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Reasons to Have a Tesla Tire Repair Kit and 2nd UMC

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I’ve been thinking about buying a few Tesla accessories for a while now and finally broke down and picked up the Tesla tire repair kit and second Universal Mobile Connector (UMC). Although these accessories are a far departure from other common upgrades (ie. FobPocket and Center Console CCI) that Tesla owners have been known to indulge in, I thought they were necessities for several reasons.

Having a 2nd Tesla Universal Mobile Connector (UMC)

Tesla-Charger-UMC

Tesla Universal Mobile Connector (UMC)

I work near the Tesla store in Natick, Massachusetts which offers two High Power Wall Connectors (HPWC) and four NEMA 14-50’s for use by Tesla owners. As one may expect the HPWC’s are in higher demand and, more often than not, are not available. While I have a lot less range anxiety these days, simply because I’ve gotten accustomed to my driving style and range capabilities of the vehicle, it’s still a great option to be able to charge for free, especially if it’s in walking distance from work.

ALSO SEE: Should You Leave Your Tesla Charger (UMC) Plugged In?

I’ve heard on many accounts that it’s not great for the NEMA 14-50 connector to be unplugged on daily basis as it causes wear on the plug itself. I suppose I can leave it plugged in all the time, but since I’m always on the go and never know know when I’ll need an extra charge, I broke down and bought a second UMC.

Forum users have suggested getting a HPWC for home as a way to keep your UMC truly mobile, but I decided against this for reasons as follows:

  • Buying a 2nd UMC is approximately $600 cheaper.
  • It’s nice to have a backup UMC especially on long road trips in the event one fails.
  • I don’t need the fast rate of charge provided by the HWPC so there’s not much value in paying the extra cost.

I feel a lot better about having a UMC with me at all times. One thing to note is that the 2nd UMC does not come with a second J1772 adapter and only comes with a NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 14-50 adapter.

Total cost, $700.

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Tesla Tire Repair Kit

Tesla Tire Repair Kit

Tesla Tire Repair Kit

I really did not want to buy one of these. Trust me – I didn’t. Tesla only wants you to use their tire repair kit only in the event you can’t reach a Tesla Service Center within a reasonable amount of time. But if you’re in a pinch and Tesla Service is no where to be found. this device can come in pretty handy.

What pushed me over the edge is the fact that I have a slow leak in my right rear tire. I’m losing about 10 psi per week and it made me nervous enough about my (then) upcoming NJ road trip that I sprung for the device. In addition to fixing a flat by injecting sealant into the tire, it also acts as a regular tire inflator which I thought would give me some peace of mind especially with a leaky tire.

Other fix-a-flat type products on the market operate in the same fashion, but ultimately I went with the Tesla tire repair kit since the price difference was minimal.

A couple things to note on the tire repair kit. I found it difficult to neatly wind the cables back onto the bottom of the device. I also found the metal around the pressure hose that connects to the tire valve to be poorly constructed (it doesn’t look like it will last long).

I had the opportunity to use the repair-kit, only to inflate the tire with air while on my Tesla road trip, and can say that it works great.

Summary

While the second UMC and Tire Repair kit were pricey additions to my Model S, I found them to be useful additions that help alleviate any anxieties with taking a long road trip. Tesla Motors is the only source for the UMC so you’re stuck eating that cost, but you may be able to save a few bucks on an aftermarket tire repair kit.

Tags: UMCroad trip
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"Rob's passion is technology and gadgets. An engineer by profession and an executive and founder at several high tech startups Rob has a unique view on technology and some strong opinions. When he's not writing about Tesla

Lifestyle

Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

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Credit: Hammer_of_something/Reddit

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail. 

A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.

Charging Charger Fails

As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.

Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.

Alleged Aftermath

As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.

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The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.

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Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results

Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

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Credit: Led By Donkeys/X

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.

Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Tank vs. Tesla

In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.” 

He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.” 

The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.

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Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?

As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.

Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.

This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.

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Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp

The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

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Credit: Douyin 老高懂电车

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.

Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.

Epic FSD Journey

As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive. 

Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.

Previous Everest Trips

This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp.  That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination. 

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In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.

Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.

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