War_Wagon,
Sweet!
if the car is going to be sitting unused for a while, let's say
10 days or more, the 12V battery can cause problems due
slow discharge from "housekeeping"-type functions running
in the background. 12V battery below maybe 11 volts means
no start up. And if by some strange luck it starts, and the 12V
battery can't hold a charge, the car might not turn off!
Typical 12V battery service life is ~4 years... that is if it hasn't
been deeply discharged and needing a jump. Even once starts
the battery on a steep downward spiral.
Generally, it is recommended that the car be run for at least
1/2 hour, parked with the car in READY is sufficient, every two
weeks at the longest.
Alternately, hooking the battery to a battery minder, not a charger,
should keep the puny, little, weak sister 12V battery happy.
You might want to consider going to the Gen I Discussion Area
at
PRIUSchat.com to get smart on your new baby.
Good luck!