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 bought my new CHR in 2024 (long after the imposed lockdowns had ceased) – so lockdown not even in the equation.
Had no issues with car until app on phone updated and started giving low 12v battery indications.
Even though I do plenty of mileage and the car is used every day (17000miles in 18 months) I have now had the AA out on two occasions before Christmas and over New Year to start my car with 12v battery dead.
Toyota dealer told me it was my driving that was at fault (this is my 9th hybrid from Toyota! And I’ve even been used on blind interviews by Toyota on hybrid technology) . The suggestion was to put car in ‘sport mode and drive for 30 minutes like Schumacher!)
Dealer denies that there is a fault (and I am the only one experiencing or reporting it) so no joy in getting anyone to listen.
Just found this thread and thought I would drop in my two pennies of thought.
Battery is undersized and suffers from low capacity. Testing of charge system shows inverter working and charge going to battery when system on —- so no issue with circuit or the way in which the system is designed to work.
Therefore – problem lies with battery and capacity. A problem Toyota are aware of but still remain in denial.
Just change the batteries for better ones and save us all this hassle and bad feeling.
I was once 100% spokesman and advocate for Toyota reliability, but this (and other badly thought through problems with PKSB not recognising tow bars – oh that’s a fun one!) make me wonder how Toyota can justify their pricing versus competition?
Good morning Andy, apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
We’re sorry to hear you’re experiencing problems with the battery in your Toyota C-HR.
All modern cars drain the 12v battery when they are switched off. This is due to the onboard electrical systems. If the 12v battery is not given a chance to recharge often enough, it can go flat. This article outlines some tips that, if followed, can help ensure your Toyota remains in tip-top condition.
If you would like your car to be inspected again, please get in touch with your local Toyota Centre.
Thank you.
Just a thought….. do the cars with issues have factory or dealer fitted dashcams (they are often pushed at point of sale)?
If so are they wired into a permanent live fuse (which will run off the 12v battery) ?
Just asking, as it might provide some answers
This is a good point to raise Andy, thanks.
It is recommended to not leave any accessories plugged into power points if this is live when vehicle is switched off, this includes dash cams and phone chargers etc. We’d recommend a visit to your local Toyota Centre for advice relating to your car.
Thank you.
I have aToyota Yaris Cross 2023 model, when I took it in for its first service on 01/10/2024 I was provided electronic documents for the service, upon examining the Toyota Hybrid Service sheet it stated that it had passed but further down on this sheet it stated that the auxiliary batter had failed, No one at the dealership told me this and subsequently the vehicle broke down at home around 10/02/2025, the dealer said they could not look at it for two weeks and I would have to get it recovered back to them, after a week I called the RAC to look at the vehicle and they informed me that the 12v battery was dead and they would jump start it and I would have to take it to the dealer right away as the would not come out again to start it without an £80 charge.
I called the dealership and explained the situation and they said that they had no room and I could only bring it on my day it was booked in, I pleaded with booking agent saying I had bought it from them and had a 4 year service plan with them and I would greatly appreciate if I could be allowed to bring it inane I was happy that it would remain there till my booking date, reluctantly I was put through to someone at the Dealership and had to go through all the details again before they reluctantly agreed for me to bring it in.
Upon arriving at the Garage the first thing I was asked was ” who said you could bring it in”
I left the vehicle there and the battery was replaced FOC and I picked it up on 21/02/2025.
When I took it in for a service on 01/10/25 I checked the Hybrid service sheet and I saw that it no longer mentioned the auxiliary battery on this sheet.
On the 05/01/2026 the Toyota app informed me that the auxiliary batter had low voltage and I should get the car look at Immediately, the first booking I could get was 26/01/2026.
I have to say that I bought this car as Toyota vehicles had good reputation for reliability which is now questionable.
I did recommend my `daughter to buy a Toyota but sadly I regret that now.
Regards Paul
Morning Paul, apologies for the delay in coming back to you.
We’re sorry to hear you’re experiencing problems with the battery in your Yaris Cross Hybrid. All modern cars drain the 12v battery when they are switched off. This is due to the onboard electrical systems. If the 12v battery is not given a chance to recharge often enough, it can go flat.
We hope things were resolved on your recent visit but if you remain unhappy, we’d recommend raising your concerns further with the Toyota Centre.
Thank you.
Hi. Do you know which month in 2026 you will be releasing the specification and prices of the new 2026 RAV4 plug-in vehicles ? I’m following your website but no detailed info yet. Thanks.
Hi Mike,
Thank you for your question.
We have no information to share as yet, however, please remain up-to-date through our website: https://www.toyota.co.uk/ and magazine: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Many thanks,
Toyota UK
This thread has me very concerned. At the beginning of January I ordered a new Corolla hybrid and the dealer is expecting delivery in February. However, I have gone for a PCP deal with only 6000 miles per year as I use the car somewhat infrequently – maybe twice a week for a total of 20 miles some weeks. I don’t mind using a solar charger for extended periods of no use, but I don’t want to have to be plugging in a charger after every trip. I also don’t want to sit in the car for an hour a week using fuel to charge the battery.
It sounds as if I might be best of cancelling this purchase and switching to a conventional petrol engine?!
Good morning Tim.
Congratulations and thank you for choosing Toyota!
To discuss your concerns in more detail, we’d recommend raising these with your local Toyota Centre.
Thank you.
That is useful info as we are just adjusting to the differences with Hybrid Yaris Cross. I doubt we will get charger. It is years since I had to use this with early diesel Toyotas!
I have driven Toyota for near on 50 years, some 11 models.
Hi Richard,
Thank you very much for your comment.
It is always encouraging to hear such positive feedback from our long-time customers!
Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Many thanks,
Toyota UK
I am having the same problems as many of your customers. The 12v battery of my 2023 Yaris Hybrid going flat! You make the standard response to each customer compaint/query that less than 1% of your customers find this a problem. I am in doubt of your figures how do you know it is less than 1%? Perhaps more of your customers should comment on this.
Re your 2 answers to this problem that I have noted……
1. Why should I have to sit with the car running, no heat, no radio for 60 minutes to charge the 12v battery! ? You have known for years that this is a problem for, I am sure, more than the 1% of your customers,so please Toyota, why have you not sorted it already?!?
2.I am not your only customer who does not regularly drive regular long distances I am retired and would prefer not to have to keep going for long drives just to charge the 12v batrery!! This is a problem that appears to have been going on for years and I am sure could be sorted,
Hi Maggie,
Thank you for your question.
We’re sorry to hear you experience problems with the battery. Please note that all modern cars will have some degree of a discharge. If the car is not used very much then the battery will discharge over time but also when it is driven if it is not driven for long enough, it cannot recover the battery back to the maximum capacity. In fact, short journeys can be worse as the electrical power consumed to actually start the car may not be replenished if the engine does not run for long enough so the battery’s capacity will drop slightly. If this is repeated over a number of days, the battery will eventually discharge.
Your Toyota Centre is well equipped to investigate any potential issues, but it isn’t something that is unique to the Yaris nor Toyota. There’s always a risk to the health of the 12V battery with infrequent and short journeys.
Please let us know if you have any further questions.
Many thanks,
Toyota UK
Last year, my Toyota Auris hybrid’s 12v battery died when I stopped after a good few miles drive along a motorway, causing me much stress and delay. I was maybe 1-2 hours away from my car. Road side assistance (not Toyota) got me on my way and advised me to get my battery checked. I asked my Toyota dealer (in Kingston) to do that. They took my car in overnight – more of my time and inconvenience – and reported the next day that it was fine. A few months later, after not driving for 2 weeks, I couldn’t start my car at home. Last month, after 10 days not driving the car wouldn’t start and this time it has been less than 7 days. Oh, also, I’ve had ALL my services carried out at that Toyota dealership, the last one being in September 2025. Clearly, this is a known issue and there is a problem with the battery. I have suffered many days of stress, loss of time and income. It’s time Toyota sort this out – a new battery and compensation for my loss of income at least!
Hi Amanda,
We apologise for any distress caused by your current situation.
To provide some insight, most issues arise when the battery is not given sufficient opportunity to fully recharge. It takes a little time to reinstate the charge that was expended from the battery at start-up – longer if multiple electrical systems are operating simultaneously.
Frequent short journeys can therefore gradually reduce the battery’s charge.
Low ambient temperatures also place additional demands on the battery. Cold conditions slow the internal chemical processes, making start-up more demanding and accelerating charge loss. At the same time, increased use of heating, ventilation and lighting further draws on the battery’s reserves.
If you would like any more tips on how to care for your 12v battery, please do not hesitate to ask.
Many thanks,
Toyota UK