Here's why:
* It's a safety myth. The idea that connecting positive first prevents sparks is mostly a myth. While it's true that if you connect the negative terminal first and touch the positive terminal with a tool, you can get a spark, this is a very specific scenario and doesn't happen in typical charging.
* Modern charging systems minimize spark risk. Most car chargers have built-in safety features that minimize the chance of sparks, regardless of the order you connect the terminals.
* Reverse polarity is more dangerous. If you accidentally connect the terminals in reverse, it can cause serious damage to your car's electrical system. The safest way to avoid this is to always connect the negative terminal first and then the positive terminal.
Here's why connecting negative first is usually safer:
* Grounding: Connecting the negative terminal first effectively grounds the charging system. This minimizes the risk of a stray current path through the car's body.
* Reduced spark risk: When you connect the positive terminal last, any spark that may occur is likely to be a small, localized spark near the battery terminal. This is much less dangerous than a spark that could potentially travel through the car's electrical system.
In summary: While connecting positive first is often promoted as a safety measure, it's not necessary and can even be less safe in some situations. Always prioritize connecting the negative terminal first to minimize the risk of damage to your car's electrical system.