what is the car cigarette lighter called

[Janice]

It’s most accurately called a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet, though nearly everyone still calls it a cigarette lighter. The name stuck because these ports were originally designed decades ago to heat a removable coil for lighting cigarettes. Today, their primary function has completely shifted to powering electronics.

The actual "lighter" element—the removable part that heats up—is now rare in new cars. The outlet itself remains a standard feature, providing 12-volt DC power from the vehicle's electrical system. It’s the go-to port for plugging in devices like phone chargers, tire inflators, or portable vacuums.

It's crucial to understand the power limitations. Most standard outlets are fused for 10 to 15 amps. This means you should never draw more than about 120 to 180 watts (calculated as Volts x Amps), or you risk blowing a fuse. Always check your device's power requirements and your car's owner's manual.

Common Device	Typical Power Draw (Watts)	Compatible with Standard Outlet?
Phone/Tablet Charger	5-25W	Yes, easily
Portable Tire Inflator	100-150W	Yes, but may be near limit
Dash Cam	5-10W	Yes
12V Cooler/Warmer	40-80W	Yes
Power Inverter (for laptops)	60-150W	Check inverter rating vs. fuse

If the outlet stops working, the first thing to check is the fuse. The fuse box location and a diagram of which fuse corresponds to the outlet will be in your owner's manual; it's often one of the easiest and cheapest fixes you can do yourself.

[McMariana]

Honestly, I just call it the plug. You know, the thing you jam the phone charger into. My dad calls it the cigarette lighter, but I’ve never seen anyone actually use it for that. It’s just the car’s USB port before USB was a thing. When it stops working, it’s almost always a blown fuse—super easy to swap out.

[DiOmar]

Technically, the correct term is a 12-volt auxiliary power outlet. The "cigarette lighter" refers specifically to the heating coil that used to snap into it, which most modern cars don't even include anymore. I use mine for a tire pressure monitor and a dash cam. It's a simple but vital part of the car's electrical system, so if you're plugging in powerful devices, be mindful not to overload its circuit.

[AliceLee]

I work with car electronics all the time. We pros call it a 12V outlet. The "cigarette lighter" name is a relic. Its real value now is as a direct power source for serious accessories—not just chargers. Think about air compressors or power inverters. The key is knowing your outlet's amperage limit (check the fuse) to avoid damage. It’s far more useful than people realize.

[GabrielleLee]

It’s a generational thing! My grandparents say "cigarette lighter." I say "the charger port." The official name is a 12-volt outlet. It’s fascinating how its purpose evolved from a convenience for smokers to a essential power hub for our gadgets. If you’re on a road trip, it’s a lifesaver for keeping everything charged. Just don’t plug in a high-wattage appliance without checking the fuse first.