If you’re a smoker, you likely use your car’s cigarette lighter frequently while driving. However, there may be situations where you want to disable this feature, either for safety reasons or to avoid draining the battery when the car is turned off. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make your car’s cigarette lighter turn off when the car is not in use, as well as some other related topics.
How to Light a Cigarette in Your Car Without a Lighter
Before we discuss how to disable your car’s cigarette lighter, let’s address a common question: how do you light a cigarette in your car without a lighter? There are a few ways you can do this:
- Use matches or a lighter from outside the car before you start driving.
- Use the stove or a candle at home to light the cigarette and bring it with you to the car.
- Use an electronic cigarette or vape device instead.
How to Make Your 12V Outlet Stay On
If you’d like to make your car’s 12V outlet (which is typically used for charging devices like phones and tablets) stay on even when the car is turned off, there are a few different ways to do this:
- Install a small jumper wire between the outlet’s power pins, which will bypass the car’s ignition switch and allow the power to stay on.
- Install a fuse tap that connects to a fuse that is always on, such as the one for the car’s radio or dashboard lights.
- Use a 12V outlet with an on/off switch built in, so that you can control when the power is on.
How to Make Your Cigarette Lighter Turn Off When the Car Is Not in Use
Now, let’s get to the main topic of this guide: how to disable your car’s cigarette lighter. Here are a few methods you can try:
Method 1: Modifying the Car’s 12V Power Outlet
One way to make the cigarette lighter turn off when the car is not in use is to modify the 12V power outlet itself. This can be done by installing a relay or fuse that is connected to the car’s ignition switch. When the ignition is off, the relay or fuse will cut off power to the outlet, effectively disabling the cigarette lighter.
Method 2: Using an Aftermarket Device
Another option is to use an aftermarket device that plugs into the 12V outlet and has its own on/off switch. These devices come in various shapes and sizes and are designed to cut off power to the outlet when the car is turned off, preventing the cigarette lighter from draining the battery.
Method 3: Cutting the Wires
A more drastic method is to simply cut the wires leading to the cigarette lighter. This will permanently disable the lighter, however, it may also affect the functionality of other devices that rely on the same circuit.
Common Questions About Car Cigarette Lighters
Here are a few other questions you may have about car cigarette lighters, along with some brief answers:
Why is My Car Cigarette Lighter Always On?
If your car’s cigarette lighter is always on, it could be due to a faulty wiring connection. You may want to check the wiring and fuses to see if there are any issues there.
Does My Cigarette Lighter Turn off with the Car?
In most cars, the cigarette lighter is powered by the same circuit as the rest of the car’s electrical system. This means that it will turn off when the car is turned off, unless something is preventing it from doing so.
How to Turn on the Cigarette Lighter in Your Car
To turn on the cigarette lighter in your car, simply insert the lighter or plug your device into the 12V outlet. If there is an issue with the wiring or fuses, however, the lighter may not work.
Cigarette Lighter Socket with On/Off Switch
As mentioned earlier, you can purchase a 12V outlet with an on/off switch built in, which will allow you to control when the power is on.
Car Power Outlet + On/Off Switch
Similarly, you can purchase an aftermarket device that plugs into the 12V outlet and has its own on/off switch.
What is the 12V Always On in My Car?
The 12V always on circuit in your car is typically used for essential systems that need constant power, even when the car is turned off. These might include things like the alarm system, power locks, and radio memory.
How to Convert Cigarette Lighter to Power Outlet
To convert your car’s cigarette lighter to a power outlet, you’ll need to replace the lighter with a 12V outlet. This can typically be done with a few simple tools and some basic electrical knowledge.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to disable your car’s cigarette lighter, there are a few different methods you can try, ranging from modifying the 12V outlet to cutting the wires entirely. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some useful tips and information to help you accomplish this task safely and effectively.