A charger is a device that provides power to an electrical product, especially when there is no nearby power source or the power source is not within reach. Car charger tends to be typically in use with small electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and digital cameras. Car chargers can be used with large electronic devices like laptops, but they may need too much wattage to charge the device without damaging the battery or damage caused by over currents.
Things to consider when buying a car charger
Below are some important factors to consider when buying a car charger:
- USB port cable length.
Charging cables are generally USB 2.0 or 3.0 which extends up to 6 meters in length from the socket, allowing the user to keep their device at a distance from the socket for greater convenience and safety. The USB port cable length should be about one center of the vehicle console or dashboard as right or left placement can create a hazard as it may expose everything in front of it if it is placed on left side of car dashboard.
- Ensure that the power output is enough for your device.
Most phone chargers provide 5V-1A, which is adequate for most smartphones. To charge a tablet, you will need a high power charger (12V-3A), to reduce the time it takes to charge your device. Most of the power chargers are also compatible with different devices as such you can use it to charge different brands of smart phones and tablets. This allows you to purchase fewer accessories on time and even when using an iPad or iPhone 6 plus that requires more power than usual, you have enough juice in your car charger to handle it for you.
- Check for any indication of overheating before charging a device.
A good quality car charger will come with a little bit of heat as it is charging your device. However, you should avoid charging your device when you notice the charger getting hotter than usual, this could lead to burning of electrical wires in the long run. You may also check for thermal protection, which means that the car charger should shut down if it gets too hot.
High-quality cables are not necessary made using cheap materials and the overall design is quite simple and straightforward. They don’t have many accessories like fancy LEDs or plugs but they are efficient in their job.
- Price of a car charger is not always an indicator of quality.
There are cheap car chargers available in the market, however they are usually not that efficient but they may last long enough to not require replacement. You should understand the specifications and features of a car charger before you decide on buying one. The price of a good quality car charger will be less than buying replacements for the same charger because it is made to last for years without any issues.
In conclusion, car chargers are important accessories to have as they keep your device charged in such a way that you don’t need to worry about the battery when you are driving. They charge your devices when it is most convenient for you and with enough power for your devices to last for as long as you need them.