In the know: Essential accessories your car’s 12-volt socket can handle

2020 Toyota Hilux G A/T

In the olden days, the electric outlet for most cars served as a slot for electrically heated cigarette lighters. And just a few decades ago, most Filipino motorists only saw their car’s 12-volt socket as a channel to charge their mobile phones or their dash-mounted GPS devices.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What are some of the car accessories you can plug in your car's 12-volt outlet?

    Some accessories your car's 12-volt socket can handle include fans, dashcams, and car air purifiers.
  • Where do you usually find the 12-volt sockets in your car?

    The 12-volt sockets in your car are usually placed in the center console area and sometimes in under the armrest facing the rear-seat passengers.
  • But as technology advanced, so did the number of compatible car accessories. That said, we’re going to take a look at some of the most popular accessories your car’s 12-volt outlet can handle.

    Suzuki Celerio

    1. Fan

    Ah, the fan! This small but useful product is one of the most popular 12-volt compatible car accessories, especially here in the Philippines. While some 12-volt-powered fans are mounted on a car’s dashboard, they are often placed behind the front-row seats to provide rear occupants better ventilation as most entry-level cars typically have no rear A/C vents.

    2. Car vaccum

    Now, this next accessory is perfect for parents whose kids love to eat in the car.

    Car vacuums are strong enough to suck tiny morsels of bread, chips, dust, hair, and other small debris. That said, it’s also a handy tool to have if you often travel with your fur babies.

    3. Dashcam

    Many of today’s dash cams are compatible with your car’s 12-volt socket. You can choose from simple and straightforward ones to those that have touchscreen capabilities.

    A dashcam is now considered an essential accessory for every car owner as it can help defend you against unruly drivers, corrupt traffic enforcers, and kamote riders and drivers.

    4. Backseat air mattress

    Are you the type who likes to camp in your car? Then a 12-volt-compatible back seat air mattress might just be what you’re looking for.

    These types of accessories typically come with an electric air pump that you can plug into your car’s outlet.

    5. Car air purifier

    Nowadays you have to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety, that’s why car brands have taken it on themselves to equip some of their models with onboard ionizers and air purifiers. But what if your car does not come with this feature?

    Luckily, there are 12-volt car air purifiers on the market. All you need is to plug it into your car’s outlet and wait for the device to clean the air in your car’s cabin.

    Photos from Ruben Manahan

    Also read: 

    In the know: Car mods that will not void your warranty

    In the know: How do airbags work?

    In the know: What are mufflers for?

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • Toyota GT, GT Racing concepts showcased at 2025 Goodwood FOS
      Toyota GT, GT Racing concepts showcased at 2025 Goodwood FOS
      Cesar Miguel . Today
    • Hyundai Motor PH showcases new Santa Fe variant at HME tour Alabang leg
      Hyundai Motor PH showcases new Santa Fe variant at HME tour Alabang leg
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Incoming Denza D9 makes Goodwood debut
      Incoming Denza D9 makes Goodwood debut
      Paulo Papa . Today
    • Tesla PH delivers over 1.5K units so far
      Tesla PH delivers over 1.5K units so far
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 17, 2025
    • Nissan Alabang recognized as best dealer at 2025 DOYA
      Nissan Alabang recognized as best dealer at 2025 DOYA
      Paulo Papa . Jul 17, 2025
    • Interesting police cars from around the world
      Interesting police cars from around the world
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 17, 2025
    • Affordable EV matchup: Dongfeng Nammi vs VinFast VF 5
      Affordable EV matchup: Dongfeng Nammi vs VinFast VF 5
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 16, 2025
    • Is driving stick still relevant to youngsters?
      Is driving stick still relevant to youngsters?
      Paulo Papa . Jul 15, 2025
    • Auto, motorcycle brands with horses in their badges
      Auto, motorcycle brands with horses in their badges
      Paulo Papa . Jul 14, 2025
    • Subaru Crosstrek vs. the competition
      Subaru Crosstrek vs. the competition
      Cesar Miguel . Jul 14, 2025
    • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
    • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
    • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
    • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
      Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
      Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
    • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
      Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
      Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
    • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
      Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
    • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
      Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
    • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
      Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025