Is it dangerous if the cigarette lighter doesn't pop out?
2 Answers
The cigarette lighter not popping out can be dangerous. If it's not due to a blown fuse, it may be caused by a loose or damaged retaining spring preventing the lighter from popping out. In this case, the lighter can still heat up normally, but remaining in a continuous heating state may cause the lighter's fuse to blow. The wiring of the lighter may overheat, leading to scorching and short circuits. The cigarette lighter is a component in cars designed to provide a flame source for smokers. It serves as a device for lighting cigarettes and can also be equipped with a car power inverter to convert the vehicle's 12V, 24V, or 48V DC power into current usable by common electrical appliances.
I remember once during a long-distance drive, the cigarette lighter got stuck and wouldn't pop out. I didn't pay much attention at first and kept driving for hours, only to find the socket area became scalding hot, which scared me into immediately turning off the engine. This is actually a pretty common issue, mainly caused by aging internal springs or dust buildup preventing ejection. The danger lies in its potential to continuously heat up when powered. If left unattended, accumulated heat can char plastic interiors or even spark small fires, especially in older cars with aged wiring. After that incident, I learned my lesson - never forcefully pull it out. Instead, I now park to let it cool for half an hour first, then gently wiggle the lighter to test. In daily use, I regularly clean the socket with cotton swabs to remove dust and prevent jams. Safety comes first - whenever noticing abnormalities, I promptly visit a repair shop to check the wiring.
