Blog

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 »

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Top 5 Quarantine Car Maintenance Tips

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TOP 5 QUARANTINE CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

While the world stays at home during the COVID-19 crisis, it is still important that your car gets the care and attention it would normally receive. Lack of use can cause long-term damage, so here are the top five ways to keep your car running at peak performance:

A woman wearing a medical facemask in her car during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1. Go for a Weekly Drive

Although there are not many places to go, a quick drive around the neighborhood is still beneficial to the health of your car. Weekly drives will help keep your battery charged and will prevent rust from building up on your brakes. Going for a ride around the block is also a great way to safely enjoy some time out of your house or apartment.

A fuel nozzle placed in the gas tank of a car.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

2. Maintain a Full Tank of Gas

Fill your tank! Now is a great time to fill your tank as prices continue drop. Not only will you save money, but you will also save your tank from accumulating condensation, which can negatively impact the longevity of your engine. Remember, a full tank a gas can turn into a liability if you let it set for too long. Make sure to follow tip number one to prevent your gas from oxidizing and going bad.

A fuel nozzle placed in the gas tank of a car.

3. Keep Your Maintenance Schedule Intact

Even though you are not putting as many miles on your car, keeping your maintenance schedule intact is a must. Regular oil changes are still recommended since oil will deteriorate if the car is idle for an extended period of time. Please reference your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended time between oil changes.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

4. Check Your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure can still fluctuate whether you are driving your car or not. It is necessary to check your tire pressure regularly to ensure tires are properly inflated. A lack driving can cause tires to deflate, which impacts the safety and efficiency of your vehicle.

A man washing his car outside on a sunny day.

5. Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Car

On a nice day, spend some time outside and wash your car. Whether your car is being driven or just parked in the driveway, natural elements can still damage the exterior of the vehicle if not properly treated. Be sure to rid your car of any dirt, pollen and debris that has built up overtime. If your parked car is directly in the sun, consider parking it in the garage or buy a cover to preserve the paint.

Top 5 Quarantine Car Maintenance Tips Read More »

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips

TOP 5 WINTER CAR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Even though the holidays are in the rear view mirror, winter is still going strong in the Northeast. With icy roads and dropping temperatures, keeping your car running at peak performance can be challenging. Cold weather can affect everything from the health of your tires to your fuel lines. As you keep your eyes on the road ahead towards warmer weather, make sure you don’t overlook these important winter car maintenance tips:

1. Check Your Tire Pressure

Weather can be a significant factor in the health of your tires, especially the cold winter temperatures. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, tire air pressure falls one pound per square inch of pressure. Low tire pressure causes more wear and tear on the tires, ultimately lowering your fuel efficiency. Make sure to keep your tires at the recommended PSI, which can be referenced in your car’s owner manual.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

2. Replace Any Worn Tires

The tread on your tires allow them to grip the road while driving. With slick and slippery road conditions during winter, it is crucial to replace any tires that lack sufficient tread. Replacing worn tires will maximize your car’s performance during these unpredictable winter road conditions, as well as improve the safety of the vehicle.

3. Monitor Your Heater and Defroster

Make sure that your car heater and defroster continue to be in working condition. As obvious as it may seem, monitoring these functions of your car will keep you safe while driving this winter. It is important to give your car time to warm up and completely defrost any ice that may be on your windshield and windows. A frozen windshield will obstruct your visibility, putting yourself and other drivers at risk.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

4. Prevent Freezing of Fuel Lines and Engine’s Cooling System

It is important to monitor the amount of fuel and antifreeze that is in your car. Keeping your gasoline level steady will prevent any accumulated water from freezing inside the tank. Similarly, maintaining a proper amount of antifreeze will prevent the water in your engine’s cooling system from freezing and causing serious damage to your car.

5. Stock Your Car with the Essentials

Make sure your car is fully equipped for any winter weather. You should always have an ice scraper and snow brush available to completely clean off your car before you start driving. Also, regularly replace your windshield wipers to keep your windshield streak-free and improve visibility during any potential snowfall.

Top 5 Winter Car Maintenance Tips Read More »