Originally Posted by Utah12
I have seen on the forum in pictures of engines (Andrew's for example) a red cover over the live battery post. What is this and what is it for?
Red signifies the universal color assigned to the positive terminal.
Black signifies the negative terminal.
The plastic red cover is just an aesthetic addition to give the engine compartment a clean appearance. while indicating the polarity ends of the battery.
it may also protect the terminal from water or chemical splash during an engine wash.
It is always good practice to inspect the terminal identifying the + (positive) and - (negative) sign by the raised symbols on the battery itself.
This cover is not an uncommon thing to find under the hood of any car. Some cars will have moulded plastic protectors. over the terminal itself.
I hope this clarifies your question.