[rhood]

I am watching a house for the summer and the owners left their Prius hybrid here for use when they come back. They asked me to drive it periodically to keep the battery charged. But, neglected to tell me if anything else needs to be done. Do I need to do anything else so the car is ready for their return in the fall? Thanks

[karostay]

Just drive it will charge itself

Google

The Prius Hybrid battery gets its charge through a normal drive cycle. The hybrid version doesn't ever need to be plugged in to recharge the battery, because the Prius manages the battery charge itself and keeps it topped up using power from the gasoline engine and/or power recovered during braking or decelerating.Nov 10, 2019

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by rhood

I am watching a house for the summer and the owners left their Prius hybrid here for use when they come back. They asked me to drive it periodically to keep the battery charged. But, neglected to tell me if anything else needs to be done. Do I need to do anything else so the car is ready for their return in the fall? Thanks

I had two Prius hybrids prior to moving here. Maintenance and storage should be pretty much just like any car. Any car that will not be used for an extended period of time should be started occasionally to keep the engine lubricated and to keep the battery charged - the same goes for the Prius.

You might want to check the tire pressure (like you would with any car) but most cars these days have a TPMS that will alert you if the pressure is low.

The Prius has the larger, high-voltage battery for the hybrid system. While you can put a charger on a "normal" 12V car battery, you won't have a charger for the big Prius battery. It will try to protect itself but driving the car occasionally to allow that battery to charge is a good idea.

[Stu from NYC]

Should be an indicator that shows you battery charge (at least there was one on the Prius we owned some years ago) so just check the charge periodically when driving.

And why not ask the owners if there is anything else they would like you to do for the car?

[TCRSO]

We have had several Prius. You just need to drive it occasionally. We left. one of ours unattended for 4 months and the starting battery died. As indicated in another post, the dash light will indicate if tire pressure is low.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by rhood

I am watching a house for the summer and the owners left their Prius hybrid here for use when they come back. They asked me to drive it periodically to keep the battery charged. But, neglected to tell me if anything else needs to be done. Do I need to do anything else so the car is ready for their return in the fall? Thanks

Trade it in for a real car?

[TJ SoBos]

Like a regular car, just drive it every couple weeks, or so at normal road speed (45+ mph), for about 10 miles to charge up both the starting battery, and hybrid battery. My hybrid has sat for about five weeks without an issue....started right up.

[chrisinva]

Yeah, trade it in & get 30-40 mpg v. 50-60 mpg with the Prius.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by chrisinva

Yeah, trade it in & get 30-40 mpg v. 50-60 mpg with the Prius.

I'll pay for the gas and take the better car

[Nucky]

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

I'll pay for the gas and take the better car

A nice H2 Hummer or an Excursion with a V-10. That will surprise them. You could put the Prius in the trunk of either one.

You don't have to do anything other than driving it to Culver and then back home. You are a great neighbor.

[Bay Kid]

I like a prius about as much as a battery golf cart.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by rhood

I am watching a house for the summer and the owners left their Prius hybrid here for use when they come back. They asked me to drive it periodically to keep the battery charged. But, neglected to tell me if anything else needs to be done. Do I need to do anything else so the car is ready for their return in the fall? Thanks

Hopefully your question was answered. Sadly, it didn’t take long for this thread to become a “my car is better than your car”. Disgusting, actually.

[Garywt]

That would have been a no go for me, you are not going to find me driving a Prius…

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Garywt

That would have been a no go for me, you are not going to find me driving a Prius…

I miss my Prius.

They make great commuter cars. My two saved me at least 5,000 gallons of gas. Add to that the savings in purchase price, maintenance, and insurance and it starts looking like real money.

Kind of like an 80+ mph golf cart with much better climate control and no leaks during rain.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

I miss my Prius.

They make great commuter cars. My two saved me at least 5,000 gallons of gas. Add to that the savings in purchase price, maintenance, and insurance and it starts looking like real money.

Kind of like an 80+ mph golf cart with much better climate control and no leaks during rain.

5000 gallons of gas? I think you have an extra zero in here

Does give great gas mileage at 50 mpg.