Hi, I have a 2012 Clubman S that I would like to put a C-Tek maintainer on when I’m gone for a few months. With all my other cars I’m able to plug it into a 12V outlet in the car, it appears both 12V outlets in the Mini are only active when the car is running. I like the 12V connection because it’s super easy to do and I don’t need to worry about clamps coming off the battery terminal. Am I correct to assume the 12V plugs in the mini are not live when the car is turned off?

Thanks

 

You are correct... 12v outlets turn on/off with ignition.

Best to run the hardwire connection directly to the battery terminal... and leave the end in a handy place in the engine compartment....Easy to do.
It is a far superior way to connect compared to both the 12v 'cigarette lighter' plug OR the clips.

This is the fast, sure way to connect your charger.

Depending on your Ctek of choice... it may already have these connections with the 'kit' .. but if not... they are avail as an accessory from them.


Good luck with the install !

 

Thanks, that’s what I’m going to do, I do have the cable you referred to, and I can fit the connections to the bolt holding the cable on, just need to get the correct size nut, hopefully will get that done tomorrow. I use the cigarette lighter plug on my Audi and Corvette and it works great plus the maintainer is safe inside the car, will have to put it under the hood with this install.

 

Make sure that you route the connector outside of the battery access flap... that way... you won't wear out the low durability plastic hinge or catches by opening closing it all the time. Been there, done that.





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