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Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Jayloc, Mar 8, 2026 at 10:34 PM.

  1. Jayloc

    Jayloc New Member

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    So I have a 2013 prius that I'm currently not driving as a daily driver anymore. I may drive it a few times out the month,around 250 miles or so.my question is would it be ok to drive it once a week for about 20-30 min in order to maintain the hybrid battery via the inverter, and maybe start it up in park in ready mode letting it run for the 1min or so till it automatically shuts off,during the middle of the 1 week?
     
    #1 Jayloc, Mar 8, 2026 at 10:34 PM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    That would be fine, but you should put a maintainer on the 12 volt, or disconnect the negative cable
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 9, 2026 at 3:44 PM
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  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    You can buy a charger to keep the hybrid battery pack fully charged and balanced... Or you could switch to lithium or sodium chemistry that doesn't have the self discharge problem that NiMH cells have in OEM pack.

    But given the engine problems that Gen3 Prius have, you're probably better off selling it while its still in good condition and buy an old truck that doesn't have these hassles and has more uses as a rarely driven vehicle. It's just a matter of time before everyone will be more aware of Gen3 engine failure problems and the re-sale value of the Gen3 prius will fall in big ways.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Mar 9, 2026 at 4:58 PM
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    If your driving it a few times a month and about 250 miles - IMHO, should be enough exercise for it.
    1. put an automatic battery maintainer/RV battery charger on the 12V
    2. I would probably do some sort of mouse deterrent strategy for the car - so they won't chew on the wires and turn it into a mouse house.

    Good Luck...
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Mar 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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  5. Jayloc

    Jayloc New Member

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    Thank you so much for the advice.
     
    #5 Jayloc, Mar 9, 2026 at 7:37 PM
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