How to Find and Use a Car Power Adapter

Car power adapters help electronic devices keep their juice on long or short trips. The power adapter plugs from device into the car's cigarette lighter or dedicated adapter plug. Not all devices come with their own car power adapter. Follow these steps to find an adaptor and use it properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Find a Car Power Adapter

1. Note the device, manufacturer and manufacturer codes printed on the body of the device. Look up the manufacturer online and use the noted information to find your device.

2. Find the list of suitable accessories for your device on the manufacturer's Web site. The list should include the type of car power adapter for your device.

3. Order the car power adapter from the manufacturer, or shop online for a better price. Match the manufacturer or part codes exactly to ensure the power adapter you select is compatible with your device.

4. Take the device to your local electronics store and ask for assistance with finding a compatible adapter. This is a great option if you feel more comfortable shopping in person, or if you don't have time to wait for mail delivery.

Use a Car Power Adapter

5. Insert the small male jack on the adapter into the appropriate port on the device. A car power adapter is designed with a small male jack at one end of a power cord and a larger male jack at the other end of the cord.

6. Insert the larger jack into the port in your car. Typically this port is your cigarette lighter and is located inside your car ash tray or just next to it on your dash board. Some cars have a second ash tray and cigarette lighter in the back seat. Newer car models are made with ports that are specifically used as power adapters and do not double as cigarette lighters.

7. Use the car power adapter when the car is on or when the key is turned halfway so the electronics are engaged. Some European models allow power to electronic equipment even when the car is turned off. This causes a serious power drain on the car battery and is not recommended for anything other than emergency use.

Tips & Warnings

• Airplanes are beginning to manufacture aircraft with power adapter ports connected to individual seats. Check with your airline about the availability of this convenience and ask if your car power adapter is compatible with the new seat design.