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Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle

People gathering around vehicles at a tailgate event during sunset, with cars packed and ready for game day.

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle

As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s time to get ready for the excitement of tailgate season. Just like a quarterback sets the tone, your game day experience starts with your vehicle.

A person checking tire pressure on a vehicle during fall, surrounded by autumn leaves, as part of pre-game tailgate preparation.

Pre-Game Warm-Up: Fall Maintenance Tips

Preparing your vehicle is essential to ensure your tailgate goes off without a hitch. Take advantage of the remaining warm weather to handle fall vehicle maintenance—check tire pressure, rotate tires, and prep for those crisp autumn drives. Consider this your pre-game warm-up.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.
A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A group of friends enjoying a tailgate BBQ, grilling food and socializing before a game.

Don’t Forget the Basics: Game Day Essentials

Don’t let the joyful chaos of game day make you forget the essentials. A surprise rain shower could blitz your tailgate, so be prepared with weather gear, a first aid kit, and cleaning supplies stowed behind your backseat. Tackle chilly winds with a spare blanket and gloves, and keep trash bags and paper towels on hand to make cleanup a breeze—this is your post-tailgate strategy.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.
Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

A group of friends taking a selfie at a tailgate event, enjoying the pre-game festivities with smiles and excitement.

Arrive Early: Scoring the Perfect Tailgate Spot

With your car packed and ready, the final play is to arrive early. Tailgating is all about the pre-game excitement, so secure your spot by showing up 4-5 hours before kickoff. Choose prime territory on flat ground with easy restroom access, and back in your vehicle to create the ultimate huddle for seating, grilling, and serving your team. With everything in place, you’re ready to score the perfect tailgate.

If you’re a fan of prepping for the seasons, check out our blog on The Top Winter Car Maintenance Tips to see how the fundamentals of vehicle care apply year-round. Whether it’s fall or winter, keeping your vehicle in top shape ensures you’re always game day ready.

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle Read More »

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

A man putting luggage into the trunk of his car.

How To Prepare for a Road Trip

Road trips can be one of the most exciting and memorable experiences in your life. But before hitting the road, it’s important to ensure that your car is in good shape and ready to handle the journey ahead. Here are some things to remember as you prepare your car for a road trip:

A man checking the tire pressure of a tire on his car.Inspect Your Car

Whether you inspect your car yourself or bring it to a professional, it’s a good task to check off your list first. Pay special attention to your brakes, tires, and battery. The brakes are one of the most critical safety features of your car, and it’s important to ensure that they’re working correctly before embarking on a road trip. If you hear any unusual sounds or notice any issues with your brakes, schedule a visit to a mechanic.

Likewise, tires are one of the most crucial parts of your car. Check the tire pressure, tread depth, and overall condition of all the tires, including the spare. Make sure to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and replace any worn-out tires. In addition, make sure your car’s battery is in good condition, as you don’t want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery.

Don’t forget to take the time to wash your car! A clean car not only looks better, but it can also help you identify any potential issues that may have gone unnoticed previously. Remove any clutter, vacuum the floors and seats, and clean the windows to make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check the Fluids

It’s essential to ensure that all the fluids are at their appropriate levels and that there are no leaks. Before hitting the road, make sure to check all the fluids in your car. These include transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and, of course, oil. Road trips can be tough on the engine, and fresh oil can help keep it running smoothly. If you’re due for an oil change, schedule it before your trip, or if it’s too soon for a full oil change, at least top up the oil to the recommended level.

A young couple on a road trip, with the girl looking at a paper map.Plan and Prepare

It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially on a road trip. Remember to bring all the necessary documents for your car, such as your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Additionally, packing an emergency kit can help you prepare for unexpected situations. Include items like a first aid kit, a flashlight, blankets, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit.

Planning your route before you hit the road can also help you avoid getting lost and save you time. It’s a good idea to have a backup route in case of unexpected road closures or detours. Don’t forget to bring a physical map or print out directions in case you lose service or your GPS fails.

When it Doubt, Get a Tune-Up

If you’re unsure about the condition of your car or haven’t had a tune-up in a while, schedule an appointment with a mechanic. A professional can help identify any potential issues and ensure that your car is in top shape for your road trip.

In conclusion, preparing your car for a road trip is essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car is ready to handle the miles ahead. Safe travels!

How To Prepare for a Road Trip Read More »

The Best Books About Cars

People gathering around vehicles at a tailgate event during sunset, with cars packed and ready for game day.

Game Day Ready: Tailgate Prep Tips for Your Vehicle

As summer fades and fall approaches, it’s time to get ready for the excitement of tailgate season. Just like a quarterback sets the tone, your game day experience starts with your vehicle.

A person checking tire pressure on a vehicle during fall, surrounded by autumn leaves, as part of pre-game tailgate preparation.

Pre-Game Warm-Up: Fall Maintenance Tips

Preparing your vehicle is essential to ensure your tailgate goes off without a hitch. Take advantage of the remaining warm weather to handle fall vehicle maintenance—check tire pressure, rotate tires, and prep for those crisp autumn drives. Consider this your pre-game warm-up.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.
A car trunk packed with essential tailgate supplies, including coolers, bags, and water jugs, ready for a game day event.

Packing Smart: Your Tailgate Hub

Tailgates often feel like mini camping trips, so packing smart is essential. Your trunk becomes the ultimate tailgating hub—your end zone—ready to accommodate fold-up tables, grills, and coolers. Use storage bins and Tupperware as your defensive line against spills, keeping everything organized and secure during those slippery turns over fallen leaves.

A group of friends enjoying a tailgate BBQ, grilling food and socializing before a game.

Don’t Forget the Basics: Game Day Essentials

Don’t let the joyful chaos of game day make you forget the essentials. A surprise rain shower could blitz your tailgate, so be prepared with weather gear, a first aid kit, and cleaning supplies stowed behind your backseat. Tackle chilly winds with a spare blanket and gloves, and keep trash bags and paper towels on hand to make cleanup a breeze—this is your post-tailgate strategy.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.
Driver using GPS navigation system to plan a route, ensuring smooth travel to a tailgate event.

Navigating the Game Plan: Route and Parking Information

A few wrong turns during the daily grind might be no big deal, but on game day, missing an exit can throw off your entire experience. Pre-program your GPS and familiarize yourself with the facility’s parking lots. This tailgate prep ensures you coordinate efficiently with your squad, making it easy to find your spot before the game and, most importantly, plan your escape route when it’s all over.

A group of friends taking a selfie at a tailgate event, enjoying the pre-game festivities with smiles and excitement.

Arrive Early: Scoring the Perfect Tailgate Spot

With your car packed and ready, the final play is to arrive early. Tailgating is all about the pre-game excitement, so secure your spot by showing up 4-5 hours before kickoff. Choose prime territory on flat ground with easy restroom access, and back in your vehicle to create the ultimate huddle for seating, grilling, and serving your team. With everything in place, you’re ready to score the perfect tailgate.

If you’re a fan of prepping for the seasons, check out our blog on The Top Winter Car Maintenance Tips to see how the fundamentals of vehicle care apply year-round. Whether it’s fall or winter, keeping your vehicle in top shape ensures you’re always game day ready.

The Best Books About Cars Read More »

A father with his daughters and dog sitting in an open car trunk outdoors.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips

A father with his daughters and dog sitting in an open car trunk outdoors.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips

Spring is almost here, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to get your car in top shape for the warm months ahead. Regular maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely, and there are a few key things you should do to prepare your car as we get ready to say goodbye to winter. Here are our top spring car maintenance tips.

A man is inflating one of the tires on his car.Check your tires: Cold weather can be tough on tires, so make sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread left. Consider getting a tire rotation to ensure even wear and extend the life of your tires.

Change your oil: Regular oil changes are crucial to keeping your engine running smoothly. Many experts recommend getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever comes first.

Inspect your brakes: Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car, so it’s important to make sure they are in good working condition. Have your brake pads and rotors checked to ensure they are not worn down and need replacing.

A young girl helping to wash a car outside.

Check your battery: Cold temperatures can be tough on car batteries, so it’s a good idea to have it checked in the spring. Make sure the battery terminals are clean, and if your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it.

Clean your car: Spring is the perfect time to give your car a good cleaning. Not only will it look better, but it will also help protect the paint and prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help ensure your car is ready for the road this spring. It’s important to remember that regular maintenance will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs.

The Top Spring Car Maintenance Tips Read More »

A cameraman captures a car crash during filming of a tv miniseries.

The Top 15 Most Memorable Movie Cars

A cameraman captures a car crash during filming of a tv miniseries.

The Top 15 Most Memorable Movie Cars

Whether you own, lease, or simply ride share, cars undoubtedly play a crucial part in our daily lives by getting us where we need to go. With how essential cars are, it is no surprise that cars appear throughout all forms of entertainment, including television shows, music, videogames, books, and movies. While its common to see a car on the big screen at your local movie theater, it is less common that the car becomes one of the most memorable parts of a film. There are many different reasons a car can be the star of the show. The movie could be about the car, meaning the plot revolves around it or that the car is personified through sounds and expressions to covey emotion. Sometimes a movie just features a really cool car. Here are our top 15 most memorable movie cars (in alphabetical order):

A 1932 Ford Coupe from the film American Graffiti.

1. American Graffiti (1973) – 1932 Ford Coupe

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

A 1981 DeLorean DMC-12 that was featured in Back to the Future.

2. Back to the Future (1985) – 1981 DeLorean DMC-12

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

The Bluesmobile, which is a 1974 Dodge Monaco from The Blues Brothers.

3. The Blues Brothers (1980) – Bluesmobile, 1974 Dodge Monaco

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

The Batmobile from the Dark Knight Trilogy of movies.

4. The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005, 2008 & 2012) – Batmobile

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

A 1970 Dodge Charger that was seen in the 2001 film The Fast and The Furious.

5. The Fast and the Furious (2001) – 1970 Dodge Charger

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

A 1985 Modena GT Spyder California featured in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

6. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) – 1985 Modena GT Spyder California

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

The Ectomobile, which is a 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor that was featured in Ghostbusters 1 and Ghostbusters 2.

7. Ghostbusters I & II (1984 & 1989) – Ectomobile, 1959 Cadillac Miller-Meteor

(Photo credit: Columbia Pictures)

Greased Lightning, the name of a 1948 Ford De Luxe Convertible that was featured in the 1978 film Grease.

8. Grease (1978) – Greased Lightning, 1948 Ford De Luxe Convertible

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

A 1992 Ford Explorer XLT UN46 that was featured in Jurassic Park.

9. Jurassic Park (1993) – 1992 Ford Explorer XLT UN46

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

Herbie, which is a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Model 117 Deluxe Sunroof Sedan that featured in the 1968 film The Love Bug.

10. The Love Bug (1968) – Herbie, 1963 Volkswagen Beetle Model 117 Deluxe Sunroof Sedan

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Productions)

A 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon from the 1979 movie Mad Max.

11. Mad Max (1979) – 1973 XB GT Ford Falcon

(Photo credit: Kenny Miller Productions)

A 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire that was featured in the 1983 film National Lampoon's Vacation.

12. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983) – 1979 Ford LTD Country Squire

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

A 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am from the 1977 film Smokey and the Bandit.

13. Smokey and the Bandit (1977) – 1977 Pontiac Trans AM

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

A 1976 Lotus Esprit Series 1 from the 1977 movie The Spy Who Loved Me.

14. The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) – 1976 Lotus Esprit Series I

(Photo credit: Eon Productions)

Bumblebee, which is a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro from Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

15. Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011) – Bumblebee, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

Honorable Mention:

2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) – Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R

Bullitt (1968) – 1968 Mustang GT 390

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)

Dumb and Dumber (1994) – The Shaggin’ Wagon, 1984 Ford Econoline

Goldfinger (1964) – 1964 Aston martin DB5

Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) – 1997 Chevrolet C-2500 Silverado Fleetside

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) – 1971 Volkswagen T2 Microbus

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) – The Gigahorse

Scooby-Doo (2002) – Mystery Machine, 1972 Ford E200 Econoline Van

Thelma & Louise (1991) – 1966 Ford Thunderbird

The Top 15 Most Memorable Movie Cars Read More »