Steps to take if only using the Prius once a week for a while?

Our scenario is similar, 2010, used once or twice a week, and usually a good drive when that happens.

In between those drives I keep it on a charger, and for convenience have the charger’s quick-connect cable installed.

I’m using a CTEK 4.3, good charger, but getting a little pricey. Current similar version is CTEK 5 I believe.

 

If yours has the smart key system, you can throw a switch to temporarily disable it for the 6 dark days.

I don't think it is worth much more trouble than that.

(quite a few of my own posts written between the moments of toddler care here, welcome to the club!)

 

2nd gen has such a switch, but not 3rd. Perhaps not needed as much, but yeah the battery will run down with a steady regimen of downtime.

We’re garage stored, charger connection very convenient, so why not. The current 12 volt (Optima Yellow Top) will have been installed 8 years this September.

Attached pic is recent, taken the morning after a driving day, before connecting the charger, so no surface charge I would think. I also periodically test it with a Solar BA5: it’s still well above CCA spec.

 

Putting aside the health of the 12v battery, at what intervals should the Prius be driven to avoid bad things happening? Scenario: Prius is going to be stored elsewhere so somewhat inconvenient access. How often should I make the trip to drive it?

 

If the 12-volt isn't able to be connected to a battery tender, I'd either plan on driving every 2 weeks OR I'd disconnect the 12-volt battery and try to drive her at least once a month.
Make sure the oil is fresh (changed within the last 6 months) You don't want old, dirty oil sitting in there.

 

Yes. With a qualification.
Your need an automatic tender-type battery maintainer. NOT a cheap trickle charger.

 

They all are. I glanced at the ones at WalMart yesterday and most of them were well over $50.

 

Definitely. I got the CTEK 4.3 for around $80 CDN, about 10 years back. It's equivalent now I think is CTEK 5.

Amazon.ca:
(CDN site)



Amazon.com:
(US site)

 

For what its worth I use cheap Foxsur chargers from China. I've used them for 10 years+ without ill effects. I have about 20 of them for use on various cars, friends, cars, riding mowers.

 

If those are unregulated trickle chargers, you are damn lucky that you haven't had any problems.

 

Copy that. I’m sure these are not unregulated trickle chargers. My point was that an “expensive” charger is not necessary. And my opinion is that the expensive chargers are sourced from China anyway for about 10% of what they are sold for retail.

 

That is no better than a wild guess on your part.
Have you priced THEM lately.......and/or checked the spec's to be sure ??