When Replacing a Car Battery, Should the Positive or Negative Terminal Be Removed First?
1 Answers
When removing a car battery, disconnect the negative terminal first. Below are the reasons for removing the negative terminal and some precautions for battery usage: Reasons for removing the negative terminal: Although disconnecting either the positive or negative terminal can break the circuit, disconnecting the negative terminal is safer. In modern cars, the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the car's chassis (ground). If the positive terminal is disconnected first and a wrench accidentally touches the chassis, it can cause a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals, potentially damaging the battery or onboard electronics. Therefore, when disconnecting a car battery, it is recommended to remove the negative terminal first. However, when reinstalling the battery, remember to connect the positive terminal before the negative one. Precautions for battery usage: Avoid storing the battery in a discharged state. A discharged state occurs when the battery is not recharged promptly after use. In this state, sulfation can occur, where lead sulfate crystals form on the electrode plates, blocking ion channels and leading to insufficient charging and reduced battery capacity. The longer the battery remains idle in a discharged state, the more severe the damage becomes. If the battery is not in use, it should be charged once a month to extend its lifespan.
