Tips for Extending the Lifespan of Your Laptop Charger

A laptop that works smoothly and does not leave you stranded in the middle of the work is what everyone wants. For this to be possible, these laptop charger tips here will help. From laptop charger overheating to power surges-related issues, let’s discuss everything in detail.

Minimize unnecessary power draw

This might sound surprising but yes, your plugged-in charger draws a small amount of electricity even when your laptop is fully charged or not connected. This constant power draw is minimal but contributes to wear and tear. To be on the safer side, you should unplug the charger from the wall outlet when your laptop is not in use or is fully charged. This simple but effective habit reduces energy consumption and also extends the charger’s life.

One of the best tips when you see a Mac charger not working is to reset it. It’s a simple hack that will save you some bucks and important time. The logic behind this is that the System Management Controller (SMC) is a powerful chip located on the Mac logic board. It is this chip that plays an important role in MacBook battery management and the status indicator lights. Resetting SMC offers the perfect solution in many cases. To reset MacBook charger, visit this link and you’ll find several ways you can reset SMC on both new and old models. This should fix the problem, but if not, you should look for other ways as mentioned in the following points.

Handle cables with care

Laptop charger cables are made up of delicate wires and you might end up damaging them if you handle them improperly. Twists, kinks, bends, and drops stress the internal wires which lead to fraying, breakage, and ultimately, charger failure.

To avoid this from happening, you should avoid tightly winding the cables. Tight winding puts undue stress on them so you should keep it a bit loose. Always handle the charger gently and avoid dropping or yanking on the cables.

Maintain good hygiene

With constant computer use, dust and dirt accumulate on the charger and connectors. This buildup affects heat dispersion and blocks ports. At some point, laptop charger overheating will hinder the device from working properly. To keep the charger in the best shape, you should regularly wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth.

Safety first

A damaged charger poses safety risks like electric shocks or fires. This is why it is important to inspect signs of fraying cables, cracks, exposed wiring, or overheating. Also, forcing connectors into ports can damage both the charger and your laptop. You should regularly inspect it for any visual damage. If you see any signs of damage, stop using it immediately and go for a replacement. When using, always insert and remove the connectors gently.

Store responsibly

So how long does a laptop charger last? Well, it depends on how nicely you store it when it’s not in use. The internal components of the charger get damaged when exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. To avoid this from happening, you should store it in a cool, dry place that has moderate temperatures. Do not keep it in direct sunlight, in a damp basement, or in a hot car.

Use the right equipment

Using the wrong charger can supply incorrect voltage or incompatible connections. This will damage both your charger and laptop. Instead of going for some cheap alternative or a counterfeit product, you should use the original one that came with your laptop or that the company sells. Give the product handbook a quick read to check the voltage and current specifications for it.

Protect from power surges

Do laptop chargers have surge protectors? They do but it might not always work. Sudden spikes in voltage from power outages or faulty wiring might be dangerous. These can damage the sensitive electronic components inside the charger. To not be in an unwanted situation, buy a quality surge protector and plug it into it instead of directly into the wall outlet.

Be mindful when moving around

Moving around with a laptop is common. It could be for some office presentation or visiting a café or some remote work area. Be careful though because any rough movement while your laptop is plugged in puts stress on the charger and connected ports.

When you want to move your laptop for some reason, first you should unplug it. In addition to this, routinely check the USB port regularly Look for signs of bending or any cracks. If you see some damage, get it repaired to ensure proper charging or if needed, simply buy a new charger.

Conclusion

Whether your laptop charger gets very hot or it’s not showing any charging sign, the problem needs to be tackled immediately. To be productive and ensure that work goes on without interruption, follow these tips and your laptop charger will last for a long time.