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Premium Japanese Car Imports for Families
by Esad Ismailov
Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Alphard or Vellfire are known for their efficiency, smooth driving experience, and long-term reliability. One of the key components of these vehicles is the hybrid battery, which is designed to last for many years when properly maintained.
If you’re considering purchasing a used hybrid vehicle, it’s a good idea to understand how to check the condition of the battery. In this blog post, we’ll share practical tips on how to assess a hybrid battery before buying, as well as how to spot potential issues early and take steps to prolong battery life. With the right knowledge, you can enjoy your hybrid with confidence and avoid unnecessary expenses and dashboards that look like Christmas lights.
Figure 1 - Christmas lights on dashboard
Toyota (and other models) hybrids typically have two batteries:
The drive battery wears over time, especially after 8–10 years or 150,000+ km. Replacing it can cost anywhere from 1500 to 5000 AUD, depending on model and region—so a quick inspection is more than just smart; it's essential.
1. Run a Health Scan with an OBD Tool.
At Best People Movers, we use a professional diagnostics tool to check all system diagnostics and provide a report for the vehicle.
You can use a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner paired with a hybrid-compatible app (like Dr. Prius or Torque Pro). These can:
Pro tip: Test the battery under acceleration and deceleration for performance drops.
Figure 2 - Honda Odyssey Hybrid Battery individual cell voltage
2. Observe the Battery Gauge Behaviour
During a test drive:
3. Check Cooling System Cleanliness
Inspect the hybrid battery cooling intake vent—usually under the rear seats.
Cleaning this vent regularly helps maintain battery performance and longevity.
Tip: the hybrid battery cooling system coolant needs to be checked or replaced every 2 years.
Figure 3 - Hybrid battery vents need to be checked and cleaned, especially if you have pets. Different models have different locations for the vents.
4. Ask About Previous Battery Maintenance
Inquire whether:
Rebuilt or reconditioned batteries may be cheaper—but only if done with quality parts and proper calibration.
It’s a common question for hybrid drivers: “Is it safe to drive when the ‘Hybrid System Check’ warning light appears?”
The short answer is: yes—but only for short distances and with caution. You should head to your nearest dealership or trusted repair shop as soon as possible for a proper diagnostic.
Important Reminder:
When performing diagnostics, avoid requesting a forced reset without first identifying the underlying issue. The warning might stem from hybrid battery deterioration (e.g. internal cell imbalance or voltage irregularities) or from a completely unrelated fault. Skipping the diagnosis could hide serious problems.
Even if a reset clears the warning temporarily, it doesn’t mean the issue is resolved. You may find the car runs normally for a while—but that check light will almost certainly return. If the hybrid battery is confirmed as the root cause, consider replacing the battery unit proactively before the issue resurfaces.
You might be thinking, “The warning light is gone—has the battery fixed itself?”
It’s an understandable hope, especially if the system seems to be running smoothly weeks or even months after a reset. But here's the reality: if the original issue was hybrid battery deterioration—such as internal cell imbalances or abnormalities—a reset won't magically restore its health.
After a forced reset, the system may appear normal and drive without issue temporarily. However, the timing of the warning’s return is unpredictable and depends on:
So, while the light might stay off for now, it's likely to reappear soon.
To avoid encountering a serious error while on a long trip or in unfamiliar territory, it’s best to replace the battery unit proactively once deterioration is confirmed. A permanent fix beats temporary silence.
Performing a forced reset of the Hybrid System Check warning might seem like a quick fix—but it’s only a temporary patch, not a real solution. And repeating that reset multiple times? That’s where things get risky.
If the root cause is a deteriorated hybrid battery, forcing a reset won’t restore its performance.In fact:
Continuous strain on degraded battery blocks can lead to:
So, while the warning might stay off for a little while, you’re only masking a deeper issue. If your car’s system has issued repeated alerts, it’s time to replace the battery unit before the next failure happens—especially if you're planning longer trips or venturing away from familiar roads.
| ✅ Checkpoint | ✔️ Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| OBD Scan & Voltage Balance | Reveals internal health status |
| Battery Gauge Responsiveness | Indicates cell efficiency |
| Cooling System Condition | Affects battery temperature and performance |
| Service History/Receipts | Confirms past issues and repairs |
| Professional Inspection Option | Offers peace of mind and negotiation leverage |
Used hybrids are a fantastic choice if you do your homework—especially when it comes to the battery. Even a seemingly perfect car can have hidden battery issues. Armed with an OBD tool and a discerning eye, you’ll be ready to spot the real gems and steer clear of expensive headaches.
Check the Delta SOC before purchasing a used hybrid vehicle with more than 100000kms. If you are not familiar with what Delta SOC is, we mentioned it in our previous newsletter.
“In the context of hybrid vehicles, particularly those using NiMH or Lithium-ion batteries, "Delta SOC" refers to the difference in state of charge (SOC) between the highest and lowest voltage blocks within the battery pack. A healthy battery pack should have a Delta SOC% close to 0%. A rising Delta SOC% indicates a problem, such as a failing battery.” Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more information and tips on hybrid vehicles.
At Best People Movers, the hybrid battery vehicles are checked, and a professional diagnostics report is provided for each vehicle. It shows the health of the hybrid battery and the Delta SOC for Toyota vehicles or the hybrid battery minimum and maximum voltage for Honda hybrid vehicles.
If you have any questions, suggestions or frustrations, please email me.
Safe roads!
Xo,
Natalia
Your JDM addict
P.S. Want to know more? Feel free to Join my email list to stay connected + be in the know which vehicles are coming and which ones are going, which models are hot, and which are not and what’s happening in our import industry.
Here’s what else you’ll get in my weekly emails:
Q: What is the difference between a hybrid vehicle and an electric vehicle (EV)?
The primary difference between hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles is their power sources. Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by an electric motor, while hybrid vehicles have two power sources: a gasoline or fuel-powered engine and an electric motor. Hybrid vehicles can continue to operate using gasoline or other fuels even if the battery is low, whereas electric vehicles cannot run if they run out of electricity. However, electric vehicles are known for their extremely low operating costs since they run entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for fuel.
Q: How much difference is there in fuel efficiency between gasoline cars and hybrid cars?
The fuel efficiency difference between gasoline and hybrid cars varies significantly by model, but hybrid cars are generally about 30-40% more fuel efficient in both catalog and real-world conditions. This efficiency gap is often more pronounced in minivans, which are relatively lightweight.
Fuel efficiency is influenced by factors such as throttle usage and the frequency of acceleration and deceleration. For hybrid cars, you can achieve better fuel efficiency by effectively using the motor during acceleration and starting, so gentle use of the accelerator is recommended.
Q: Is it true that hybrid cars are more expensive to buy second-hand than gasoline cars?
Yes, hybrid cars, including minivans, tend to be more expensive to buy second-hand compared to gasoline cars. This is due to their increasing popularity driven by excellent fuel efficiency and tax benefits. The price of a used car is influenced not only by its intrinsic value but also by its market popularity, which significantly affects price trends. Consequently, popular hybrid minivans often have higher purchase and trade-in prices than their gasoline counterparts.
Although the initial investment is higher, the benefits of hybrid minivans, such as lower maintenance costs, better fuel efficiency, and higher resale value, can offset the initial expense.