How to Disconnect the Battery?
2 Answers
Simply remove the negative terminal of the battery, but ensure the vehicle is not running to avoid electric shock. The reasons for disconnecting the battery cables when the car is not in use are as follows: 1. Power consumption even when idle: The vehicle consumes electricity even when not in motion, such as the door anti-theft system or other electronic devices installed by the owner. These are all loads on the battery and will drain power when parked. 2. Self-discharge characteristics: Batteries have a self-discharge property. Even a brand-new battery will lose half its charge after being disconnected and left for six months. Maintenance-free batteries last much longer, but they still self-discharge. Moreover, non-new batteries age faster, accelerating the self-discharge rate.
To disconnect a car battery, I remember this job needs to be done step by step to ensure safety. First, turn off the car completely, remove the key, and wait 5-10 minutes for the engine to cool down, especially so the electronic control system doesn’t discharge randomly. Then locate the battery, usually in the engine bay or under the trunk. Use a suitable wrench, like a 13mm one, to loosen the negative terminal nut counterclockwise. The negative terminal is the black cable or the one marked with '-'. Disconnect it first to reduce the risk of a short circuit. After disconnecting, insulate it or wrap it with tape to prevent it from touching any metal parts. If the battery needs to be removed, you can then disconnect the positive terminal, also with caution. This is usually done to replace the battery or for electrical repairs to avoid accidental fires. Once, when I did this myself, I forgot to wear gloves, my hand slipped, and I almost got an electric shock, so now I always emphasize wearing protective gloves. After finishing, when reconnecting, remember to reverse the order: connect the positive terminal first, then the negative, and check the dashboard for any abnormal displays before starting. In short, DIY is fun, but safety comes first.
