When you think of red, you probably think of vibrant and happy colors. Red is the color of love, joy, and excitement, after all. But what about red on a car battery? Truth be told, red can actually cause a car battery to corrode faster. It’s because red light waves are shorter than other light waves and they can penetrate the battery more easily. So if your car has a red light coming from its warning lights, it’s not just annoying—it could be dangerous too.
What is red positive?
Red positive is a term used to describe a car battery that has reached the end of its life and needs to be replaced. Car batteries typically last around six years, so when they start to show red positive signs it’s time to replace them. Red positive on a car battery means that the battery no longer holds a full charge and will need to be recharged regularly.
How to test a car battery for red positivness
Testing a car battery for red positivness is easy and can be done at home. All you need is a voltmeter and a battery charger. First, find the positive (+) terminal of the battery. Then connect the negative (-) terminal of the voltmeter to this terminal. The reading on the voltmeter should be close to 12 volts. If it’s not, then the battery is probably damaged and must be replaced.
What to do if your car battery is red positive
If your car battery is red positive, there is a good chance you need to replace it. While there are some exceptions, generally speaking, red means bad. Here are five things to do if your car battery is red positive:
1. Have your mechanic check the battery first. Many times, a simple replacement will solve the problem.
2. If the mechanic says the battery needs to be replaced, get a new one ASAP. Car batteries tend to lose their charge fairly quickly and a dead battery will not only cause your car to not start, but also can lead to other problems down the road like poor fuel economy and even safety concerns.
3. If replacing the battery isn’t an option or you don’t have time right away, try these tips for saving energy in your car: Turn off unnecessary lights when you’re not using them; drive during daylight hours; keep windows closed when it’s cold outside; and avoid using your air conditioning while driving in hot climates.
4. If none of these tips work, call a tow truck or take your car to a mechanic who specializes in fixing batteries. A dead battery can cause all sorts of problems that could easily exceed the cost of just buying a new one.
Conclusion
Yes, red is positive on a car battery. This isn’t something you’ll find in any automotive handbook but it’s a common knowledge fact that most car batteries are tested with a voltmeter and a red light indicates that there is more voltage than normal present on the battery. This means your car will start much easier and run smoother because the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to get started.