Heading out to a drive-in movie is a nostalgic and enjoyable pastime. However, the experience can quickly turn into a nightmare if your car battery dies in the middle of the show. If you want to avoid getting stuck in the parking lot, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to keep your battery running smoothly throughout the movie.
Turn off all accessories in your car that may drain the battery, like lights, radio, and chargers. It’s also a good idea to drive your car for at least 15-20 minutes before arriving at the drive-in to make sure the battery is fully charged. When you park, set your car radio to the drive-in’s FM channel. If possible, only keep the ignition in accessory mode so non-essential electronics stay off. Avoid using daytime running lights. Check in with staff – they can restart your car if needed. Dress for the weather in case your car is off and bring your own portable radio if concerned about draining the battery. With some simple preparation, you can keep your car running all movie long.
How can I listen to the radio in my car without draining the battery?
- Check battery before going to drive-in.
- Turn off gadgets to avoid draining.
- Bring portable charger for backup.
- Check manual on charging times.
- Set radio for good sound.
- Disconnect battery when storing car. This lasts six months.
- Call tow truck if car dies. Push to safe area.
- Check battery, fluids and tires to prepare car for winter.
- Driving weekly keeps battery working.
Most modern drive-in theaters provide sound via FM radio. If you’re worried your car battery might die, bring a portable radio to tune in to listen to the movie. Run your car for a few minutes as soon as you park; then turn it off. This will allow the alternator to add some juice to the battery. Turn off all accessories and lights, including taillights, headlights, and dome lights.
A deep cycle battery is the best car battery type to use when you plan to go for a drive-in movie. Deep cycle batteries are meant for a charge and discharge cycle, and it can withstand the long standing hours of a movie. This battery type has longer battery life, and they can provide and supply the power and energy we need for heavy accessories in our car. As for drive-in movies, the audio or the stereo is the most used accessory in your car. Having it run for two to three hours require a powerful battery which can supply the needed power. Deep cycle batteries are specifically designed to withstand the waste of energy for these accessories and are commonly used in RVs and marine vehicles.
When choosing what to wear on a drive-in movie date, opt for casual staples that will allow you to sit and move around in the car comfortably. If you’re sitting in camp chairs outside the car, make sure to wear a jacket (or check if your date is bringing a blanket!).
Many factors can impact how long a car’s battery will last during driving-in movies, including the condition and age of the battery and the kind of vehicle. Some tips to avoid draining your car battery include:
- Let your car idle, recharging the battery, before you shut it off.
- Disconnect anything that may be draining power, like subwoofers or amplifiers.
- Bring a portable radio to get the movie sound and turn your car off completely.
- Make sure to turn off all of your car’s lights.
Drive-In Movie Setup Essentials
Watching a drive-in movie is a totally different experience than other venues. We have some essentials that you need to have for the best drive-in movie setup:
- Outdoor Chair: Get one of the outdoor/camping chairs for fresh air enjoyment.
- Picnic Blanket: To stay warm in cold weather when the heater is off to preserve the battery.
Many drive-ins prohibit you from running your car during the movie since many people sit outside their cars and the exhaust would bother them. If you stay for a second movie, simply start your car between movies and let it idle for 5 minutes to recharge the battery. The largest operating drive-in in the United States is the Ford Wyoming Drive-in in Dearborn, MI, with around 3000 car capacity, and it’s open year-round, offering in-car heaters for cold winter months.