How to attach a power switch on a car battery

Many people who store their car for a long time like to disconnect the battery from the car's electrical system. This prevents unintentional discharge of the vehicle's battery. Disconnecting the battery also greatly reduces the risk of sparks and fire.

Disconnecting the battery is considered a safe storage method because you never know what furry critters or outside forces might cause unexpected electrical problems during long-term storage.

Instead of using tools to disconnect the battery cables every time, a battery disconnect device (also known as a power switch) can be easily installed on the battery, and the power can be turned off in seconds with the handle.

Part 1 of 1: Installing the Battery Disconnect Switch on the Vehicle Safely

Necessary materials

• Battery switch
• Miscellaneous keys (dimensions vary by vehicle)

Step 1: Locate the battery in the car. The batteries of most cars and trucks are located under the hood of the car, but in some models they may be located under the rear seat or in the trunk.

Step 2: Remove the negative battery cable. Disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench.

• Functions: On older American cars, you will need a 7/16" or 1/2" wrench for this. On newer or foreign-made vehicles, a 10-13mm wrench is most commonly used to disconnect the battery cable.

Step 3: Install the battery switch. Install a battery switch to the negative battery terminal and tighten it with an appropriate size wrench.

Make sure the switch is in the open position.

Step 4: Connect the negative terminal to the switch.. Now connect the factory negative battery terminal to the battery switch and tighten it with the same wrench.

Step 5: Activate the switch. This is usually done by turning a knob that is part of the battery switch.

Step 6: Check the battery switch. Check the battery switch in the "On" positions and "Off" to make sure it works properly.

After confirming operation, visually inspect the battery and connections to ensure that nothing else is in contact with the battery terminals or the newly added battery switch.

Whether you store your car for a certain period of time or you have a car that is draining its battery for unknown reasons, disconnecting the battery terminal is an easy fix.

If regularly disconnecting the battery due to discharge is not your solution, consider calling a certified mechanic from AvtoTachki to check the battery if it is dead and replace it.