Using the cigarette ligher

Hi folks.

I'm sorry if this sounds like a stupid question, but I am not the most knowledgeable person with cars.

I am planning to get satellite radio, and as most of you may know, you have to plug it in the cigarette lighter. I was wondering if this is hard on the battery / alternator in any way. I would basically be using it all the time, which is roughly 1 to 2 hours per day, not to mention the monthly road trips.

Thanks for the input.

It uses the same amount of electricity regardless of where it comes from. Plugging it in to the cig lighter will be perfectly fine.

It uses the same amount of electricity regardless of where it comes from. Plugging it in to the cig lighter will be perfectly fine.

You mean that having a satellite radio plugged in all the time won't be more demanding on the alternator? That's nice to know... Thanks.

You mean that having a satellite radio plugged in all the time won't be more demanding on the alternator? That's nice to know... Thanks.

to put it in perspective, your headlights probably draw 20 times the power. Maybe more.

i dont know how much current they draw but it cant be more than 1-2amps...that is nothing to your alternator.