Originally Posted by jaded1958cars
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.
OK, I guess that all of the above apply, HOWEVER, the real purpose of
the red, non-conductive cover is to prevent accidental contact between this POSITIVE battery post ans any adjacent metal which would be GROUND. And, of course, the resulting sparks, burns and damage to personell and property.
Why does one suppose there is rarely a BLACK cover over the NEGATIVE post?
