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
You are so right Tom,I just wish I had read all these detrimental comments re the Toyota battery on their hybrid cars five weeks ago before I purchased a Yaris hybrid. I thought I was doing the environment a good turn,but after leaving my car 5 days whilst away and coming back to a flat battery I wish I hadn’t bothered. I need a reliable car that will start after being left a few days and I can now longer trust my car. Salesmen are just interested in getting your money hence the reason they don’t warn you about this problem. It is high time Toyota sorted out this problem,get your act together or you will lose your up til now good reputation. I will never buy another Toyota car.
After my 2020 Toyota Prius Plus failed to start a couple of weeks ago I called out the RAC who checked the 12v battery health and said it was down to 6% health and that the 12v batteries used on hybrids tend only to last for a maximum of 4 years. As my Prius is now 4 years old the mechanic said I had done well to get 4 years out of it. He arranged to come back and fit a new 12v battery and now all is well. My point is that Toyota nor other manufacturers state that the 12v battery on hybrids have a built-in obsolescence. Indeed, I have my vehicle serviced annually and there was no mention of the 12v battery being at such a low status of health at the last service. Toyota should highlight this and include battery renewal at 3 years to safeguard low health 12v batteries as part of the annual service as with other limited life parts.
Having tried to use my car after 4 days I also found the battery “DEAD”, on exist I could not lock the car with the remote; I had to use the emergency key. I have now found that I can not open the door with anything; total Lock Out. This car is either not Fit for Purpose, or this car has it’s own problems; I duly await the AA yet again!
As the worlds largest manufacturer, it is expect that their cars could be used in the real world; definately not good enough.
Hi Alan, we’re sorry to hear this.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to check over your vehicle and investigate the health of the 12V battery.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Upon the recommendation of Toyota UK I took my Yaris to my Toyota dealer to have the battery and other systems checked. All they did was charge the battery overnight. Checked it an hour or so later and said it was fine. Four days later after not using the car NO START. Absolute rubbish. I Will never buy a hybrid again and will advise others not to even consider one. No faith in Toyota anymore as they just brush issues under the carpet and are only interested in meeting sales targets and getting cars off the production line and out to customers without testing for all scenarios (such as depletion of 12V battery over a few days). A used VW Polo would will be my next buy.
Hi Robert, we’re sorry to hear this.
How often did you use the vehicle during those four days and how far were your journeys?
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I agree with all the comments re battery dying after leaving it for a few days.
I had this problem & called support(new car““““““)- happened 3 times. AA rescued, said they couldn’t keep rescuing unless battery was checked by Toyota. Toyota charged overnight. At no time was I ever told by Toyota staff that a hybrid car needs to do hundreds of miles per month in order to keep battery stable!! Since then I have purchased a solar trickle charger & now have peace of mind, despite having to insert the charger plug into an almost inaccessible connection. Toyota needs to inform customers to avoid the inconvenience I have had. In one case I missed a medical appointment because I couldn’t start the car.
Yet another I’m afraid…
2017 low mileage Auris 1.2 petrol, never goes into start / stop with message on dash when you expect it to stop saying battery charging.
This car is now being run for much over the recommended 20 mins and roughly 6 – 10 hours a week.
I’ll be interested in a battery diagnosis when I can get round to it.
These many stories to me indicate one or more of the many electronic systems are drawing too much power on idle , locked not in use vehicles.
Also Toyota throwing things like hazard light stuff and go to dealer for diagnosis appears to be a side step swerve of something like major recall type origins or software update and more money generation.
With the majority profits the company is pulling in let’s man up Toyota and place back some customer satisfaction with recall rectification remedies.
We can all live in hope.
Hi Jason, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre will be more than happy to check over your Auris for you, when you have time.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
What solar Trickler do you advise for a 2022 Toyota yaris. Terrible that we have to resort to this just to make sure our car doesn’t die. The one advised by the dealer ship doesn’t charge via the lighter port as advised.
Hi Lisa,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can assist you further.
Thank you.
Took my 2021 Yaris to the dealer as suggested by Toyota UK. They just put the battery on charge overnight and said it was all ok. NO IT IS NOT!!!!. Toyota keeps on saying take it to a dealer…. dealers don’t do anything to solve the problem because they can’t. Toyota needs to sort this not the franchises.
Hi Robert, thanks for getting in touch.
We’re sorry to hear this. Many cases of issues with the 12V battery is due to individual driving style, especially when no fault is found upon investigation. We would recommend looking into a trickler charger which will help to maintain the charge.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
We have a Yaris Hybrid 2022 but annually leave it for a month or so. Reading these comments I think we may need a trickle charger of some sort. I leave it in our garage when away. Can you recommend one that is easy use as I’m not very technically minded, with an approximate price. When I returned this week, the battery was dead so it is now at the dealers. I didn’t realise this was going to be an issue. Otherwise I’m delighted with the car.
Hi Phil, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre can supply a trickle charger and show you the ropes on how to use it.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
I have a problem on my Toyota Camry hybrid, the fault is my head light is on , my inside fan is also on and my horn doesn’t come or blow even if my engine is off…Due to that I have to always remove my battery terminals…please kindly attend to me…Thank you!
Hi Isaac, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to investigate this in person.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Rav4 2020 hybrid AWD tyres supplied when new were Bridgestone Alenza 225/60 R18 plus it says H/L 33 – what does that bit mean ??
Hi Dave, thanks for getting in touch.
That just refers to the make of the tyre, it is the Alenza H/L 33.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
What is the recommended tyre replacement??
Thanks
Hi Dave,
May we have your registration details please and we will look in to this for you?
Kind regards
Does this problem still exist in 2024 hybrid Toyota cars? I was looking to buy RAV4, but I’m a light user, driving once a week or two, and I definitely don’t want it to be flat every time I need to use it.
Hi Anna,
We would suggest specking with your local Toyota Centre as they will be able to go through these aspects with you.
However, there are ways to preserve the battery when you are a low mileage user:
Avoid frequent stop/starting of the engine. The energy used from starting an engine can take up to 30 mins of driving to be replenished back into a battery.
Use a Solar charger or Battery Optimizer (trickle charger) on vehicles which are parked up for long periods of time.
Allow the vehicle to get to temperature before using all accessories such as Heated rear screen, Heated seats, Lights etc to allow time for battery to have enough energy after cold start. Especially if vehicle is only driven on short journeys.
Have the battery tested periodically to check the health of the battery – especially before cold winter periods.
Kind regards
Thanks for your swift reply!
The problem is that I have a underground parking space, so I can’t really use any charger you’ve mentioned there. My worry that if I drive once per week or two I’ll have the same problems as people in this thread.
Thanks for the other tips though, they seem to be quite logical to follow
Glad to assist wherever we can Anna!
Thank you for contacting us.