Football Season Travel: Car Prep for Tailgates & Road Trips

Alternative Automotive • September 17, 2025

Fall in Missouri means one thing—football season.

Whether you’re heading to a Friday night high school game or packing up for a weekend tailgate, your vehicle has just as big a role to play as the quarterback.

Before you load up the cooler, check that your ride is ready to go. Nothing kills game-day spirit like a dead battery in the stadium parking lot. Temperature swings in the fall can weaken older batteries, so have yours tested. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, too—cold mornings can drop the pressure and hurt your fuel economy on those longer road trips.

And don’t forget about the extras. A clean cabin filter will keep the air fresh when you’ve got the whole crew packed in. If you’re hauling a grill, tent, or extra chairs, check that your trunk or cargo space is secure and your vehicle isn’t overloaded.

Pro tailgate prep tips:

• Keep jumper cables or a portable charger in the trunk.
• Stash a blanket or two—it gets cold fast once the sun goes down.
• Double-check your fluids before hitting the highway.

Football is all about being prepared and playing smart— and the same goes for your car. Take a few minutes to
prep now so you can focus on the tailgate, the game, and celebrating that big win.

Road through trees with red and orange autumn foliage. Wet asphalt with fallen leaves.
By Alternative Automotive September 4, 2025
Driving on Missouri’s scenic fall roads? Wet leaves can be as dangerous as black ice—hiding potholes, reducing traction, and even causing car damage. Learn how to stay safe and protect your vehicle this autumn.
Brakes
By Alternative Automotive August 20, 2025
At Alternative Automotive, we’re all about helping you get the most out of your vehicle, and that starts with staying on top of the essentials.
By Alternative Automotive August 5, 2025
We know the heat is rough, but car trouble during a heat wave is worse. Swing by Alternative Automotive and we’ll make sure your vehicle is ready to handle this Missouri summer like a pro.
Oil Change
By ALTERNATIVE AUTOMOTIVE July 16, 2025
Using the wrong oil grade can damage your engine. Learn why oil grade matters and how to protect your car’s performance and longevity.
By ALTERNATIVE July 1, 2025
Stay cool this summer in Winfield, MO with expert car A/C maintenance from Alternative Automotive. Fast service, cold air, and summer-ready vehicles
An automotive technician checks the oil level of an automobile.
By Alternative Automotive June 17, 2025
That little oil life percentage on your dash? It’s not telling you how much oil is in your engine,it’s just estimating how worn out it is.
By Alternative Automotive June 2, 2025
Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle—but they’re also one of the easiest things to ignore until something goes wrong.
By Alternative Automotive May 16, 2025
Sometimes you just need a day to hit the road, soak up some fresh air, and explore somewhere new.
By Alternative Automotive May 2, 2025
Nothing's worse than hopping into your car on a hot day, cranking the A/C, and realizing…it’s not working right.
By Alternative Automotive April 15, 2025
When your car’s suspension gets repaired—whether it's shocks, struts, or control arms—it’s not just about smoothing out the ride.
More Posts