Technological evolution has profoundly transformed our vehicles, equipping them with ever more advanced features. Today, most models coming off the production line are equipped with USB ports and wireless connection systems for our mobile devices. But this increasing integration of technology in our cars raises questions about the optimal use of our smartphones while driving.
The importance of smartphones in our modern vehicles
Smartphones have become indispensable companions when traveling by car. They allow us to make and receive calls safely thanks to hands-free systems. Music can be streamed directly from our favorite playlists via Bluetooth or a wired connection. Navigation applications such as Google Maps have become essential to optimize our journeys and avoid traffic jams.
Car manufacturers have understood this trend and now offer integrated interfaces that allow us to take full advantage of the features of our smartphones. Some high-end models even offer induction charging systems, thus avoiding the use of bulky cables.
The risks of charging your phone in the car
While the ability to charge your smartphone while traveling may seem convenient, this habit is not without risk to the health of our devices. The majority of current phones use lithium-ion batteries, a technology that has certain advantages but also some disadvantages.
These batteries are particularly sensitive to temperature variations. It is not recommended to expose them to temperatures above 40°C or below -10°C. Charging in these extreme conditions can also be damaging. There is a risk of fire in the event of prolonged overcharging, as the organic solvent present in the battery cells is highly flammable.
It should also be taken into account that lithium-ion batteries have a limited number of charge cycles. Once this number is reached, their capacity gradually decreases, reducing the autonomy of the device.
Specific problems with USB ports in cars
Most drivers have gotten into the habit of plugging their phones into their vehicle's USB ports as soon as they hit the road. This practice, although widespread, is not ideal for the longevity of our smartphone batteries.
Car USB ports were originally designed for low-power tasks, such as playing music on old MP3 players. They are not suited to the power needs of modern smartphones. The amperage supplied by these ports is generally lower than what our devices require, which require between 2 and 3 amps for an optimal charge.
This mismatch results in very slow charging, which can be just as bad for the battery as charging too quickly. Long charge cycles contribute to premature degradation of battery cells.
The importance of the original charger and cable
Another factor that is often overlooked is the use of non-original chargers and cables. Smartphones are designed to be recharged with their original equipment, calibrated to provide the right power for the charger's capacity.
Unfortunately, many users turn to cheap charging cables for their cars. These accessories can cause damage to the phone's internal circuitry. In addition, they do not always cut off the power once the charge is complete, which contributes to reduced battery life.
The Limits of Wireless Charging in the Car
The inductive chargers built into some recent vehicles seem to offer an elegant solution to the cable problem. However, this technology is not without its drawbacks for lithium-ion batteries.
Inductive charging puts more strain on the phone, generating more heat for the same charge level. A study conducted by the company OneZero showed that it takes 47% more energy to fully charge a high-end smartphone by induction, compared to traditional wired charging.
This increased heat production, if repeated frequently, can have long-term adverse effects on the health of the battery.
Recommended alternatives
Given these findings, it is clear that systematically recharging your phone in the car is not the best option for preserving the longevity of our devices. The cable plugged into the vehicle's USB port accelerates battery degradation, while new induction systems are not a panacea either.
The wisest solution is to wait until you arrive at your destination to charge your smartphone, using the original charger and cable plugged into a power outlet. For long journeys where charging is necessary, using a quality external battery is an interesting alternative, avoiding the inconveniences associated with charging systems on board vehicles.
By adopting these best practices, users can significantly extend the lifespan of their smartphone and optimize its performance in the long term.
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