With the advancement of technology, smartphones have become almost ubiquitous, and with the development of in-car connectivity technologies in recent years, the connection between phones and cars has become increasingly tight. This has directly led to faster battery consumption in smartphones, which is why On Board Chargers have emerged and quickly become popular among car owners. However, the quality of these products varies, and many car owners' improper usage can cause damage to their vehicles.

On Board Charger Working Principle

Principle: The on board charger converts the 12V voltage from the car's cigarette lighter socket into 5V USB voltage to charge electronic devices. Generally, car chargers convert 12V (for cars) or 24V (for trucks) DC power into 5-20V DC power for charging mobile devices. They are characterized by low power consumption, simplicity, convenience, and affordability.

Usage Precautions

1.1 Do not insert the on board charger before starting the car to avoid damaging the charger due to the vehicle's startup voltage.

1.2 Avoid using strong chemical products, cleaning agents, or harsh detergents to clean the charger, as these can severely damage the car charger’s functionality.

1.3 Do not randomly throw, drop, or strike the on board charger during use. Avoid using the charger if the car has been stationary for an extended period with an internal temperature exceeding 45°C, as this can severely damage the internal circuit board of the charger.

1.4 As an electronic product, the on board charger should not be exposed to water or prolonged exposure to moist air, which can cause corrosion or oxidation of the internal electronic components.

1.5 After the vehicle is turned off, remove the car charger. Although 80% of vehicles stop powering the cigarette lighter when the key is removed, some vehicles have cigarette lighters that continue to supply power.

Buying Considerations

2.1 Choose a product with overload protection.

USB specifications require current overload protection not to exceed 5A. On board charger need overload protection because excessive output current can shorten the lifespan of the charger components or cause damage or even burning due to high temperatures. Therefore, on board charger must have overload protection measures.

2.2 Choose a product with an output current of 1A or higher.

Most on board charger on the market have an input voltage of 12V-24V and an output voltage of 5V, with output currents ranging from 1A to 4A. However, some "shanzhai" or "unbranded" products often have misleading current specifications. If your phone is using navigation while charging, a poor-quality charger may not only fail to provide adequate charging but may also cause the battery to continue draining.

2.3 Buy from reputable manufacturers.

Purchase products from certified manufacturers, avoiding unbranded or "three-no" products (no manufacturer, no quality inspection, no after-sales service). Especially avoid buying extremely cheap chargers, as reputable domestic brands typically price their car chargers between 20-100 RMB. When purchasing, make sure to choose products with Chinese labels.