Have you ever been in a situation where your computer battery is low, and you don’t have access to a power outlet? In a situation like this, you can opt to use your car to charge your computer. So, how do you use a car to charge a computer?
There are different approaches to charging your computer with your car, depending on the accessories you have in your car. If there is an inverter in the car, you can use it to charge your computer. Another alternative is to use a car laptop charger. And if a type-C USB powers your laptop, you can easily plug that into the charging port of your car to charge your laptop.
Charging your computer in a car is safe, provided you use a suitable connector or inverter. But take caution when charging your computer with your car as it will drain your car battery if the car is not moving.
Keep reading to learn more about charging a computer with a car.
Methods of Charging a Computer in a Car
The automobile auxiliary power outlet on cars is a standard DC connector that allows you to charge your computer with a car. But this port supplies 12 volts of DC, which isn’t sufficient for a standard computer charger. Hence, if you are going to charge your computer with a car, you need to get a specialized device.
Below we list three ways and devices you need to get to charge your computer with a car.
Method #1: Using an Inverter
A car inverter is generally a universal solution to power electronics with a car. Most people have a car inverter because they use it to power a mini air pump, vacuum cleaner, and so on. The good thing about using a car inverter to charge your laptop battery is that it converts the DC produced by your car to an AC. And the best part is that they are pretty inexpensive.
Here’s how to use an inverter to charge a computer.
- Buy a car inverter from a local store or online.
- Connect the inverter cable to the auxiliary power outlet of your car.
- Plug your laptop charger into the charging power of the inverter.
- Connect the other end of your laptop charger to your laptop’s charging slot, and your laptop will start charging.
Method #2: Using a Car Laptop Charger
If you don’t have a car inverter, an alternative is to use a car laptop charger. A car laptop charger works the same way as an inverter, but unlike the inverter, the laptop charger can only charge your laptop. A car laptop charger is usually inexpensive, so you can easily buy one if you don’t have one.
Consider your laptop’s charging port when shopping for a car laptop charger. While most laptop chargers require 19.5 volts and 3.42 amperes, others may require 20 volts and 2.35 amperes. Also, ensure you check the specs of your laptop charger. Buying the wrong specs for your laptop may damage your laptop.
Here’s how to use a car laptop charger to charge a computer.
- Buy a car laptop charger from a local shop or online.
- When you want to charge your laptop, plug the charger into the auxiliary charging port of your car.
- Plug the charger’s other end into your laptop’s charging port, and your laptop will start charging.
Method #3: Plugging a Type-C USB Into the Car’s Charging Port
A type-C USB powers some modern laptops. If your laptop happens to be one of them, you are in luck, as you don’t need anything other than a type-C USB to charge your laptop with your car. Since the USB charging port on your car already supplies 5 volts of current, you can use it to charge your laptop.
Here’s how to use a type-C USB to charge a computer.
- Ensure you are always with your type-C USB cable.
- Connect the USB end of the type-C cable to the charging port on your car.
- Connect the other end of the type-C USB to the charging port on your laptop, and your laptop will start charging.
Ensure you buy original car inverters or chargers, as inexpensive models do not generate pure sine waves, which can damage sensitive electronics in your computer.
Conclusion
Now that you know different ways to charge your laptop with your car, your battery should never run low. Remember that if you are charging your laptop with your car, it drains your battery. So, if you were to leave the laptop charging in your car overnight while the car is not moving, it will drain your car battery such that your car may require a jump start. The best way to charge your laptop with your car is to turn on the engine.
