With Covid-19 restrictions only allowing for short essential journeys, car usage has dropped dramatically and in some cases vehicles have been unused for many weeks. Against this backdrop, Toyota Ireland has shared some practical tips for avoiding battery failure and ensuring battery health for hybrids and conventional powered cars.

All Toyota cars (conventional and hybrid) feature a 12-volt battery and without regular driving the battery, like all other batteries, discharges overtime. If a battery fails completely it not only means issues such as the vehicle not starting, but could potentially mean issues such as remote locking not working. To avoid this happening, Toyota has outlined some simple tips for car owners to ensure their vehicles are fit and ready to go when restrictions are lifted.

-    For conventional powered cars, owners should sit in their car in their own driveway, turn it on and leave it running for approximately 30 minutes every 15 to 20 days. When doing so the owners should be aware of exhaust fumes and ensure no family members or members of the public are exposed.

-    Owners without driveways are recommended to drive their car a short distance (within 2KM) to an area where people are not present and leave it running for the 30 minute duration.

-    Hybrid car owners should switch on ‘Ready Mode’ for approximately 30 minutes every 15 to 20 days to keep the battery topped up. Toyota say it is also important to note, that for Hybrid users the engine may not kick-in or omit any sound, however their dashboard’s ‘Ready Lamp’ will be illuminated when ‘Ready Mode’ is active. It is important to uphold car safety when in ‘Ready Mode’ and ensure all lights are turned off, the car’s position is secure with the brake on and no passengers are in the vehicle.

Toyota say if drivers do find themselves in a situation where their battery has died, they should contact their local Toyota dealer or if appropriate Toyota Eurocare for assistance.