, we took a precaution this time by driving car for one and a half hours prior to parking it up but to no avail. If we’d known about this 12V battery problem then we would not have bought the car. It appears that this is a widespread problem and I’m sure the dealership would have been aware of it but no mention. The last AA guy said he was coming out to these all the time. The trickle charger/solar charger solution sounds like the only practical option to explore but why should we have to pay for this and suffer the inconvenience to address an obvious design flaw? In all other respects it’s a great car but when you can’t rely upon it to start it becomes a worry.
O great we have just ordered two new Yaris Hybrid cars. Does anyone know what is classed as light use I drive mine 5 days a week with a 15min trip to work and 15min back. Not sure of the milage.
Did your dealer warn you of low mileage driving mine didn’t until I went back couldn’t get answer they know there is a problem and I believe you should be told I left mine two days battery died second time three days you will be told to buy solar power charger or trickle charger
We have a Yaris hybrid bought last year. At no time did any one advise that that it was not suitable for low mileage use. We have a Toyota Prius that is regularly serviced by Toyota so they knew by its low mileage that we did not drive lots of miles…it has many great features which is why we bought it but none of them are any good if you can’t start the car !,!!!
Mine was 18 month old and 17,000+ on the clock and failed after 9 days away. I do around 5miles to work which is 15 mins usually. Never told at the time about short journeys or problems with 12v battery. I get an airbag warning come on when the battery is low, I’ve taken the car back and they put a new battery in but now the warning comes on occasionally so guessing its starting to fail, took it to the garage and they did a diagnostic, told us the wiring loom to the airbag is damaged, have we moved the seat? I said when we change places yes, but that shouldn’t cause an issue! The cables should be tied up correctly. Then it was have you put something under the seat? No! It’s dangerous to store things under the drivers seat and never would. But the cable shows damage and the dealer said its not under warranty because of it being external damage. Nearly £1000 to pay to put it right. Disgusting, first and last Toyota I’ll ever own.
I feel let down by Toyota.
We have 2 yaris hybrids
Mine is 2 and half year old and battery knackered..
Never have bought if I knew this
As need for hospital treatment
Iand toyota refuse to refund cost of battery as car bought 11 weeks ago
Under used car warranty
Hi John, thanks for your comment.
We’re sorry to hear that you are having issues with your Yaris. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to investigate this further and they will be able to advise on methods to maintain the health of the 12V battery such as a trickle charger.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Toyota/You need to stop suggesting buying a trickle charger – it’s a very poor suggestion/remedy/excuse for a modern car and does not solve the issue. Toyota needs to solve the issue with a sensible fix rather than just fob people off with trickle chargers. Solar trickle chargers do not produce enough voltage to keep a 12V battery topped up (cloudy winter conditions only produce approximately 6 volts – summer sun conditions would produce about 20 volts). This is not the sort of answer I would expect from Toyota. In the past I’ve owned a Corolla and an Auris – both petrol and no issues, even after being parked at an airport for 15 days. It’s obvious that something is draining the 12V battery when the car is not being used (for 3 days, not 3 weeks). Sadly, I would not recommend a Toyota Hybrid to anyone. A very disgruntled and what was a very loyal customer.
Picked up my new Yaris Cross 10th Jan after a 6 month wait.
Battery failed on day 3 had to call out AA who said battery needed replacing . Was advised to leave it running an hour . But stated it was a common problem with Toyota Hybrids.
Car was booked in at the garage and battery recharged .They said it was not faulty. Told me it needed to be driven regularly . I asked about when I went on holiday for 2 weeks , I was told chances are the battery would discharge and car not start . Was advised to buy a trickle charger ! Disgraceful , had I been advised about this when looking into buying the car I would never have purchased the hybrid. Now looking at selling to we buy any car at a big loss and replacing with normal petrol engine . Need a reliable car ! This is the first time in over 40yrs driving I have had a flat battery and car was 3 days old . Dealership / Toyota not interested once they have your money .
So fed up as all you get is same old replys. How are you meant to use trickle charge when car lives outdoors? Solar panel no good as not enough sun. Why should we have to purchase goods when not our fault car is not up to standard. Toyota should be ashamed of very poor service to customers,as others have said I really like the car but worry it won’t start in an emergency. Car not fit for its use.
Same problem here.I went to start the car yesterday and it was dead.I have driven it twice this week and now it’s back in the Toyota garage ten miles away for the fourth time and I have to get a bus to go to fetch it back.I’m 79 and a carer so I need a reliable car.It’s on lease and I will have to pay £2,500 to get out of the remaining lease.
Absolute nightmare this car.
We purchased a Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid about 6 months ago and took delivery 2 weeks ago – the delay was because the dealer ordered the wrong model. The purchase was made on the recommendation of a friend that had purchased one and was very pleased with it.
Unfortunately, shortly after she had recommended it to us and we had placed an order she suffered a ‘flat battery’ and the rescue service recommended a ‘solar panel’ charger as it was stated by the mechanic that this was a common occurrence with this model and that he spent most of his time at the airport starting these cars.
Clearly, this is causing both my friend and ourselves great concern and even though the dealership has provided our friend with a solar panel and has one on order for our car, our friend has suffered another flat battery today after always having the solar panel plugged in when the car was not in use. I also read that there are many other owners with the same problem – even the using solar panels so this cannot be the answer.
In view of the above I have to ask if the car electrics have been designed to a standard that meets the need of UK owners because having to install solar panels on a new car cannot be right to give owners a degree of reliability that there car will start.
I also note that many cars have had the 12 volt battery changed – is this because the batteries have failed or are the dealers fitting larger capacity batteries – if this is the case Toyota need to be more open and honest because my dealer does not appear to be able to answer this question.
Hi Alan, thanks for your comment.
We are sorry to hear that you are experiencing issues with the 12V battery on your Yaris Cross. There is no larger capacity battery available for this model and your local Toyota Centre remains the best place to investigate any issues you are experiencing. A solar or trickle charger is a common recommendation for those who may experience 12V battery depletition due to lack of use and this is something that your Toyota Centre can also advise on.
Thanks,
Toyota UK