The risk of charging your phone through the car's USB port: never do it

The presence of technology in our lives is becoming ever more important. As a result, we find mobile devices everywhere. This means we constantly need to keep the batteries of these devices charged. Fortunately, there are many ways to charge our mobile devices’ batteries, at any time and in any place. What is more, the most modern cars come with USB ports where you can keep them connected, so using them in those situations is not a problem either.

But there is something important to know: those USB ports in cars are not meant for charging phones. The function of these USB ports is to connect devices to the onboard computer, not to charge mobile phone batteries. In fact, manufacturers advise against using the USB ports for that purpose.

This happens because car USB ports do not supply enough amperage to charge the modern batteries fitted to today’s most advanced smartphones. The charging current is currently usually 2 amps, whereas these ports typically deliver 1 amp. As a result, the phone does not charge fast enough and it ends up discharging faster than it charges.

The correct way to charge your smartphone in the car is with the charger connected to the power socket on the dashboard. In this way, charging takes place at the right speed and efficiency, and the battery is ready whenever it is needed. Charging your phone through these ports, which do not provide the necessary power, is a habit that can shorten the battery’s useful life.

You do not need to worry too much if you only do it occasionally, when you have no other way to charge your phone. That said, do not make this method a habit. The battery’s integrity can be compromised, and the phone can still discharge even while connected.

Furthermore, bear in mind that while chargers, including those that plug into the car, stop charging once they detect the battery is full, these USB ports usually do not have this feature, so they keep charging and can cause the battery to overheat.