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’m asking the part number for wheelarch trim and do they come painted from factory ??
Hello Dave,
Thanks for your comment.
Please may you confirm which vehicle you are referring to?
Thanks
2020 Dynamic pearlascent white and black
Hey Dave,
Yes, the wheel arch mouldings come pre painted.
There are 6 pieces plus fittings, what exact part numbers do you need?
Thanks.
Hi Toyota UK, is there any news about if or when this 12V battery issue will be resolved? I was very impressed with the Yaris Hybrid when I test drove one a couple of weeks ago but decided not to go ahead with the purchase after discovering these battery issues. I drive only around 6000 miles a year and often my car is unused for 2 or 3 days. I don’t have access to connect to a charger.
Hi Dan, thanks for getting in touch.
The 12V battery on the Yaris Cross has been amended in the latest model refresh.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
He didn’t ask about the Yaris Cross so what about the Yaris and its battery. I have a new Yaris MY24. Has that been refreshed? I think it’s still the mutlu battery which doesn’t get good reviews.
Hi Shelagh, thanks for your comment.
There have been no changes to the 12V battery on the Yaris Hybrid as of this time.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
if the 12volt battery on the yaris cross has been amended in the latest model refresh what about the rest of us when will there be a recall
Hi there, thanks for your message.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to investigate the 12V battery to establish the health and advise further from there.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
How? I bought a 22 model 6 months ago and so far have had 6 call outs to jump start it. I have shut down the auto door locking feature and installed a trickle charger to no avail. What is the ‘improvement’? Driving me nuts. The dealer told me a solar trickle charger was useless and plugging it into the oed was also pointless. I’m getting a new battery under warranty BUT I’m not confident it will fix the issue for any period of time.
Further to your response of the 11th inst., and having spoken with my local Toyota Centre would you clarify the statement “The 12V battery on the Yaris Cross has been amended in the latest model refresh”.
It would be helpful if there was an identifier, such as the vehicle production number so that I can be aware of the vehicles with the modifications and if it is valid for both engine options.
It is interesting to note that other manufacturers, as I understand it, have provided a battery reset button on the dashboard which uses the hybrid battery to charge the 12v battery, to effectively jump start the car, so resolving the problem completely. Your comments would be appreciated.
Best Regards Ron
Hi Ron, thanks for your comment.
Production of this variant began around April 2024, the seller should be able to confirm the specifications for you, or you can get in touch with the reg and we can double check.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Is there to be a recall to amend this 12 volt battery issue?
My Toyota Corolla Hybrid went flat 3 Times on 3 months despite regular usage. Our local Toyota garage replaced the 12 volt battery with a new 12 volt battery (as a gesture of good will!!)
It has not gone flat again but we will be leaving it at an airport for 3 weeks in January 2025.
I would not have bought this car if I had known of the 12volt battery issues.
Hi Anne, thanks for getting in touch.
Issues with the 12V battery can occur on any vehicle, not just our Hybrids. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to take a closer look as they have done already.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
me too, big regret
Hi when was the model refresh please.
Hi Brian,
We’re not sure what you mean.
Thanks
Hi. Turned air con on to recycle mode,
Quite noisy air con on outside air mode ok.
Hi Brian, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre will be best placed to assist with this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi being new to hybrids, I have read once a week to put car in ready mode and leave for 60 min to charge 12v battery, does this not drain it more?
Many thanks
Hi Brian, thanks for your comment.
Regular use will ensure the 12V battery stays in good health, this advice is for those who are regularly leaving their vehicles unused for a prolonged period.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Hi Toyota Tech
Regarding 12v battery issues, why is Toyota not fitting a small 10 watt solar panel imbedded in the roof of my Yaris Hybrid with a blocking diode, this will reduce current drain at night ? This would maintain the 12v battery thru’ far longer periods of in-activity. Also using a 12v lithium Life PO4 battery, would allow it to be discharged right down to 10% capacity ? They will last 10 years !
You should never ever, discharge a lead acid battery bellow 50% (12.2v terminal voltage) as repeatedly doing so, will dramatically shorten capacity and life to a year to 18 months ! Yes a 12v 35amp hour lithium battery is double the price but think of the reliability aspect, and your reputation, also solar power green crudentials ? Obviously it must be parked outside and not in a garage.
Just checked my battery voltage, it’s 12v (25%) groan,,,,,,, I must start saving for a battery ?
Hi Kevin, thanks for your feedback.
We do advise trickle chargers for customers who experience issues with their 12V battery. Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to take a closer look and advise on this.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Do I have to keep my Rav 4 2023 unlocked when charging the car battery when left for a long period of time dormant ( 2 months)
Hey Henk,
Please provide your vehicle registration so we can confirm this for you.
Thanks.
Well 2024 with a 14month old Carolla self charge hybrid c.3700miles. reading the above stories nothing has changed. 3days and a flat battery, dealer denial (lies). AA confirm it’s a regular call out fault. So if anyone is thinking of buying Toyota walk away very quickly, the customer care is terrible and the pressure on their dealers to support a failing product is criminal.
Hi there, we’re really sorry to hear that.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to take a closer look, it may be worth looking into a trickle charger to maintain the health of the 12V battery.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
Nothing has changed yet another dead battery again had no choice but to get rid of car could not get wife to hospital had to ask neighbour for a lift if the yaris cross is self charging why do you have to plug it in dealership useless if it’s down to low mileage driving we should have been told this at point of sale everybody needs to go to the ombudsman we were miss sold the car future problem for toyota
Good afternoon,
We’re sorry to hear you were experiencing problems with the battery in your Yaris Cross Hybrid.
Usually, we’d recommend an inspection at your local Toyota Centre but we understand that you no longer have this car, so we apologise for that.
Your feedback will be reviewed internally.
Thank you.
Can I leave the car without driving it for a week without the 12V dieing? I’ve done that twice, and the battery died twice. Is that normal?
Hi there, thanks for your comment.
There is no set time frame for this, but people who make short and infrequent journeys are more likely to experience issues with the 12V battery. For those who fall into this category, we would recommend fitting a trickle charger to maintain the battery health.
Thanks,
Toyota UK
My 2022 hybrid yaris has let me down 3 times in the last 18 months. The AA man is getting to know me and my car. Love the car but hate its unreliability. You have suggested getting a (solar) trickle charger – perhaps you could recommend one. As this is apparently a known issue, is Toyota going to supply one with each sale? Also, where would I plug it in as the car doesn’t have a cigarette lighter.
Hi Angela, thanks for getting in touch.
Your local Toyota Centre is best placed to assist with supplying a trickle charger. Depending on which one you choose, it can be connected straight to the battery or via the OBD port in the driver footwell.
Thanks,