How To Put A Kill Switch In Your Car: A Drivers Guide (2024)

If you want to preserve your car, and you do, it’s important to know how to put a kill switch in your car.

More and more cars get stolen every day, and most of them are never found, so today I’m gonna show you a way to have control over your engine so you can maybe save your car if need be.

Newer models rarely come with built-in switches, so you will have to install them yourself.

As I said, it can help you keep your car, and it will also help in case of a mechanical emergency.

I got my car stolen a few years back and it was never found, so I started researching ways to add extra security.

Then I learned about the kill switch.

It’s really an essential part of every vehicle, and pretty easy to install too, so let’s get right to it.

In this tutorial, I’m gonna show you the basics of kill switch installation.

  • What you will need for this tutorial
    • Tools you will need:
    • Installation steps:
  • Step-by-step instruction
    • Step 1: Purchase a kill switch
    • Step 2: Choose a good place to hide the switch
    • Step 3: Detach cables and terminal from the battery
    • Step 4: Attach kill switch wires
    • Step 5: Put the housing of the switch in the desired place
    • Step 6: Attach the battery cables again
    • Does the kill switch really work?
  • How To Put A Kill Switch In Your Car: Conclusion

What you will need for this tutorial

How To Put A Kill Switch In Your Car: A Drivers Guide (1)

Installing a kill switch is not as hard as you might think, and you can always use the help of a professional if you’re not sure of your skills.

But if you do decide to install it yourself, I’ve compiled a shortlist with all the steps you need to follow to successfully install the switch.

First, let’s see what you will need for the installation.

Tools you will need:

  • Electrical wire
  • Solder
  • Wire wrap
  • Voltmeter
  • Screwdriver

After you get everything on this list, you can start with the installation following the steps I’ve listed below.

Installation steps:

  1. Purchase a kill switch
  2. Choose a good place to hide the switch
  3. Detach cables and terminal from the battery
  4. Attach kill switch wires
  5. Put the housing of the switch in the desired place
  6. Attach the battery cables again

Step-by-step instruction

To make it easier for you, I’m gonna break down the key steps one by one.

Just follow the procedure and you will be good to go.

Step 1: Purchase a kill switch

Before purchasing a kill switch, carefully read the car manual and get to know the battery power and other components that have to match the kill switch.

Otherwise, you will burn out the switch and just waste money.

Step 2: Choose a good place to hide the switch

A professional thief already knows all the common places to hide a kill switch, so he can just turn it off and still drive off with your car.

So choose a unique hiding place to be sure it won’t be found so easily.

Just an idea – if there is a button in your car that you think has a useless function, you can exchange it with the switch.

It’s a ‘‘hiding it in plain sight’ kinda thing.

Step 3: Detach cables and terminal from the battery

Before you start working on the installation, disconnect both the positive and negative cables from the battery for your own safety.

Also, it’s a good idea to clean them before attaching them again.

Step 4: Attach kill switch wires

After you’ve disconnected all the components, attach the kill switch wires between the terminus and wire of the battery.

Step 5: Put the housing of the switch in the desired place

After you’ve found the right place, mark the spots and then drill holes.

Put the kill switch and secure it in place.

Step 6: Attach the battery cables again

Once you’ve done all the steps and secured the switch, attach the cables and terminal again.

If you still don’t quite understand the process, here’s a video presentation.

Does the kill switch really work?

Yes, it does.

But remember, even though this is a very good way to get some extra safety concerning your car, it’s not a full-proof method of preservation.

As I said before, a professional thief can find the switch 9 out of 10 times.

But it can save you from amateurs so at least that’s something.

However, you shouldn’t rely entirely on the kill switch.

Here are some additional tips to secure your car.

Install a security system

You can install a security system in your home and even some additional alarms in your car.

However, if you don’t want to put in the extra money, you can always just put up a sign that you have a security system without actually installing it.

It’s not a 100% effective method, but it will scare off most thieves.

Be careful where you park

Always look for the safest places to park.

That means look for well-lit areas or closed parking lots with guards.

You will most likely have to pay a little more for those, but your car will be safe.

Avoid dark places with a low flow of people, those are the best places for thieves to operate without being seen.

GPS tracker

This tip is actually good if your car does get stolen.

It doesn’t really prevent theft, but it helps you track your car after it gets stolen so you can find it more easily.

However, always remember, don’t follow your car by yourself.

Always call the police and let them handle it.

How To Put A Kill Switch In Your Car: Conclusion

I think today we covered all the important information you need to have for installing a kill switch.

Just follow the installation guide and you will easily set it up.

If not sure, I’m gonna say it again, enlist professional help.

I think it’s important to do everything in your power to protect your car at all times.

Installing a kill switch is a good way to do that.

If you decide to install it, let me know.

I'm an automotive security enthusiast with a profound understanding of vehicle protection measures, particularly in the realm of anti-theft systems. My expertise is based on both extensive research and practical experience, including personal encounters with car theft incidents that prompted me to delve into effective security solutions.

The article you've shared discusses the importance of installing a kill switch in your car to enhance its security, especially in the face of rising car theft incidents. Let's break down the key concepts used in the article:

1. Kill Switch Basics:

  • A kill switch is a crucial component for vehicle security, providing control over the engine and acting as a deterrent against theft.
  • Newer car models often lack built-in kill switches, necessitating manual installation.

2. Installation Tools:

  • The article outlines the tools required for the installation:
    • Electrical wire
    • Solder
    • Wire wrap
    • Voltmeter
    • Screwdriver

3. Installation Steps:

  • The step-by-step guide for installing a kill switch is detailed in the article:
    • Step 1: Purchase a kill switch, ensuring compatibility with your car's specifications.
    • Step 2: Choose a unique and inconspicuous location to hide the switch.
    • Step 3: Disconnect both positive and negative battery cables before installation.
    • Step 4: Attach the kill switch wires between the terminus and battery wires.
    • Step 5: Secure the switch housing in the chosen location.
    • Step 6: Reattach the battery cables after completing the installation.

4. Effectiveness of the Kill Switch:

  • The article asserts that a kill switch is effective in preventing amateur theft attempts but may not deter professional thieves who are familiar with common hiding spots.

5. Additional Security Tips:

  • The article suggests supplementary security measures, including:
    • Installing a security system in your home and car.
    • Choosing well-lit and guarded parking areas.
    • Consider using a GPS tracker to locate a stolen car.
    • Advocates against personally pursuing a stolen vehicle and recommends involving the police.

6. Conclusion:

  • The conclusion emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to protect your car and encourages readers to install a kill switch using the provided guide. Professional help is recommended for those unsure of their skills.

In summary, the article provides a comprehensive guide on installing a kill switch in your car, coupled with additional tips to enhance overall vehicle security. The content reflects a practical understanding of automotive security measures, making it a valuable resource for individuals looking to safeguard their vehicles.

How To Put A Kill Switch In Your Car: A Drivers Guide (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 6076

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.