Modern cars have started to be equipped with additional USB ports for connecting mobile devices. This has become a necessity, as charging gadgets through the cigarette lighter often led to serious problems. Many users have noticed that mobile phones fail faster when using the cigarette lighter.
The problem lies in the fact that the cigarette lighter socket does not provide stable voltage and is prone to current fluctuations, which is particularly noticeable when the engine speed changes. Initially, the cigarette lighter was designed to work with heating elements and is intended for short bursts of high power.
With prolonged use, for example, over 10-20 minutes, significant voltage fluctuations can be observed. Due to these spikes, the batteries of gadgets are the first to "suffer," which in extreme cases can lead to their detonation. It is also worth noting that not only devices connected through the cigarette lighter are at risk. High load can cause failures in the car's electrical system.
There are many known cases where using splitters to connect multiple devices to the cigarette lighter led to short circuits. If the wiring in the car is in order, this may simply result in a blown fuse. However, some drivers try to circumvent this problem by installing higher-rated fuses or using bypasses, which can lead to short circuits and even fires.
The cigarette lighter socket can be used for short-term operation, for example, when connecting a compressor or a car vacuum cleaner. It is important that the car engine is not running during this time. One should also not forget about having a cover or cap on the socket to avoid the entry of foreign metallic objects, which can lead to fire.
