Automotive battery terminals can mean either the posts on a battery to which the jumper cables attach or the part of the cables that attach to the battery’s posts. The latter are sometimes called “terminal clamps” to avoid confusing them with the posts. Both the terminal clamps and the posts have a wide variety of styles and features. Their function is to connect the battery to a load, which is the device that receives power.
A car battery has two terminals: positive and negative. The positive terminal is marked (+), while the negative is marked (-). Electrons gather on the negative terminal post of the battery. When a wire is connected between the negative and positive posts, the electrons quickly flow from the negative to the positive terminal. The wire itself is part of the circuit’s load and electrons flow in it, powering the attached devices. This process wears out the battery until it is empty.
Battery terminals are usually made of lead. There are three types of terminal posts that are commonly used today. The most common is the SAE Post which consists of two round lead posts on top of the battery. The other type is the side-post battery terminal. These terminals consist of two recessed threads to which terminal clamps are attached. Finally, there are L terminals which are L-shaped and have holes through which bolts fit. These terminals are commonly used in motorcycles, snowmobiles and lawnmowers.
Terminal posts and clamps can become corroded. Corrosion hinders the flow of electrons and affects the battery’s performance. It can reduce the power supplied to your car, especially when starting. Corroded clamps should be disconnected from the battery. Clean the clamps or better yet, replace them with new ones. Meanwhile, consider changing the battery if the terminal posts are already in bad condition.
Battery terminal posts and clamps should be properly maintained for the car to run smoothly. Regular inspection helps to keep them in good condition.