Taking Care IMA Battery

First, it is important to be aware that hybrid cars have two kinds of batteries. The first is the 12 volt battery which is the same as any other kind of car on the road. It resides under the hood and is subject to the same difficulties as any car battery in a hot climate.

The second battery is the large, high voltage battery which hybrid cars use to store energy that is used for propulsion. This is the battery that most people are worried about, since it is much more expensive to replace. This is what hybrid owners have been dreading, including myself. But future cars will be more towards having battery as source of power, so we still have to face it.

Here i compiling tip on taking care of the battery for my own reference & other owners.

1. Avoid your car not used for a long period.

Hybrid storage for less than 1 months does not create any problems. If you plan to store your Hybrid for a longer period, it is a good idea to have the car started up and run at 3500 rpm for 8 to 10 minutes every 30 days. Also confirm the full charge status on the instrument cluster after this.

2. Avoid Excessive Heat

The worst enemy for all type of battery is heat. In a hot weather climate, this might be a problem for all hybrid/electric cars.

Although hybrid cars have their 12 volt battery under the hood like a conventional car, the large high voltage hybrid battery packs are “hidden” within the passenger compartment.

Actually during driving you don't have to worry because the battery packs on hybrid cars have thermal management systems built in to help regulate the temperature of the hybrid car battery pack. Hybrid cars protect their batteries. If the battery pack gets too hot the hybrid car battery management system would prevent the driver from “overusing” the battery. Full use of the battery is available once the hybrid battery temperature returns to an acceptable level.

When you park your car, Most of the time if possible, try to put your car under shady place.

3. Avoid blocking Interior And Exterior Vents

Hybrid cars often have some type of vent inside the passenger compartment to take in cabin air to help cool the hybrid car battery. Hybrid car owners need to keep these vents free from obstructions like extra luggage or other personal items. Generally, there is also an exterior vent for the battery compartment as well.

The more comfortable you keep the cabin the happier the hybrid car battery will be.

Taking extra steps to reduce interior temperatures and making sure nothing is blocking the battery pack's vents is helpful in keeping hybrid batteries healthy.

4. Avoid Overcharging IMA battery.

The IMA battery control module(s) allows the battery to overcharge. Occasional overcharging is a desirable function, but too many frequently repeated cycles of overcharge can damage the IMA battery. This damage is the result of excessive current and heat build up. Unique local topographical and ambient conditions in affected states, combined with a driving cycle that typically keeps the IMA battery fully charged, creat this potential problem.

5. Watch out for water

Water is a killer for all electronics. Even small amounts of moisture can sap the energy from your battery and cause corrosion. Normally, hybrid battery packs is stored under the boot, make sure that any water to be spoil in your boot.

Bottom Line Hybrid battery pack can last till the end cycle of the car if you keep it well. I will update with few other tips if i had found any.