I’m in a bit of a bind trying to jump start my son’s car, as we’re both struggling to locate the positive and negative markings on the car battery. It’s crucial for us to correctly identify these terminals. Can you provide guidance on how to distinguish between the positive and negative terminals on a car battery?
Hi Hugo,
Your concern about correctly identifying the positive and negative terminals on a car battery is absolutely valid, especially when jump-starting a vehicle. Here’s how you can differentiate between the two:
- Positive Terminal Identification: Look for a plus (+) sign. This is the universal symbol for the positive terminal. It’s common for the positive terminal to also have red wires or a red cap/ring around it, which serves as an additional identifier.
- Negative Terminal Identification: This terminal is marked with a minus (-) sign, representing the negative end. The color coding or additional markings are generally less prominent than the positive terminal, often black or with no specific color.
- Size Difference: If, for some reason, the signs aren’t visible or the colors have faded, you can still distinguish them by size. The positive terminal is slightly larger in diameter than the negative one. This size difference can be a helpful guide.
Remember, safety first! Ensure that the car is off, and you have proper protective gear like gloves and safety glasses when handling car batteries. If you’re still unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it might be wise to seek assistance from a professional.
Best regards,
The Car Middle East Troubleshooting Team
