Should the positive or negative terminal of a car battery be connected first?
2 Answers
When connecting a car battery, the positive terminal should be connected first, followed by the negative terminal. The charging method is as follows: 1. Position the two vehicles facing each other, open the front hood, and take out the charging clamps; 2. Attach the positive clamps to the positive terminals of both car batteries; 3. Attach the negative clamps to the negative terminals of both car batteries; 4. Start the rescue vehicle to begin charging. The maintenance methods for a car battery include: 1. Avoid parking the car in an open parking lot for extended periods to prevent the battery from freezing and getting damaged; 2. Since car engines are harder to start in winter, each attempt to start the car should not exceed 5 seconds; 3. Regularly charge the battery by starting the car periodically to keep the battery charged; 4. Clean the battery terminals periodically and apply special grease to protect the wiring.
I've gained quite a bit of experience from DIY car repairs over time, and connecting car batteries is a common task. Remember the rule: always connect the positive red terminal first, then the negative black terminal. When disconnecting, remove the negative first, then the positive. The reason is simple: the negative terminal is connected to the car's frame. If you connect the negative first and then the positive, any tool accidentally touching the car body during the process could cause a short circuit and sparking—not only creating sparks but also potentially damaging the circuitry or causing injury. The reverse order for disconnection prevents accidental contact from discharging the battery. I've encountered novice drivers who overlooked this detail, resulting in burnt battery terminals that needed replacement. Additionally, for routine maintenance, it's advisable to check for corrosion on battery terminals and clean them with sandpaper to ensure good conductivity. For extra safety, always disconnect the battery and lock the car before working on it—safety comes first. Developing good habits reduces potential malfunctions and can significantly extend the battery's lifespan.
