Your Toyota Prius is a parallel hybrid. That means its battery works a little differently than that of a regular car. In fact, your Prius battery is part of a proprietary Toyota technology called a Hybrid Synergy Drive System. Like a lot of hybrids, it's comprised of an electric motor and gas engine. They work together to power the car you love and provide the exceptional fuel economy you love more, all while cutting down on emissions. The system itself is designed to switch back and forth seamlessly between electric motor-only, gas engine-only, and combined operation. The best part: either motor can run on its own. Prius utilizes electric power instead of burning gas whenever possible, especially at low speeds. During gentle acceleration, it uses both motors. During full acceleration, however, it uses the gas engine only. The battery is what supplies drive power to the electric motor all the while. When you slow down or brake completely, the gas cuts off, and the electric motor starts charging the battery to produce power for later use. Unfortunately, Toyota Prius batteries don't last forever.

Signs Your Toyota Prius Battery is Dying

When it's time for a hybrid battery replacement, there are three major symptoms you can look for. Perhaps the most obvious is when the battery charges erratically. That suggests it could be overcharging or no longer capable of holding a charge. Another sign is a decrease in fuel economy. This tells you that your Prius has probably gone back to relying on gas to run because of battery problems. A less obvious symptom is strange engine noises. They indicate that your battery could be running too hot. If you need to change your Toyota Prius battery, you can buy a new one here at our auto parts counter. It'll be genuine OEM, too -- guaranteed to work with your hybrid. So, take care of another DIY job today -- order now.