Kill switches are devices that can prevent your car from being stolen. There are a variety of different types of kill switches, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here are 10 of the most popular types of kill switches, so you can choose the one that’s right for you:
1: Mechanical Kill Switch
A mechanical kill switch is perhaps the most basic type of kill switch. It’s simply a switch that cuts off the flow of electricity to the starter motor, preventing the engine from being started.
- Pros: Mechanical kill switches are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also difficult for thieves to bypass.
- Cons: Because they rely on physical contact between the switch and the starter motor, they can be defeated by simply bypassing the switch with a wire.
2: Electrical Kill Switch
An electrical kill switch works in a similar way to a mechanical kill switch, except that it cuts off the flow of electricity to the engine itself rather than just the starter motor.
- Pros: Electrical kill switches are more difficult for thieves to bypass than mechanical kill switches. They’re also less likely to cause problems with your car’s electrical system.
- Cons: Electrical kill switches can be expensive, and they can be tricky to install correctly. If not installed properly, they can cause starting or stalling problems.
3: Starter Interrupt Device
A starter interrupt device is a type of kill switch that prevents the engine from being started by interrupting the flow of electricity to the starter motor.
- Pros: Starter interrupt devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also difficult for thieves to bypass.
- Cons: Because they rely on physical contact between the device and the starter motor, they can be defeated by simply bypassing the device with a wire.
4: Ignition Kill Switch
An ignition kill switch is a type of kill switch that cuts off the flow of electricity to the ignition system, preventing the engine from being started.
- Pros: Ignition kill switches are more difficult for thieves to bypass than starter interrupt devices. They’re also less likely to cause problems with your car’s electrical system.
- Cons: Ignition kill switches can be expensive, and they can be tricky to install correctly. If not installed properly, they can cause starting or stalling problems.
5: Fuel Pump Kill Switch
A fuel pump kill switch is a type of kill switch that prevents the engine from being started by cutting off the flow of fuel to the engine.
- Pros: Fuel pump kill switches are more difficult for thieves to bypass than ignition kill switches. They’re also less likely to cause problems with your car’s electrical system.
- Cons: Fuel pump kill switches can be expensive, and they can be tricky to install correctly. If not installed properly, they can cause starting or stalling problems.
- Battery Disconnect Switch
A battery disconnect switch is a type of kill switch that cuts off the flow of electricity to the battery, preventing the engine from being started.
- Pros: Battery disconnect switches are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also difficult for thieves to bypass.
- Cons: Because they rely on physical contact between the switch and the battery, they can be defeated by simply bypassing the switch with a wire. Additionally, battery disconnect switches can cause problems with your car’s electrical system if not installed properly.
7: Key Lockout Device
A key lockout device is a type of kill switch that prevents the engine from being started by locking the ignition key in the “off” position.
- Pros: Key lockout devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also difficult for thieves to bypass.
- Cons: Because they rely on physical contact between the device and the ignition key, they can be defeated by simply bypassing the device with a wire. Additionally, key lockout devices can cause problems with your car’s electrical system if not installed properly.
8: Immobilizer
An immobilizer is a type of kill switch that prevents the engine from being started by cutting off the flow of electricity to the fuel injectors.
- Pros: Immobilizers are more difficult for thieves to bypass than key lockout devices. They’re also less likely to cause problems with your car’s electrical system.
- Cons: Immobilizers can be expensive, and they can be tricky to install correctly. If not installed properly, they can cause starting or stalling problems. Additionally, immobilizers can be defeated by simply bypassing the device with a wire.
9: GPS Tracking Device
A GPS tracking device is a type of kill switch that allows you to track the location of your vehicle if it’s stolen.
- Pros: GPS tracking devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. They’re also difficult for thieves to disable.
- Cons: GPS tracking devices only work if the thief doesn’t remove them from the vehicle. Additionally, GPS tracking devices can cause problems with your car’s electrical system if not installed properly.
10: VIN Etching
VIN etching is a type of kill switch that involves engraving your vehicle’s VIN onto all of the windows.
- Pros: VIN etching is relatively inexpensive and easy to do yourself. It’s also difficult for thieves to remove.
- Cons: VIN etching only works if the thief doesn’t remove the etched glass from the vehicle. Additionally, VIN etching can cause problems with your car’s electrical system if not done properly.
What Are Kill Switches?
A kill switch is a safety feature that automatically shuts off your engine in the event of oil pressure or coolant temperature drop. This prevents your engine from seizing up and damaging itself, as well as preventing further damage to your car if it were to catch fire.
There are two main types of kill switches: manual and automatic. A manual kill switch is usually a big red button that you have to press in order to shut off your engine. An automatic kill switch, on the other hand, is usually built into your car’s computer system and will automatically shut off your engine if it detects a drop in oil pressure or coolant temperature.
Most modern cars come with an automatic kill switch, but you can also install one yourself if your car doesn’t have one. Here’s how to do it:
- Choose the right location for your kill switch. It should be within easy reach but not so close to the pedals that you could accidentally hit it while driving. A good spot is usually on the center console or near the steering wheel.
- Drill a hole in the chosen location and mount the switch using the supplied hardware.
- Run the wiring from the switch to the engine bay and splice it into the ignition circuit. Make sure to use appropriate wire sizes and connectors so that the current can flow freely without causing any issues.
- Test your kill switch by starting your car and then shutting off the engine with the switch. The engine should stall and not restart until you turn the switch back on.
- That’s it! Your kill switch is now installed and ready to use.
How do kill switches work?
Kill switches work by interrupting the flow of electricity or another power source to the machinery or device that it is connected to. This can be done by physically breaking the connection between the power source and the device or by activating a switch that controls the flow of electricity.
In some cases, the kill switch may also emit a signal that tells the machinery or device to shut down.
Why are kill switches important?
Kill switches are important because they can prevent accidents and injuries by stopping the flow of power to machinery or devices that may be malfunctioning.
They can also be used to control equipment in an emergency situation. For example, if a machine is overheating, a kill switch can be used to turn it off before it causes any damage.
Conclusion:
Kill switches are a great safety feature that can potentially save your engine from destruction. If you don’t have one in your car, we highly recommend installing one. It’s a simple project that anyone can do, and it could end up being a lifesaver.