Before USB ports and wireless charging became standard in vehicles, one small but powerful device was a staple in almost every car—the car cigarette lighter. Found in most cars from the 1980s to the early 2000s, this once-common feature served as a convenient tool for smokers. But with smoking rates declining and technology evolving, the traditional cigarette lighter has all but disappeared.

For those under 30, this device might seem like a mystery. Let’s take a deep dive into its history, how it worked, and why it has largely vanished from modern vehicles.

How the Car Cigarette Lighter Worked

The car cigarette lighter was a simple yet effective device that utilized a car’s electrical system to generate heat. Here’s how it functioned:

1. Press to Activate – The user would push the lighter into a dedicated socket, which connected to the car’s power supply.
2. Heating Process – Inside the lighter, a coiled metal wire would begin to heat up as electricity passed through it.
3. Automatic Ejection – After a few seconds, once the coil reached a red-hot temperature, the lighter would pop back out.
4. Ready to Use – The glowing metal coil could then be used to ignite a cigarette.

This simple push-and-pop mechanism made it a convenient feature for drivers and passengers who smoked. However, as car manufacturers sought to make vehicles more user-friendly for non-smokers, the cigarette lighter started to fade into history.

Video: How does a car cigarette lighter work?

The Rise and Fall of the Car Cigarette Lighter

The cigarette lighter became a common feature in vehicles in the mid-20th century when smoking was far more socially acceptable. By the 1980s and 1990s, nearly every car came equipped with one. However, the device’s decline can be attributed to several factors:

• Health Awareness – As smoking-related health risks became widely known, fewer people smoked in cars, reducing the need for built-in lighters.
• Changing Consumer Preferences – Automakers started removing lighters and ashtrays from base models in favor of more practical features.
• Technological Advancements – As mobile phones, GPS devices, and other portable electronics became more common, the 12V socket (formerly used for the lighter) was repurposed for charging and powering accessories.
• Regulations and Safety Concerns – In some regions, safety regulations discouraged smoking in vehicles, especially when children were present. This further contributed to the disappearance of built-in lighters.

By the early 2000s, most manufacturers stopped including cigarette lighters in new car models. Instead, they were replaced with 12V power outlets, which serve a much broader purpose in today’s tech-driven world.

From Cigarette Lighter to Power Outlet: A New Purpose

Although traditional car cigarette lighters are now rare, the socket itself remains in many vehicles. It is now commonly referred to as a 12V power outlet and is used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Charging Mobile Devices – Many drivers use adapters to convert the outlet into a USB charging port.
• Powering Dash Cams – Dash cameras rely on a constant power source, often using the 12V outlet.
• Running Small Appliances – Portable coolers, air compressors, and heated car seats often plug into the 12V socket.
• Connecting GPS Units – Before built-in navigation became standard, many GPS devices were powered through the car’s outlet.

In essence, while the cigarette lighter function has disappeared, its electrical outlet has remained useful for modern drivers.

Why Many Young People Have Never Seen a Car Cigarette Lighter

For those under 30, the idea of a car having a built-in cigarette lighter may sound strange. Here’s why younger generations are less familiar with them:

• Modern Cars Don’t Include Them – Most cars manufactured in the last 20 years come with USB charging ports instead of cigarette lighters.
• Smoking Rates Have Declined – Fewer people smoke today than in previous decades, so cigarette lighters aren’t in demand.
• Newer Vehicles Offer Wireless Charging – Many newer cars feature built-in wireless charging pads, eliminating the need for cords and adapters.
• Cars Are Designed for Connectivity, Not Smoking – Auto manufacturers now focus on infotainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and other tech-driven features rather than catering to smokers.

For many younger drivers, the 12V outlet is nothing more than a power source for their devices. They may never have even seen one used as an actual cigarette lighter.

Video: cigarette lighter not working

Are Car Cigarette Lighters Completely Gone?

While cigarette lighters have largely disappeared from passenger cars, they can still be found in certain vehicles and aftermarket products. Some manufacturers still offer cigarette lighter kits as an add-on for those who want them. Additionally, truck drivers and classic car enthusiasts sometimes prefer to keep this retro feature intact.

If you drive an older model car from the 1990s or early 2000s, you might still have a functional cigarette lighter. But in today’s auto industry, this once-common feature has become more of a nostalgic relic than a necessity.

Final Thoughts: A Piece of Automotive History

The car cigarette lighter was once an essential part of every vehicle, but as society and technology evolved, it became obsolete. What was once designed for smokers is now used as a convenient power source for modern electronics.

For those who grew up with cigarette lighters in cars, their disappearance is a reminder of how quickly automotive technology has changed. For younger generations, it’s simply a relic from the past—something they may never have seen in action.

While cigarette lighters are no longer a staple in vehicles, their legacy lives on in the form of 12V power outlets, which continue to keep our devices charged and our road trips powered.