What Are the Consequences of Reversing Car Battery Terminals?
2 Answers
Reversing the positive and negative terminals of a car battery can cause many electrical appliances in the vehicle to burn out when powered on, and it can also blow the fuses. The following are precautions for using a car battery: Avoid Deep Discharge: Most batteries on the market today are lead-acid batteries, which consist of positive and negative plates immersed in a box filled with sulfuric acid electrolyte. If the battery undergoes deep discharge, a chemical reaction occurs between the electrolyte and the plates, forming a large amount of lead sulfate. When lead sulfate accumulates to a certain extent, it hardens into irreversible crystals. These crystals have poor conductivity, affecting the battery's charging and capacity, so it is essential to avoid battery depletion. Avoid Excessive Temperatures: Most car owners only know that batteries are sensitive to cold, as low temperatures can reduce battery capacity and make starting difficult. However, excessive heat is fatal to the battery.
Speaking of reversing car battery terminals, I had a painful experience. Once when helping a relative replace a battery, in the rush I connected the cables backwards. After plugging them in, the car made a 'click' sound, all the lights went out, and the engine wouldn't start. Upon disassembly, we found a bunch of blown fuses, and worse - the vehicle's electronic control unit was fried. The mechanic said the reverse voltage surge destroyed all the sensitive electronics, costing me over 5,000 RMB to repair. Now every time I replace a battery, I double-check the polarity markings - red positive to red terminal. Never be careless, as minor consequences include burnt lights and circuits, while severe cases can lead to battery leakage or even explosion, compromising driving safety. You'll regret it when it's too late.
