Using a jump box is safe in most circumstances, although it is possible to damage both your car and yourself. If you connect everything the right way and take all the necessary precautions, there is little to worry about.

Two main dangers commonly associated with jump-starting a car are damaging delicate components in the electrical system and blowing up the battery. These situations can result from crossing the positive and negative cables or shorting them out by touching the positive and negative leads together.

When you use a jump box, the basic method of connecting it to the dead battery is the same as when you use jumper cables:

1. Connect the positive jump box cable to the positive terminal on the battery.

2. Connect the negative jump box cable to the engine block or another good ground location.

3. Set the jump box in a stable location in the engine compartment or on the ground if possible, where it won’t become detached, fall or interfere with the engine pulleys or fan.

4. Attempt to start the car.

5. Carefully disconnect the negative jump box cable and secure it to the jump box.

6. Carefully disconnect the positive jump box cable and secure it to the jump box.

7. Is it dangerous to jump-start a car with a jump box?