10 Steps to Jump-Start Your Car Safely (Without Damaging Your Electronics)

A dead battery is one of the most common roadside emergencies. It happens to nearly every driver eventually. Jump-starting a car seems simple—connect cables, start the engine, go on your way. But doing it incorrectly can damage your vehicle"s sensitive electronics, destroy your battery, cause an explosion, or even injure you. Modern cars are packed with computer modules that operate at precise voltages. A voltage spike from improper jump-starting can fry them. Here are ten steps to jump-start your car safely—without damaging your electronics.