“Tailgate” usually refers to your car or truck’s back door, but during football season, “Tailgate” is synonymous with grilling, games, and bonding with family and friends, while getting riled up for our hometown-team to take the field. We want your football season to be both exciting and safe, so as you suit up as the 12th man, consider the following tips:

Be smart: Whether you are tailgating, hosting a football-watching party at your house, sitting in the stands, or joining your buddies at the sports hang out, plan a safe ride home;  designate a sober driver or plan for a cab, before the festivities start.

Car Battery – a long day of tailgating is a recipe for a dead battery if you’re not careful.  There are so many gadgets you can plug into your car on game day: fans, radios, cell phone chargers, portable TVs, but doing so can drain your car battery fast, especially if the vehicle is in auxiliary mode. Consider a portable battery or generator instead. Leaving your tailgate open for long periods of time, can also drain the battery unless you turn off the interior lights. Don’t forget the jumper cables, these should be in your car anyway, but a reminder never hurts.

Car Limits – Know your car’s weight limits. Just because you can squeeze it in, doesn’t mean you should. Coolers loaded with drinks and ice are heavy. Add in the grill, chairs, and people, you’re adding a significant amount of weight to your vehicle. Excessive weight can strain your shocks, wheel bearings, tires, and suspension. If you hit a pothole, divot, or go too fast around the off ramp, your car may not react normally. Some insurance companies may even refuse to pay for damages related to an overloaded car. If your car is a 2006 or newer, check the inside of the driver’s side door, or in your car’s owner manual.

Obstructing Views – Let the team flags fly, but do so safely. Mount the flags and then have a friend stand in various spots around your car, while you check the mirrors and windows for visibility. If you can see the flag, chances are you have a blind spot,  which can lead to unsafe driving.

Parking Lot Safety – Have fun, but, be smart. Remember there will be cars driving around looking for parking as well. If tossing around the football make sure all players are easily visible.  When walking to the event venue, stay in groups and walk down parking lot aisles not in between cars. After the game, treat the place like a park, trash in equals trash out. Watch out for broken glass and fellow tailgaters property, like chairs and low grills that may be hard to see.

Don’t forget the tickets.

It takes a team to win a football game, and it takes a team to handle your automotive maintenance. That’s why we hire the best technicians in the industry and always offer the best repairs and services for our community; plus, we stand by our work with our Lifetime Protection Warranty. When we provide preventive maintenance on your vehicles, we offer free roadside assistance nationwide.  Wherever and however you’re watching the game this season, we hope you enjoy every last minute. Go, Team!