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How long can Prius C be idle?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by PriusCee, Apr 14, 2023.

  1. PriusCee

    PriusCee Junior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2023
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    Location:
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    I inherited a 2015 Prius C and the 12V battery went flat about a month ago. How long can I let the car sit idle? Will being idle for an extended period of time ruin the hybrid battery set? Thanks.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
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    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    there's no exact time. more than a week or two, and i would put an inexpensive maintainer on the 12 volt.
    for the hybrid battery, it depends on age and health. i would start to be concerned around 6 months, and more concerned if it were a regular thing, like a vacation home or some such.
    these cars like to be driven
     
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  3. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 12, 2018
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    Location:
    Pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Ones and Twos can sit longer due to basic ignition keylock systems. Threes and Fours don't last as long because they use smart key systems.

    Endurance slides with age and temperature.

    The hybrid battery has a finite lifetime, idle or used.

    From an economic standpoint, the best you can do with a Prius is run the wheels off it from the moment you inherit one until the day before it becomes a money pit. For that one? You're probably good through 2025 whether you drive it or not.