Which Battery Cable Should Be Disconnected When a Car Is Not in Use for a Long Time?

[Barrett]

When a car is not in use for a long time, the negative terminal should be disconnected first, followed by the positive terminal. There is no need to remove both the positive and negative cables; disconnecting one end is sufficient to break the circuit and stop power supply to the vehicle's devices. Removing the negative terminal cuts off most of the standby power consumption in the car, allowing the battery to discharge naturally. When the natural discharge rate is very low, disconnecting the negative terminal can help the car remain parked for a longer period. Methods for car battery maintenance include: 1. Regularly clean the battery; 2. Reduce electrical usage when the engine is off; 3. Replace the battery periodically; 4. Start the car regularly.