What Happens If Car Battery Terminals Are Connected in Reverse?
1 Answers
Reversing the positive and negative terminals of a car battery during jump-starting can cause many electrical appliances in the vehicle to burn out and may also blow the fuses. Here are some precautions for car batteries: 1. Avoid deep discharge: Most car batteries on the market today are lead-acid batteries, which consist of positive and negative plates submerged in a container filled with sulfuric acid electrolyte. Deep discharging the battery causes a chemical reaction between the electrolyte and the plates, forming a large amount of lead sulfate. When lead sulfate accumulates to a certain level, it hardens into irreversible crystals. These crystals have poor conductivity, affecting the battery's charging efficiency and capacity, so it's essential to avoid battery depletion. 2. Avoid excessive temperatures: Most car owners are aware that batteries are sensitive to cold, as low temperatures can reduce battery capacity and make starting difficult. However, excessive heat is even more damaging to batteries. Research shows that for lead-acid batteries, between 10~35°C, every 1°C increase extends the cycle life by 5~6 points, while between 35~45°C, it extends by 25 points. However, temperatures above 50°C can shorten the battery's lifespan due to sulfation of the negative plate. 3. Avoid powering devices alone after engine shutdown: To prolong battery life, it's best to avoid using car electronics when the engine is off. When the engine is running, the battery not only powers the electronics but also gets charged, a state known as float charging, which causes minimal wear on the battery.
