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Whether it's your first vehicle or your fifth, buying a car comes with its own set of challenges. That's why we've put together this list of helpful tips and strategies. Use this handy guide before you head to the dealership so you'll be better prepared for your next new set of wheels. Set a Budget The first step in the car buying process is to set a realistic budget. Expand your thought process here because there's more to owning a car than your monthly loan payment. Remember to include essentials like gas, insurance, and maintenance. Once you've got this bottom-line number, you'll have the tools you need to negotiate a deal. It's also a good idea to have a sense of how much money you want to put down. If you need help putting together your budget, use an online car affordability calculator, such as the one by MoneyUnder30.com. more Do Your Research The last thing you want to do is arrive at the showroom without doing any research. What kind of vehicle do you need? If you have a large family, you may want a three-row SUV or minivan, or if you have a long commute, consider a fuel-efficient option. Resources such as U.S. News and World Report rank cars based on real-world data. You can search for things such as “best cars for families” or “ best used full-size trucks.” Test Drive Your Prospects Once you've narrowed down your options, head to Tom O'Brien - Indianapolis for a test drive. If you're buying pre-owned, it's a good idea to inspect the car to ensure it's in good working order. Listen for squeaks, rattles, or whining noises. Check the body for dents, rust, and cracks in the windshield. Turn on the infotainment system and the A/C, roll the power windows down, and make sure to take your test drive to the highway, so you can see how it performs at speeds over 55 miles per hour. Boost Your Credit Score Having a good idea of your credit score will help you negotiate your interest rate. If your credit isn't as great as you hoped, use these tips to give it a boost: Always pay your bills on time. Make frequent, "micro" payments throughout the month to keep balances low. Dispute any errors on your report. If you don't already have credit, apply for a secured credit card backed by a cash deposit. Financing Options Get to know your financing options, including direct lending and dealership financing. You may choose to borrow money directly from a bank, finance company, or credit union, or you can apply for financing through the dealership. Pay attention to the interest rate and the period of time in which you'll have to pay. The higher the interest rate and the longer the term, the more your new car will cost you. Avoid buyer's remorse when shopping for a car with these steps. Having a clear picture of your budget and vehicle requirements will help power you through negotiations with confidence. Image via pexels.com

When you read "SUV," you automatically think of Jeep: or at least you should. The 2020 Jeep Renegade Altitude 4x4 is exactly the vehicle that should be parked in your driveway at the end of the day. All-Terrain Power Being a 4x4 beast, the 2020 Jeep Renegade is more than perfect for off-roading, as you'd expect. This is thanks in part to its multiple features, including the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control. The Renegade's ground clearance measures a spectacular 8.7 inches, and it has a 30.5-degree approach angle, 25.7-degree breakover angle, and a 34.3-degree departure angle. more Efficiency The Jeep Active Drive system offers the possibility of switching between two and four-wheel drive to help you with fuel usage if 4x4 isn't needed. Getting through the roughest places is easy while driving the Altitude model, which is supported by four, 17-inch gloss black aluminum wheels. This set also comes packed with all-season tires. On the road, on dirt, or even in the rain and snow, the Renegade gets the job done. Unique Design The Renegade Altitude is definitely a car you'd remember seeing when you're stopped at the red light. So, why not be the one behind the steering wheel? The SUV has a seven-slot grille, fog lamp surrounds, and tail lamp bezels that changed the game of design. With a classy, leather-wrapped interior, this elegant Jeep comes with a variety of possibilities for the exterior. You have no fewer than 10 colors to pick from, so even the pickiest driver will be satisfied. Driving Pleasure There are 2 options regarding the sound system. One is the Uconnect 4 with a 7-inch display and the other one is the Uconnect 4C NAV with the 8.4-inch display. Stay in touch with your loved ones by connecting your smartphone to the navigation system, which is very intuitive to use. You feel in control and in touch at the same time. As for the drive itself, a 2.4L I4 Zero Evap MultiAir engine is the standard option for the 2020 Renegade Altitude. It comes paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, providing incredible smooth shifts to give you satisfaction on those long rides. Luxury When it comes to pricing, the Jeep Renegade offers much more than the expectations given by the numbers. From the performance-oriented engine to the black leather seats and the beautiful aluminum wheels to the big navigation system screen, you have already saw Jeep doesn't take luxury lightly. You also get 2 sunroof options: either a dual-pane, panoramic Power Sunroof, which creates a really cozy atmosphere, or a “My Sky power,” which is a great removable sunroof. It's pretty safe to say by now that the Jeep Renegade Altitude is a great choice. Visit Tom O'Brien today to get this beautiful (and yet very affordable) compact SUV. Take it for a test drive and experience the luxury, effeciency, power, and pleasure for yourself.

For a city that offers a little of everything, look no further than the state capital, Indianapolis, IN. This thriving city is known for its history, arts and culture, and great shopping. Located on the White River, the city's scenic skyline lights up the night.  We love the capital for another reason, great food! 5 Great Spots for Delivery and Takeout in Indianapolis, IN 1. The Eagle This popular chain restaurant can't be beat when it comes to all things chicken. They take free-range chickens and brine them in a secret salt. Popped into the fryer, the chickens come out crispy, golden-brown on the outside, and full of juicy flavors on the inside. From there, pick your style, slapped between bread for a sandwich, or nestled on greens for a hearty salad. Purists will go for their fried chicken plain, served with one of the restaurant's many Southern-style side dishes. We can't resist a good mac-n-cheese, and you shouldn't either. more 2. Slapfish This new seafood restaurant just opened and is already receiving rave reviews. They bill themselves as a modern seafood shack, but the flavors are anything but humble. How do you like your lobster? This place offers at least two irresistible versions, from the traditional lobster roll to the uniquely named Clobster, a grilled cheese sandwich loaded with lobster and crab. Check out their housemade pickles for a different side dish that pairs quite well with fish. 3. Root and Bone For the ultimate in farm to table cuisine, grab delivery or take-out from Root and Bone. They use locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce to produce the authentic flavors of the American Midwest and South. For starters, we love the drunken deviled eggs which use local eggs and pickled beets. From there, we suggest the popular braised short rib meatloaf followed by the decadent sticky toffee bread pudding. They even have carry-out deals available, so be sure to check their website. 4. Delicia The food at this trendy restaurant is Latin-inspired. They pulled recipes from the Caribbean, South America, and Spain and blended them into a unique fusion that patrons love. On Sunday, the restaurant is devoted to brunch. Diners can find entrees such as huevos rancheros, shrimp and grits, and breakfast enchiladas stuffed with duck. Those with a sweet-tooth can indulge in house-made churros and the luxurious tres leches cake. 5. Apocalypse Burger We'll admit it, we would order delivery or take-out from this restaurant simply because of the terrific name. They offer unique sandwiches like fried mushroom and the Monte Cristo, but the burgers are where it's at. We love the smashpocalypse- a juicy patty drenched in manchego cheese and bbq sauce. Burgers can be made keto-friendly with the substitution of lettuce for buns at no additional charge. To experience the very best in the big city, you'll need a great car. Come down to Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram today and test drive one of our great models. Our family-run dealership has been serving the community since 1931 and is committed to excellence.

If you're looking for a combination daily driver and rugged sport vehicle, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is the best choice. It not only offers a diverse range of features and options, but it combines the best of Jeep's world-renowned capability with the interior comfort of a sedan. Take a look at the many features and options for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee and learn what's available to see if the Cherokee is the right choice for you. Trims This vehicle's trim levels give you a bundle of different features and enhancements that help you tailor it to your needs. The Cherokee comes in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk models, which offer a range of different features. All models come with LED headlamps, fog lights, and taillamps, and you'll have plenty of options to customize your wheels and tires for a unique look. Several features are available, such as a hands-free power liftgate for cargo loading convenience, a windshield wiper deicer, remote-activated approach lights, body-color bumpers, roof rails, and more. more Engine The Cherokee comes equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that offers 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. Several engine upgrades are available including a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque and a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that makes great use of the engines' available power. Performance Regardless of the engine you choose, the Cherokee has pleasant road manners and a comfortable ride, especially with the upgraded suspension. It's maneuverable and controlled for daily driving situations, but it can also tackle the off-road trails with ease. Front-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional. Properly equipped with the Tow Package, the Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds. If you're looking for off-road capability, the specialized Trailhawk model includes a bevy of performance enhancements, such as a performance suspension, extra ground clearance, better approach and departure angles, a locking rear differential, and traction management software. Interior Inside, the Cherokee has the space and comfort of a sedan with ample head- and legroom for passengers. The rear seats slide fore and aft for better passenger space or cargo configuration, and with the seats folded flat, the maximum cargo space is an expansive 54.9 cubic feet. The cabin uses high-quality materials with plush, supportive seating, high-end upholstery, and ample interior storage spaces for passengers. The entertainment technology is great for long hauls as well, especially with the available media features like satellite and HD radio. Safety Features Safety is important for an SUV, whether you're hitting the trails or driving on city streets. The Cherokee offers numerous safety features for peace of mind, such as lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, satellite traffic and navigation, hill descent control, and other features are available. With all these features, you'll have a full range of visibility, awareness, and collision protection to keep you safer on the road. Image via jeep.com

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum opened in 1956 to share mementos and cars from the Indianapolis 500 race. Over time, it has transformed and grown into an enormous museum full of history and fun. 1. Tours Take a tour to see behind the scenes of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Inside the museum you can find unique and rare racing memorabilia, while outside you can take a lap around the track. Depending on the tour option you choose, you can make a stop at the Yard of Bricks, Pagoda Plaza, and Gasoline Alley. One-on-one tours and discussions with professional guides, enjoying refreshments, and seeing key landmarks should all be on your list of activities. more 2. Exhibits Current Exhibit “Granatelli: Larger Than Life presented by O'Donovan & McCardel Wealth Management of Raymond James” tells the tale of Andy Granatelli, the man who made STP Oil Treatment a global brand and brought technologically advanced cars to the Indianapolis 500. In 1969, he won the race with driver Mario Andretti. Permanent Exhibits "Winning Cars of the Indianapolis 500" features more than 25 vehicles spanning over 100 years. The IMS Museum also displays the Borg-Warner trophy, the annual prize for Indianapolis 500 winners. Also featured are historic memorabilia, bricks from the original track built in 1909, and the personal collection of Rudolf Caracciola. Tony Hulman Theatre Featuring an 8-minute video that tells the history of the IMS Museum. The Gallery Opened in 2016, the gallery features fine art and photography related to racing. Photo Car Experience sitting in a real race car from the Indy 500. Purchase a printed photo or use your own camera for free. 3. Educational Programs The IMS Museum provides fun and exciting programs to learn about some of the people, innovations, and history of the racetrack. To make learning more accessible, the museum provides lesson plans for teachers to use with their students. 4. Hall of Fame Honoring drivers, team owners, mechanics, engineers, designers, journalists, historians, and more for their contributions to the sport of racing, the IMS Hall of Fame was created so these important people will not be forgotten. 5. Events The Distinguished Speaker Series Featuring discussions and stories by drivers, team owners, family, and friends, this is a place to hear firsthand accounts from people who are a part of the history of the IMS. Fuel Up Fridays You can begin your Friday at the track, enjoying coffee and conversations with current and retired drivers, racetrack officials and members of the media. Guest speakers will share stories and participate in a Q&A during this free, one-hour, members-only event. Memorabilia Meet This annual event brings collectors and dealers from all over, featuring autographed photos, posters, programs, diecast cars, and more. Indianapolis Historic Racing Exhibition The IMS Museum hosts approximately 70 historic race cars on the weekend of the Indy 500, including present-day drivers, owners, and mechanics. The Indianapolis Historic Racing Exhibition (IHRE) has a driving display on the 2.5-mile IMS track. Historic vehicles drive around the oval course to showcase the adventure and innovation that the Indianapolis 500 is known for. Whether going for a special occasion or to tour the permanent installations, you are guaranteed to have fun. Show up at the IMS Museum in style with a vehicle from Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Image via pixabay.com

Thanks to performance and versatility, the 2020 Ram 2500 is a standout pickup. It's Motortrend's Truck of the Year for two years running — for good reasons. This model offers new truck shoppers a perfect middle ground between the light-duty 1500 and the mammoth 3500. Let's review its top five impressive features. 1. Pick Your Dream Truck Ram released this model year's 2500 in a wide variety of configurations. If you're in the market for a heavy-duty truck, there's a variant designed just for you. It's available in six trim levels from the base Tradesman to the luxurious Limited. There's the off-roading Power Wagon edition, and the midrange Big Horn, Laramie, and Longhorn models. Choose your cab in one of three configurations, including regular with an 8-foot bed, crew with a 6.4-foot box, and the mega cab that seats up to six people. more 2. Out-Perform the Competition Take on any challenge with the confidence this truck bestows. With best-in-class horsepower and improved fuel economy, the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 gasoline engine delivers. You'll get an outstanding 4,010-pound payload capacity and plenty of efficiency to get the job done at work or play. Tow a boat or loaded trailer up to 19,680 pounds when equipped with the 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. Enjoy the convenience of Ram's available class-exclusive auto-level rear air suspension that automatically adapts to shifting loads. Also exclusive to the Ram 2500, you'll appreciate the RamBox cargo management system to stow away all your tools and plug into the bed's 115-volt power outlet. 3. Big Truck, Big Tech Enjoy Ram's largest-in-class available12-inch touch screen with split-screen capability, a customizable home screen, and familiar pinch-and-zoom technology. Ram included plenty of physical controls for key features, making them easy to access on the go. With advanced smartphone integration thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can listen to your favorite playlist, make and receive calls, use navigation apps, and more. It also touts the most speakers available in a heavy-duty truck: 17 to be exact. 4. Form Meets Function It's okay to stare at the new Ram 2500. It boasts sharp styling and available full-LED headlamps. Let your gaze linger on the Power Wagon's distinctive grille, powder-coated tailgate, and off-roading wheel flares. Sure, you want your truck to perform, and with the new 2500, you can enjoy both form and function. You get both with a range of distinctive wheel designs, including available 20-inch polished aluminum rims. Ride high in style on the job site, cruising the highway, and fording the creek. 5. Ensuring Peace of Mind Ram engineered the 2500 pickup to keep you and your crew safe. Enjoy a slew of available safety and security features, like two trailer cameras, and Ram's LaneSense bundle with lane departure warning and lane-keep assist. You'll also appreciate the added confidence of forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, ParkSense, and blind spot monitoring, plus a 360-degree surround-view camera. The new 2500  heavy-duty pickup is all about extreme performance and comfort. See what this truck has to offer at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Indianapolis today! Image via ramtrucks.com

Ice cream is a sweet treat that evokes serious nostalgia. Its creamy, cold goodness provides an instant pick-me-up, melting away our troubles with every lick, no matter our age. Enjoy some of the city's best at these awesome Indianapolis ice cream parlors. Note: Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, please verify hours of operations by contacting the businesses directly. 1. Lick: 1125 East Brookside Avenue, Suite C-7B Making ice cream is a labor of love for local sisters Meredith and Kelly. The dynamic duo's homemade ice cream was such a hit at social gatherings, they decided to take the plunge and launch their own business in 2010. Fans couldn't get enough of their unusual flavor combinations, such as lavender lemon poppyseed, salted caramel and sage, and gorgonzola candied pecan. All varieties are available by the pint or scoop. The menu changes weekly, encouraging return visits. Sample the flavors at Lick's headquarters in the Circle City Industrial Complex. Alternatively, visit the Lick stalls at the Broad Ripple and Garfield Park farmers markets. more 2. Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium: 5535 East Washington Street and 1049 East 54th Street Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium is another Indy family-owned success. Its mother-daughter team began chatting about running their own ice cream parlor over pizza at Jockamo's. Just two months later, Cassie and her mom, Patty, opened the doors of their original East Washington Street location. In 2019, they opened a new Wyliepalooza in the SoBro community. Its unusual name is a tribute to Cassie's daughter, whom Patty affectionately calls Wylie. Wyliepalooza Ice Cream Emporium has a massive ice cream menu, including nondairy Italian ices and nondairy soy ice creams. If you can't decide, Wylie recommends her favorite, Zanzibar chocolate! 3. BRICS: 901 East 64th Street and 45 West 40th Street BRICS, short for Broad Ripple Ice Cream Station, is a modern ice cream parlor. It serves its samples on sustainable metal spoons and has a vegan-friendly case for patrons avoiding dairy. A revolving menu of 36 dairy and nondairy ice cream flavors provides plenty of choices. You can also enjoy shakes, coffees, and cookies. The outdoor deck, overlooking the Monon Trail, is the perfect place for enjoying your treats in warm weather. When the mercury dips, savor your ice cream by BRICS' crackling fire. You can also order takeaways in waffle cones or compostable cups. 4. Sundae's: 9922 East 79th Street The Sundae's website proudly proclaims it serves the “best ice cream in Indy.” Its competition might disagree, but its multiple awards show it's certainly a contender for the title. Sundae's claims its ingredients make all the difference. It uses only the best products to make sure its flavors ring true. More than 30 rotating flavors sit alongside Sundae's staples, such as Graham Central Station and key lime pie. Frozen yogurts and sorbets complement the popular ice creams. Enjoy your scoops in a cone or cup, or indulge in a sundae or ice cream pie. The ice creams at these Indy parlors are so good they'll make you scream for more. Thankfully, they're all so close you can easily visit whenever those ice cream cravings strike. Image via pexels.com

In March, CNET declared the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica the best minivan money can buy. It's an excellent choice for families of all sizes. Take a closer look at the features that make the 2020 Pacifica such a stellar vehicle for you and your clan. 1. Plenty of Space for Family and Essentials Families rarely travel light. Once your kids come along, outings without them become distant memories. You'll find you're carrying more, too, including more groceries and more luggage. That's why Chrysler maximizes passenger and storage space. The Pacifica's three-row, seven-seat design isn't unusual for this class. However, the Stow ‘N Go seats in models with the standard motor are very unique. They don't just fold down for extra storage. They fold flat to the floor to optimize storage. The new Pacifica's floor also has built-in storage bins for an organizational boost. more 2. Impressive Fuel Economy Between sports practices and matches, play dates, family outings, and road trips, many families spend a lot of time on the road. The last thing they need is financial pain at the pump. The standard Pacifica performs admirably, getting 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The hybrid is predictably the star, though. You can drive for more than 23 miles on the electric engine before the gas motor takes over. It's worth noting that the Pacifica Hybrid is the only hybrid minivan on the market. 3. Top Infotainment on Board The Pacifica comes with Chrysler's popular Uconnect infotainment system. The audio control knobs and buttons might seem a little old-fashioned at first, but they're more responsive than many touch screens. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both integrate seamlessly with this system. That means your kids can easily select their favorite digital playlists while you're on the move. The Pacifica is also a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot offering fast connectivity wherever you are. Teens will appreciate being able to update social media while traveling without eating into their own data plans. 4. Impressive Safety Features Safety features are the most important consideration for many parents. We all want comfort and style, but nothing matters more than knowing we're protecting our loved ones. You can rest easy driving a 2020 Pacifica, as Chrysler offers almost every driver assistance feature imaginable. Many come standard across the line, including blind-spot monitor, rear parking sensors, and rear automated emergency braking. The 2020 Pacifica also excelled in Insurance Institute of Highway Safety crash tests. Good results for all tested areas should provide real peace of mind. You won't mind paying more for extra peace of mind, though. For added assurance, get the Advanced SafetyTec package. Its useful extras include a 360-degree exterior camera, adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems. A 2021 Pacifica will launch later this year, but critics and American families agree you needn't wait for the new model. Take the family for a test drive of the 2020 model at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Indianapolis today. Image via chrysler.com

The warm summer weather in Indianapolis, Indiana, makes this perfect time for you to visit some of the delicious restaurants in the area. You can enjoy the outdoors and great food while you spend time with friends or family members. Keep reading to learn about some of the best Indy dining spots for a warm day. 1. Burgerhaus Want great food and a great view? Visit Burgerhaus for a patio with an appealing view of the canal, great burgers, craft beers, and unique salads. Their beef patties use a custom blend of the quality cuts infused with a wide variety of savory seasonings. The Monaco has a pretzel bun, white cheddar, mushrooms, sauteed onions, arugula, avocado, and fine wine mayonnaise. Choose the Vienna for applewood-smoked bacon, bacon jam, beer-braised onions, Provolone cheese, mayonnaise, and arugula on a brioche bun. Vegans can try the Haus burger with an Impossible patty, a black bean patty, or a Portobello mushroom cap. Appetizers include fried pickles with homemade sauce, homemade guacamole, onion rings, hummus, and buffalo shrimp. This place is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and it closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. You can enjoy your meal while watching paddleboaters and passers-by. more 2. Iozzo's Garden of Italy If Italian food is what you want, look no further. At Iozzo's Garden of Italy, the patio is behind a wooden fence and two neighboring buildings. The intimate courtyard has long strands of festive lights, and you can watch a classic movie or listen to Frank Sinatra while you enjoy your meal. The lobster ravioli also has rock shrimp and tomato cream sauce, and the pasta carbonara comes with linguini, tomatoes, fresh egg cream sauce, and pancetta, a type of salami. For lunch, try the meatball sub with mozzarella, provolone, and homemade sauce. For dinner, you can choose fettuccini Alfredo with a crab cake, chicken, shrimp, or broccoli and mushrooms. You can visit from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, or from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. 3. The Eagle For a lively patio with several fire pits and a full bar, visit The Eagle. It has a cheerful atmosphere, and it's famous for its fried chicken. Whole chickens and half chickens are available, and you can sample a variety of unique gourmet versions of Southern favorites. You can get a fried chicken BLT with fried chicken breast, bacon, tomatoes, mixed greens, jalapeno honey mayonnaise, Italian bread, and avocado relish. The blackened shrimp po boy has blackened grilled shrimp, smoked onion remoulade, blackened grilled shrimp, avocado relish, and lettuce. Appetizers include brown sugar bacon, hush puppies, and country sausage and kale dip with a five-cheese blend and warm tortilla chips. They're open Wednesday through Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m. At these delicious restaurants, you can taste excellent food while you get some fresh air. These places are ideal for relaxing and enjoying a warm day with friends or family members. Image via pixabay.com

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator pickup is similar to the popular Wrangler, but it comes with lots of unique features. You can select Sport, Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, or North Edition trim levels. Continue reading to learn some of the ways that this versatile vehicle is unique. 1. An Eye-Catching Look The 2020 Gladiator has a rugged, boxy look with Jeep's seven-slot grille, round headlights, 17-inch wheels, all-season tires, cargo tie-down loops, and fog lights. It's the only convertible truck available, and you can choose a black soft top or a removable black or body-colored hard top. You can also take off the lightweight aluminum doors and fold down the windshield for an exciting open-air driving experience. The 5-foot steel bed can handle heavy loads, and you can set the tailgate in three positions: open, closed, and partially open. You can choose 18-inch wheels, a bed liner, a bed cover to protect cargo, side steps, a sliding rear window, exterior LED lighting, and all-terrain tires or mud tires. An optional weatherproof 115-volt power outlet for the truck bed makes using devices like portable fans easy, and a switch in the cab controls the outlet. The Rubicon trim adds hood vents, 33-inch tires, a steel rear bumper, rock rails, and more. more 2. Excellent Performance This truck performs well on the highway or off-road. It's maneuverable and fun to drive on commutes or long trips, and it has great acceleration. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine generates 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and it uses stop-start technology to conserve fuel by preventing idling in traffic. A six-speed manual transmission controls it, and an eight-speed automatic transmission is available. Its Selec-Speed Control system lets you maintain your speed off-road without using the brakes or the accelerator. The high air intakes and ground clearance let you travel through streams up to 30 inches deep, and all-wheel drive is standard. It sends power to the wheels that need it most for better traction. You can select off-road shocks, a TrailCam off-road camera to help you avoid obstacles, and an integrated trailer brake controller. The Gladiator can pull up to 7,650 pounds and haul up to 1,700 pounds, so you'll have no trouble taking a boat or trailer to your favorite vacation spot. 3. A Comfortable, Attractive Interior The 2020 Gladiator's interior combines advanced technology with a vintage look. It has a straight dash, round air vents, folding rear seats, a 5-inch touch screen, controls on the steering wheel, voice recognition, and eight speakers. You can also choose leather seats, ambient lighting, a 7-inch or 8.4-inch touch screen, keyless entry, push-button start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB charging ports, and a waterproof, chargeable Bluetooth speaker. Set the optional heated front seats and heated steering wheel to turn on automatically in cold weather. Visit Tom O'Brien CDJR - Indianapolis for more information about the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. We have a wide inventory of Gladiators, so you can take a close look and decide which features of this unique truck you like best. Image via jeep.com

If you have a furry friend, chances are you have had to take them in the car. As much as we love our pets, they can create quite a mess in our vehicles. Read on for five tips to help you protect your vehicle from your favorite sidekick. 1. Keep Your Pet Groomed Making sure your pet receives frequent grooming or baths can go a long way in keeping your car clean. Clean pets will leave less hair, dirt, and oils in your vehicle. Keeping Fido clean will also prevent fleas and flea dust from infiltrating your car. Make sure that nail trimming is included in your pet's grooming or regular bathing schedule. Long pet nails can puncture upholstery, resulting in costly repairs. more 2. Cover Your Seats Protect your upholstery by using durable seat covers and floor mats. Seat covers should ideally be machine washable for easy cleanup after a trip with your pet. For your floor, choose plastic mats or rubber liners to create an easy-to-clean and nonskid surface. Seat and floor covers are great if you have a pet that gets carsick often. Clean mats and liners can be kept in the trunk when not in use. 3. Give Your Pet a Secure Space You can improve the cleanliness of your vehicle by restricting your pets to one area of your vehicle. Pets should be secured in the back seat with a seat belt harness or in a crate. Be sure to secure crates so that they don't slide in your vehicle. By limiting the area your pet can explore, you not only make the trip safer for everyone, but you limit the areas you need to pet-proof and/or clean after a trip. 4. Be Mindful of Feeding Times and Bathroom Breaks To prevent an upset stomach while in the car, feed your pets a light meal three to four hours before you plan to leave. It is also a good idea to provide bottled water for your pets if traveling far away from home. Water from distant locations can cause an upset stomach while in the car. Make sure your pet goes to the bathroom before getting into the car. When on long trips, be sure to include bathroom breaks for your furry friend. Frequent breaks to go to the bathroom and stretch will decrease the likelihood of an accident happening in your car. 5. Keep a Cleanup Kit in Your Car Prevent permanent staining and odors by cleaning up pet messes as quickly as possible. Keeping a stocked cleanup kit in your car will make cleanup quick and easy no matter where you are. Cleanup kits should include lint rollers, spot-removers, cleaning solutions, a waste scoop, plastic bags, paper towels, wipes, towels, blankets, and air fresheners. Be sure all cleaners are both pet safe and the correct cleaning materials for your car. Using these five tips can help make every car ride more enjoyable for both humans and pets alike. If you need some new wheels for your next road trip, head over to see us at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram - Indianapolis today. Image via pexels.com