Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA / Car Loans and Auto Refinance Mon, 21 Oct 2024 01:44:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 /wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-sc_favicon_2x.png?w=32 Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA / 32 32 140908183 Scream-worthy orange cars to light up Halloween /blog/halloween-2019-orange-cars-hottest-trend-since-habaneros /blog/halloween-2019-orange-cars-hottest-trend-since-habaneros#respond Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:00:44 +0000 /?p=33869 Orange is apparently not the new black. At least when it comes to vehicle paint schemes. While both may seem appropriate as we ready for Halloween 2024, black is by far more popular, with about 20% of car shoppers choosing it, according...

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Orange Toyota GR86 Special Edition
Photo credit: Toyota via Newspress USA
The orange Toyota GR86 Special Edition screams for attention.

Orange is apparently not the new black.

At least when it comes to vehicle paint schemes.

While both may seem appropriate as we ready for Halloween 2024, black is by far more popular, with about 20% of car shoppers choosing it, according to a study by Edmunds.com.

And orange cars? Only .06% of car buyers – less than 1 percent – don’t find an orange vehicle scary. So, orange is limited to just a few models befitting its frightfully low popularity, right?

Surprise!

Orange FIAT 500e by Bulgari
Photo credit: FIAT® via Newspress USA
The 2024 FIAT 500e by Bulgari sporting an orange paint scheme.
Solar Orange Pearl Subaru WRX
Photo credit: Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA
The 2024 Subaru WRX glowing with a Solar Orange Pearl paint exterior.

At this year’s North Texas Auto Show, we were thrilled to find several different orange-colored models. An October-fest of oranges, if you will.

These latest models follow in the fright steps of orange examples from current and previous years ranging from the aptly named Punk’n Metallic 2020 Jeep Gladiator, 2020 Pumpkin Orange Lamborghini Huracan and 2022 Lava Orange Porsche 911 Carrera.

The list also includes the Sunset Orange 2019 Hyundai Veloster, at one time the best-selling orange vehicle, based on CarMax sales.

That means the car color world may be changing – at least a little.

While shades of orange and black, not to mention pumpkin spice, are prominent across store shelves this time of year, the trend of orange-hued vehicles remained as pointed out by Chevrolet when relating to their Sonic model. “Inferno Orange is the second-most requested color for Chevrolet Sonic hatchbacks, accounting for nearly one in five dealer orders and signaling a new color trend in the subcompact market. Its popularity trails only the ever-popular black hatchback.”

“Chevy design experts predict orange will remain a color trend in the future, transitioning from the bright, chic tint of today to a more burnt, coppery finish in the years to come.”

The orange advantage

Orange Ram 1500
Photo credit: Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA
Ram 1500 takes orange to a new dimension.

While buying an orange vehicle may be on trend, there could be another advantage for owners.

“The more unusual colors such as orange, yellow and green are not as readily available, yet they are popular with enough car buyers to create a demand that directly affects their resale value,” iSeeCars.com reported in the most recent study we could find.

Orange vehicles, in fact, depreciated an average of 21.6% over the first three years of ownership, according to iSeeCars.com, making it the color that held its value best.

The analysis of 1.6 million vehicles by the website revealed an average depreciation of 29.8%.

Wildest, craziest, hottest

Orange Dodge Charger
Photo credit: Dodge via Newspress USA
Dodge Charger looking cool in orange.

In a recent article, Car and Driver identified several vehicles among The Wildest, Craziest Paint Colors Available in 2024. An earlier version of this article included the Thermal Orange Pearl Acura NSX, which was, “in our humble opinion, the best-looking orange offered today.”

Others making the C&D online list were the Dragon Orange Metallic Audi Q8, Pulse Orange Audi Q3, Sunset Orange Metallic BMW M2, 8-series, Autumn Metallic Cadillac XT4, Sebring Orange Tintcoat Chevrolet Corvette, Go Mango Dodge ChallengerĚý˛ą˛Ô»ĺĚýCharger, Orange Fury Honda Fit, Madagascar Orange Jaguar F-type and the aforementioned Punk’n Metallic Gladiator.

Ford may offer the most orange models with at least nine – depending on how you count the trucks – perhaps the most outrageous being the 2020 Twister Orange Metallic Ford Shelby Mustang GT500.

And the hottest orange?

How about the Lava Orange Hyundai Santa Fe, Fire Orange Kia Forte, Classic Ignition Orange Ram 1500 … or the Habanero Orange Metallic Volkswagen Tiguan.

Decorating your car for Halloween

With Halloween happening this month, you may be wondering about decorating your own vehicle for the holiday, orange-colored car or not.

One easy, homemade way to turn your car into a ghost is to use a white sheet or car cover and draw or use stickers to create eyes. Having a vehicle like this in the driveway greeting trick-or-treaters is sure to add to the festivities of the season.
There are also additions you can make to the front of your vehicle, like vampire teeth that attach to your front grille or bumper to make for a scary scene as your car approaches.

Open trunk of a car filled with Halloween decorations including balloons, cobwebs and pumpkins.

Decorating a steering wheel or car seat cover can also provide extra festive accents to get you and your passengers in the Halloween spirit when driving. If you’re attending a trunk-or-treat event, parking with your trunk open and decorating the inside, maybe adding a few cobwebs with a fake spider along for the ride, can make for a creepy car decoration as well.

In the end, orange or black vehicle, decorated or not, we hope you enjoy the fall season and have a fun and safe Halloween.

New Sight Orange Nissan Z Heritage Edition
Photo credit: Nissan via Newspress USA
New Sight Orange paint helps the 2024 Nissan Z Heritage Edition stand out among its peers.
Orange Ford Bronco Raptor
Photo credit: Ford via Newspress USA
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor off-roading in orange.

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How to calculate the gas cost of a trip /blog/how-to-calculate-gas-costs /blog/how-to-calculate-gas-costs#respond Thu, 10 Oct 2024 15:25:05 +0000 /?p=38160 It’s easy to jump in the car and just drive, but when you’re taking a road trip or even starting a new commute, a little planning goes a long way. Calculating the gas cost of your trip is a smart...

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An illustration of a car being filled with gas at the pump with coins and a calcluator behind.

It’s easy to jump in the car and just drive, but when you’re taking a road trip or even starting a new commute, a little planning goes a long way.

Calculating the gas cost of your trip is a smart trick to budget travel expenses and there are a couple of routes you can take.

One is doing it by hand, which can be completed in a few simple steps and gives you some know-how, while the other is using a gas cost calculator. For that, you’ll need a few basic details about your vehicle.

Route A – Take 4 simple steps

Calculate your vehicle’s gas mileage

Calculator icon.

Fill up your gas tank and set the trip odometer to zero then drive as needed until it’s time to stop for gas again. When you next refuel, note the trip odometer reading to get the number of miles you’ve driven.

Alternatively, you can get this figure by writing down the overall odometer reading the first time you fill up and again the second time, with the difference being your miles driven.

Next, divide the mileage by the number of gallons of fuel you pumped during the second gas stop to find out your miles per gallon (mpg).

Know before you go: As you’re in the process of budgeting, keep in mind that driving habits and a vehicle’s condition affect gas mileage. Check out the suggestions at the end of this article to improve your mpg.

Work out the total distance of your trip

Whether you’re going point-to-point or taking a round trip, a quick look at your navigation app or online map resources will tell you how many miles the journey will be. Select your preferred route, consider traffic hot spots to avoid and, if you’re planning a road trip, think about any sights and detours you want to build into the trip.

Check the current price of gas

You may remember the price of gas from your last fill-up but prices can fluctuate a lot over time and by region, so that might not be a good guide. View the current national and regional gas prices provided by AAA to get an idea of what the price of gas will be for your journey, and where you’re likely to fill up.

Calculate the total gas cost of your trip

Calculator icon

With miles per gallon, trip distance and the price of gas at your fingertips, calculate the gas cost for your trip as follows.

1. Divide the trip distance by your vehicle’s miles per gallon to discover how many gallons of gas you will need.

2. Multiply the number of gallons by the price of gas.

Gas cost formula:

(Total trip distance / mpg) x current price of gas = total gas cost

Example:

Let’s say you’re taking a 200-mile road trip, you’ve worked out your gas mileage to be 30 mpg and the current gas price is $3.25. Putting these figures into the formula shows the total gas cost to be:

(200 miles / 30 mpg) x $3.25 = $21.67

Route B – Use a gas cost calculator

Taking a different approach, there are a number of useful calculators that will give you the cost of a trip and even directions and information for savings on gas. The government’s energy department offers a fuel economy website that enables you to select your vehicle year, make, model and engine type, enter your start and finish points and any stopping-off places on the way, plus the percentage of city driving for the trip. Click to calculate and you’ll receive your fuel cost estimate, a map of the journey and directions. You can also enter additional vehicles to compare costs.

GasBuddy is another popular option. Type in your starting location, destination, a stop-off if you have one, and select whether you want to calculate a one-way or round-trip. Then select your vehicle’s year, make, model and engine type along with the fuel you use – regular, midgrade, premium or diesel. GasBuddy will give you the trip cost, distance and projected gallons used, as well as where to fill up and your potential savings from using recommended gas stations.

Other trip expenses to consider

Whichever option you choose, calculating the gas cost of a trip is a handy way to plan for your expenses and, while it is an estimate rather than an exact figure, it will help you to avoid an unexpected fuel bill at the end.

Remember that there are often other expenses, too. They include the likes of toll fees and, for longer journeys, meal breaks and accommodation, while unforeseen events like accidents and delays may crop up, adding miles and gas to your journey.

Get quotes from Insurify that match your lifestyle

How to save on fuel costs

Piggy bank icon.

Good driving habits along with taking care of your vehicle can improve fuel economy, reduce the amount of gas going into your car and keep more dollars in your pocket. The government recommends a few ways to do just that, below.

Drive sensibly – Speeding, rapid acceleration and braking can lower gas mileage by 33% at highway speeds and 5% in towns, so anticipate traffic situations, keep an adequate distance from the vehicle in front and accelerate smoothly.

Remove excess weight – Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, particularly heavy objects.

Avoid excess idling – Turning off the engine when parked will save a quarter to half a gallon of gas per hour depending on the vehicle and use of air conditioning.

Keep to the speed limit – This is also part of driving sensibly and safely. It’s useful to know that fuel economy generally reduces quickly at speeds above 50 mph.

Go for cruise control – In most cases, cruise control on the highway helps to achieve a steady speed and save gas.

Take off the roof rack – Removing a roof rack and using the trunk to carry items will improve a vehicle’s aerodynamics and reduce drag.

Use overdrive gears – Overdrive gearing, which provides a high-gear mode, lowers engine speed and reduces gas consumption.

Look after your vehicle – Solid vehicle maintenance helps to reduce gas costs by keeping a vehicle running smoothly. Making sure the engine is tuned and the tires are properly inflated, using the manufacturer’s recommended engine oil and replacing the air filter if it becomes clogged all contribute to proper maintenance.

The road to more resources

If you’d like to know more about managing your auto expenses, explore the tools, videos and further articles across our Learning Center.

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What’s the minimum credit score to get a car loan? /blog/whats-the-minimum-credit-score-to-get-a-car-loan /blog/whats-the-minimum-credit-score-to-get-a-car-loan#respond Thu, 26 Sep 2024 12:03:09 +0000 /?p=38086 You’ve probably heard that next to buying a home, getting a new or pre-owned vehicle is one of the largest purchases one can make. You may also be aware that factors to get financing in both homes and cars rely...

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Illustration of a car in front of a signed piece of paper with pen and outstretched hand receiving keys from another hand.You’ve probably heard that next to buying a home, getting a new or pre-owned vehicle is one of the largest purchases one can make.

You may also be aware that factors to get financing in both homes and cars rely in some part on a credit score, or FICO Score. According to the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), which calculates these scores, “90% of top lenders use FICO Scores” in their lending process.

While the overall FICO Credit Score numbers typically range from 300 to 850, when it comes to buying a car, you may wonder what the minimum score is to get an automobile loan. And like many things, that answer can vary based on different information.

According to Car and Driver, “Most used auto loans go to borrowers with minimum credit scores of at least 675. For new auto loans, most borrowers have scores of around 730. The minimum credit score needed for a new car may be around 600, but those with excellent credit often get lower rates and lower monthly payments.”

How credit scores affect car loans

Auto finance lenders use a credit score and credit data in your credit report, plus other sources and factors, to evaluate loan applications. Things such as previous payment history, income and employment history all can play a part in determining credit availability.

The credit score and these reports play a big role in determining whether a consumer is approved for an auto loan, and, if so, what interest rate they will receive. Typically, the higher the credit score, the better the interest rate.

However, since every person’s situation is unique, one’s specific credit score and credit reports can affect car loans in vastly different ways.

Car loan rates by credit scores

So just how are auto loan interest rates tied to credit scores and where do the numbers come into play? According to ·ˇłć±č±đ°ůľ±˛ą˛Ô’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report, close to a third of borrowers fall in the super prime credit category, while over 17% fall in the subprime and deep subprime categories.

The chart below shows the average Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for new and used vehicles in relation to the credit score category. (Rates as of Q1 2024, published May 30, 2024.)

Chart comparing credit score ranges with average new car APR, average used car APR and percent of loan.

Steps to improve your credit score before applying for a car loan

If you currently have a low credit score, the good news is that there are ways that can potentially improve your number before you apply for an auto loan.

These include:

  • Paying bills on time
  • Checking your credit reports and clearing up past-due amounts
  • Disputing any errors found on your credit reports
  • Applying only for the credit you need
  • Leaving unused credit cards open
  • Keeping credit card balances low and paying down debt

Keeping a close eye on your credit score and personal finances can go a long way in possibly setting you up for loans in the future. And how do you keep up with your credit score? We’re glad you asked.

How to check your credit score for free

To find out your current credit score and see if there are any past-due amounts or errors that need addressing (as mentioned above), you can check your score through the three credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You are entitled to request your credit reports from each of these free of charge once a year.

To request your reports, call 877-322-8228, go online at www.annualcreditreport.com.

For more information on when you should check your credit report, read the article here.

How to get a car loan with subprime credit

If you currently have a deep subprime score (range 300-500) and little time to improve your credit before needing a new vehicle, there are some things that may help you get a car loan.

A few things that can help in the process are:

  • Put more money down to lower your loan amount.
  • Trade in a vehicle to put toward the new one.
  • Involve a co-applicant to go in on the loan with you. Applying with a co-applicant who has a prime credit score, if approved, can possibly help get a car loan with better terms.
  • Consider buying a used over new vehicle and an older model rather than later one.

Can I repair my credit and boost my credit score?

If you do have a subprime credit score, one way that can lift the score and repair any past credit hits that have occurred can be through credit repair companies. As this article on What is credit repair and how does it work? explains, “Credit repair companies offer coaching for debtors looking to improve their credit by providing guidance on how to pay off their debts, along with their aims for positive impact on their credit scores.”

Make sure you do your research on a potential credit repair company, including what charges they may assess, and read their reviews to gain more insight. Good places to start are Google reviews or the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

We’re here to help

No matter your credit score, when you’re ready to see if you pre-qualify for a new vehicle, our team at can help you. The process takes two minutes and gives you real-time rates.

And speaking of credit scores, using the Drive pre-qualify process has no impact to your credit score, so feel free to get started today.

*The statements in this article are informational only and should not be construed as legal, financial, tax or other professional advice.

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National Sales Meeting Provides Opportunities to Give Back /blog/national-sales-meeting-provides-opportunities-to-give-back /blog/national-sales-meeting-provides-opportunities-to-give-back#respond Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:03:07 +0000 /?p=37970 The annual Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA National Sales Meeting (NSM) is always a rewarding experience. The weeklong event gives employees the chance to learn from each other, grow their skill sets and hear directly from leadership. In addition to sharing insights...

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Group of Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer volunteers making sandwiches.

The annual Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA National Sales Meeting (NSM) is always a rewarding experience. The weeklong event gives employees the chance to learn from each other, grow their skill sets and hear directly from leadership.

In addition to sharing insights among peers through helpful training sessions, the meeting also provides attendees the opportunity to volunteer and give back to communities.

Jessica I., Sales Strategy and Implementation Associate, organized the volunteer activities at this year’s event and provided some key observations:

“Volunteering and giving back not only enriches our local communities but also the lives of the volunteers themselves, and the National Sales Meeting is an amazing time to do just that. Volunteering fosters team building as everyone is working together toward a common goal, which in turn builds trust, enhances communication and strengthens the overall team.”

Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA celebrates our commitment to service through scheduled volunteer activities in areas where our employees work, including the Dallas Metroplex. One key initiative of NSM is our Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), where over 250 employees came together in May to assemble hygiene kits, backpacks, lunch kits, paracords and shelter blankets. This work, which addresses critical needs in our local community, was in support of several local nonprofit organizations including Operation Gratitude, Tango Charities, SPCA of Texas and Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County.
Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer voluteers make paracrods to support Operation Gratitude.

“I participated in Tango Tab Charities’ program Feed the City at NSM,” said Sue C., Director. “Learning about the organization and how I can do more to help address hunger in our community was amazing. It was a fun event with some competition thrown in around making sandwiches and lunch kits. I loved being able to interact with my peers and share stories while giving back.”

The use of volunteer hours at this year’s NSM is unique from other companies. Last year, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA employees logged more than 18,500 VPTO hours in projects, and excitement will continue to grow in anticipation of next year’s efforts.

Foundation investments

The Â鶹ֱ˛Ą. Foundation recently announced $1.7 million in total contributions to 11 organizations around its headquarters in Dallas and other locations.

One key focus of the Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA Foundation is continuing its commitment to support groups that align with our five philanthropic pillars of charitable giving: educational mobility, physical mobility, economic mobility, sustainability crisis and resiliency, and social and racial justice and equity.

Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer volunteers pack bags and boxes for nonprofit organizations.The Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA Foundation has a decades-long commitment to helping support grassroots, community-led organizations, and initiatives where our customers live and work. “We are thrilled to announce our newest grantees as part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to drive social and cultural change through thoughtful, strategic investments in our local communities. These commitments further advance our mission to empower the local Dallas community – and communities nationwide – with the essential resources and tools required for achieving a happy, healthy, successful and fulfilling life,” Bruce Jackson, Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA chief executive officer, shared in an official press release.

Customers and dealer partners can learn more about our volunteer projects online at Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA: /our-company/foundation

Drivingchange is a Â鶹ֱ˛Ą Consumer USA program.

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10 Ultimate Tailgating Tips for a Successful Football Season /blog/top-10-tips-for-tailgating-success /blog/top-10-tips-for-tailgating-success#respond Thu, 29 Aug 2024 12:03:01 +0000 /?p=36524 When it comes to American traditions, it doesn’t get much better than game day. Some of the best parts about the fall season and its arrival are cooler weather, the leaves changing colors and the return of football. Whether you...

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Illustration of fans wearing red and white gear supporting their team and having a tailgate party.

When it comes to American traditions, it doesn’t get much better than game day. Some of the best parts about the fall season and its arrival are cooler weather, the leaves changing colors and the return of football.

Whether you enjoy local high school games, spending the weekends at your alma mater or watching your kid’s first home game – maybe even all three! – you may be gearing up to plan a football tailgate this season.

While many of us will host game day watch parties, the diehards are not sitting in front of the television – they’re tailgating. So, how do you tailgate at a football game?

For some people, it’s a “go big or go home” type of day with top-tier setups of grills, Crock-Pots and warming trays. For others, it’s a lighter pregame gathering with takeout meals and a Yeti cooler of drinks. Whatever the day brings, the most crucial detail is getting there.

Considering how modern stadiums rival amusement parks in size and parking spaces, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly pregame before you load up the truck or SUV and head to the event. You can never be too prepared, so pack your car with extra bags of ice, first-aid gear, sunblock and be ready for anything. Keep reading for 10 tips to help you enjoy your next game day.

Planning your tailgate party

The attached checklist and a plan following the 10 tailgate tips below can help ensure a FANtastic time at your next football game.

1. Find your spot

Selecting the ideal spot helps you secure a tailgating home-field advantage. Try arriving early (when the gates open) to get a prime location.

2. Setting up your tailgate space

An organized tailgate area is essential to a winning tailgate party. Before guests arrive, make sure everything is in its place. A well-planned setup will keep the party running smoothly and prevent any last-minute scrambles.

Strategically set up the grill

As you set up the grill, pay attention to how the wind blows. You don’t want BBQ smoke blowing in your guests’ faces and causing a neutral zone infraction.

Use a pop-up canopy

Pitch play. Make sure you’re covered in case of rain, hot sun, falling leaves or snow with a pop-up canopy protecting your tables of tasty food. And pack enough portable chairs for all the guests at your party.

3. Preplan your tailgate menu

How do you spell a successful tailgate party? F-O-O-D! Preplan your pregame menu, including prepping any meats you’ll be grilling. The same goes for baked and slow-cooker recipes that may need extra time. Don’t be afraid to attempt trick plays (new recipes) that could be a huge hit. Avoid the delay of game penalties by stocking up on your ingredients and necessities a few days before game day. Nothing slows down gaining positive yardages like rushing into a grocery store to pick up condiments, napkins, plasticware or disposable cups. You certainly don’t want to be late to the pregame, let alone the game itself.
Illustration of a hot dog with mustard and ketchup.

Delicious tailgate food ideas

According to Southern Living, which offers a list of “50 tasty tailgate recipes,” a few of the favorite food items at a tailgate include:

  • Breakfast tacos
  • Hot dogs, brats, corn dogs
  • Brownies, cookies
  • Chips and dips
  • Sliders
  • Baby back ribs
  • Chicken wings

4. Must-have tailgating supplies

As a tailgating player, you want to check that you have all your necessary equipment on hand. Be sure to load up things you’ll need, such as:

  • Canopies
  • Grills
  • Coolers
  • Umbrellas and rain cover-ups
  • Bug spray
  • Plates and utensils
Pack power bars

From TVs to speakers that help crank up the jams to portable charging devices for all your phones, you’ll be glad you’ve packed them all to keep the good times going. Also, organize your emergency car care kit to prepare and help fellow fans if needed.

Tailgating games and activities

It’s always fun to have games to play BEFORE the game, so pack a football, frisbee, cornhole set or other favorite to pass the time while tailgating.
Illustration of a foam finger with number 1 on it

5. Dress for your team’s success

Support your team by sporting your favorite season-friendly foam fingers, blankets, T-shirts, sweatshirts, temporary tattoos, stickers, jerseys, face paint and more. Take your game to the next level by bringing enough face paint to share and add a painting party to your tailgate experience. Don’t forget to order your game day uniform attire early so it arrives long before the start of the season.

6. Stock up on ice

Keep your cool — running out of ice calls for a flag on the play. Make sure you have plenty of the cold stuff for your cold stuff and lots of more relaxed space. An extra cooler or two never hurt, either.
Illustration of a full trash can with Go Team on the side.

7. Have a clean and responsible tailgate

Keeping your designated area neat and clean is key to executing a tidy tailgate. You may not be near a garbage can in the stadium lot where you are tailgating, and you want to clean up properly before heading out and avoid equipment violations. Make sure you have:

  • Plenty of trash bags
  • Wet wipes and paper towels
  • Hand sanitizer

8. Promote friendly conduct – no unsportsmanlike behavior

Game day tailgates can be fun and get you pumped for the game. Steer clear of unsportsmanlike conduct by sharing your spirit, being friendly and meeting your neighboring tailgaters.

9. Follow stadium drink regulations

In terms of beverages, play by the stadium rules. Know if there are any restrictions on alcoholic drinks or glassware in your tailgating zone. Glass bottles may be prohibited, so opt for cans or plastic containers to hold your liquid refreshment.

10. Final tips for prepping for the tailgate party

  • Have a checklist ready. (Maybe use our handy checklist we’ve pulled together here.)
  • Be mindful of the weather.
  • If you have an electric vehicle, ensure your electric vehicle is fully charged before heading out.
  • Load up what you can (chairs, tents, blankets) the night before.

The Ultimate Tailgate Party Checklist

Huddle up before you head to the stadium and review your destination’s tailgating guidelines. You may discover too late that grilling over an open flame or using a deep fryer is prohibited. Checking ahead also applies to bag policies for entering the stadium. Many insist on clear bags and clutches or prohibit purses altogether.

Infographic showing essential tailgate party checklist for a successful game day.

Discover! Video Gallery, articles, tools, and more to help you navigate your auto-finance journey.

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Back-to-school driving habits and transportation /blog/back-to-school-driving-habits-and-transportation /blog/back-to-school-driving-habits-and-transportation#respond Thu, 08 Aug 2024 11:03:40 +0000 /?p=37922 As summer slowly starts to wind down, parents and students are readying their households earlier and earlier for the back-to-school season. According to industry experts, parents will cover billions of miles taking their kids to and from school, and 69%...

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Illustration of a school scene with a school bus, person on a bicycle and parents taking kids to school.

As summer slowly starts to wind down, parents and students are readying their households earlier and earlier for the back-to-school season.

According to industry experts, parents will cover billions of miles taking their kids to and from school, and 69% feel they’ve been more involved in their children’s lives because of more flexible work schedules seen these days.

As routines get adjusted and carpooling for school-aged children starts ramping up, we conducted our own study into the hustle and bustle of back-to-school in relation to commuting. So, let’s dive into the results.

Vehicle ownership and preferences

Commutes define our daily behaviors. Part of this ritual might include walking pets, school drop off or heading to work, then repeating the process in reverse. Whatever the day-to-day schedule might be, commuting serves an important purpose: preparing for the day ahead. While some commuters drive, walk or ride, it’s an important time to plan for the day or week ahead, and arrive to work well prepared.

As expected, car preference also plays a large part in prepping for back-to-school and ensuring everything is ready to conquer the new classroom. While the styles and options for electric and hybrid automobiles continue to evolve, the majority of those surveyed (86%) currently drive a gasoline-powered vehicle to and from school.

Illustration of a car getting gas at a pump.

Commute distances and driving times

The average daily commute to work, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, is around 14.7 miles. Conversely, those asked to engage in our student transportation survey offered a different take, as many respondents reported driving five miles or less each way when commuting to school.

Illustration of school bus and cars lined up in carpool line.

Carpooling practices among families

When it comes to carpooling habits and passing the time during the ride, a large percentage of those surveyed shared they drove solo and cranked up the tunes.

Illustration of two people driving in a Jeep with the top down.

Car maintenance and preparation for the school year

Maintenance is a huge part of car ownership in terms of keeping your vehicle running smoothly for miles and miles (and miles!). Such things as regular oil and air filter changes can go a long way in ensuring a positive driving experience.

Illustration of an auto mechanic working under a car that is in the air.

Here’s a tip you can consider to help break through the noise during key moments throughout the year, such as back-to-school:
When you’re ready to transition to a new vehicle, our team is there to get you pre-qualified for financing with . Pre-qualify for a real car in two minutes with no impact to your credit score.

About our survey

The study was conducted using an online panel methodology where consumers of driving age were invited to complete the questionnaire through a remote study platform. Percentages shown may not sum to 100%, because of rounding.

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