The school year is officially back in session, which means busy mornings, packed schedules, sports practices, after-school activities and plenty of time spent on the road. For Wichita families, September is a great time to make sure your vehicle is ready for everything the new school year brings. Whether you're driving the kids to school, heading to football practice or making the weekly trip to the grocery store, a little preparation can make your daily routine easier and safer. Make School Drop-Off a Little Easier School mornings can be hectic. Between getting everyone ready, grabbing backpacks and making it out the door on time, the last thing you want is a vehicle issue slowing you down. Before the school year gets too busy, take a few minutes to check some of the basics: Check your tire pressure and tread. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly. Top off your windshield washer fluid. Check your oil and other important fluids. Make sure all exterior lights are working. Keep emergency supplies in your vehicle. These quick checks can help you avoid an unexpected problem during the morning rush. Keep Safety at the Top of the List More school buses, pedestrians, cyclists and parents are on Wichita roads once school starts. That makes it especially important to slow down and stay alert around school zones. Remember to follow posted school-zone speed limits, watch for children crossing the road and never pass a stopped school bus when its warning lights are flashing. It's also a good reminder for parents and students to put the phones away while the vehicle is moving. A few seconds of distraction can have serious consequences. Don't Forget About After-School Activities Back-to-school schedules aren't just about getting to and from class. Once practices, games, clubs and weekend activities start filling the calendar, your vehicle can quickly become the family's second home. For families with multiple children, having enough room for backpacks, sports equipment and passengers can make a big difference. An SUV or larger crossover can provide the flexibility many families need, while a sedan may be the perfect fit for families looking for something easy to maneuver and efficient for daily driving. The right vehicle depends on your family's routine, which is why it's worth considering how you'll use your vehicle throughout the entire school year. Prepare Your Vehicle for the Months Ahead September also provides a good opportunity to think beyond the first few weeks of school. Kansas weather can change quickly as fall approaches, so making sure your vehicle is in good condition now can help prepare you for the seasons ahead. If your vehicle is due for an oil change, tire service, brake inspection or other routine maintenance, getting it taken care of now can give you one less thing to worry about later. Find Your Next Family Vehicle at Davis-Moore A new school year can bring new routines and sometimes, a new vehicle makes those routines easier. Whether you need more passenger space, additional cargo room, better fuel efficiency or the latest safety and technology features, Davis-Moore has a variety of vehicles to fit different lifestyles and budgets. Stop by Davis-Moore in Wichita and let our team help you find a vehicle that fits your family's needs for the school year and beyond. Ready to make your next family drive easier? Visit Davis-Moore today and find your next vehicle.
Tailgate Season: The Best Vehicles for Fall Football
Fall in Wichita means cooler temperatures, football weekends, good food, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family. Whether you're heading to a high school game, college football matchup, or hosting a tailgate of your own, the right vehicle can make game day even better. From spacious SUVs to capable trucks, today's vehicles offer plenty of features that can make transporting your crew, gear, coolers, chairs, and everything else easier. Here are some of the best types of vehicles to consider for your next fall football adventure. Trucks: The Ultimate Tailgate Vehicle When it comes to tailgating, trucks are hard to beat. A pickup gives you plenty of room for the gear you don't want inside the cabin. Coolers, folding chairs, tents, grills, sports equipment, and other tailgate essentials can all ride in the bed. Models like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Ram 1500 offer the capability and space that make them excellent choices for football weekends. Plus, many modern trucks offer available features that make tailgating even easier, including power outlets, built-in storage, multiple USB ports, and versatile tailgate designs. Best for: Large tailgates, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who likes to bring everything but the kitchen sink. SUVs: Bring the Whole Crew If your football weekends usually involve family and friends, an SUV can be a great option. Vehicles like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Mazda CX-90 provide a combination of passenger space and cargo room. Depending on the model and configuration, you can bring several passengers while still having room for coolers, blankets, chairs, and game-day gear. SUVs also offer another major advantage during Kansas fall weather: flexibility. One weekend might bring perfect football weather, while the next could bring rain, wind, or dropping temperatures. Available all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive can provide added confidence when conditions change. Best for: Families, groups of friends, and road trips to away games. Crossovers: The Perfect Balance You don't necessarily need a full-size truck or large SUV to enjoy tailgate season. A crossover such as the Mazda CX-5 or Chevrolet Equinox can give you a great combination of everyday drivability, passenger space, and cargo flexibility. Crossovers are especially appealing if your vehicle needs to handle more than football weekends. They can make the morning commute, school drop-off, grocery runs, and weekend adventures just as easily. Fold down the rear seats when you need additional cargo space, load up the cooler, grab your chairs, and you're ready for kickoff. Best for: Everyday drivers who want versatility without stepping up to a full-size SUV. What Should You Look for in a Tailgate Vehicle? Before choosing your next vehicle, think about how you actually spend your football weekends. Cargo Space How much room do you need for coolers, chairs, grills, tents, sports equipment, and other gear? Passenger Space Are you usually bringing a few friends or the entire family? Towing Capability If you plan to tow a camper, trailer, boat, or other recreational equipment, make sure the vehicle you choose has the capability you need. All-Weather Capability Kansas weather can change quickly during the fall. Available AWD or 4WD can provide additional confidence when rain, mud, or changing road conditions enter the picture. Technology Modern vehicles can make long drives and crowded game days easier with features such as smartphone connectivity, multiple charging ports, navigation, and available Wi-Fi. Comfort Football season can mean spending hours on the road. Comfortable seating and a spacious cabin can make those trips much more enjoyable. Make the Most of Fall Football The best tailgate vehicle isn't necessarily the biggest vehicle. It's the one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you need the bed of a truck, the passenger space of an SUV, the flexibility of a crossover, or the family-friendly practicality of a minivan, there's a vehicle that can help make your fall weekends easier. And when you're ready to find the right vehicle for your next football adventure, Davis-Moore Auto Group has a variety of new and pre-owned vehicles to explore. So grab your cooler, load up the crew, and get ready for kickoff. Fall football season is here!