Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

How do you store a Toyota Prius?

I’m going overseas for a six-month job contract, but I want to make sure I keep my Toyota Prius in great shape while I’m gone. What do I need to do to properly store a Toyota Prius?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congratulations on the new job! That should be quite the adventure.
To keep your car in like-new condition while you’re gone, you should follow a two-pronged approach before and during your time away. Here’s how to store a
Toyota Prius
.
Before storage:
  • Change the oil and engine coolant.
  • Top off the gas.
  • Wash the car both inside and out.
  • Repair any paint chips or minor damage.
During storage:
  • Drive the car for about 15 minutes before you permanently store it.
  • Disconnect the negative (black) cable from the battery terminal.
  • Make sure the parking brake is off.
  • Put the car on jack stands if possible to avoid flat spots on the tires.
  • Cover the vehicle.
  • If possible, ask someone to drive the vehicle at least once a month to make sure the car still runs and that no rodents have gotten into the engine or electronics.
While you can’t cancel your car insurance completely (or at least you shouldn’t to avoid a lapse in coverage), you can switch to more affordable coverage options by using the
Jerry
app.
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that collects quotes from dozens of top-rated and well-known car insurance companies. After you find a great rate for your Toyota Prius, Jerry can help you buy insurance and cancel your old policy. Customers save an average of nearly $900 per year.
MORE: 8 ways to prepare your car for winter driving or storage
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings