The automotive cigarette lighter was a standard feature designed to provide a safe, built-in method for lighting cigarettes within a vehicle. This feature is now largely discontinued in modern automobiles, replaced by a universal 12-volt (12V) auxiliary power outlet (also called a power point or accessory socket). Description of the Automotive Cigarette Lighter

The device consisted of two main parts:

The Receptacle (Socket): A cylindrical 12V DC power socket typically located in the dashboard or center console.

The Lighter Unit: A removable metal or plastic knob with a high-resistance heating coil inside. The user would push the knob into the socket, which would connect the coil to the car's electrical circuit. After a few seconds, a bimetallic clip would heat up and bend, causing the lighter unit to "pop out" automatically when the coil was glowing red hot, ready to light a cigarette.

Discontinuation and Modern Replacement

The discontinuation occurred due to several factors:

Declining Smoking Rates: As smoking became less socially acceptable and less popular (the smoking rate in the US dropped significantly from 42.4% in 1965 to 13.7% today), the need for a dedicated built-in lighter diminished.

Safety Concerns: The red-hot coil presented a potential fire hazard and a risk of burns, especially to children.

Demand for Power Ports: The development of portable electronic devices like GPS units, phones, and chargers created a demand for a versatile power source. Manufacturers realized the socket could serve as a de facto standard power connector for these accessories.

Manufacturer Initiatives: Chrysler was one of the first manufacturers to stop installing ashtrays as standard equipment in 1994, with other brands following suit.