If you spend a lot of time in your car, you may want a way to run electronic devices that you normally can’t play while on the road. Entertainment devices like CD and MP3 players, GPS navigation systems, and DVD players can run on 12 volts, but finding the right car power adapter is just one factor to consider before you plug in.
Keep your old power adapters!!!
Your car’s electrical system typically provides 12V DC, which is different from the AC power you use at home. Options for powering devices in a car include using an existing cigarette lighter socket (also known as a 12V accessory socket) or installing a power inverter. The primary methods for using 12-volt car power to keep your electronics running while on the road include 2V adapters and hardwire plugs, universal 12V USB adapters, and car power inverters.
The easiest way to power an electronic device in your car is through the cigarette lighter or a special 12V accessory outlet. One of these two types of 12V outlets is available in almost every modern car and truck.
As the name suggests, these sockets started out as cigarette lighters, which worked by applying current to a coiled metal strip. This current caused the coiled metal strip to glow red hot, hot enough to light a cigarette upon contact.
