Going away for three months. What to do?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Technical Discussion' started by MrFixer, Aug 22, 2025 at 4:20 PM.

  1. MrFixer

    MrFixer New Member

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    2021 Prius. A little later this year I have to go overseas for three months.
    I can (1) park the car up and disconnect 12V battery or (2) have someone go to the car once a week and put in Ready Mode for 30 minutes or so (so it runs the engine and charges 12V battery).
    Which is the best option?
    Ideally I'd have someone use the car regularly, but got nobody who will do that......
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    running it is better, but sometimes people forget. i would park it with a fairly full battery, disconnect the 12v or put a maintainer on it, and pump up the tyres to prevent flat spots
     
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  3. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Since the battery is easy to get to on this one. Put a smart RV battery maintainer on it and wrap the power cord around your driver's side mirror - do you don't forget to disconnect it when you get back.
    If you don't have a smart RV battery maintainer, just disconnect the negative battery cable on the car. Once you do that, the FOB and alarms won't work. You'll need to use the aux. key to lock and unlock the car.

    Hope this helps.....
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Where are you parking it?
     
  5. FuelMiser

    FuelMiser Senior Member

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    I'd disconnect the 12V Neg terminal as advised. Then wrap it in a rag to prevent contact with any metal parts under the hood. I wouldn't trust anyone to run the car.
    I'd also practice using the metal/backup key in the fob to lock/unlock the car before finally locking her up after disconnecting the Neg terminal.
     
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  6. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    Not all items can be done without special equipment, but this doc gives you some options...
     

    Attached Files:

  7. ChunkyLover53

    ChunkyLover53 New Member

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    I agree, I would disconnect the 12V battery negative terminal for this type of storage.