This is a little bit of a tricky question to answer. Typically, NO, you do not leave your car running during a drive-in movie. There are several reasons for this. One, it’s terribly wasteful, that’s a lot of gasoline to burn for just sitting there.
Do you have to stay in your car at a drive-in movie?
Generally yes. There are a few drive-ins that require you to stay within your vehicle during the movie but this is certainly the exception. How do I hear the movie at the drive-in? Almost drive-in theaters have now converting to FM Radio to broadcast the audio for the movies shown. So if you plan to sit outside your vehicle, take a portable radio.
Can I go to a drive-in movie in the rain?
No. Almost all drive-ins remain open (if they are normally scheduled to be open) during rain, storms and other bad weather. What if my car battery dies while I am at the drive-in? Unless you have a bad battery, that should not happen. But to prevent it from happening, put your car in Accessory mode if using your car radio to listen to the movie.
Will a drive-in movie drain my car battery?
Absolutely, running your radio and speakers for several hours on end will drain your car battery at a drive-in movie. Not to mention any other accessories you may have pulling on the car battery.
Are Dogs Allowed in drive-in movies?
However, there are still many drive-ins that allow dogs as long as they are leashed and as long as you pick up after their waste. Our database of drive-in theaters indicates if pets are allowed (when we know). But it is always best to call ahead if you are visiting a drive-in you are not familiar with. Can I bring food and drinks to the drive-in?
Do you leave your car running at a drive in movie?
It's never good to idle your car, and that also applies at the drive-in, where there are other moviegoers around who aren't interested in breathing in any exhaust fumes. Leaving your car in the accessory mode with the engine off should allow you to keep the radio on so you can hear the movie without the engine running.
How do I play drive-in movies without draining my car battery?
Here are some tips to help you watch a drive-in movie without draining your car battery: 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.
How do I prepare my car for a drive in movie?
How to Get Your Car Drive-In Movie ReadyCheck your car battery. So, dead car batteries are a pretty common occurrence at drive-in movie theatres. ... Consider bringing a portable radio. STAY INFORMED. ... Bring cleaning supplies. ... Maximize your interior and cargo space. ... Pack a first aid kit. ... Don't forget to bring treats.
How often should you start your car at a drive-in?
The battery runs down when the car lies idle. To prevent the battery from getting discharged, ensure that you crank up the engine once a week. Leave it running for 10 to 15 minutes so that the alternator refills the juice. While at it, turn on all the car's systems, including the AC.
How long will car battery last with radio?
If your car is newer, the battery will probably last for four to six hours with the radio on. If you have an upgraded sound system with additional amplifiers, subwoofers, or speakers, however, your battery might drain more quickly. Adding a subwoofer, for example, can reduce the battery life to one to two hours.
How do you keep your radio on at the drive-in?
How do I get the radio to stay on at a drive in movieTurn off car.Press and hold power button for 10 or 11 seconds until the car beeps twice.
How do you keep lights off at drive-in?
0:472:18Can I turn off my daytime running lights (DRLs)? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo have your parking brake on you're gonna have your headlights on off we're going to shut it off.MoreSo have your parking brake on you're gonna have your headlights on off we're going to shut it off. Now.
How long does a car battery last?
three to four yearsSome cars will get up to five or six years out of their battery, while others will need a new one after only two years. In general, your car will usually need a new battery after three to four years. Replacing your car battery is another part of routine maintenance.
Does listening to car radio drain battery?
Listening to radio with the engine off in a modern vehicle shouldn't have any impact on your car battery. Even though you're using energy, the drain is so small your car shouldn't suffer from it.
What can drain a car battery when the car is off?
What may drain a car battery when it's off are things such as interior lights, door lights, or even bad relays. While your engine runs, the alternator recharges the battery — which is why you typically don't have to worry about the battery dying while you're blasting the radio on your drive to work!
How long can car battery last?
How long do car batteries last? In general, your car will usually need a new battery after three to four years. However, it's good to know the signs you need a new one since nobody wants the experience of having a dead battery.
What should I bring to a drive in movie?
4 Essential Items to Bring to a Drive-In Movie TheaterComfy Cushions or Pillows. To ensure you and your family stay comfortable, bring a few cushions or pillows to sit or lie on. ... An Extra Layer of Warmth. ... Clean Clothes for the Kids. ... A Selection of Snacks. ... Pack for Convenience and Comfort. ... Related Articles.
Can I take my dog to the drive-in?
It depends. In the past, most drive-ins allowed dogs. Now for liability reasons, there are a good number of drive-ins that prohibit pets because th...
Can I bring food and drinks to the drive-in?
Many drive-ins allow you to bring outside food and drinks and many do not. So check with your particular drive-in. But even if the drive-in does al...
What is a food permit and why is it needed?
A food permit is a charge that allows you to bring in outside food and drink. They generally run $5 - $10. The revenue from food permits helps driv...
Is alcohol allowed at drive-ins?
Generally no. Almost all drive-ins prohibit bringing alcohol. There are a few drive-ins that sell alcohol at their concession areas but you are not...
Can I sit outside at the drive-in?
Generally yes. There are a few drive-ins that require you to stay within your vehicle during the movie but this is certainly the exception.
How do I hear the movie at the drive-in?
Almost drive-in theaters have now converting to FM Radio to broadcast the audio for the movies shown. So if you plan to sit outside your vehicle, t...
Is going to the drive-in cheaper than an indoor theater?
Almost always yes. Most drive-ins show double features and some even show triple features for one price which is generally less than or the same as...
When should I get to the drive-in?
Drive-ins start their first movie at dusk. So show times will vary throughout the year as the time of sunset varies. You should always try to arriv...
Are there any special rules for parking?
Generally, you can park wherever there is an open spot. But be considerate and only take one parking space. Some drive-ins have special parking rul...
If I go to a drive-in with multiple screens, can I switch screens between movies.
Generally, no. Almost all drive-ins prohibit switching screens either during movies or after one movie has ended. Different movies are different le...
Who owns DriveInMovie.com?
DriveInMovie.com is owned and operated by true drive-in movie enthusiasts. We love visiting different drive-ins and wanted to share this passion with others by providing an online resource which allows users to learn about drive-ins and search for drive-ins based on different factors such as location, size, features, age, etc...
When do drive ins start?
Drive-ins start their first movie at dusk. So show times will vary throughout the year as the time of sunset varies. You should always try to arrive at least 30 minutes before show time in order to get parked, make a run to the concession stand, etc? However, during busy weekends at the peak of summer, you may have to arrive much early to even get in as many drive-in experience large crowds and turn people away when they reach capacity. It is not unusual to arrive one to two hours before show time on busy weekends.
What is the purpose of drive in database?
Our primary purpose is to help people discover the joy of visiting drive-in theaters and help them locate drive-ins near them. However, we also like to preserve the history of different drive-ins for those who wish to stroll down memory lane or research drive-ins that have operated in their area.
Can you bring outside food to a drive in?
Many drive-ins allow you to bring outside food and drinks and many do not. So check with your particular drive-in. But even if the drive-in does allow outside food and drink, you should leave it at home and patronize the concession stand. Drive-in theaters (like all theaters) have to pay up to 90% of the money they take in at the box office to the movie studios who makes the films. So drive-ins make very little money from your admission. They make their money at the concession stand so please support them by buying your food and drink there. Some drive-ins now prohibit outside food and drinks unless you purchase a food permit which generally run between $5 - $10.
Do drive in theaters accept credit cards?
Some do, many do not. And others may accept credit cards at the concession area but not at the box office where you pay your admission to get in. So as a general rule, we suggest always taking plenty of cash when visiting a new drive-in theater.
Can you grill at drive ins?
This may seem like an odd question today, but in the past, most drive-ins allowed grilling. But today, almost all prohibit grilling or any open flames. But there are still a few that do allow this but these are mainly drive-ins that also allow camping. So plan on no.
Can you bring alcohol to a drive-in?
Is alcohol allowed at drive-ins? Generally no. Almost all drive-ins prohibit bringing alcohol. There are a few drive-ins that sell alcohol at their concession areas but you are not allowed to take the alcohol back to your car and it must be consumed in the concession/bar area.
What to do when everyone is in your car?
The bottom line? Take a hint from the people around you. If everyone is enjoying the outdoors, don’t be a dork and leave your car running. If everyone else is in their car, go for it.
How to save battery in drive in movie?
Have a boombox or battery-powered radio. Since most drive-in movies broadcast on an FM frequency, these little radio’s will really enhance your movie-going experience. Not only will this save your car battery, but it will also give you a lot more freedom at the drive-in movie. Now you can take your lawn chairs or blanket and sit outside. You can sit in the back of your pick up truck. You are no longer confined to the car and there is no risk in draining your car battery. Just make sure you have some replacement batteries for the radio or…
Will a Drive-in Movie Kill My Battery?
The whole idea of the drive-in movie is that you are able to listen to a movie (or two) from your car. However, as soon as you turn that key into the ‘on’ position there is a pull on the battery power supply. Without the alternator engaged to constantly recharge your battery and power the electrical system the entire load is being placed on your car battery. So, will a drive-in movie kill your car battery?
How long does a car battery last?
Know your battery. How old is your car battery? Remember your car battery will only last three to five years; so if you plan on sitting there with your car radio on you better make sure that the battery is up to the task. An older battery will be easily drained without the help of the alternator to supply its power. If you have an older battery check out my guide for finding the best car battery for your vehicle.
How to save battery in car?
Turn off all of your lights. Not only is this a courteous thing to do, but it will also save your battery. Remember a drive-in movie is usually a double feature. Sitting with your car lights on for that long will most definitely leave your battery flat when it’s time to go.
What frequency does a drive-n movie broadcast?
As was mentioned above, a drive-n movie broadcasts on an FM frequency. This means the theater either supplies you special speakers to listen to the movie. Or you bring your own radio to hear the movie.
Is an SUV a good car?
An SUV would be a good choice too. You can modify the arrangements below to match the vehicle you have. Whatever the case, there are a few essentials you are going to need.
