long term storage: the facts

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by zebekias, Dec 22, 2017.

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  1. cipsaz187

    cipsaz187 Member

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    Great post. But you didn't cover the oil change part.
     
    #21 cipsaz187, Dec 23, 2017
  2. zebekias

    zebekias Member

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    I haven't changed oil yet :cautious: I am actually considering what to use, I have been using 0w20 which is the recommended weight per the car's booklet, but the Toyota dealer here insists they use 5w30 because of Greece's hot summers. I compared specs on Mobil's website and frankly 0w20 5w30 and 0w40 are pretty close. I know Mobil 1 0w40 is top notch, I use it on my GTRs.
     
    #22 zebekias, Dec 25, 2017
  3. Johnny Cakes

    Johnny Cakes Senior Member

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    Definitely check the label -- ethanol has an octane rating that is higher than gasoline (113). In a gasoline/ethanol mixture, the higher the ethanol content, the higher the octane rating.
     
    #23 Johnny Cakes, Dec 25, 2017
  4. mikefocke

    mikefocke Prius v Three 2012, Avalon 2011

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    Brake fluid absorbs moisture. It can damage things like ABS sensors and brake cylinders. Consider changing it.
    Oil contains combustion byproducts. Acids. Not good for expensive things like bearings. Change just before storage.

    What I've learned from people who care for very very expensive cars.
     
    #24 mikefocke, Dec 25, 2017
    Bay Stater, Grit and Johnny Cakes like this.
  5. SandyEBauer

    SandyEBauer New Member

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    I have a 2009 Prius with 81,000 miles and want to store my car for a little over 5 months while I travel around in my motorhome. The Toyota dealership where I have my car serviced regularly was really not much help. Calling Toyota on the phone didn't give me a lot of hope either. Seeing the post from zebekias is my first hope that I can actually do this. I have already had Toyota replace my 12 volt battery so it should be in good condition. If I put a battery minder on it I should be ok, shouldn't I?
     
    #25 SandyEBauer, Apr 10, 2018
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Yes, if it's a "smart charger" and it's manual says it's ok to leave the charger on indefinitely. It should go through a charging session, then settle down to a very minor "blip" of charge, just to maintain.

    Alternately, and this is maybe safer: charge the battery fully, then disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable. This will prevent the background loads that are inexorably draining the battery. A healthy shape battery, fully charged and then sitting with no loads, should be ok for 5 months. I think, maybe someone with an electrical background can comment.

    5 months is long enough to consider other factors. I'd suggest: air the tires all up to the max pressure indicated on the sidewall, leave one window very slightly open, and put some rags as shims under the wiper arms, to lift the blades off the glass.

    Assume you're garage parked?
     
    #26 Mendel Leisk, Apr 11, 2018
  7. zebekias

    zebekias Member

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    Old thread resurrection to add a piece of info. If you do not connect a battery tender to the 12 volt battery, you can follow this recipe every two weeks:

    Have someone go in the car, press the brake pedal, and press the start button (the car goes in READY state).
    Leave the car like this in the READY state for a couple of hours (engine will run at least once, probably a few times).

    I am following this for several years (too lazy to take the 12v battery out to hook it up to the tender, as I used to do) and so far it has prevented the 12v battery from going dead.
     
    #27 zebekias, Jan 29, 2022
    bisco likes this.
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    but don't try this in an enclosed space
     
    #28 bisco, Jan 29, 2022
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    A 12 volt battery charger regimen has got to be better for the environment, your pocket book, the neighbours.

    I can see doing that for the hybrid battery though, say every couple of months. Or better: go for a drive.
     
    #29 Mendel Leisk, Jan 30, 2022
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you can always leave the battery in, and hook it up to a tender, or hook the tender to the front jump point
     
    #30 bisco, Jan 30, 2022
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