Five most useless features in a car
Discussion
This is a personal observation - YMMV.
ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT
Maybe it helps if only you ever drive the car, or you and your partner are the same height, but this was definitely the least-used feature on one of my cars – in eight years of ownership, I never touched it after the first couple of weeks of fiddlage. Once you've got the rake/height/lumbar/fore-and-aft positions, how often do you subsequently adjust them?
INTERMITTENT WIPERS
They NEVER work at the required speed. I’ve got five degrees of intermittency, and not one setting survives more than two or three sweeps before I’m fiddling with it, or switching it off altogether and just using the flick-wipe facility.
SUN ROOF
It lets in noise, it lets in water and it breaks down. Fully open, you can’t use it above fast walking speed due to turbulence and, tilted open, it lets in even more noise. And if it’s glass, it just reminds you of how dirty your roof is.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
My latest car has manual winders in the rear – oh, the deprivation! But honestly, I can’t remember the last time anyone opened the rear passenger windows. The damn things don’t even go all the way down anyway – might as well have them fixed.
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT
Maybe it helps if only you ever drive the car, or you and your partner are the same height, but this was definitely the least-used feature on one of my cars – in eight years of ownership, I never touched it after the first couple of weeks of fiddlage. Once you've got the rake/height/lumbar/fore-and-aft positions, how often do you subsequently adjust them?
INTERMITTENT WIPERS
They NEVER work at the required speed. I’ve got five degrees of intermittency, and not one setting survives more than two or three sweeps before I’m fiddling with it, or switching it off altogether and just using the flick-wipe facility.
SUN ROOF
It lets in noise, it lets in water and it breaks down. Fully open, you can’t use it above fast walking speed due to turbulence and, tilted open, it lets in even more noise. And if it’s glass, it just reminds you of how dirty your roof is.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
My latest car has manual winders in the rear – oh, the deprivation! But honestly, I can’t remember the last time anyone opened the rear passenger windows. The damn things don’t even go all the way down anyway – might as well have them fixed.
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
The setting, thus chirping alarm that comes on when you leave your lights on, but remove the key from the ignition. Why not just cut all power when the key is removed? And if you really must leave your lights on while parked, use a bypass switch, like Subaru installed on the Impreza. Far, far simpler.
Halmyre said:
This is a personal observation - YMMV.
ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT
Maybe it helps if only you ever drive the car, or you and your partner are the same height, but this was definitely the least-used feature on one of my cars – in eight years of ownership, I never touched it after the first couple of weeks of fiddlage. Once you've got the rake/height/lumbar/fore-and-aft positions, how often do you subsequently adjust them?
INTERMITTENT WIPERS
They NEVER work at the required speed. I’ve got five degrees of intermittency, and not one setting survives more than two or three sweeps before I’m fiddling with it, or switching it off altogether and just using the flick-wipe facility.
SUN ROOF
It lets in noise, it lets in water and it breaks down. Fully open, you can’t use it above fast walking speed due to turbulence and, tilted open, it lets in even more noise. And if it’s glass, it just reminds you of how dirty your roof is.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
My latest car has manual winders in the rear – oh, the deprivation! But honestly, I can’t remember the last time anyone opened the rear passenger windows. The damn things don’t even go all the way down anyway – might as well have them fixed.
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
Maybe you need to let these things not bother you so much. Either that or have a custom vehicle built for you that only has things you want, rather than buying something designed for mass production.ELECTRIC SEAT ADJUSTMENT
Maybe it helps if only you ever drive the car, or you and your partner are the same height, but this was definitely the least-used feature on one of my cars – in eight years of ownership, I never touched it after the first couple of weeks of fiddlage. Once you've got the rake/height/lumbar/fore-and-aft positions, how often do you subsequently adjust them?
INTERMITTENT WIPERS
They NEVER work at the required speed. I’ve got five degrees of intermittency, and not one setting survives more than two or three sweeps before I’m fiddling with it, or switching it off altogether and just using the flick-wipe facility.
SUN ROOF
It lets in noise, it lets in water and it breaks down. Fully open, you can’t use it above fast walking speed due to turbulence and, tilted open, it lets in even more noise. And if it’s glass, it just reminds you of how dirty your roof is.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
My latest car has manual winders in the rear – oh, the deprivation! But honestly, I can’t remember the last time anyone opened the rear passenger windows. The damn things don’t even go all the way down anyway – might as well have them fixed.
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
Halmyre said:
This is a personal observation - YMMV.
SUN ROOF
It lets in noise, it lets in water and it breaks down. Fully open, you can’t use it above fast walking speed due to turbulence and, tilted open, it lets in even more noise. And if it’s glass, it just reminds you of how dirty your roof is.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
My latest car has manual winders in the rear – oh, the deprivation! But honestly, I can’t remember the last time anyone opened the rear passenger windows. The damn things don’t even go all the way down anyway – might as well have them fixed.
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
SUN ROOF - can be a good way to cool the car, get more light in and generally make it feel less enclosed.SUN ROOF
It lets in noise, it lets in water and it breaks down. Fully open, you can’t use it above fast walking speed due to turbulence and, tilted open, it lets in even more noise. And if it’s glass, it just reminds you of how dirty your roof is.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS
My latest car has manual winders in the rear – oh, the deprivation! But honestly, I can’t remember the last time anyone opened the rear passenger windows. The damn things don’t even go all the way down anyway – might as well have them fixed.
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
ELECTRIC REAR WINDOWS - I wish my car had them wind up windows can drop slowly as the handle gets knocked - this has happend on both my car and my wife's probably as we leaning in and out putting our little on in her seat.
SIDELIGHTS - a good way to have some minimal lighting say through a run of lit tunnels during the day, the sidelights will also mean the dash illumination is on.
Halmyre said:
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
Just reading this again. And WTF, what a stupid comment.Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
There are plenty of times where sidelights enable you to be SEEN, rather than needing lights in order to see.
A sidelight marks the car, but doesn't dazzle or ruin oncoming traffics daylight vision and being able to see past your car.
Halmyre said:
SIDELIGHTS
Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
I like to have my sidelights on most of the time. To me, I believe it shows to other vehicles that I'm an active moving vehicle. If i have to pull over to let a car past/give way, it just means someone coming up behind me or from the other way can see me more easily than looking like a parked car. I also tend to leave sidelights on when on the motorway, in the hope that if someone changes lanes without looking properly, maybe they have more chance of spotting the light in their mirror. Here’s a free tip - if it’s dark enough that you think you need sidelights then it’s dark enough that you need headlights. Maybe some people are trying to save wear on their bulbs, or are worried about the increased fuel consumption.
In reality it probably makes no difference, but its comforting to me haha!
I love electric rear windows, and use them quite a lot when its warm weather and driving around town but not hot enough to want zircon on.
Sunroof, the same, I use mine all the time because I love fresh air and not being in a stuffy car.
One thing I do find pointless however is that if I'm low on fuel it bongs at me and puts up a low fuel warning when turn off the engine after driving somewhere. Remind me when I get in, not when I get out!
Sunroof, the same, I use mine all the time because I love fresh air and not being in a stuffy car.
One thing I do find pointless however is that if I'm low on fuel it bongs at me and puts up a low fuel warning when turn off the engine after driving somewhere. Remind me when I get in, not when I get out!
That utterly stupid keyless system in my wifes Focus.
Get in the car using standard remote blipper. So far so good. Press the start button. If, (and it is an if as often it doesn't)the car recognises the presence of the keyfob, it will start. ok, I can go with that...
Now, where should I put the bloody keyfob? Theres nowhere to hang it. Use one of the drinks holders? Where do I put my drink?
Its the most pointless thing ever. Whats the matter with a bloody ignition key? At least you know where it is once in the car.
Get in the car using standard remote blipper. So far so good. Press the start button. If, (and it is an if as often it doesn't)the car recognises the presence of the keyfob, it will start. ok, I can go with that...
Now, where should I put the bloody keyfob? Theres nowhere to hang it. Use one of the drinks holders? Where do I put my drink?
Its the most pointless thing ever. Whats the matter with a bloody ignition key? At least you know where it is once in the car.
- Sorry for the weak rant.
I agree with sidelights being useless however disagree with everything else.
Electric seats, if they're memory seats linked to a key can be very useful if you're partner has a significantly different driving position.
Sunroof. I love having a proper tilt slide sunroof, to a large extent wind noise can be tamed by opening the rear windows just a crack, which makes electric rear windows very handy, opening the opposite rear window a tiny amount also makes a big difference with wind noise from opening the front. To do with air pressure I believe.
Intermittent wipers, you're right that there never seems to be the right setting when you have 5 notches to play with, however on my old Skoda you did one flick, leave the exact gap you need then turn to intermittent. Infinitely variable delay, worked brilliantly.
2 others I find useless:
Boot release on the key fob. My A2 has this and it's less than useless. You still need to lift the hatch using the handle where the release is, also if you use the fob to release the boot the car will automatically relock when closed, handy if you put the keys down while arranging your stuff.
Front fogs. As well as being useless I find it annoying that a lot of cars look cheap without them, they've clearly been designed to have fogs and the blanking plates look like an after thought. The alternative is to have the fogs which invariable get broken being in such a vulnerable position. Personally I'd prefer not to have them.
Electric seats, if they're memory seats linked to a key can be very useful if you're partner has a significantly different driving position.
Sunroof. I love having a proper tilt slide sunroof, to a large extent wind noise can be tamed by opening the rear windows just a crack, which makes electric rear windows very handy, opening the opposite rear window a tiny amount also makes a big difference with wind noise from opening the front. To do with air pressure I believe.
Intermittent wipers, you're right that there never seems to be the right setting when you have 5 notches to play with, however on my old Skoda you did one flick, leave the exact gap you need then turn to intermittent. Infinitely variable delay, worked brilliantly.
2 others I find useless:
Boot release on the key fob. My A2 has this and it's less than useless. You still need to lift the hatch using the handle where the release is, also if you use the fob to release the boot the car will automatically relock when closed, handy if you put the keys down while arranging your stuff.
Front fogs. As well as being useless I find it annoying that a lot of cars look cheap without them, they've clearly been designed to have fogs and the blanking plates look like an after thought. The alternative is to have the fogs which invariable get broken being in such a vulnerable position. Personally I'd prefer not to have them.
Electric seats let you safely adjust your seating position slightly while driving, which can help with comfort on long journeys - many manual systems create too much risk of ending up flat on your back or sat in the back seat to use while moving. The memory function on the electric seats in the Saab is great, because my wife's settings are completely different to mine.
andygo said:
That utterly stupid keyless system in my wifes Focus.
Get in the car using standard remote blipper. So far so good. Press the start button. If, (and it is an if as often it doesn't)the car recognises the presence of the keyfob, it will start. ok, I can go with that...
Now, where should I put the bloody keyfob? Theres nowhere to hang it. Use one of the drinks holders? Where do I put my drink?
Its the most pointless thing ever. Whats the matter with a bloody ignition key? At least you know where it is once in the car.
In your pocket?Get in the car using standard remote blipper. So far so good. Press the start button. If, (and it is an if as often it doesn't)the car recognises the presence of the keyfob, it will start. ok, I can go with that...
Now, where should I put the bloody keyfob? Theres nowhere to hang it. Use one of the drinks holders? Where do I put my drink?
Its the most pointless thing ever. Whats the matter with a bloody ignition key? At least you know where it is once in the car.
- Sorry for the weak rant.
Audi the glovebox realease
Sitting on the dashboard is this bueatiful crafted little button with a little picture of an open glove box
You reach out a tiny amount without shifting your body and press the button and marvle at its silcone damped awesomeness
Somewhere a tiny little ECU considers your request and it dutifully realeases the glovebox catch
Then the glovebox opens in a lovely smooth sexy action answering your very demand and making you realise that you have made it you are in an Audi you marvel at the imagine.
You look in wonder at your now open glovebox
And then you reach across to push the button to reverse the process and nothing happens
You push again and still there is no response
Again you try a little harder but still nothing
Then you realise
The button only opens the glovebox
And then you consider it
And the reality hits you like a crushing blow
I'M IN 4 door lump of diesel dull and the buttons a f
king con
And you know
You have failed
Sitting on the dashboard is this bueatiful crafted little button with a little picture of an open glove box
You reach out a tiny amount without shifting your body and press the button and marvle at its silcone damped awesomeness
Somewhere a tiny little ECU considers your request and it dutifully realeases the glovebox catch
Then the glovebox opens in a lovely smooth sexy action answering your very demand and making you realise that you have made it you are in an Audi you marvel at the imagine.
You look in wonder at your now open glovebox
And then you reach across to push the button to reverse the process and nothing happens
You push again and still there is no response
Again you try a little harder but still nothing
Then you realise
The button only opens the glovebox
And then you consider it
And the reality hits you like a crushing blow
I'M IN 4 door lump of diesel dull and the buttons a f
king conAnd you know
You have failed
300bhp/ton said:
A sidelight marks the car, but doesn't dazzle or ruin oncoming traffics daylight vision and being able to see past your car.
Eh? If dipped headlights are causing problems with your vision then you should probably get that checked out... They are designed to not cause problems in the dead of night, so lord knows how your having problems during the day.JimbobVFR said:
Boot release on the key fob. My A2 has this and it's less than useless. You still need to lift the hatch using the handle where the release is, also if you use the fob to release the boot the car will automatically relock when closed, handy if you put the keys down while arranging your stuff.
Much easier to push the button and then flick the boot with hands full than try and get the key in. Also, less likely to damage the paint stabbing around for the key hole in the dark.Edited by SteveSteveson on Wednesday 6th November 11:07
ReaperCushions said:
Aren't side lights legally required when parking against the flow of traffic?
I thik they're actually parking lights, not side lights as everyone calls them. So yes, useful for parking but rightly a waste of time in most cases when driving. I've a bad back so I'd almost certainly insist on it.Electric seat adjustment is very useful as finer adjustment is achieveable (motor, not ratchet) and memory function, where fitted.
The iPod dock in my Audi is next to useless.
Torquey said:
In 14 years of driving I don’t think I’ve used sidelights. If new cars are required to use dipped headlights (or DRL’s) at all times then I don’t see why we ever need sidelights.
With auto headlights and DRL's I sort of agree. But I think DRL's are one of mankinds most stupid inventions to be honest.The trouble with DRL's is, they don't light the back of the vehicle or the number plates and are often blindingly bright and not dipped.
Using sidelights would make far more sense than DRL's...... but that would just be common sense.
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