storing a hybrid for the winter

[toyotaRX]

hi guys,

My dad is going on vacation this winter to come visit me and has asked me how to store his hybrid - he lives in toronto - so it can get cold there. He'll not be using his camry hybrid from november to march so it will be put into storage in a regular garage attached to his house. Is there anything special that needs to be done? I figure:

1: do an oil change
2: try to use up the gas and leave the tank close to empty
3: remove the starter battery and put it indoors, anything else?

Cheers

[Tideland Prius]

I would've thought keep the tank fuel to minimise fuel vapour.

Turn everything that has a switch to the OFF position.

e.g. headlight, dome, vanity mirror lights to the physical OFF position.


Pump the tyres up a bit so account for some air loss during those months and minimise flat spotting.

[regal1945]

Originally Posted by toyotaRX

hi guys,

My dad is going on vacation this winter to come visit me and has asked me how to store his hybrid - he lives in toronto - so it can get cold there. He'll not be using his camry hybrid from november to march so it will be put into storage in a regular garage attached to his house. Is there anything special that needs to be done? I figure:

1: do an oil change
2: try to use up the gas and leave the tank close to empty
3: remove the starter battery and put it indoors, anything else?

Cheers

Keep fuel tank full and add 10 oz of stabil and run 10 minutes before shutdown, leave the battery in and hook up a maintainer with float, removing it will cause it to loose memory for many accessories.

[Droid13]

I've seen some discussions concerning the discharge rate and possible shortened service life of the NiMH hybrid battery when left in storage for long periods of time. If the hybrid battery does fall below a certain minimum charge, it will mean a tow to the dealer to get the hybrid battery to function again by performing a special recharge. Exactly how long is too long is tough to say, I've heard 6 months is bad. For your 4 or 5 month storage, if it was mine I would try to start and run the vehicle for 30 mins every 6 weeks or so just to be safe. Maintaining the charge on the 12V battery is probably a good idea as mentioned, but allowing the engine to run is the only way to maintain the hybrid battery charge.

Just some thoughts to ponder...