How to use the Car Cigarette Lighter

The car cigarette lighter is a practical and convenient feature in most cars. It provides power to various small devices such as cell phone chargers, portable fans, and mini-fridges.

Knowing how to use the car cigarette lighter is essential for anyone who owns a vehicle to stay powered on the go. In this article, we will look at how to install and use the car cigarette lighter for all your needs.

Table of Contents

The car cigarette lighter is a convenient and necessary tool for many drivers. It can power up small electronics such as cell phones, GPS devices, and other accessories while on the road. Knowing how to use your car’s cigarette lighter is essential for powering these gadgets safely and efficiently.

Here are 5 simple steps for how to use the Car Cigarette Lighter.

Step 1

The first step to ensure your experience is as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible is to purchase an accessory with a cigarette lighter adapter. This circular-shaped unit has a metallic pin on the end, making it easy to attach to any device you use. This accessory will ensure you can quickly light up your cigarette whenever needed.

The most common accessories with these adapters are radar detectors, MP3 players, GPS devices, and cell phone chargers. While each of these items requires different types of power sources, having a universal adapter makes it easier for anyone who needs access to all of them at once. It saves time and eliminates the hassle of having multiple cords or carrying several different adapters in your bag or pocket.

Step 2

The second step is to remove the burner unit or cap from the cigarette lighter port. It will reveal an adapter that. Can plug into various 12-volt accessory adapters available in most automotive supply stores.

Removing and attaching the appropriate adapter is straightforward; however, it’s important to note that not all vehicles have a standard 12-volt cigarette lighter port. Some cars may require a special adapter or wiring kit to install the accessory properly.

Step 3

Step 3 involves switching the car’s ignition and preparing it for use. To begin, locate the fuse box in your vehicle and open it to locate the cigarette lighter outlet. Once located, insert one end of the light into its designated port, then push down until it clicks in place.

Now switch on the car’s ignition and adjust other fixtures as necessary. Depending on your vehicle model, other sources may be available to send power to your device from within your car’s system, such as an accessory power outlet or a USB charger plug-in.

Step 4

One accessory that can use with a cell phone charger is a car lighter adapter. It will allow you to plug in your device and power it up quickly while on the go. When connecting the adapter, you should always plug one side into the handheld device and the other into the car’s lighter outlet.

This way, your device will receive power from your car even if it isn’t being driven. Once you switch off your car and remove the keys from the ignition, this clever accessory is programmed to switch off automatically, saving time and energy.

Step 5

Some manufacturers are changing the traditional cigarette lighter sockets found in many cars. Instead of a regular cigarette lighter socket, the standard electric or USB sockets are being implemented to provide drivers with more options for charging devices and using other electric products in their vehicles.

Not all car models feature this change, however. The cigarette lighter is still available in many models but is not usually included in the default package. Therefore, users must purchase an adapter to benefit from this option while driving.

Alternative solutions allow people to power their devices without an adapter, such as a standard electric or USB socket. These solutions offer convenience and flexibility so you can quickly charge your device on the go without any additional hassle or equipment needed.

How to choose a cigarette lighter power inverter for your car?

Wattage

The wattage of an inverter is a crucial factor to consider when using one in your car. It determines how much power it can handle and its overall efficiency. Most inverters on the market come with a standard wattage of 300w, which provides plenty of power for small appliances and devices like laptops.

However, this capacity also carries potential risks, such as blowing your car’s fuse if you overload it. If you are looking for a lower-powered option, most cigarette lighter outlets have an output of 12v x 10amps giving you 120 watts available to use in total. While less potent than a 300w inverter, this amount should power up smaller items like phone chargers or portable fans.

Waveform

A pure-sine waveform is the most common in a home 120v wall outlet. This waveform is necessary for many electronic devices, such as microwaves and refrigerators, to run correctly and efficiently. Not all appliances need a pure-sine waveform. Having an appliance or device with a different type of power supply can be dangerous or cause damage.

In emergencies, having access to a power source with the correct waveform is essential for success. It means that if you are trying to plug in something like a CPAP machine, which requires pure-sine power, but your outlet only has another type of voltage, it could cause significant issues.

Fuse

They convert the direct current from batteries or other sources into alternating current suitable for homes, businesses, and cars. Just like your car’s wiring is protected with a fuse to prevent overheating or damage due to electrical faults, an inverter should also have its built-in fuse to protect itself from overloads and other things going wrong while it is in operation.

A properly installed fuse can save your equipment from being destroyed by overvoltage and reduce the risk of fire hazards associated with faulty electrical components. When choosing an inverter for your home or business, ensure it comes equipped with a reliable built-in fuse that meets all safety standards set forth by the National Electrical Code.

Final Words about how to use the car cigarette lighter

The car cigarette lighter can be helpful in many circumstances as long as it is used properly. You can make the most of this convenient feature by following the five steps outlined in this article.

Always be cautious when using any electronic device, and ensure all components are securely attached before powering them up. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines when using a car cigarette lighter, as they can get hot and cause injury if not handled with care.

FAQ’s

Is it safe to use a cigarette lighter?

Using the cigarette lighter in your car is generally safe if you take proper precautions. Ensure the lighter is firmly secured in its socket and not loose or damaged. Also, be sure never to leave anything plugged into the lighter for an extended period, which can cause overheating and potentially start a fire.

Do cigarette lighters drain batteries?

Yes, cigarette lighters can drain batteries. It is because the light draws power from the battery to operate. When you plug in a lighter, it uses energy to heat up and create a spark that ignites the fuel. This process of heating and sparking requires electricity, which is drawn from the car’s battery.