Car Battery Danger - But It’s Not What You Think!

Josh explains the common fears about the dangers of car batteries and how to handle them safely. Also, whether you want to work on your car or replace a dead battery, he also shows how to properly disconnect and remove a battery from your vehicle without seeing sparks fly!
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[@meowstre]

The car battery was my biggest fear working on a car. But this put my fears at ease. Thanks so much man.

[@ngalam4756]

My man really touched both terminals with a wrench to prove a point. Thanks for dispelling all my fears when it comes to battery replacement!!!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Haha happy to help 🤙🏽

[@saysomethincute]

Great video, really put my irrational car battery fears at ease.

[@a.i.dimmer4616]

same here,my car's tail light wont turn off so i have to disconnect the battery or its gonna drain it overnight till i can take it to proper mechanic next day..this helps me with ease.

[@Adrian2140]

Same here. Saw some videos of batteries exploding and I always treat them like butane gas containers. I know they are probably safe and built to last but I can't shake that fear.

[@dantindell336]

me too

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

I thought it would not hurt me because I got rubber sole shoes on.

[@rubydreams6345]

Thanks! I got sparks from my battery years ago and have been terrified of them since. I jumped when you touched both terminals at the same time. I feel a lot more confident now!

[@dekas5357]

Same

[@alexanderlittle358]

Finally a good explanation as to why the negative is removed first, thankyou!

[@jeremiahalvarez1500]

Bro I jumped when you touched the battery with the wrench , caught me off guard

[@foxtrot.tango.whisky]

Man, thank you! This is damn well the most clear, concise and informative video regarding the straight forward instructions on the disconnect / reconnect procedure surrounding vehicle 12v batteries. So many others have tried to do the same and they confuse the topic, they leave out vital information such as the way you demonstrated a 12v battery's potential (or lack thereof) to pass current through a human body. Great video dude. Haven't seen any other vids of yours but I've subscribed, liked & I'll be sure to check out some more of your channel's catalogue of videos.

[@PrideSage99]

I wish I could like this video twice, thank you for being so concise about people's main concerns. I am a techie and even I was afraid of these things. You made me feel a lot more confident about fixing this battery terminal for my UPS!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks man 🤙🏽

[@LORDRA1DEN]

Thanks! I've always wondered, but never been brash enough to go poking around the car battery. At least now I know what won't hurt. And a good way to remember the order is when you're disconnecting, you're "taking away", or subtracting, which is a negative sign, and when you're connecting, you're adding, so positive first.

[@viktorpavlovych]

Wow this is super useful way of remembering this, thank you!

[@LORDRA1DEN]

@@viktorpavlovych Yeah, I was actually sitting there thinking, "How am I going to remember the order," then it dawned on me. lol

[@minakoto00]

Seen couple of videos but either they disconnected the positive first or they didn't explain why. This is the best video on youtube yet to explain this, thanks a lot!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

It’s a common misconception for sure!

[@issachra2925]

I thought the sparks had to be click bait as far as I'm concerned this man is magic

[@Xshadowangel6661]

I don’t know anything about cars but I’ve always wanted to learn. Thanks for making my first battery change a breeze! Will be sure to watch more videos :)

[@almarma]

Amazing video. I bought a used car last week and the seller did a last minute battery change to deliver it to me and I saw that a cable is pinched underneath it so I tried to unscrew the positive terminal first and the wrench touched a metal part and a big spark came. I freaked out so much I bolted it back and decided to never ever touch a battery again. But after watching your video I think I'll try again tomorrow. THANK YOU!!

[@CrashCarson14]

Thanks for explaining the fundamentals on why some ways it’s not dangerous. The hand thing did help

[@s.f.9208]

Thank you!! I was literally picturing the thing zapping me until I saw this

[@Teshelle18]

This is the most clear, concise and explanatory video on this subject on KZbin. You’re a baddass...now can you come Car Whisper my Jeep?! 🙏🏼

[@gregorybown]

This is an excellent description of all the potential risks. Thank you. I would only add that reversing jumper cables or connecting a battery charger up with the cords reversed can potentially blow out part of your cars alternator, specifically the internal switching part, but effectively turning a simple battery replacement into a very expensive repair as alternators are quite expensive in most cars and labour can be equally expensive depending on the location of the component

[@kansas4451]

Best video explaining the battery. Thank you.

[@AndyYoung-od9ou]

He missed step 0, remove all rings and jewelry. I still have the scars when my wedding band melted.

[@jacob2483]

After creating a burn on a ratchet and wrench, I finally watched this lol. I usually do not do stupid things, but this is one of them that I should have looked into sooner.

[@Mr_Gran]

I've watched this like 6 times as I always forget the colours -/+ and order for connection. Thanks, it's been super helpful

[@A.AInc.]

Red = Danger +, positive, live wire

[@MakuLabs]

Thank you for making this video. Makes me much more comfortable approaching my dead battery replacement DIY. Fingers crossed (not the jumper) lol :)

[@bradh1870]

Back when I was a kid my uncle used to replace batteries (car, mower, 4-wheeler you name it) like he was handling nuclear waste, so I grew up terrified of the things. Thanks for this one.

[@mrlwilliams9234]

Thank you this was helpful, I'm currently doing a vehicle maintenance course, but sadly I've just got this fear with electrics and it pisses me off. But this video has at least eased my fear. Thanks. 👍

[@random-iy2xm]

It is widely understood within mechanic and technical trades that wearing jewelry, especially rings, poses significant risks when working with mechanical systems and electricity. These dangers are extensively highlighted in training programs within these fields. Jewelry presents multiple hazards. Firstly, it can become entangled in machinery, leading to severe injuries such as amputation. Secondly, jewelry, including rings, can conduct electricity and increase the risk of electrocution when in contact with live circuits. Gold rings, in particular, make excellent electrical conductors, potentially exacerbating the severity of electrocution compared to bare skin. Thirdly, in a scenario depicted in this video, a gold ring could become fused between a battery terminal and the wrench, resulting in severe burns and potentially the loss of a finger. Additionally, sparks generated around batteries pose a risk of igniting hydrogen gas explosions.

[@thcall6441]

Thanks. I always have to figure out by using the reasoning-Neg first. But you triggered a an easy way to remember: “The car’s frame acts like the negative terminal “ until you disconnect the neg terminal.

[@likeasir007]

Awesome video! Thank you! I got a bit scared when the terminal sparks when I jumped a dead battery in my scooter. Now I know why and how to handle it. Thank you again!

[@DroidMastertaylor-gang-or-die]

Thank you very much for this video. I learned alot about car batteries. I really tought they were way more dangerous then they actually are. I can now go confidently finish replacing my battery.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped!!

[@baileydustin2139]

This could be the most effective video on youtube.

[@Gelenvader3]

Thank you so much this removed my fair of car batteries

[@mytube2013]

Good explanation why remove the negative terminal first.

[@christinedeegan7602]

Thank you so much for this video. I really appreciate the Proper way to disconnect and reconnect a battery.

[@drewpyper]

Thank you so much - this is exactly the video I needed to see. Thank you!

[@gillr9193]

Thanks for this. I've never taken out a car battery before and I was really uptight about it until I saw this clear explanation

[@YOQishere]

Seriously. thank you so much for this video. This put me more at ease, I thought I would electrocute my self and hated removing the connectors on my battery.

[@OthmanAlikhan]

A super thank you for making this video. I have always been concerned about safety when it comes to car batteries. It is great to see things put into perspective =)

[@yubi4291]

Amazing video. Thank you very much for uploading this. Much appreciated.

[@duaneplacek1716]

Great video brother I can never remember the proper order LOL but your video explains it very clear best battery video I've ever seen thank you so much

[@richiej5812]

Straight to the point useful information....good video thanks.

[@gavin9873]

Nice video,I'm very hesitant to carry out any work on the battery coz of the danger of shock so it's completely safe to touch all metal and steel parts of the battery and the terminals and you still won't get a shock..

[@duncanm5927]

Im 15 and started working at an autobody shop, held the battery by the wires, one came loose and smacked into some metal and sparked. I thought I almost got electricuted but I guess it wasnt that big of a deal

[@gasman8750]

Just remember: black (negative) cable is never on the battery alone. Get yourself a battery holder to protect your back :-) Money well spent.

[@Zagupi]

Oh, good point. What happens if that happens?

[@creativeintelligence2100]

@@Zagupi its like touching negative terminal of battery

[@okechukwuude1612]

Very good explanation. Thank you

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

You are welcome!

[@05oscar05]

Thank you so much I learned a lot 🎉😊

[@certifiedutubeuser4905]

Very nicely explained to me (lay man)

[@On-Def740]

Thank you great video

[@crazytech5755]

I just squeeze the terminal with my pliers using my body weight. Never had one come out. I know for sure it's not the best thing to do, but works ;) Just shrink wrap it really tight, and tape.

[@Travisharger]

Really appreciated this

[@jstucks9928]

Love this. Just needed to see it! Is this the same for all types of 12v battery including lithium?

[@thecarman3693]

Yes ... but keep in mind that different battery types have different internal resistances. Both AGM and Lithium batteries have very low internal resistance compared to lead acid types. That display you saw where he jumped the terminals with a wrench done on an AGM or Lithium battery could have resulted in instantaneous welding of the metal to the terminals, so they must be handled with extreme care. Those batteries can deliver up to 5000 amps upon contact. The benefit of having such a low internal resistance means that almost all the power supplied by the battery is delivered to the load you are putting on the battery, such as the starter. The starter will then get all 12V applied to it, whereas the internal resistance of a lead acid battery's internal resistance can absorb as much as 2V of that 12V, meaning the starter only gets 10V.

[@maratoner2208]

Thank you so much, Mr Handsome!

[@kenplant91]

Oh, so that's why I'm not dead. Thank you for this!

[@TheMainManAlex]

Had the exact same thought!

[@Wayneexchange]

Nice Toyota Tacoma you've got there

[@b.carter564]

Thank you! You answered all the questions I wanted to know.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad to help 🤙🏽

[@majd_shoots]

This exact thing happened in front of my eyes when a guy was trying to install a new battery on my office's solar system in the dark and he accidentally touched both ends with the wrench and there was a huge spark and the metal actually melted where it touched the battery anodes but the guy was completely fine, he didn't even burn himself, and I never understood why until this video came to me while mindlessly scrolling on KZbin 😊

[@jessicavandyke1449]

thanks for taking the time to empower us!!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

💪🏼💪🏼

[@jayb.8460]

Excellent video break down!

[@Adventure_Always]

On a diesel truck with 2 batteries in parallel- should you disconnect both batteries to work on electrical? If so, could you explain what order this should be done safely. Thanks!

[@TargetingPod]

If you remove the negative first should you still remove the ground ? Or are you safe with just negative

[@ahmad-safar]

Thanks man very great explanation learned something from you!

[@elizabeththompson6562]

Thank you so much!

[@Maria-qm9cg]

Great video. Thanks for the clear explanation.👍

[@AndrewLanier.]

Thank you so much for easing my fears

[@RsRj-qd2cg]

1:26 If you're very sweaty, you'll feel some tingle. I have felt it while jumping a car in the summer after working outside all day. I noticed that I only felt it while touching the good battery. The dead battery, nothing.

[@abrisvegas]

Great. Thank you!!

[@kenzo4Ever]

.....And a beautiful man ! :) Questions : 1. Is there any risk if the removed negative cable touch something like chassis..etc.? 2.Removed negative cable will it cause a progresive voltage drain in contact with chassis or other metals ? Thanks ! :)

[@A.AInc.]

I just accidently let a wire make contact from the positive to the negative terminal on one of my brand new leisure batteries.. Am hoping that a quick touch like that with the spanner hasn't affected my battery in any way ?

[@KT-kd1tg]

great explanation. easy to understand. thank you.

[@luddel4747]

Thanx! What are the odds that you damage or shorten the battery’s lifespan if you do a quick short-circuit like the one you showed?

[@thecarman3693]

It's a bad thing to do regardless. All the power is then delivered to the battery's internal resistance, and since a dead short (wrench) will have essentially no resistance of its own the battery can quickly overheat and suffer permanent internal damage to one or more cells.

[@ciprianpavia]

How much is affecting the battery internaly connecting the plus terminal with the negative terminal together for few seconds?

[@GraveRave]

Nice one, sir saved in my favourites now.

[@MoltenSamurai]

This makes sense. The battery’s puny voltage is no match for our high resistance technique! Bwahahhaa

[@littlemac1329]

Exactly what i was looking for 💪💪

[@p373r21]

This really helped me tons! Thanks man.

[@sweet_it_is]

thank you! i'm so scared, thanks for this info!

[@aidanc35]

Thank you

[@VFamilyJMJ]

I disconnected the black negative first and still got sparks. The negative is connected to the car like this video. Do you know what the problem is? I have a 98 4 Runner

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

If the negative terminal of the battery is completely bare (not connected to anything) there’s no way you’re shorting out the battery. So I’m not sure how you’re getting sparks!

[@VFamilyJMJ]

Budget Mechanic Hawaii I tried connecting the negative part of of the battery again. It worked. It did spark again for a second but went away. First time it smoked a little bit.

[@mirrorimage9298]

Great video. Bump for the algo. Subscribed.

[@princeansoni]

Hell yeah, thanks man

[@pahanin2480]

Plot twist, his demo battery has no charge

[@gamechannel1271]

He showed it spark with a wrench...

[@p373r21]

Can u touch metal with your hands when removing the positive terminal when the negative terminal is off.

[@dekas5357]

The removal tool is metal, right?

[@doormaat5033]

after the negative terminal is disconnected, is it still unsafe to accidentally make the wrench touch both the positive and the body of the car at the same time? im careful either way just in case, but id like to know for sure

[@alifnabil6626]

Thank you!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

🤙🏽

[@MaddoxLightning]

Thank you.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

🤙🏽

[@Junior-pf3zy]

Awesome video

[@TheAsiaCentury]

great vid bro

[@Diverboy35]

I have a question..... once you disconnect the negative terminal (having light issues and have to cut power) can you just let the negative hang on the side of the battery? What if it touched metal?

[@gaberealthompson7989]

Why do you connect the positive back up first when replacing tho? Couldn't you bump the frame of the car and make sparks?

[@williams5464]

So helpful!!!!! Thank you!

[@a.i.dimmer4616]

Thank You!

[@jetjet642]

Thx for sharing

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

No worries

[@danalex2991]

Great Video . Such a useful video.

[@Jodyrides]

1969. I was in high school. One of my classmates cars would not start. I volunteered to go to show him how to hook up a set of battery jumper cables to jump the car from another friends car.. I connected the terminals to the donor car. I connected the ground cable to the negative post on the dead battery. When I made the final connection with a positive clamp to the positive terminal on the car that needed a jump, The explosion that happened instantly was heard a quarter of a mile away. I had battery acid in my eyes in my hair. Luckily it was summertime and everyone on that suburban street had their doors open. I didn’t know anyone that lived on that street. I saw a front door open on the nearest house.. I ran up the steps up onto the porch the screen door was locked. My eyes feel like I had grapefruit juice in them. I broke through the screen door, ran up the steps, and jumped into the shower and rinsed off the battery acid.. The people that lived in the house were more concerned about me than the mess I made… it turns out that a battery in a state of discharge gives off hydrogen I learned later. Making that final jumper cable connection to the battery made the spark that ignited that hydrogen.. when I went back outside the whole street was out because they heard the explosion and the police showed up because someone called. I was OK, they asked me if I wanted to go to the hospital. I declined. When I looked at the battery that exploded, the battery case was gone more than halfway down the battery all the way around. All of the battery plates were exposed.. I was very lucky that it was in the summertime and I was able to rinse the battery acid off within 30 seconds..

[@user-hq4wd2sh8e]

thanks bro

[@Luxy_livin]

I have a very old car abs it doesn’t have red abs black cables so how I work out what’s positive and negative cables

[@utube5361]

Hi, if we connect the "Keep Alive Memory" on the OBD2 port (to avoid computer malfunction) when working on the alternator or something else with the car battery's negative terminal disconnected, is it safe from creating short or spark ?? Will the external power that feeds the computer through the OBD2 port run through the whole electrical system or just the ECU itself ?? Please advise

[@rideresponsibly1163]

"Start with black, end with black" as others would say.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Charged statement there ;)

[@NotTheBomb]

I was always told amperage is what kills. Not the voltage. So even though the voltage was low, I always figured it could still kill you. Can 24V batteries kill you?

[@alhyalhy4725]

no

[@phillipm6310]

All it takes is 1amp to unalive your heart!

[@1026moneyman]

My negative terminal sparks when I take it off the battery. Is that normal?

[@touch_master721]

Thank you sir!

[@tout.fabien]

Helped a lot