What are your thoughts on replacing the Prius 12v battery? Last replaced 70k miles ago / 5yr ago Symptoms: - poor smart key connection after sitting for the night (even after highway driving to charge the battery) - Noticeably worse gas mileage despite all of the regular maintenance - 12v battery charge is less than 11.6v with and without load first thing in the morning in accessory mode on display (apparently a sign of a dying battery) Haven’t noticed other sx so far. I’m asking your opinion b/c it’ll be at least $200 regardless of brand. Rather not replace it if it’s not gonna help any Maintenance I regularly perform: Oil change synthetic oil 5-7.5k miles Oil filter change Coolant recently replaced Cabin air filter Engine air filter Mass air flow sensor recently cleaned Tires recently replaced Tire pressure regularly checked Oil levels regularly checked Highway HILLY mileage is regularly 40MPG. These are relatively large up and down hill 70MPH highways for 60 miles at a time. I drive then 3-4 days a week. They make up 90% of my miles nowadays. Could they really hamper my MPG that much? Odometer at 180,000 miles.
I think you can try charging up the 12v battery (buy a good battery maintainer/charger for under $100). No need to buy a new battery if it's not bad