Is It Normal for a Car Charger to Get Hot?
2 Answers
It is normal for a car charger to get hot. There is energy loss during the conversion between AC and DC power. Most chargers use highly efficient switching power supplies, but due to size limitations, they generally lack PFC circuits, resulting in a power factor of less than 0.7. The remaining energy is mostly converted into heat. Charge in a cool environment: If your phone charger overheats, it is best to charge it in a cool environment during summer, such as an air-conditioned room. This will prevent the charger from overheating. Use the original charger: When charging your phone, always use the original charger to ensure stable output current and protect the battery. The original charger may also get warm but will not overheat, as it includes protective mechanisms. If the charger overheats, it may be counterfeit or non-original.
It's quite common to notice car chargers getting warm during use. From my years of experience, this is especially noticeable during summer road trips. The primary reason is the voltage conversion from the car's 12V to the 5V required by phones, a process similar to electrical appliances generating heat during operation. Mild warmth (approximately body temperature) is normal, but if it becomes painfully hot like burning, this could indicate issues such as poor charger quality, power mismatch, or excessive dust accumulation in the cigarette lighter socket affecting heat dissipation. Opt for metal-cased chargers with cooling designs, avoid using high-power devices for prolonged charging when parked in high temperatures, and always unplug to check for loose connections after use. When in doubt, switching to certified branded products is recommended—safety first.
