On most modern cars, the positive terminal is the one with the red plastic cover and a plus sign (+). The negative terminal is black, has a minus sign (-), and is often connected directly to the vehicle's chassis. This color-coding and symbol system is a global standard designed to prevent dangerous short circuits during jump-starting or battery replacement.
Before you touch anything, safety is critical. The battery contains sulfuric acid and can produce explosive hydrogen gas. Always wear safety glasses. To be absolutely sure, look for the letters "POS" or "P" stamped on the battery casing near the positive terminal. The positive cable is also usually thicker than the negative cable.
Here is a quick reference table for identifying battery terminals:
| Feature | Positive Terminal | Negative Terminal |
|---|
| Color | Red | Black |
| Symbol | Plus Sign (+) | Minus Sign (-) |
| Marking | POS, P | NEG, N |
| Cable Size | Often Thicker | Often Thinner |
| Chassis Ground | No | Yes, connected to car body |
If you're connecting jumper cables, you always connect the red (positive) clamp to the dead battery's positive terminal first. The final connection is the black (negative) clamp to an unpainted metal part of the dead car's engine block, not the negative terminal, to avoid sparks near the battery. When disconnecting, reverse the order: remove the negative clamp first. If you're ever unsure, consult your owner's manual; it's the most authoritative source for your specific vehicle.
