Maintaining Your Toyota Hybrid Battery: Service Tips for Longevity

Smooth Driving

Jerky driving can take its toll on the battery. Every time you accelerate or brake, the electric motor requires power, which has to come from the battery. Smooth driving means the ongoing power demand is lower, which reduces the risk of premature wear.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Batteries don’t respond well to extreme temperatures. Regular exposure to both hot and cold temperatures can lower the battery’s overall lifespan. You can minimize the effects of the weather by taking steps to protect your Toyota in both the summer and winter. You can opt to park in the shade, use a cover, or leave your car in a garage where possible to shield it from the worst effects. 

Take Longer Trips

Short trips can drain the battery and don’t provide the opportunity for it to recharge. Regenerative technology allows your battery to recharge as you drive but it requires a longer trip for maximum efficiency. Combine shorter trips when possible and drive longer distances periodically to keep your battery in prime condition.

Don’t Charge to the Max

It may sound strange, but a full charge of 100 percent can be harmful to your battery. Over time, repeated full charges can reduce a battery’s lifespan. You may be able to limit the charge with your battery management system, but if not, you can monitor it manually. The charge should be kept at around 80%, ideally.

Never Allow the Battery to Drain Completely

A dead battery is just as harmful as one that has been charged to 100 percent. You can protect the life of your battery with a charge of 20% or above.

Drive Your Car Regularly

Logic may suggest that resting your car for extended periods may help it last even longer, but the reverse is true. The health of your battery decreases when it is stationary, even for short periods. If the battery drains completely and your car sits idle, the lifespan will be adversely affected. Run your car for at least 20–30 minutes every week or two to protect the hybrid battery.

Arrange Regular Maintenance

The precision engineering on your Toyota means that every system is designed to work in perfect balance. If there’s a problem with one component, it can affect the performance of your car. When your car isn’t at its best, the battery may be under more stress with greater power requirements. Keeping your tires, brakes, and other systems well-maintained protects your battery too.

If your Toyota is due for maintenance, we can help. Contact us today at Coughlin Toyota in Heath, OH to schedule a service with experts you can trust.

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