Have you ever found yourself stranded with a dead battery, miles from civilization, and the only tool at your disposal is a cigarette lighter jump starter? You might be tempted to try it, but the question remains: do cigarette lighter jump starters actually work?
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the intricacies of cigarette lighter jump starters, let's first grasp the fundamental principles of jump starting a car. When you connect a jump starter to your car's battery, you're essentially transferring energy from the working battery (the "donor" battery) to the dead battery. This process involves connecting the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of both batteries in a specific sequence, ensuring a safe and efficient transfer of power.
Cigarette Lighter Jump Starter: A Misconception
While the idea of using a cigarette lighter jump starter sounds convenient, it's important to understand that it's not a legitimate or safe way to jump-start a car. This method exploits the misconception that the cigarette lighter socket is a direct conduit to the car's battery, which is simply not true.
The cigarette lighter socket in your car is typically powered by a separate circuit, often connected to a fuse. It's not directly linked to the battery's power source, making it an unreliable and potentially dangerous point to connect a jump starter.
Why Cigarette Lighter Jump Starters Don't Work
Here are the key reasons why attempting to jump-start a car using a cigarette lighter jump starter is a bad idea:
- Insufficient Amperage: The cigarette lighter socket is designed to handle low-amperage devices, like lighters and phone chargers, not the heavy current demands of a jump start. The electrical system of a car requires a significant amount of amperage to crank the engine, and the cigarette lighter circuit simply can't deliver the necessary power.
- Voltage Drop: The cigarette lighter socket, as mentioned earlier, is powered by a separate circuit. This circuit experiences voltage drop as it travels from the battery to the socket, meaning the voltage available at the socket is less than what's available directly at the battery. This voltage drop further hinders the jump-starting process.
- Fuses and Overheating: Trying to draw heavy amperage through a cigarette lighter socket can blow the fuse responsible for that circuit, potentially causing more damage than a dead battery. The wiring leading to the socket can also overheat, posing a fire hazard.
- Lack of Proper Connections: Cigarette lighter jump starters typically use small clips that aren't designed for the heavy-duty connections required for jump starting. The clips may not make a secure connection, leading to poor electrical contact and unreliable jump starting.
Risks and Potential Damage
Attempting to jump-start a car using a cigarette lighter jump starter not only won't work but can also result in:
- Damaged Electrical System: Overloading the cigarette lighter circuit with high amperage can damage the wiring, fuse, and other electrical components, potentially leaving you with more problems than you started with.
- Battery Damage: The low voltage and insufficient amperage delivered through the cigarette lighter socket can actually harm your battery, potentially shortening its lifespan.
- Fire Hazard: Overheating wires and blown fuses can create a fire hazard, especially if there are any flammable materials near the cigarette lighter socket.
Safer and More Reliable Alternatives
Thankfully, there are safer and more reliable ways to jump-start your car:
- Traditional Jump Starter Cables: These are the gold standard for jump starting a car. They feature heavy-duty cables with strong clamps that connect directly to the battery terminals, ensuring a secure and efficient connection.
- Portable Jump Starter Packs: These compact devices contain a powerful battery that can deliver the necessary amperage to jump-start your car. They're easy to store and carry, making them a convenient option for roadside emergencies.
- Emergency Battery Boosters: These devices plug into your car's cigarette lighter socket and provide a temporary power boost to the battery, allowing you to start your car. However, they're not a substitute for a proper jump start and may not be effective for all situations.
When Can I Use a Cigarette Lighter to Power Accessories?
While cigarette lighter jump starters are a no-go, you can use the cigarette lighter socket to power accessories like:
- Phone chargers: These devices draw minimal power, so they won't overload the cigarette lighter circuit.
- Small fans: As long as the fan is rated for use with the car's cigarette lighter, it shouldn't pose any issues.
- Tire inflators: These can be used to inflate your tires, but ensure they're compatible with your car's cigarette lighter socket.
Remember, always check the amperage rating of any device before plugging it into your cigarette lighter socket. Avoid using high-power devices that could potentially overload the circuit.
Conclusion
While the convenience of using a cigarette lighter jump starter is appealing, it's crucial to remember that it's not a viable solution for jump-starting a car. The cigarette lighter socket is simply not designed for the high amperage demands of this task. Stick to tried-and-true methods like traditional jump starter cables or portable jump starter packs for a safe and reliable way to jump-start your car.
FAQs
1. What if my cigarette lighter jump starter is rated for high amperage?
Even if your cigarette lighter jump starter boasts a high amperage rating, it still won't be able to provide the necessary power to jump-start a car. This is because the cigarette lighter socket itself is limited in its capacity and can't handle the current demands.
2. Can I use a cigarette lighter jump starter on a motorcycle?
No, motorcycle batteries have different voltage requirements than car batteries. Attempting to jump-start a motorcycle with a cigarette lighter jump starter designed for cars could damage your battery and electrical system.
3. What if my car's battery is completely dead?
If your car's battery is completely dead, a traditional jump start might not be enough. In such cases, you might need to use a powerful portable jump starter pack or have your battery replaced.
4. Can I use a cigarette lighter jump starter to charge a dead car battery?
No, a cigarette lighter jump starter can't charge a dead car battery. Charging requires a sustained flow of low amperage over an extended period, which the cigarette lighter socket can't provide.
5. What are some other safe and reliable ways to jump-start a car?
Apart from traditional jump starter cables and portable jump starter packs, you can also consider using a battery booster pack or a professional jump start service. These options offer added safety and convenience, especially in emergencies.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when jump-starting a car. Always consult your car's manual for specific instructions and precautions, and if you're unsure, seek professional assistance.