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A day at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis, Indiana, will take you through a timeline of the state's history with interactive displays throughout. The museum is located at 650 W. Washington St., in White River State Park. Check its website for current days, hours and admission charges. Pre-History It all starts with a geology lesson on how the Earth was formed. The highlight of this room is the 8-foot-tall multimedia globe where you can watch as the continents move and connect, view other planets of the solar system, or check out maps showing population density, education, or other data. The skeleton of Fred the Mastodon, found near Fort Wayne, leads you to the next area, dominated by fossils and an ice age cave you may walk through. From there you move on to landscapes showing native wildlife, with buttons that allow you to hear the sounds made by various animals. more 19th and 20th Century After an introduction to the Native Americans of the area, go upstairs to the second floor. There, you see an overview of the times leading up to statehood in 1816, and life in the state in the 1800s. You can experience various types of early roads, try your hand at choosing supplies for a journey west, or get the feel of sawing and splitting firewood. Various artifacts from the period are explained, providing a sense of life at the time. A three-story diorama and a video describe the importance of the limestone industry in the southern part of the state. Displays detailing Indiana's connections to World War I, the Ku Klux Klan, and breweries lead you to more recent cultural exhibits, from World War II to the present day. You get to see how the war affected life back home in Indiana, which dealt with rationing and war bond drives. Then see artifacts of life from the 1950s through the end of the 20th century. Be sure to visit the Legacy Theater, where a perspective of the African-American experience in Indiana resides. Interactive panels give you a sense of what early African-American residents endured. Next is a room dedicated to national cultural figures from 1900s Indiana, from Emmett Kelly to Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. You can check out the display of photos and descriptions while a video montage plays on. You might discover popular figures you didn't realize came from the state. The historical rundown concludes with a section on Indiana broadcasting. A video terminal explains various parts of the industry's history, from early radio to the latest wireless go-anywhere-with-it video. Traditions and Rotating Exhibits A can't-miss exhibit is surrounded by a circular staircase. A three-story Foucault pendulum that was at the center of the state museum's former building still swings back and forth, demonstrating the Earth's rotation as it knocks over small panels. The third floor offers rotating exhibits, such as sculptures made of Lego blocks, works by Hoosier artists, or World War I propaganda posters and songs. If that's not enough, the museum also houses the state's largest IMAX screen; both documentaries and popular films are shown. Image via pixabay

If you get your car, truck, or SUV checked and maintained often by a professional, you can find and fix any problems before they impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency, performance, or safety. You can extend your car's life as well. A thorough history of routine maintenance will also increase its value if you decide to sell or trade it. For the best technicians, warranty protection, and state-of-the-art facilities, schedule regular tune-ups at your dealership. The Best Technicians Available Dealers hire technicians who are trained by the manufacturer. They have lots of experience working on the vehicles the dealer sells, and they use only original parts from the manufacturer. They also have access to the all the latest information about your car, such as recalls or technical service bulletins. At Tom O'Brien CDJR North, all technicians get frequent training to learn about new technologies, tools, and repair techniques. Dealerships offer better pay than small auto shops so that they can attract the most talented technicians. They have to pay manufacturers and meet their customer satisfaction standards to work under their names. This means that dealers will work hard to make everyone happy. more Warranty Protection Many warranties require regular maintenance from a dealership to stay valid. Manufacturers pay their dealers for covered repairs, so you won't be able to take advantage of your warranty at an unaffiliated shop. Most new Rams come with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty for diesel vehicles and a five-year, 60,000-mile warranty for gas cars. They also come with a three-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. You can even take advantage of free towing to the nearest Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealer. Extended warranties are available, and you can get repairs at any of your vehicle manufacturer's dealerships, not just the one where you bought the car. This is especially convenient if you've moved since your purchase or if you travel often. State-of-the-Art Facilities A small auto shop will never be able to match the resources of an established dealership. Instead of a few mechanics who might not have much experience, you can deal with a network of specialized technicians and salespeople. Dealers often get help from manufacturers and other investors for equipment and startup costs. They have the resources to build large service bays for commercial vehicles. They can also make their facilities large enough to keep people from having to wait or call for an appointment to get their cars serviced. They're cleaner, more organized, and better maintained, with a wide selection of parts and accessories and the skills to install them. Tom O'Brien CDJR North is part of the O'Brien Automotive Family. This four-generation business started in 1931, and it has multiple locations in the Indianapolis area. Our expert service department can handle regular tune-ups and all your other repair needs, from installing accessories to collision repair. With our Mopar Express Lane service, you can get a thorough tuneup without a long wait. Discounts on a range of services are available, including auto air conditioner or heater inspections, oil changes, and tire replacements. Visit us for a great deal on your next vehicle and outstanding service. Image via pixabay

Indianapolis has several delicious Italian restaurants. You can find a cool pizza place, an excellent family establishment, or an ideal spot for a romantic date. Many area restaurants have been in business for decades, and they use authentic Italian techniques. Here are some of the best Indianapolis restaurants for an awesome Italian meal. Iaria's Italian Restaurant This family-owned diner and bar has been around since 1933, and it has a laid-back, retro atmosphere where people can laugh and have fun with friends and family. You'll find all the Italian favorites here, including baked penne, spaghetti, ravioli, cheese tortellini, meatball parmesan, chicken marsala, and lasagna. Try the fettuccini with Iaria's original clam sauce. It's made with sherry, baby clams, and crushed red peppers. You can also try the seafood pasta with shrimp, scallops, and mussels. The thin-crust pizza bianco has grilled chicken, bacon, provolone cheese, and alfredo sauce. Iaria's, located in the Fletcher Place neighborhood, is open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. They stay open until 10 p.m. on Fridays, and they're open from 4:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. They're closed Sunday and Monday. more Mama Carrolla's Mama Carrolla's Old Italian Restaurant opened in 1997. It's in a charming, Mediterranean-style South Broad Ripple villa that was built in the 1920s, and the food is a lot like the traditional dishes Mama Carrolla prepared for her family. USA Today called it one of the 50 Most Romantic Restaurants, and it's earned many other awards as well. Start with the fried ravioli or a portabella mushroom stuffed with crab meat and cheese. You can also try the Sicilian asparagus patties. They come with asparagus, egg, parmesan, bread crumbs, and a lemon aioli. For the main course, try the rosemary chicken lasagna. It has wild mushrooms, spinach, ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and a tomato butter sauce. The clam linguine has fresh mushrooms sautéed in butter, lots of parmesan, and a splash of Crown Royal. Almost all their dishes are available gluten-free. Napolese This artisanal pizzeria, an offshoot of the popular Cafe Patachou, uses local produce, meats, and cheeses. The pizzas are baked in a stone hearth with homemade dough and tomato sauce. The appetizers and salads change often, and they showcase nearby farmers. Try the smoked salmon pizza with dilled creme fraiche, capers, leeks, garlic, and olive oil. There's an extensive wine list, and you can make your pizza crust gluten-free. For dessert, check out the sweet pizza with Nutella, chocolate sauce, powdered sugar, and gelato. You can choose from three convenient locations, one downtown and two on the north side. You can discover many other excellent Italian restaurants in Indianapolis, whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat, a fun place to hang out, or a unique culinary experience. Relax, have fun, try some new dishes, and make memories with your friends, your family, or a new acquaintance. Image via pixabay

Whether you are keen on dune riding in the desert, driving to a country cabin in the mountains, or taking a short trip to your local beach, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will easily do the trick. Redesigned and refined, it is much more user-friendly than previous models and more in demand than ever. Here are a few reasons why you will enjoy some off-road activities in your new 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Four-Wheel Drive Jeep has been synonymous with off-road driving as far back as World War II. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler continues this legacy with the three 4x4 systems: the Selec-Trac, the Command-Trac, and the Rock-Trac, all which give legendary off-road functionality. Engage in four-wheel drive, and enjoy the excitement of overcoming the obstacles in your path and getting a grip on muddy terrains. There are no separate settings for mud, rock, or sand on the Wrangler, but instead there is the part-time four-wheel drive system that you shift into. A 50/50 split of torque is delivered to the front and rear axles giving the Jeep powerful traction to maneuver out of the tightest spots. Low range gives the low speed all the strength and control needed for off-road driving or for towing. more Practical Features for Off-Roading The 2018 Wrangler is perfect for off-roading in tough terrains due to the following features. Excellent suspension and axle articulation increase flexibility causing the wheels to stay on the ground longer for maximum traction. A higher ground clearance allows the Jeep to drive over most obstacles. Fording small streams is easier with the Jeep's air intake positioned high in the engine compartment. The electrical connections are tightly sealed to stay dry. The ability to lower the windshield and remove the top and doors adds to the exhilarating sense of adventure. Cleaning the interior after a muddy outing is made easy with the wash-out interior feature. Simply remove the carpet and hose down the floor. One-way drain valves let the water flow out and before you know it, your vehicle is back to normal. Trail Rated Badge Each of the 2018 Wranglers carries the Trail Rated badge that is only granted to vehicles that have gone through rigorous testing in the toughest conditions. The tests are performed on the Jeep's traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. Some of the stand-out features on the base model include skid plates and rear tow hooks, an industry-leading approach angle of 41.4 degrees, a breakover angle of 25 degrees, departure angle of 35.9 degrees, ground clearance of 9.7 inches, and up to 29 inches of water fording. The Trail Rated badge proves that the Jeep has an ability to withstand the harshest conditions and deliver the most intense off-road capabilities. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is the most capable of all the Wranglers. The available 33-inch tires, the heavy-duty axle tubes that are stronger, the bigger brakes, the three different 4x4 systems, the steel skid plates, and other features have created a vehicle that can take you places that you never dreamed possible. Image via Pixabay

The Children's Museum of Indianapolis exists to create extraordinary learning experiences across the sciences, arts, and humanities, transforming the lives of children and families in the area. This fascinating museum is packed with please-touch exhibits that will help to educate kids while they have a great time. During a visit to the museum, make sure to check out a few of these awesome exhibits. American POP For older kids who are fascinated with the most current TV shows, movies, and music, American POP is a favorite exhibit. This new permanent exhibit allows you to explore pop culture and how it shapes us and the world in which we live. Listen to the latest tunes, play a guessing game of covers versus original songs, learn more about classic TV and movies along with their famous storylines and props, and rediscover classic toys and games with your family. You can also view issues from the collection of comic books from Max Simon, put your family on the cover of a comic book, and strike a pose as a fashion icon. This exhibit has it all for those who are fascinated by not only current pop culture but also past pop culture and its evolution throughout the years. more Dinosphere Take a step back more than 65 million years in time when you enter the Dinosphere, another permanent exhibit at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. In this fascinating exhibit, you'll come face-to-face with life-size replicas of the skeletons of massive dinosaurs, touch a real bone from a Tyrannosaurus rex, and dig for bones with other future paleontologists. Some of the significant specimens on display include Leonardo, a mummified dinosaur whose fossils were unearthed in 2002, and Bucky, a teenage T. rex. If your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs and fantasy, be sure to check out the Dracorex hogwartsia, a skeleton of a dinosaur that is new to researchers and resembles a dragon from a fairy tale, with a bony head covered in knobs and spikes. ScienceWorks Got a budding scientist in your family? Then ScienceWorks is the exhibit to see. This permanent collection feeds the curiosity of young explorers and scientists, offering exploration into the work of geologists, hydrologists, and naturalists; methods for asking questions of real scientists; and a glimpse into how farmers, engineers, and other professionals use their science skills in their daily work. Climb along the side of a hill to learn more about underground animal species, climb behind the wheel of a combine to protect and harvest plants, or learn more about the formation of caves and what species live in these dark caverns. This exhibit also has living amphibians and provides information about how they live and contribute to their pond habitats. With so much to see and do, it's easy to see why kids love the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. This unique and educational spot is fun for children of all ages. Stimulate the minds of your children by taking them on an incredibly fun outing to the museum. Image via Pixabay

The different signs of tire wear tell an interesting story about the way you drive. Accelerating, braking, and cornering can all contribute to uneven friction on your wheels, causing them to wear down more quickly. Beyond making sure your tires are correctly inflated, help optimize your tire performance by breaking these bad habits. Jumping Off the Line You probably already know that fast acceleration and spinning your tires isn't good for them. While it might feel essential to get the jump on that green light, is it worth replacing expensive tires and increasing the chance of an accident? If you hear your tires squealing, this is a clear sign of impending damage. Tires often spin in place before traction kicks in, launching you off the line. This spinning is unmerciful to your tread.When driving in the city, avoid slamming down on your Chrysler's accelerator as you make your way through traffic. If you don't, your tires will never last as long as the manufacturer intended. more Hard Cornering The faster you take a corner, the harder your tires have to work to keep you on the road. This unnecessary force tears away at your tire's tread, and you might start to notice rounding on the tire's shoulders when you're looking at it straight on. Proper inflation pressure helps optimize the distribution of vehicle load forces in the tread, but only if you're taking those winding roads at the posted speeds. Aggressive handling may also cause warping, high and low spots, and an oblong shape to your wheels. Braking at the Last Minute Do your tires have flat spots? Then chances are you're a heavy breaker. Applying too much force at the last minute may cause your brakes to lock up and your car to skid to a halt on its tires. This habit causes noticeable flat spots in your tread. If you consistently brake hard, it will reduce your tire's remaining tread because of the increased friction. It will also cause abnormal wear patterns and may eventually knock your car out of alignment. Hitting the Curb One common cause of tire tread wear is bouncing off curbs. Yes, we've all done it, but it does affect the condition of your tires if you do it frequently. Hitting the curb or a pothole can knock your wheels out of alignment and can compromise the quality of your car's handling. If you notice signs of wear, such as cracking and bulging or a feather edge on one side of the shoulder, get your tires and your car's alignment checked right away.According to automotive experts, the key to proper alignment is to match the angle of your vehicle's tires and their contact with the road. Chrysler provides precise specifications for all the alignment parameters including camber, toe, and caster. The life of your tires is directly related to how you drive and how quickly your tread wears out. Your tires are there to grip the road, and without adequate hold, you're treading on dangerous ground. Image via Pixabay

When the mood strikes for a cold one, you can find a number of bars throughout Indianapolis, Indiana, that can cure your craving. These are some of the best local bars and lounges, offering great food and drink options, comfortable atmospheres, and plenty of extras. Twenty Tap Twenty Tap is located in SoBro and, as its name suggests, has more than 20 different beer options available on tap at all times. Many of the delicious beer options are brewed locally, offering tasty regional flavors and seasonal vibes. One of the house favorites is the Central State House Belgian Blonde, which comes from the only brewery in the state that focuses primarily on the farmhouse and wilder sides of fermentation. The blonde ale is malty and moderately bitter, offering a craft flavor that appeals to a wider palate. Along with the beer selection, you can also get wine, cocktails, and food. The menu includes appetizers like roasted Brussels sprouts, beer-battered cheese curds, warm soft pretzels, and salads and soups. If you're a burger fan, be sure to try one of the specialty options such as the French breakfast burger, which is topped with Brie, bacon jam, pickled onions, and fries. more Rock Bottom Although Rock Bottom is part of a chain, the location in Indianapolis has one of the best brewmasters in the state. All the beer options on tap at this location are brewed locally. Patrons at this spot enjoy the wheat and IPA beers. The brewing process at Rock Bottom is unique, with special focuses on how the grain is stored and milled and the kettle in which the beer is produced. Sample the Nit Wit, a Belgian Wit beer brewed with coriander and orange peel for a spicy, fruity flavor. If you prefer a more mature beer, ask what's available on cask, which goes through a second fermentation process and is served without extra carbon dioxide. The food menu is also appealing at Rock Bottom. Start your meal with an order of crispy chicken fingers or fried pickles. Next, grab an order of classic or boneless wings, tossed in signature barbecue or Buffalo sauce. You can also dine on steaks, salads, soups, tacos, and other hand-crafted entrees. For your sweet tooth, options include bourbon pecan pie, cheesecake, brownies, and salted caramel toffee. HopCat Another local favorite spot for beer is HopCat, which has hundreds of beers on taps, including macro-brewed pints and local craft options. It's located on College Avenue and is known as the craft beer hub of the city. In addition to the massive beer selection, HopCat offers its signature crack fries, which are beer-battered and sprinkled with the signature seasoning featuring plenty of cracked pepper. You can also add smoked bacon, onions, pickled jalapenos, cheese sauce, cheese curds, caramelized onions, spicy gravy, or scallions to the top of your crack fries. Enjoy a cold beer and maybe some tasty bar food at these local Indianapolis bars. You'll love the extensive menus and the unique vibes at each location. Image via Pixabay

After a decade of minor cosmetic tweaks and upgrades, the fifth-generation Ram 1500 finally hit showrooms in 2018. Marketed as the 2019 model, the Ram 1500 offers all-new amenities, updated looks, and loads of other features drivers will love. It also shrinks from nine trims in 2018 to six trims for the new model year. Despite fewer choices, the six Ram 1500 trims offer enough to please just about any driver. No matter what you use your Ram 1500 for, you're sure to find a trim that suits your tastes and needs. Tradesman The entry-level 2019 Ram 1500 Tradesman is the ideal vehicle for the hard worker who wants to get the job done but doesn't need all the bells and whistles of upper-level trims. This pickup offers both a quad cab and a crew cab, as well as bed lengths of either 6 feet 4 inches or 5 feet 7 inches. Other highlights include improved and upgraded standard features including a rearview camera, the Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch touchscreenn, Bluetooth, and remote keyless entry. more Big Horn/Lone Star Known as the Lone Star in Texas and the Big Horn everywhere else, this Ram 1500 trim has some nice upgrades over the Tradesman. Chrome accents on the exterior provide a striking presence to the bumpers, 20-inch wheels, and grille, while the available sport package adds an even more impressive look. Inside, the Big Horn gets class-exclusive in-floor storage, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, and premium cloth seating. If you need some nicer interior features, the Big Horn does the trick. Laramie The Laramie is the next trim of the 2019 Ram 1500, and the first to offer the best-in-class 12-inch touch-screen display to navigate the Uconnect system, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Heated and cooled leather-trimmed seats make the Laramie unusually comfortable for a large truck, while a 10-speaker Alpine premium sound system makes you feel like you're actually at a concert. If you like nicer things, the Laramie will more than suffice. Rebel The 2019 Rebel is designed specifically for the off-road guru. Featuring larger all-terrain tires, a factory lift, and locking rear differentials, the Rebel is ready to tackle anything thrown in its path. LED headlamps, taillamps, and fog lights offer an alluring look, while also providing the best visibility possible when you're off the pavement. Laramie Longhorn Take everything you love about the Laramie, throw in some extra tech, comfort specs, and a Southwestern motif, and you have the Laramie Longhorn. Two-tone paint and chrome accents highlight the exterior, while leather and real wood grain adorn the interior. With these features, it's the ideal truck for the country boy or girl at heart. Limited If you need a capable vehicle that doubles as a mobile office, or you just like nice things, the Limited is the Ram 1500 you've waited for. The interior comes with the 12-inch touch screen, heated and ventilated seats, and wood grain accents. The exterior features power running boards and an air suspension. From the stripped-down Tradesman to the fully loaded Limited, the Ram 1500 offers a trim to meet your approval. Perhaps the best aspect is that you can't go wrong no matter which model you choose. Image via Ramtrucks.com

Covering 250 acres along the western bank of the White River, White River State Park is arguably one of the most scenic urban parks in the country. Several iconic attractions dot the landscape of the park, while photo-ops and recreational activities abound. Whether you're looking to get some culture, enjoy the outdoors, or learn more about Indiana, here are some must-do activities at White River State Park. Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn Formerly known as the Lawn at White River State Park, the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn is one of the country's best music venues. Opened in 2003, this outdoor venue seats over 50,000 people for a concert event unlike any other. Past artists cover a variety of genres and include the Black Keys, Bob Dylan, Florence and the Machine, The Avett Brothers, LL Cool J, and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Grab your tickets online before the show, or come the day of the show to snag a ticket at the box office. more Indiana State Museum With exhibits featuring art, culture, history, and science, the Indiana State Museum is one of the state's largest museums. In total, the museum houses 452,000 artifacts over 40,000 square feet. On both Level 1 and Level 2, the museum has several permanent exhibits, including three that were recently renovated. These include information about the Ice Age in Indiana, the founding tribes and settlers of Indiana, Civil War artifacts, and other artifacts tied to the history of the Hoosier State. Throughout the year, the museum hosts several traveling or temporary exhibits on a variety of topics. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $14.95 for adults (ages 18 to 59 years), $13.95 for seniors (60 years and older), $12.95 for Indiana college students with a valid ID, $9.95 for children (ages 3-17 years), and free for children under age 3. IMAX Theater If you're in the mood for a flick or you're not into museums, you can still hop inside the Indiana State Museum's IMAX Theater. Featuring a six-story screen, this IMAX theater is the biggest in the state. A 12,000-watt premium sound system electrifies the setting. Head in for an educational movie or one of the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Tickets for non-educational films are $16.50 for adults (ages 13 and over), $13.50 for children (ages 3-12), and free for children 2 years and under on their parent's lap. Educational movies are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (65 years and older), and $7 for children. NCAA Hall of Champions College sports fans will be in heaven at the NCAA Hall of Champions. Featuring hands-on displays, interactive exhibits, sports simulators, and a retro gym, the hall is a museum experience unlike any other. It has features and information on all 24 varsity college sports, so whether you love famous Hail Marys, buzzer beaters, or heroic performances, you'll find them all here. The Hall of Champions is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults (ages 19-59 years), $3 for youth (6-18 years) and seniors (60 years and older), and free for kids 5 years and under. From sports, music, and entertainment to cultural learning experiences, White River State Park has a little something for everyone. Image via Pixabay

Your car is a freedom outlet, a commuting partner, and an investment all wrapped into one. Chances are you've grown so attached to it that you've named it and perhaps even considered it a close friend. Well, much like your flesh-and-blood friends, you cringe when you hear your car wincing in pain or distress. While rubbing the dash and saying "easy, girl" sometimes works, certain sounds are signs of bigger problems. Keep an ear out for these car noises that scream trouble. Grinding While Braking If you hit the brakes and it sounds like you're dragging a shovel along a piece of sheet metal, it's a sign that you're in dire need of some brake work. Most often, this means you need new brake shoes or brake pads, but other times, it can become so drastic that you might actually ruin the brake rotor or caliper. If you notice this sound, it's best to visit a professional mechanic before you cause even more expensive repairs. Rattling Wheels When your wheels make rattling noises, and you notice your car driving bumpily down the road, chances are there's something awry with how your wheels are attached to the vehicle. Many times this occurs when the lug nuts aren't tightened, which allows the wheel to move at different angles. While this may be the result of an auto shop forgetting to tighten the nuts, there are also reports of miscreants doing it just for a kick. Either way, if your car sounds like coins or metal in a dryer, pull over and check your lug nuts immediately. more Popping or Clicking When Turning When you're making a turn and you notice a popping or clicking noise that stops once you straighten the wheel, this a telltale sign that your constant velocity (CV) joints are going bad. These joints are integral to the operation of your vehicle, as they connect the transmission to the front wheels. When these joints fail, it can drastically lower your vehicle's handling ability. Squealing or Chirping When Starting or Accelerating When your vehicle squeal or chirps every time you fire up the engine or hit the accelerator, your serpentine belt is in danger of going out. This belt is responsible for transferring power from the engine to many of the car's most vital accessories including the air conditioning, alternator, and power steering mechanism. Your car will still run even if the serpentine belt breaks, but you'll be without many of the comfort features of your vehicle. Replacement is relatively easy and one of the cheaper repairs you'll come across. Rumbling Under the Car If you've turned the key to your 1973 Gremlin and it suddenly sounds like a Corvette, you have a problem with your exhaust system. Most often, this is the result of a hole in the exhaust system, but it could also mean you need a new catalytic converter. Unless your car's screaming is coming from the music you're blaring on the radio, serious sounds are excellent warnings of impending problems. Don't take them for granted, or you just might be the one making the troublesome sounds. Image via Pixabay

Built in 1909, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the oldest and most legendary sports venues in the world. Home to the Big Machine Vodka 400 and the Indy 500, the venue seats up to 257,000 fans, and up to 400,000 people with infield seating, making it the largest sports stadium on Earth. For racing fans, there's no better vacation than a visit to this iconic racetrack. If you're planning a trip to the speedway, this guide will help you create an itinerary that gives you the ultimate experience. Race Day The most exciting time to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is on race day. Throughout the year, the racetrack plays host to several high-profile, big-ticket events. Over the second weekend of September, the speedway hosts the Big Machine Vodka 400, formerly known as the Brickyard 400. This pivotal race matches the best drivers from the NASCAR circuit in a battle for vital NASCAR Cup Series points. While the Big Machine Vodka 400 is worth the trip, nothing beats the history, excitement, and speed of the Indianapolis 500. Started in 1911, this Indy Car race is the longest-running race in the country. Every Memorial Day weekend, it pits 33 racers in a 500-mile, 200-lap sprint around the track, often resulting in some of the best drama in professional sports. The pre-race ceremonies, post-race events, and the celebratory milk chug just add to the experience. Book your tickets in advance, as this race is the most popular event in the country. more Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum You don't have to miss out on the speedway just because there isn't a race event scheduled. Instead of watching a race, take a trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Many of the exhibits deal with the heroics and history of the Brickyard 400 and the Indy 500, including the winning cars, photos, and accounts of each race. In addition, the museum houses trophies, artifacts, and plaques honoring the greatest pro racers of all time. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November to February and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from March through October. Admission is $10 for adults (age 16 years and older), $5 for youth (ages 6 to 15 years), and free for children 5 years and under. Red Bull Air Race Car racing is certainly rousing, but the Red Bull Air Race may rival it as the most exhilarating sport in the world. Each October, slightly crazy pilots from around the world test their skills on an aerial course designed to test even seasoned wingmen. Flying at speeds of over 250 mph, the race forces the pilots to do loop-de-loops, make their way through gates, and navigate the tightest turns to lift the trophy. For adrenaline junkies, there's probably no better sport out there. Whether you like watching a celebrated car race, learning about the history of the track and racing royalty, or seeing the latest extreme sport, the Indianapolis 500 has more than enough options to suit your tastes. If you plan on attending, just make sure to buy your tickets early or pick them up at the box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Image via Pixabay

With depreciation rates and prices on the rise, it can be tough trying to find a good deal on a new car. If your budget is better suited for something a little less than new, a pre-owned vehicle might be what you need. They're less expensive and sometimes run just as nice as a brand-new model. Here are four benefits to going the pre-owned route. A Used Vehicle Won't Depreciate as Fast Despite a new car's flawless state, signing off on the paperwork and earning your title as the owner is already enough to devalue it some. Its resale value could plummet up to 40 percent or more in the first year alone and up to thousands of dollars in the following two to three years. While you won't avoid depreciation with a used vehicle, you won't get that big initial hit like the first owner does, nor will your car depreciate as fast. You Can Avoid Paying Unnecessary Fees Most new cars come with a state sales tax that could peak at thousands of dollars, and that's on top of the initial sale price of the car. The same goes for registration fees, which are usually high during the first three to five years of ownership. However, buying a pre-owned vehicle could omit the sales tax and reduce how much you pay for registration fees. Plus, your insurance premium for a used car will likely be less than what you'd pay for a new car. more A Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Runs Like a New Car A certified pre-owned vehicle (CPO) is a used car that's been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned, is typically under six years old, and doesn't have a high odometer reading. Its vehicle history report will also show no records of a major accident or major repairs. Because of these requirements for certification, you could end up with a CPO that has little to no cosmetic damage and runs just as smooth as a new car does. Best of all, CPOs come with an extended manufacturer-backed warranty to help cover the cost of future maintenance. Depending on your plan, you might even get extras such as complimentary roadside assistance and special financing deals. Plus, CPOs tend to boast higher resale values than non-certified used vehicles. Sure, you'll have to pay a bit more to get one, but it's still a cheaper alternative to a newer model. You Won't Have to Pay for Amenities You Don't Need When you buy a new car, you're not just getting something shiny and modern. You're also getting a car that's packed with the latest features on the market, which could be anything from a high-tech infotainment system to an advanced head-up display. And while these amenities are convenient during road trips, they're not always necessary. Not everyone will want to spend more on features like wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, or self-parking technology. And what about heated seats, hands-free lift gates, and power moonroofs? These types of perks could add thousands of dollars to a car, but you won't have to spend as much to get (or not get) them on a used vehicle. Unsure about investing in a pre-owned vehicle? This guide can help make the car-buying process a lot easier! Image via tomobrienindy.com