Should the Positive or Negative Terminal Be Removed When a Vehicle is Parked for a Long Time?

[DiJayce]

When a vehicle is parked for a long time, the negative terminal of the battery should be removed. Here are some related details about car batteries: Precautions for Battery Replacement: Visually inspect the battery casing for cracks, corrosion, or any signs of burning; Use a voltmeter to measure the voltage between the casing and the ground, ensuring it does not exceed 20V to avoid the risk of electric shock; After installing a new battery, use a Mercedes-Benz specific computer to perform a battery test run. Car Battery Maintenance Tips: Avoid parking the car in open parking lots for extended periods. If long-term parking is necessary, remove the battery to prevent freezing damage; Car batteries should be charged regularly. A battery left unused for a long time will gradually discharge on its own until it becomes unusable. Therefore, start the car periodically to recharge the battery.

[DiTimothy]

I've had personal experience with battery maintenance during long-term parking. Disconnecting the negative terminal is the correct approach because the vehicle's frame is connected to the negative terminal, so even if tools accidentally touch metal parts, there won't be sparks flying everywhere. Removing the positive terminal is too risky - I tried it myself once and nearly burned out the wiring. Also, if parking exceeds one or two months, fully charge the battery before disconnecting it. This significantly extends its lifespan. Don't underestimate this step, otherwise the battery will slowly discharge and become useless, costing you big money for a replacement. I recommend wearing safety gloves during disconnection to avoid accidental contact. Periodically check the battery charge during parking to ensure everything's secure. This method is simple, efficient, and safe.

[JosephAnn]

As an automotive enthusiast, I always insist on disconnecting the negative terminal. The reason is straightforward: all the metal parts of the car body are grounded to the negative terminal, so removing it cuts off the hazard source. If you disconnect the positive terminal and the tool slips, it could cause a short circuit and sparks. For long-term parking, the battery naturally discharges, and disconnecting it helps preserve the charge longer. I've used this method many times, and even after parking for six months, the car starts smoothly. When performing the operation, first turn off all electrical devices, then simply loosen the clamp with a wrench. Additionally, clean any dust buildup on the clamps, as poor contact can affect performance later. Developing this habit saves money and hassle—don’t overlook the details.

[KimberlyRose]

Parked too long and need to disconnect the battery? I recommend just removing the negative terminal. The car body is connected to the negative terminal, so disconnecting it is safe and won't cause sparks. Removing the positive terminal can easily lead to accidents. After turning off all vehicle devices, simply loosen the clamp—it's an easy operation that ensures proper battery protection. Disconnecting reduces power loss during parking, extends battery life, and don't forget to check for clamp corrosion.