Is the red terminal on a car battery positive or negative?
3 Answers
In a car battery, the red terminal is positive, and the black terminal is negative. The method for jump-starting a car battery is as follows: 1. Prepare two jumper cables; 2. Find a vehicle that can operate normally; 3. Position the two vehicles facing each other; 4. Connect the jumper cables to the batteries, positive to positive and negative to negative; 5. Start the functioning vehicle first, then start the vehicle being jump-started, and disconnect once started. Methods for maintaining a car battery: 1. Regularly inspect the battery; 2. Avoid overcharging; 3. Gently press the brake when starting; 4. Ensure the battery is fully charged if the vehicle is parked for an extended period; 5. Protect the battery from excessive heat and extreme cold.
I remember when helping a friend replace a car battery, they always asked which terminal is red. Generally speaking, the red one is the positive terminal, the end with the plus sign. This design is for safety standardization to prevent confusion—red represents the hot or active terminal. If you accidentally connect it wrong, such as short-circuiting the red and black terminals, it may cause sparks, even damage the electrical system or start a small fire. I recommend beginners not to tinker with it themselves; it's better to find a professional mechanic or follow the vehicle manual instructions. During regular car maintenance, periodically check the battery terminals for corrosion—cleaning them with a damp cloth can extend their lifespan. In short, red is positive, and remember to connect the black terminal to the car's frame to avoid accidents.
When I was learning to drive, the instructor specifically emphasized the color coding of car batteries. The red one is the positive terminal, which should be connected when charging or jump-starting. I know beginners can get nervous, so the first time you handle it, check if the terminal has a '+' sign or red marking. Connecting the wrong polarity might prevent the car from starting, and in severe cases, it could fry the ECU. I recommend checking for battery aging issues—frequent short trips or cold weather can drain the battery faster. Before replacing the battery, wear insulated gloves and use a multimeter to verify the voltage. Always remember: red to red for safe connections. Safety comes first—don’t risk DIY fixes.
