How long can the Insight 2 be left undriven?

[alam99]

Hello All,

I did a search on this site to try and find out how long an Insight 2 can be left undriven but still have healthy batteries but could only find a thread on the 1st generation Insight. I usually drive almost every day but there might be times when I'm away on vacation for several weeks and the car will be idle.

I became curious after reading how someone left their cabin lights on in their car overnight and drained their battery.

Thanks in advance, everyone.

[Zwolfe]

If I left my cabin light on overnight in any car I've ever owned the battery the next day is always dead.

I think the general rule of thumb is to not let the I2 sit more than a month, even that could be stretching it. I'd personally like to get it moving around at least once every couple weeks.

[alam99]

Originally Posted by Zwolfe

I think the general rule of thumb is to not let the I2 sit more than a month, even that could be stretching it. I'd personally like to get it moving around at least once every couple weeks.

I was able to locate a PDF version of the 2010 manual. On page 383, it lists numerous suggestions on how to store the car for longer than a month. However, it says at end of the section:

"If this vehicle is unused for over one month, the service life of the 100V Nickel-Metal Hydride battery will be reduced and the battery may be permanently damaged."

So if you have to store the car, I guess it's best to have someone stop by and drive it every so often.

[davidm]

Originally Posted by alam99

I was able to locate a PDF version of the 2010 manual. On page 383, it lists numerous suggestions on how to store the car for longer than a month. However, it says at end of the section:

"If this vehicle is unused for over one month, the service life of the 100V Nickel-Metal Hydride battery will be reduced and the battery may be permanently damaged."

So if you have to store the car, I guess it's best to have someone stop by and drive it every so often.

This raises a question for me. How long does a car go undriven before it's purchased?

First, it's shipped from Japan. How long does that take? Then it sits on a lot for who knows how long.

I purchased a 2010 at the end of 2010. The local dealer had to find it on another dealers lot. Who knows how long it sat there.

If I recall correctly, it only had like 10 miles on it when I took delivery, so it couldn't have been driven much. Do dealers have some way to protect the battery before sale?

By purchasing one at the end of the model year, did I get a battery that will have a reduced service life?

[pjaymac]

Originally Posted by davidm

This raises a question for me. How long does a car go undriven before it's purchased?

First, it's shipped from Japan. How long does that take? Then it sits on a lot for who knows how long.

I purchased a 2010 at the end of 2010. The local dealer had to find it on another dealers lot. Who knows how long it sat there.

If I recall correctly, it only had like 10 miles on it when I took delivery, so it couldn't have been driven much. Do dealers have some way to protect the battery before sale?

By purchasing one at the end of the model year, did I get a battery that will have a reduced service life?

Check out insightfulone's post (No. 5, from 12-01-11) on this page:

Looking to buy an Insight

[Cobb]

All the more reason I beg, borrowed and stole to get me a grid charger.

Now I want a Betterbattery (tm).

Sent from my Autoguide iPod touch app

[mrkcohen]

Page 383 - Storage

If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period (more than 1 month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your vehicle back on the road.

- If possible, store your vehicle indoors.
- Wash and dry the exterior completely.
- Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry.
- Leave the parking brake off.
- Put the transmission in Park.
- Block the rear wheels.
- If the vehicle is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jack stands so the tires are off the ground.
- Leave one window open slightly (if the vehicle is being stored indoors).
- Disconnect the 12 volt battery.
- Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.
- Cover the vehicle with a ‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint.
- Reconnect the 12 volt battery and drive your vehicle every month for about 30 minutes. This will keep the IMA battery charged and in good condition.
- If possible, periodically run the engine until it reaches full operating temperature (the cooling fans cycle on and off twice). Preferably, do this once a month.
- To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and hatch seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and hatch seals.

If this vehicle is unused for over one month, the service life of the 100V Nickel-Metal Hydride battery will be reduced and the battery may be permanently damaged.

[zzzptm]

I can tell you how NOT to store a car... I once had an '84 Honda Accord that I left in my carport for a month in the summer of 1997...

Came back to a car with four flats, a discharged battery, stuck windshield wipers, and a rich, bold aroma from whatever it was that had been baking in the sealed heat. The car smelled a lot like me, but not in a subtle way.

Took a day of work to get the thing drivable again and riding with the windows down helped to air it out. Selling it got rid of the smell completely.

[lobro45]

There's loads of motors that sit for months in our showrooms, so you would hope that the dealers are aware of it.
I'll ask the question when I go to collect mine next week! It's a 2010 ES and has only 300 miles on the clock! So it's not been far.
Its got 18 months Honda warranty left and I assume the 8 year warranty on the battery pack applies. As I got it for £6000 under the book price, I have no concerns! If the warranty wont cover it, I'll buy another pack!

(I'm in the UK by the way ).

Lobro.

[lobro45]

Originally Posted by lobro45

There's loads of motors that sit for months in our showrooms, so you would hope that the dealers are aware of it.
I'll ask the question when I go to collect mine next week! It's a 2010 ES and has only 300 miles on the clock! So it's not been far.
Its got 18 months Honda warranty left and I assume the 8 year warranty on the battery pack applies. As I got it for £6000 under the book price, I have no concerns! If the warranty wont cover it, I'll buy another pack!

(I'm in the UK by the way ).

Lobro.

So I asked the question!
I was assured that Honda dealers are aware of the problems of leaving hybrids standing for long periods.
I suppose that there is more danger of damage if the car is kept on a general car lot, where the proprieters may not be aware of the problem.