The Latest in Car Parts: Power Converters, Inverters & Outlets

Because so many things are equipped to run in cars these days, from cell phones to laptops, there are many different kinds of power converters and adapters. If electricity is simply electricity, then why do you need a power converter (inverter) for a car? For the same reason you need one when you go overseas—to convert DC current to AC. You can also use a converter to step up your voltage—a DC/DC step up power converter.

What to Look for When Shopping for these Car Parts

If you have decided you need a power inverter to run equipment from your car electrical supply, now you need to decide what kind to buy. First, think about how you will use the power supply. For instance, if you see your self using it often, you may want to consider having it installing a permanent connection to the battery of the car. You can even find adapters with a direct connection that will offer you more than one plug for your equipment. However, if you only use it now and then, it would be easier for you just to use the cigarette lighter plug.

Power converters and inverters aren’t limited to laptops and cell phones. You can run a plethora of equipment from your car battery through the direct battery connections or cigarette lighter, including printers, tools, appliances, and many others. You can even run all this equipment from a boat battery! As long as you have a sufficient DC power source for your equipment, you can convert or invert that power it for use.

Car Parts for Working on the Road

If you are looking for ways to work while you’re on the road, the power inverter or converter may be just what you need. If you have multiple appliances that you need to use, remember that you can also get these converters or inverters with more than one outlet. Because these adapters also work with other automotive power sources—like trucks, RVs, and boats—you can take them just about anywhere, although taking an expensive piece of equipment like a laptop computer out on a small power boat is not generally recommended.

You should be able to find power converters and inverters in any auto parts store, although if you need one for a specific piece of equipment you will probably have to go to a specialty store for it. For instance, if you need a cell phone adapter you might have to go to the manufacturer’s website to order one, or possibly to your service provider. If you have a laptop you need to power, you might have to go to an electronics store that carries those laptops or order one from the maker or another online computer store.