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

New hybrid battery. How often do I need to drive?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by chizet, Jun 28, 2020.

  1. chizet

    chizet Junior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2007
    2
    0
    0
    My 2007 Gen2 hybrid battery died at the beginning of the pandemic. It's time to get a new battery but I still don't plan on driving super-often. Is that okay? Is there a minimum amount of time(s) I should drive it? Is this even an issue?

    TIA
     
    #1 chizet, Jun 28, 2020
  2. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2017
    5,286
    4,226
    0
    Location:
    Northern California
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    If you're buying a new from the dealer OEM replacement, you'll be fine. But do drive it around or keep it 'ready' to maintain the 12v battery.
     
    #2 SFO, Jun 29, 2020
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    7,035
    2,782
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    NO. The HV battery doesn't much care now often or how little it is used.
    The 12 V does though.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Jun 29, 2020
    kenoarto likes this.
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,593
    4,453
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    There are plenty of reasons including your batteries to warm up and drive the car every 7-14 days. You want to avoid flat spotting your tires, reduce excessive rotor rust, lubricate the top of the engine, exercise seals especially brakes & ac, circulate the coolant systems, etc.
     
    #4 rjparker, Jun 30, 2020
    kenoarto likes this.
  5. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2018
    7,035
    2,782
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    YES. But a "drive" of less than 5 minutes doesn't really count.
    30 minutes total "ON" time or more to properly exercise everything.
     
    #5 sam spade 2, Jun 30, 2020
    kenoarto likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)