Question: I’ve been to a few drive-in movies with friends over the past couple of years, and I’ve seen many people’s batteries die during the movie. My partner and I are going to a drive-in this weekend, and I don’t want that to happen to us. What’s the best way to avoid draining our car battery at the drive-in?
Answer: A drive-in movie can be a great experience, but it can be hard to enjoy the show if you’re worried your car battery will die. Many drive-in attendees use their radio during the movie without draining the battery, but if that idea makes you nervous, there’s an easy fix.
Bring a portable radio to the drive-in
Bringing a portable radio is the best way to avoid draining your car battery at a drive-in movie. Once you park, tune your radio to the station where the movie is being broadcast, turn it up, and enjoy the show. The portable radio is also a good option if you want to sit outside your vehicle on chairs or blankets.
Just be sure you bring extra batteries for the stereo so you don’t run out of juice mid-matinee. Chances are, it will be a lot easier to swap the batteries in your portable radio than to try to jump-start your car after the movie.
You can also download an FM transmitter app to your mobile device to stream the movie. You can even Bluetooth the movie from your phone to a portable speaker for better sound.
Tips for reducing battery drain in your car
Even if you bring a radio, you may still need to turn on your car occasionally—or you might get to the drive-in and realize you forgot your radio. If so, here are a few additional tips to help you save your battery:
- Turn the key to the Accessory position: If you need to use your car, turn the key to the ACC position. Do not turn the key to the “On” position or your battery will drain quickly. If you have a push button to start the car, press the start button twice.
- Turn off any other accessories. Unplug any chargers and make sure your infotainment screen, headlights, dome lights, and other car accessories are turned off. (Your lights will also make it hard for other guests to see the movie.)
- Bring a portable jump starter. If you’re concerned about your battery dying, consider investing in a portable battery charger. Charge it fully before you go to the movie, and if your battery dies, hook the charger to your battery just like you’re jump-starting a car.
- Start your car periodically. If you’re using your car radio to watch the movie, crank your engine every 30 minutes or so and let it run for a few minutes. The alternator will charge the battery, so you won’t have to worry about it dying.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Giselle Gomez is an editor with over a decade of experience editing content across personal finance, education, travel, and sports. In editing for Jerry, Giselle’s focus is on making sure content is consumer and SEO-friendly and helping readers understand all things car ownership. In prior roles, she worked as a content strategist, syndication editor, and writer. Her work is featured in AP, NerdWallet.com, BestColleges.com, and more. Giselle holds a master’s degree from Arizona State University.
