What is the hole for the cigarette lighter called?
4 Answers
The USB port is called the car cigarette lighter. Main functions of the USB port: It utilizes the standard power supply in the car to charge electrical devices via the USB interface or serves as a fixed power supply port for electrical devices. The USB port is a type of automotive transmission cable, featuring advantages such as fast transmission speed, ease of use, support for hot-plugging, flexible connectivity, and independent power supply. It is generally a universal interface for USB devices like flash drives and MP3 players. The USB port in a car can be used for: playing music from a flash drive, charging mobile phones and MP3 players, serving as a USB car cigarette lighter interface, connecting to electronic dog devices and dash cams, and charging laptops and tablets. Precautions for using the USB port: Charging should only be done when the car engine is running to avoid damage to electrical devices due to unstable car power supply. Avoid connecting too many electrical devices to prevent overloading and damaging the car battery and alternator. Do not use the USB port during thunderstorms to avoid lightning strike accidents. Avoid using the USB port in humid environments. Rust or water stains may prevent the flash drive from connecting properly.
The hole in the car is usually called the cigarette lighter socket, and is often referred to as a 12-volt power socket. It was originally designed for cigarette lighters, but now more people use it to plug in phone chargers, dash cams, or car refrigerators. The voltage is 12 volts, and 220-volt appliances cannot be plugged in, otherwise it will burn out the circuit. I find this hole quite durable, but it needs regular dust cleaning to avoid short circuits. Some car owners complain that the hole is prone to loosening, so it is recommended to use a high-quality adapter and plug it in tightly. Modern new cars are gradually replacing this hole with USB ports, but older cars still rely on it for power supply.
I've been driving for over ten years, and everyone is used to calling that hole the cigarette lighter socket. Originally, it was used for lighting cigarettes, but since I don't smoke much, I mostly plug in a charger to give my phone an emergency boost. Sometimes when I go on road trips, I also plug in a car air pump to inflate small items. It's simple to use, but be careful not to buy adapters that are too cheap to avoid the hassle of repairing a blown fuse. The socket is usually located near the dashboard, making it easy to operate but prone to dust accumulation, so I occasionally clean the inside with a cotton swab.
We young people call that socket a 12V power outlet. Who even uses it for cigarette lighters anymore! It's mainly for plugging in various small appliances, like fast phone chargers, gaming console power supplies, or portable fans. It's the best power source for in-car electronic devices—low wattage but sufficient. Don't be too rough when plugging or unplugging to avoid poor contact. The socket often gets corroded inside, so I clean it with alcohol swabs to ensure smooth connections. In modern cars, it's super practical yet easily overlooked for maintenance.
