What are the disadvantages of installing a battery disconnect switch in a car?
2 Answers
After disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery, the entire vehicle loses power, making it impossible to start the car, and all functions become inoperative. The vehicle's anti-theft system also stops working. Below is relevant information: Car battery maintenance: During engine startup, the battery undergoes high-current discharge. However, prolonged high-current discharge can severely damage the battery. Each startup should not exceed 5 seconds. If two consecutive startups are needed, there should be a 10-15 second interval in between. Car battery: A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Typically, what people refer to as a car battery is a lead-acid battery, which is mainly made of lead and its oxides, with a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte.
I've been driving around with this power cut-off switch installed, and now I realize how troublesome it is. Every time I turn it off, all the electronic devices reset—radio stations are gone, the clock needs readjusting, and even the seat memory is lost. It's a hassle every time before driving. The anti-theft system sometimes gives false alarms, and neighbors keep knocking to remind me. The switch terminals are exposed long-term and have started to rust and corrode. Last week, it failed to start several times, and I had to jump-start the car. Voltage fluctuations might also damage the alternator or battery, shortening their lifespan. It's really unnecessary to install this on a daily driver unless it's a classic car stored in the garage and not driven often, which still requires regular maintenance. I advise car owners to think twice before adding this hassle to themselves.
