12v Twin USB Socket – Product Review

Our beloved cars may be classics, but the world in which they exist isn’t. It’s always advancing, and technologies are forever changing. And it’s on that basis that we can sadly confirm the old 12v socket is dead. Firstly, has anyone used a car cigarette lighter in the last ten years? Secondly, if you only use the socket as a means of power, has it ever worked without resulting in a poor connection or something? Exactly. Useless. So why not bin it off for a more modern alternative, like this twin USB unit we fitted to our Mercedes. Proper game-changer.

The Product

Does what it says on the tin, really. It’s a 12-volt twin USB socket with the added bonus of having a wee built-in voltmeter. This doesn’t plug into the existing 12v cigarette lighter though. This is designed to be a permanent replacement for that, because as we say above, the original kit is a bit rubbish. Especially on old cars. If course, if your car doesn’t have a socket to replace, you can just wire this into a 12v feed. However, we would encourage you to wire it into a switched live rather than permanent, otherwise you’ll end up with a flat battery. It comes with a fused wire, though you may be able to simply use your existing spade terminals if your car has them.

The Test

Before the test, we had to fit it. Happily, in our 2000 Mercedes-Benz E Class, this was a doddle. We had to take the factory ash tray out, then remove the push-fit factory socket. With that out, we filed the hole out a little so the new unit would fit. Once we did that, we inserted it from the front, used the locking screw on the back (the whole unit is threaded) and then wired it in. We could have used the factory plugs, as the 12v feed is ignition live. However, we opted to splice in the supplied, fused power lead for some extra safety. With that all done, and the wires safely covered/taped, we put everything back together. Took about ten minutes all in.

The Result

Turn the ignition on, and the LED display comes alive and tells us the resting voltage. Fire the engine up, it adjusts to show the fact the battery is charging. This alone was worth the price. It’s a little bit of ‘is my alternator working’ peace of mind that all old car owners like. As for the twin USB ports, they work perfectly. I plugged my S23 Ultra in, and the phone offered no warning, nor any alert that charging would be slow. Once done, flap the cover over to keep dust out, close the ash tray and you’d never know. Brilliant bit of kit.

The Verdict – 5 out of 5

Modern charging, a clear and accurate volt meter (we checked with a multimeter) and it was easy to fit. Even for me, and I hate anything electrical with a passion. And all for under a tenner. Really, there is nothing not to like here. Get one bought and fitted.