How to Connect the Positive and Negative Terminals of a Car Battery?
2 Answers
To connect the positive and negative terminals of a car battery, follow these steps: 1. Open the two fastening buttons of the thermal insulation cover; 2. Use a wrench to loosen the fastening nut of the negative terminal; 3. Pry open the fastening block with a flat-head screwdriver; 4. First connect the positive terminals with a red cable, then connect the negative terminals with a black cable. Methods for maintaining a car battery include: 1. Avoid parking the car in an open parking lot for extended periods; 2. Each engine start should not exceed 5 seconds, with a minimum interval of 15 seconds between restarts; 3. Regularly charge the car battery; 4. Clean the battery terminals periodically and apply specialized grease to protect the wiring harness; 5. Avoid using car electronics after the engine is turned off.
When I was young, I made a mistake during my first battery replacement by reversing the order, which caused sparks to fly. Fortunately, nothing serious happened. The connection of the positive and negative terminals must be done carefully: first connect the positive terminal, the one marked in red, and use a wrench to tighten the clamp to ensure a secure contact; then connect the negative terminal, which is black, and secure it as well. Why is this order important? Because the car body is grounded to the negative terminal. If you connect the negative terminal first and then accidentally touch the positive terminal, it can cause a short circuit and fire. Use tools with insulated handles and wear rubber gloves to protect against acid. Make sure the car engine is off during the operation. The battery is usually located under the hood, and it’s better if the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. Safety is the top priority. After connecting, test-start the car to confirm everything is working properly. Don’t be as reckless as I was back then—take a few extra minutes to ensure safety.
