The usage of power inverters in cars increases as more and more electric devices are coming into play. An inverter will convert the DC of your car battery into high-power AC to power up different devices. The inverter comes with multiple power outlets to draw your car’s DC power like the regular current from your home outlet.
However, the inverter also draws power from the battery to run itself and indeed has an impact on familiar environment. The biggest question arises from the inverter users is, will an inverter damage my car or the battery? There is a lot of knowledge about it when you’re concerned about damages to your vehicle and its battery. Stick to the article to know everything about the power inverters and car batteries to decide what’s best for you.
Will An Inverter Damage My Car?
Using an inverter in your car can get you tons of benefits for sure, but as every facility comes with a price, the inverter is no different. With that being said, most people often ask, will inverter damage my car, and how can I reduce the risks if there any. Well, here is what you should know about power inverters and when it can be harmful to your car:
Overuse
Using an inverter is indeed a great thing to have for your car if you have to use conventional AC electric devices. However, if you have to use an inverter for an extended time, it shouldn’t be more than an hour. An inverter usually gives 30 minutes of backup up to 1 hour from the battery of your car. When the battery goes on a discharged state for supporting the inverter, it damages your battery in the long run.
However, if the engine is on and the car is running, you can keep using the inverter for as long as you need it. One thing to keep an eye on is the dashboard where the battery state indicates the charging state. If it shows the charging state, there is nothing to worry about because the alternator is charging the battery.
A faulty alternator
A faulty alternator can damage the car battery, where the inverter could accelerate the damaging process. The most common symptoms of a defective alternator are flickering headlight or indicator, strange noises in the engine, electrical failures in the car, etc.
If the alternator is failing, it cannot charge the battery properly, so the battery keeps on discharging. On the other hand, the inverter is also draining power from the battery to power up your AC devices. The result altogether is not pleasing; the battery will keep draining and eventually die, or for the worse, it could affect the engine.
Best Tips For Using A Car Inverter Perfectly
Adding an inverter for the RV or any car opens up a whole world of opportunities to use almost any electric device. The disadvantages of the inverters by a hair shouldn’t be an issue if you use it the right way. Here are the best tips for using a power inverter for your car and get the best out of it:
Get the right inverter
Getting the right inverter is the first thing to consider if you’re still planning to get the inverter. As the inverter will draw the power from your car’s battery, the inverter shouldn’t surpass the capacity of the battery. On the other hand, it’s also necessary to determine how much watts you need for running different devices. For example, a cell phone usually draws 24 watts where a laptop will draw about 60 to 90 watts of power from the inverter. Be sure to calculate the power you need from the inverter and have more than that for your devices’ smooth run.
Match the power of your car
You must match the battery and the alternator size with the size of the inverter you’re getting. While purchasing the inverter, have a look at the power the alternator has in your car or how powerful your battery is. If you cannot calculate the size, consult the seller or manufacturer; you can also get help from the car specifications if you haven’t changed anything in it.
Use the inverter properly
As I mentioned earlier, the inverter draws the DC power from your car battery and converts it into AC electricity. So, the inverter drains the battery’s energy to power your devices and can damage the battery from overpressure. Don’t use the inverter for more than an hour when you’re not driving the car, or even the engine is in idle mode. On top of that, always try to use an inverter with accurate sine wave technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions about using inverters for a car that you might find informative getting through:
Do car inverters drain the battery?
Can you use an inverter while driving?
How long will a car battery power an inverter?
Final Thought
A power inverter is an essential extension for your car if you have to use conventional electric devices and tools. People use different USB devices, even household appliances in modern vehicles, especially with family cars. When you’re camping with your family, powering up a small fridge could be a great facility that requires an inverter.
However, using a big device can be a bummer if you have a small battery in the car. If you’re wondering how will an inverter damage my car, it’s the inconsistent usage of it. Never use an inverter or devices with it more than the battery or the alternator can take up.
