• Also known as an "AC power adapter," the car charger that came with your cell phone -- or, in some cases, that you must purchase separately -- can ensure that you never lose power to your cell phone in the middle of a long drive. As it turns out, keeping this charger with you even when you're not in the car can also be a good idea.
  
  

Continuous Charge

• Most people reach for their car chargers when they're in the middle of a phone call and hear that all-too-familiar beeping. Rather than waiting for your phone's battery to arrive on death's door, however, a better practice might be to leave your phone plugged in at all times when you're driving. By keeping your phone fully charged while it's near a power source, you significantly decrease the possibility that it will power off when you're far away from one.
  
  

Airplanes

• Your car charger is ideal for when you're driving, but it can also be useful with other modes of transport. Certain Boeing and Airbus-series aircraft accommodate AC power devices, according to air travel guide Seat Guru. Since you can't use your cell phone for calls or Internet during your flight, you may be tempted to play graphics-rich games -- which use up battery life quickly. Just keep it charging for the duration of the flight.
  
  

Have a Spare

• It can be a good idea to have a spare car charger that you can carry with you. In addition to coming in handy on airplanes, you can also charge your phone if you happen to be in a friend's car and need a sudden boost. Having a spare in your bag or glove box can also prevent you from needing to buy a new charger if you lose your primary one.