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Distinguishing between the Plus and Minus Connections in Car Batteries

Knowing your car's battery terminals is crucial for tasks like jumpstarting or changing the battery. Normally, the positive battery terminal is identified by a red cap or marking, while the negative one is usually covered with a black cap or marked accordingly.

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Determining the Polarity of Auto Battery Terminals
Determining the Polarity of Auto Battery Terminals

Distinguishing between the Plus and Minus Connections in Car Batteries

This comprehensive guide on changing a car battery has been co-authored by Hovig Manouchekian, an Auto Repair and Design Specialist, and Carmine Shannon, a website staff writer. Hovig Manouchekian is the Manager of Funk Brothers Auto, a family-owned business operated since 1925.

Identifying the Battery Terminals

Before you begin, it's essential to identify the battery terminals correctly. The positive terminal on a car battery is usually marked with a sign and/or colored red, while the negative terminal is marked with a sign and/or colored black. Sometimes the positive terminal is also labeled as "POS" and the negative as "NEG."

Additional identifying features include:

  • The positive terminal may be slightly larger in diameter than the negative one.
  • The cables attached to the terminals often follow the same color code: red cable for positive, black cable for negative.
  • Battery terminals may also have covers: red for positive and black for negative.

For safety, when disconnecting or connecting a battery:

  • Always disconnect the negative terminal first and reconnect it last to avoid short circuits.
  • Use appropriate tools and protective gear to prevent electrical hazards.

Changing the Battery

  1. Safety First: Wear safety glasses and thick gloves while changing your battery.
  2. Check the Manual: Ensure you get the correct replacement battery by checking your user manual.
  3. Use the Handle: Batteries are heavy, so use the built-in handle to lift it up, or grip it tightly before you take it out.
  4. Remove the Bolts: Use your wrench to loosen the bolts on either side of the bracket that holds the battery in place.
  5. Take off the Release Nut: Use an adjustable wrench or deep well socket wrench to take the release nut off the negative terminal, then the positive one.
  6. Remove the Wiring: Once the release nut is loose, remove the wiring around the posts.
  7. Install the New Battery: Carefully place the new battery in the battery tray, making sure it's correctly positioned. Reattach the bolts and tighten them securely.
  8. Connect the Terminals: Attach the positive terminal first, then the negative one when connecting a new battery.
  9. Spray Lithium Grease: Spray lithium grease on the battery terminals to help prevent corrosion.

Jumpstarting a Car

  1. Park the Cars: Park another vehicle close enough for jumper cables to reach both batteries, turn off all accessories in both cars.
  2. Connect the Red Clamps: Connect the red clamps to the positive battery terminals of both cars in the correct order.
  3. Connect the Black Clamps: Connect a black clamp to the negative terminal of the booster car and the other black clamp to an unpainted piece of metal on the dead car at least a foot away from the battery.
  4. Start the Booster Car: Start the booster car and let it run for a few minutes.
  5. Start the Dead Car: Try to start the dead car. If it doesn't start, wait a few more minutes and try again.
  6. Let the Engine Run: Once the dead car starts, let the engine run for at least half an hour to allow the alternator time to charge the battery.
  7. Disconnect the Clamps: Disconnect the clamps in the reverse order you connected them.

Recycling the Old Battery

Batteries are hazardous waste, and should never be thrown away. Contact a mechanic or an automotive store to learn about recycling options in your area.

References

[1] Hovig Manouchekian, Auto Repair and Design Specialist. Personal interview. 15 March 2022.

[2] Carmine Shannon, Website Staff Writer. Personal interview. 15 March 2022.

[3] "How to Change a Car Battery". AutoZone. https://www.autozone.com/content/how-to-change-a-car-battery

[4] "Car Battery Replacement". Advance Auto Parts. https://www.advanceautoparts.com/content/how-to/car-battery-replacement

[5] "How to Identify a Car Battery's Positive and Negative Terminals". YourMechanic. https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-identify-a-car-battery-s-positive-and-negative-terminals

[6] "Car Battery Maintenance Tips". NAPA Auto Parts. https://www.napaonline.com/c/car-battery-maintenance-tips

[7] "Jumpstarting a Car". AAA. https://www.aaa.com/batteries/jump-starting-a-car.html

[8] "Car Battery Care and Maintenance". Battery Council International. https://www.batterycouncil.org/consumers/car-battery-care-and-maintenance

[9] "Recycling a Car Battery". Earth911. https://www.earth911.com/recycling/recycling-a-car-battery/

[10] "Car Battery Safety". Battery Safety Council. https://www.batterysafetycouncil.org/automotive/car-battery-safety/

  1. The automotive industry plays a significant role in financing car-maintenance operations, including the production and distribution of car batteries.
  2. Maintaining the lifestyle associated with transportation requires regular car-maintenance routines, such as replacing a car battery when necessary.
  3. Proper battery maintenance can have a positive impact on the longevity and performance of the automotive industry, contributing to overall transportation efficiency.

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