1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Is this good for the 12v battery?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by mediahound, Oct 5, 2013.

  1. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2013
    903
    155
    2
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I have a portable jump starter and wondering if it's good to periodically attach it to the Prius 12v battery? This is not a trickle charger but a jump starter.

    In other words, will it help top up the 12v battery? Or will it not really do anything?
     
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2013
    1,740
    446
    4
    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    Will accomplish nothing and risk creating problems.
     
  3. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2013
    903
    155
    2
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    But a trickle charger does help maintain the battery, right?
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    If you rarely use your car, yes. Not if you drive every day,no.
     
  5. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2013
    903
    155
    2
    Location:
    SF Bay Area, California
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I drive maybe 3 times a week but sometimes if I go on a business trip the car can sit for 2 weeks at a time. I was thinking I would just jump it if the battery drains.
     
  6. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2009
    12,470
    6,862
    2
    Location:
    Greenwood MS USA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    For 2 weeks a Battery maintainer is a good plan, Using your car 3 times a week is fine.