# Two items that should be included in a new car.
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion
**Created:** [June 14, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481 "2015-06-14T02:35:24Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 3
### Author:  [@stillownedbysetters](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stillownedbysetters)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/41 "2015-06-16T01:06:24Z")
I think the in-car vacuum system I’ve seen advertised mini-van ads is genius. I want! I may be a retired parent, but I’m still a doggie parent and not having to worry about running to the car wash for their vacuuming unit every time I transport the pooches would be delightful.
And I agree with Thelma Lou, a clever stowage bin within easy access for our purses would be dandy.
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### Author:  [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/42 "2015-06-16T01:17:33Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#):
>
> Where do you even attach a trickle charger? To the battery? I’ve seen some that attach to the 12V outlets but every manual says running current _into_ the outlets is a Bad Thing.
>
> Not necessarily. Most tire pressure monitoring systems don’t warn you until there is significant pressure loss. Otherwise they’d be flashing every morning because your tires were cold.
>
> Anyway, my list is seats and a steering wheel. Go fill up the options list if you want a bunch of shit in your car and stop bothering those of us who don’t. 🙂 Leather seats in Florida? Seriously? Are you new here?
TPMS warn at 20% below recommended pressure. Hardly flat.
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### Author:  [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/excavating_for_a_mind)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/43 "2015-06-16T02:02:44Z")
> [@Telemark](#):
>
> Most folks I know would just call AAA. They do that for changing a tire, or running out of gas, or any other problem. They don’t want or need a tire pump.
OK. Fine. Most of the folks you know don’t have to get one.
Both the tire pump and the battery charger are things that most people think they will never need, but when they end up needing one, they end up being highly inconvenienced, ripped-off by unscrupulous auto repair facilities, or make very poor decisions because they feel they have limited options.
The idea that these items are way too expensive or are not reliable are baseless. If a retail outlet can sell them for less than $10-$20, their wholesale cost can’t be more than $5-10. Even at retail costs, the cost of the items would be less than what it would cost not to have them when needed.
Why you folks decided to attack instead of contribute (like some poster have) simply amazes me and says a whole lot.
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### Author:  [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/44 "2015-06-16T02:15:15Z")
Care to rethink that number?
> **[Amazon.com: BMW Genuine Factory OEM 71100413439 Tire Mobility Kit : Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-Factory-71100413439-Mobility/dp/B000P5JO5M)**
>
> Buy BMW Genuine Factory OEM 71100413439 Tire Mobility Kit: Tire Repair Kits - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
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### Author:  [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/45 "2015-06-16T02:33:31Z")
> [@Rick](#):
>
> Care to rethink that number?
> [Amazon.com: BMW Genuine Factory OEM 71100413439 Tire Mobility Kit : Automotive](http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-Factory-71100413439-Mobility/dp/B000P5JO5M)
Hey, BMW offers a USB “charger” to plug into the lighter/aux for only $19.55. Unfortunately, I already have one, sans logo, that I purchased for a couple of bucks at the dollar store.
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### Author:  [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/46 "2015-06-16T02:35:42Z")
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#):
>
> Both the tire pump and the battery charger are things that most people think they will never need . . . .
>
> Why you folks decided to attack instead of contribute (like some poster have) simply amazes me and says a whole lot.
You still have not addressed my point that both these items pretty much last a lifetime, so it is silly to purchase them over and over and over with each new vehicle.
Nor have you addressed my point that both these items are available at point of purchase of the new vehicle if the person wants to buy them with the car.
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### Author:  [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/47 "2015-06-16T02:42:42Z")
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#):
>
> OK. Fine. Most of the folks you know don’t have to get one.
Then most folks don’t need or want one standard on their new car.
> [@excavating\_for\_a\_mind](#):
>
> Why you folks decided to attack instead of contribute (like some poster have) simply amazes me and says a whole lot.
This is a message board. You put an idea out for discussion and people gave you their opinions.
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### Author:  [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/48 "2015-06-16T03:05:15Z")
The last time I had a flat, I had two flats at the same time but only one spare. I was miles from the nearest point where at towtruck could pick me up. Pity I didn’t have two spares. Obviously all cars should have two spares, not one, and not none (e.g. some Kias).
The highway I frequently drive often closes in winter storms, so I travel with a winter sleeping bag rated for our typical winter night temps. Obviously all cars should come with a winter sleeping bag for each seat rated for where C and F meet, at over $1,000 per bag. Now that would be over $5K every decade when I replace the vehicle. Since everyone will get stranded in the winter at least once in their lives, everyone should pay an average of an extra $500 per year for each and every vehicle they own during their lives.
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### Author:  [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/49 "2015-06-16T03:10:58Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#):
>
> With his safety record?
True enough. I had a cat that liked to drive the way toonces did (but with me still in the driver’s seat). As long as the cat was looking forward, all was well, but when she started looking to the side of the road, she leaned that way and steered the car accordingly. Birds on a wire were appealing to her, so I had to take over steering ever time she saw some.
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### Author:  [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/50 "2015-06-16T03:11:58Z")
> [@Muffin](#):
>
> The last time I had a flat, I had two flats at the same time but only one spare. I was miles from the nearest point where at towtruck could pick me up. Pity I didn’t have two spares. Obviously all cars should have two spares, not one, and not none (e.g. some Kias).
>
> The highway I frequently drive often closes in winter storms, so I travel with a winter sleeping bag rated for our typical winter night temps. Obviously all cars should come with a winter sleeping bag for each seat rated for where C and F meet, at over $1,000 per bag. Now that would be over $5K every decade when I replace the vehicle. Since everyone will get stranded in the winter at least once in their lives, everyone should pay an average of an extra $500 per year for each and every vehicle they own during their lives.
Morgan has you covered
[http://hymanltd.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5123\_23.jpg](http://hymanltd.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5123_23.jpg)
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### Author:  [@Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emtar_KronJonDerSohn)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/51 "2015-06-16T03:16:06Z")
Pfff… include a cell phone jammer and a loud beeping nag alarm if you’re driving in the left lane at the same speed as the right lane.
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### Author:  [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/52 "2015-06-16T03:20:57Z")
> [@Rick](#):
>
> Morgan has you covered
> [http://hymanltd.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5123\_23.jpg](http://hymanltd.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5123_23.jpg)
Love it!
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### Author:  [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)
#### Post date: [June 16, 2015, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/53 "2015-06-16T15:30:16Z")
> [@jz78817](#):
>
> n.b. TPMS is legally required on all new cars since 2008.
Mmmm, yeah. Did you get the memo? I’m going to need you to include the TPMS in all new cars, mmmkay? Great.
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### Author:  [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2015, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/54 "2015-06-17T21:21:46Z")
A decent First Aid kit, like they do with most European cars. Not something you’ll use every day ( I hope.) but definitely something every car should have.
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### Author:  [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2015, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/55 "2015-06-17T21:59:01Z")
> [@Emtar\_KronJonDerSohn](#):
>
> Pfff… include a cell phone jammer and a loud beeping nag alarm if you’re driving in the left lane at the same speed as the right lane.
I am _so_ on board with this!
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### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2015, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/56 "2015-06-17T21:59:51Z")
Fuck that. A giant spike that bursts through the steering wheel and kills anyone who goes slowly in the passing lanes.
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### Author:  [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2015, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/57 "2015-06-17T22:51:04Z")
I’m going to agree with the chorus that things like a charger and a tire pump shouldn’t be included with every car.
Not because they’re not useful devices, but because
1. The lifetime of the device doesn’t necessarily match the lifetime of the car.
2. Fewer and fewer people are doing their own automotive maintenance.
If my car’s not working properly, I take it to the mechanic, and he fixes it. I’m sure it’d be cheaper to do myself, but I don’t have the skills, nor the inclination to acquire them. I like to spend my time in other ways, and I have a job that I’m good at, and that earns me enough to pay the guys who are good at cars.
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### Author:  [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2015, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/58 "2015-06-18T00:00:25Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#):
>
> Fuck that. A giant spike that bursts through the steering wheel and kills anyone who goes slowly in the passing lanes.
you used to watch the Stickdeath toons, didn’t you?
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### Author:  [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2015, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/59 "2015-06-18T02:21:16Z")
> [@iamthewalrus\_3](#):
>
> … because
>
> 1. The lifetime of the device doesn’t necessarily match the lifetime of the car…
Battery, headlights, tires, timing belt, brakes, wiper blades, alternator, spark plugs, shocks …
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### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2015, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-items-that-should-be-included-in-a-new-car/722481/60 "2015-06-18T13:16:42Z")
> [@jz78817](#):
>
> you used to watch the Stickdeath toons, didn’t you?
I didn’t. But assuming they had an episode (?) like that, I am comforted that somewhere out there is an animator who understands that SLOW PEOPLE NEED TO MOVE THE FUCK OVER. 😃
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