USB Cables - How Do I break So Many!?

[Lewis's Friend]

I'm not sure there is an answer to this, but maybe someone here can suggest what is happening...

I plug my android phone into my car (16 plate Jag XE) to get android auto working. This is with a normal USB-USBC cable. Due to the tight space in the armrest of my car, I use a cable where the USBC part is a 180degree moulded plug. My issue is that these cables stop working, often after only a few months.

They do not have a hard life as they get plugged into my phone a couple of times a day. And that's it!

Their failure normally manifests itself as android auto dropping in and out. What is annoying is I have an Amazon Basics cable that I keep as backup which always works (why not just use that I hear you ask!? - it barely allows the armrest to close and I don't want to put pressure on the phone port).

How can a simple USB cable fail so frequently? They are becoming consummable items, which is a) expensive and b) really wasteful...!

I would happily buy a good brand if such a thing existed and would make a difference. I don't know what that would be though.

I'm just curious if there is a reason for this, and whether I can do something to stop it.

[Motorman74]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-MA1-Wireless-And...

Maybe something like that would be an idea...

[ecsrobin]

Ugreen or anker on Amazon never had a cable fail yet from them.

[dxbtiger]

Motorman74 said:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Motorola-MA1-Wireless-And...

Maybe something like that would be an idea...

I use this and it works perfectly.

[Baldchap]

Or get a right angle adapter to remove the strain on the cable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AuviPal-Adapter-Connector...

[Motorman74]

dxbtiger said:

I use this and it works perfectly.

Interesting feedback - thanks - I've only recently become aware of it, and I've been pretty tempted to buy one, now I think I will.

[Lewis's Friend]

Thanks for the feedback all.

I've not heard of of the Motorola MA1 before, that does sound interesting.

The cables I've used I think have been at least one of either ugreen or anker, and they fail just the same!

[stevoknevo]

Motorman74 said:

dxbtiger said:

I use this and it works perfectly.

Interesting feedback - thanks - I've only recently become aware of it, and I've been pretty tempted to buy one, now I think I will.

I can also recommend the AAWireless, it's pretty rock solid and the app gets regular updates - be aware though that wireless Android Auto can rinse the phone battery, about 10% per hour IME, and it's not a phone or wireless adaptor issue but an Android Auto issue (but worth it for the sheer convenience!)