How to Get Your Car Drive-In Movie Ready
Aside from the occasional bout of nostalgia, many of us have probably not thought about taking our cars to see a movie at a drive-in theatre for years. Now, drive-in movie theatres are rising in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic, which makes sense because of social distancing efforts. So, if you’re looking to get out of the house and go on a mini car adventure, going to a drive-in might be a perfect activity for you and your family. We have gathered a few tips to help you prep your car for your next drive-in experience.
Check your car battery
So, dead car batteries are a pretty common occurrence at drive-in movie theatres. They are so common that the drive-ins typically have jumper cables available for you, just in case. To avoid dealing with a dead battery situation, it’s important to make sure that your battery is fully charged before heading out for your movie.
How long your battery will last largely depends on how old it is. Some mechanics say that an older car battery can only last for a two-hour movie, but others say that a new fresh battery can last up to eight hours. Even so, we recommend staying on the safe side and bringing your own toolkit in case you need to recharge.
Consider bringing a portable radio
Using your actual car to play the movie’s sound is fun, especially if you have an advanced sound system. But it’s also a good idea to have a portable radio on hand so you don’t have to use your car battery at all. This can be especially helpful if your car has daytime lights that are hard for you to turn off.
Bring cleaning supplies
You’ll want to make sure that your windshield is especially clean if you’re watching a movie from inside your car. We recommend cleaning your windshield before your movie to make it shine. It also would be helpful to bring your cleaner with you in case some kind of bug or bird ruins your view through your windshield.
Maximize your interior and cargo space
If you have a vehicle like the Ram 1500 or the Toyota Sienna then you’re in excellent shape for a drive-in movie. The Ram 1500 has really cool storage compartments in its truck bed, which are ideal for making a drink cooler. Vans like the Sienna are great for laying the backseats down to watch a movie from the rear side.
If you’re not feeling like watching the movie from your car the entire time, it’s also worth bringing lawn chairs to watch comfortably from the outside. Also, don’t forget the blankets!
Pack a first-aid kit
You can never be too careful. Even if your drive-in theatre is just a few minutes away from home, you never know when an emergency can strike. Make sure your kit has bandaids, medications specific to your family’s needs, as well as hand sanitizer.
Don’t forget to bring treats
Bringing your own food is one of the best things about going to a drive-in movie. You can take whatever you want: traditional movie snacks like popcorn or candy, or even pack an entire picnic.
