Your vehicle’s 12-volt outlet (also known as the cigarette lighter) can power a variety of accessories. These items are especially useful during the winter to keep you warm while driving and to heat your food and drinks.
Heated 12-volt blankets
Heated blankets will keep you warm even when they’re not plugged in. These cozy 12-volt fleece blankets are big enough for two and can heat up within minutes. They have a 30/45-minute automatic shut-off timer and automatic temperature control for extra safety.
Trillium Worldwide 12-Volt Heated Travel Blanket, $40 on Amazon
12-volt heaters
If you have an older vehicle with a weak heater, you may want a secondary heating source. The Back Seat Heat is made for RVs, vans, trucks, and cars, with a fan that circulates the air while heating it up 20-30 degrees F.
Instead of plugging them into your outlet, these 12-volt heaters directly wire to your vehicle’s battery. They have an adjustable thermostat and can be mounted anywhere you need extra warmth.
Back Seat Heat Plus, about $100 on Amazon
Portable 12-volt stoves
These portable stoves from RoadPro can warm your food up to 300 degrees F. They plug into most 12-volt outlets and work great for pre-cooked meals like beans, rice dishes, stews, and sandwiches.
RoadPro 12-Volt Portable Stoves, about $30 on Amazon
Smart Car Pots
You can make soup, noodles and more with these Smart Car Pots. It takes about 10-20 minutes to boil water for instant meals and drinks like tea and hot chocolate. The slim pots are easy to store and have automatic shut-off once the pitcher has been emptied.
Smart Car Pots by RoadPro, $24 on Amazon
Heated seat cushions
Some newer vehicles have built-in heated seats, but if yours doesn’t, you can easily add that comfort with these 12-volt heated seat cushions. They have straps that hold the cushions in place and can be adjusted between Low Heat, High Heat, and Off.
Zone Tech 2-Piece 12V Heated Seat Cover Cushions, $33 on Amazon
Heated travel pad
In addition to their 12-volt blanket, Trillium Worldwide also makes a heated travel pad that your pets can lay on. Alternatively, you can use the pad on your lap, for back pain, or as a seat cushion.
Trillium Heated Travel Pads, $20 on Amazon
See more winter gear for pets here.
