Is the cigarette lighter accurate for measuring battery voltage?
2 Answers
Measuring battery voltage through the cigarette lighter can have inaccuracies. Here are specific details about the accuracy of cigarette lighters: 1. The connection between the cigarette lighter and the battery: The cigarette lighter can only serve as an auxiliary tool and may be used as a daily voltage reference. However, it is recommended to use a multimeter to directly measure the battery voltage for the most accurate results. When the vehicle is not started, the cigarette lighter uses power from the battery. After starting, it uses power from the generator. 2. The function of the cigarette lighter: The cigarette lighter is a component found in all cars, designed to provide a convenient flame source for smokers. Some manufacturers produce cigarette lighters not for lighting cigarettes but solely for drawing power from the vehicle.
In my years of automotive maintenance, measuring battery voltage through the cigarette lighter has proven unreliable. The cigarette lighter port isn't directly connected to the battery terminals; it passes through fuses and protective circuits, which can cause readings to be either higher or lower. For instance, when the engine is off, the true battery voltage should be around 12.6V, but the cigarette lighter might show 12V or 13V due to line loss or interference from the charging system. This discrepancy can mislead owners about battery health—showing normal readings while experiencing hard starts. I recommend using a digital multimeter to measure directly at the battery terminals for more accurate readings with the engine off. Additionally, battery lifespan is also related to cold cranking amps, which the cigarette lighter method cannot measure. For routine maintenance, regularly cleaning battery terminals to prevent corrosion is far more effective than relying on inaccurate measurements. Professional tools like battery testers are affordable, costing just a few dozen dollars—a small investment that significantly enhances driving safety.