Now is the time to plan a road trip that you’ll talk about decades later. Whether you travel to the next state or across the entire country, these quick tips will help you plan an unforgettable time with family and friends.

Road Trip 101

Never planned a road trip before? Below are the basics:

1.Choose a fun destination. While a road trip is more about the journey than the destination, having a fun destination makes the journey even more worthwhile. If you need ideas for places to go, National Geographic has a list of the best road trips.

2.Do a little research. Doing a little prep work beforehand ensures that you don’t unknowingly drive by a hidden treasure. It’s also good to have ideas of fun places to eat, sleep, and visit along the way.

3.Be flexible. It’s wise to plan, but make sure you don’t plan out everything. Give yourself the freedom to explore! Read USA Today’s travel tips for advice on how to book a last-minute hotel for less and how to eat healthy while on the road to make the most of your trip.

4.Pack wisely. Don’t pack too little, but don’t pack too much. After all, you have to save room for a few souvenirs. Also make sure you remember to bring a GPS or map, a basic first aid kit, and your camera.

5.Prepare your vehicle. A week or two before you go, schedule a tuneup and oil change for your vehicle at your auto repair shop. These preventative maintenance checks ensure that everything is in order. They also preemptively catch any small glitches before they turn into major breakdowns.

Auto Specialty of Lafayette can help prepare your car for the road ahead. We serve Lafayette — including West Lafayette — and the surrounding IN areas. Whether you need simple servicing or a complex car repair, we’re here to help. Contact us at 765-477-7300 to make an appointment; we look forward to serving you.

#5: Follow the Speed Limit

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, most vehicles become less fuel-efficient if they exceed speeds of 50 mph. Make sure to always follow the posted speed limits. Speeding may seem a little faster, but you’ll end up paying for it in gas—and costly tickets.

• The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that obeying the speed limit can increase fuel-efficiency by 7%–14%. This can save you $0.25–$0.51/gallon.*

#6: Don’t Idle

If you’re waiting for your spouse to grab something from the grocery store, or for your kids to come out of school, remember that extended idling wastes gas. Instead of idling, turn off your engine and give yourself a pat on the back for saving money and the environment.

• Opting to turn off the engine can save you $0.01–$0.04/minute.*

Learn more about these facts and other ways to increase your fuel-efficiency by reading “Owner Related Fuel Economy Improvements,” a study conducted by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc.

One of the best ways to increase your vehicle’s fuel-efficiency is to ensure that it’s running optimally, and Auto Specialty of Lafayette is here to help. We’ve been serving the community of Lafayette, Indiana, for over 25 years. We specialize in everything from a simple oil changes to detailed auto repairs. Our professional mechanics can even work on imported vehicles and diesel trucks. To make an appointment, contact autospecialtyoflafayette.com at 765-477-7300. We look forward to helping your vehicle achieve its best.

*These figures are based on a gas price of $3.25/gallon.

Make these changes and watch the savings accumulate!

#3: Schedule a Tuneup

Since your engine powers your entire vehicle, making sure it’s performing optimally can help increase gas mileage. Below are some indications that you could use an engine tuneup:

• Check-engine light is on
• Less power than normal
• Decreased gas mileage

If your engine seems sluggish, louder than normal, or exhibits any of the above symptoms, it’s time to schedule a car repair.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tuning an engine that isn’t performing optimally will increase fuel-efficiency by an average of 4%. This saves approximately $0.13/gallon.*

#4: Check Your Tires

Many people take their tires for granted, ignoring them until something goes wrong. However, properly caring for them increases fuel-efficiency, driving safety, and the life of the tires. If you’re not sure how to maintain your tires, ask your auto repair specialist. One of the most important tasks is keeping them inflated to the specific psi that your owner’s manual recommends.

Inflating your tires to the correct psi can increase fuel-efficiency by approximately 3%. This saves you $0.10/gallon.*

Read more about how to increase gas mileage in this study.

Whether your vehicle is domestic or imported, Auto Specialty of Lafayette, Inc. can help it perform its best. We also specialize in diesel auto repair. We’ve been serving West Lafayette and the surrounding areas of Indiana for over 25 years. We can handle everything from simple maintenance jobs, such as an oil change, to large, intensive auto repairs. Our knowledgeable mechanics take the time to talk with you about your vehicle, and can also suggest tailored tips on how to increase your car’s fuel-efficiency. To make an appointment, contact us at 765-477-7300.

*These figures are based on a gas price of $3.25/gallon.

While the current gas price directly affects your savings (or lack thereof), you may have more control over your spending than you originally thought. Even little things like promptly taking care of an auto repair or an oil change help your gas tank stay full longer. The next few blogs will give you some simple steps to fuel efficiency that the U.S. Department of Energy recommends.

#1: Drive Responsibly

Life isn’t a race, so you shouldn’t drive like it is—unless you’re a driver for NASCAR. Braking and accelerating quickly, sudden swerving and lane changes, and punching the gas pedal are all factors that decrease your fuel efficiency. They also increase your chances of crashing. To see the ramifications that different driving styles have on fuel efficiency, watch the fascinating test that MotorWeek conducted.

• The U.S. Department of Energy says that driving smoothly can increase your fuel efficiency by 5%–35%. This can save you anywhere from $0.16–$1.07/gallon.*

#2: Use the Correct Oil

Believe it or not, the type of oil you use does affect your vehicle. If you look in your car manual, you’ll find that every vehicle has a grade of oil that the manufacturer recommends. When you get an oil change, make sure to ask for that grade of oil. While such a detail may seem insignificant, adhering to it will help your vehicle perform its best and increase its fuel efficiency.

• Using the right grade of oil can increase your fuel efficiency by 1%–2%. This transfers to $0.03–$0.07/gallon* in savings.

Learn more about how these factors can improve your fuel efficiency in this study.

Whether you need a quick tuneup or a serious car repair, Auto Specialty of Lafayette is here to help. We’re located in Lafayette, Indiana, and are qualified to work on domestic models, imported models, and even diesel trucks. To schedule an appointment today, contact us at (765) 477-7300. We’ll help your vehicles perform their best.

*These figure are based on a gas price of $3.25/gallon

What You Need

Keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in the back of your car will make sure you’re prepared even if something unexpected does happen. Below are some of the most essential items to have in your emergency kit that Edmunds and the DMV list:

• General Items: Flashlight (with extra batteries), road flares, knife, ice scraper, multipurpose tool (including screwdrivers and pliers)
• Car Items: Jumper cables, antifreeze, quart of oil, extra fuses, tire inflator
• Personal Items: Warm blanket, bottles of water, energy bars, gloves, wool socks, small first aid kit

While it’s simple to compile your own kit, especially if you already have these items in your garage, many stores such as Sears, AutoZone, Walmart, and even Amazon sell them. You can find everything from simple and cheap to complex and expensive kits, but don’t feel like you need to buy the most expensive. In most cases, a simple—yet purposeful—emergency kit will do the trick.

Whether you need winterizing advice, a car repair, or just a simple oil change, Auto Specialty of Lafayette keeps your car running at its best all year. We’re located in Lafayette, Indiana, and we serve all the surrounding areas, including Delphi and Crawfordsville. Contact us at 765-477-7300 to make an appointment for your vehicle today.

Preparing your vehicles for the winter is crucial, because being proactive can prevent a serious auto repair during the winter months. As the famous saying goes, “One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Below are a few ways to help prepare the outside of your car for the wintry weather.

Tires

Wintertime often bombards us with slippery situations. Black ice, sleet, hail, and snow make driving on good tires dangerous enough, but driving on old, worn-out tires increases your odds of losing control and getting in an accident. Before the next cold front arrives, check your tires. If your wheels exhibit any of the following signs, then it’s time for a pit stop at the tire store:

• Visible cracks, blisters, or breaks in the tread
• Worn-down treads that are less than 1/16 of an inch in depth
• Bumpy, vibrating sensation while driving

Once you’re sure your tires are in good condition, you also need to check their pressure. As the temperature drops, your tire pressure does, as well. Your car manual should guide you on the appropriate amount of pressure to maintain during the winter, and you can also ask your car repair mechanic.

Many people ask us if winter tires are a necessity. While Indiana snow accumulation can be unpredictable, we always get our fair share of sleet, ice, and other slippery precipitation. Winter tires will give you better maneuverability and traction, making them worthwhile investment for many vehicles.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers may seem like the least of your worries, but they’re almost as essential to your car as an oil change or any other car repair. Having bad wipers is a show stopper; if you can’t see past your windshield—then you certainly can’t drive. During the winter Lafayette experiences freezing rain, snow flurries, and other hazardous windshield obstructions, so make sure you have a reliable pair of wipers before you venture out.

Auto Specialty of Lafayette can winterize your car, inside and out. We’re located in Lafayette, IN, and our professionals work on both domestic and imported car models, as well as diesel trucks. Contact us today at 765-477-7300 to make an appointment for your vehicle. We look forward to serving you.

This article begins a three-part series on how to properly prepare your car for the hazards of winter, and we’ll begin by talking about how to winterize the inside systems of your car. Whether you find it mysterious or enthralling, what goes on under your vehicle’s hood is critical to the health and performance of your vehicle. So, as temperatures drop and winter approaches, it’s important to give your car’s insides some TLC.

Step 1: Check the Oil

If you’re going in for an oil change soon, ask your mechanic if you need to use a different type of oil during the winter. Keep in mind that some oils are naturally thicker than others, and that most oils thicken even more as the temperature decreases. This means that you may need to use an oil with a different viscosity (thickness) during the winter. The more extreme the weather is, the more paramount this becomes.

Step 2: Test the Battery

If you don’t want to get stranded somewhere on a freezing day, do yourself a favor and get your battery checked. Batteries typically last for three years in a car, but they may begin to die before the three years are up—so you don’t want to risk it. It’s actually quite easy to see how your battery is doing: take your vehicle to a car repair shop, and the mechanics can perform a quick test on the battery to see how much life it has left. They can then advise you about whether to replace it or not.

Step 3: Refill the Antifreeze

Have a professional check your antifreeze level before the real cold front comes. Antifreeze performs several critical functions: it lubricates the engine, deters rust, and keeps the cooling system from freezing in your car. It’s important to get the right ratio of antifreeze and water, so it’s easiest to have an auto repair specialist do it.

Step 4: Try the Heat

While no one wants to blast the heat on a 70-degree day, you need to make sure the heating system works before it gets cold enough to actually need it. Test it out, and if you suspect a problem with the heater, take it to a mechanic’s shop as soon as you can.

Auto Specialty of Lafayette is a full-service auto shop in Indiana. We serve Lafayette, West Lafayette, and the surrounding areas. Whether you want us to winterize your car, or you need a large auto repair completed, we have experienced mechanics and affordable prices. As winter approaches, make sure to buy some hot chocolate, caulk those windows, and bring your vehicle over to Auto Specialty of Lafayette. Contact us at 765-477-7300; we look forward to serving you.

While you can’t prevent everything—who expected there to be a nail in the middle of the road?—you can take several proactive steps to keep your car in good condition and reduce your chances of stalling or breaking down. Though not all-inclusive, the following guidelines will remind you of some important car repair tasks to help keep your vehicle on the high road of health.

Brakes

One of the most important systems in your car, your brakes require special attention and care. Since the scheduling varies model-to-model, your car manual should tell you how often to have the brakes serviced and replaced. Make sure to follow your manual’s guidelines, and always bring your car into the shop if you notice grinding, grabbing, or any other abnormal sounds. These often indicate that you need a brake repair. Remember, a little preventative care now can save you lots of money—and stress—in the future.

Battery

If you have to turn the key several times to start your car, that’s most likely a sign that your battery is dying.

Most car batteries last for approximately three years, but it’s always best to change the battery sooner rather than later. Additionally, batteries most often give out when the cold weather hits—the time that you most need them to work. If you suspect a low battery, bring your car into Auto Specialty of Lafayette. Testing your car’s battery is a simple, easy process. After the test, we’ll be able to tell you what percentage of life it has left so you can feel confident driving during those cold, blustery winter days.

Oil

While some people are religious about getting oil changes, others are too lax about it. If you aren’t regularly bringing your car in for an oil change, you may be compromising your engine. Vehicles need the oil, and if all the oil leaks out or burns off, it could significantly damage your engine. With that being said, you also don’t want to get an oil change too often. Many of the garages that specialize in quick oil changes will tell you to come in more frequently than actually needed.

The car repair professionals at Auto Specialty of Lafayette can come up with a customized oil change plan for your vehicle. Instead of just telling you to come in every 3,000 miles, we’ll take into account your driving style, driving frequency, and type of vehicle, so we can come up with a tailored plan to keep your vehicle healthy.

Other Car Maintenance Resources

If you’re looking for a maintenance schedule that takes into account your car’s make, model, and age, Edmunds has a handy car maintenance guide. Consult that, or call the car repair experts at Auto Specialty of Lafayette. Whether you need a preventative checkup or an actual repair, we can help. Contact us at 765-477-7300 to schedule an appointment for your vehicle. We’ll keep your car running smoothly and help you avoid those side-of-the-road fiascos.

Older cars get out of alignment when suspension components and springs begin to sag. This is often because the vehicle’s wheel alignment has become crooked from hitting potholes, misplaced curbs, and objects in the road. The look of the tires is the first indication that there is a problem. Uneven wear patterns almost always mean that the tires are not running true to the road. There are four measurements that need to be within specifications for the vehicle to be properly aligned.

Wheel Alignment Measurements

Thrust Angle

The first angle is the thrust angle. The thrust angle is the measurement of the wheels from the centerline to the rear axle, drawn with a perpendicular line. All four wheels should be equidistance from the vehicle’s centerline. An incorrect thrust angle indicates the car is not tracking straight ahead, and the tires are not rolling in line with one another.

Toe Angle

The second angle that needs to be in alignment for your vehicle to operate to its fullest potential is the toe angle. Toe refers to the tire’s angle of deviation from the centerline as viewed from above the vehicle. If the car is running true, the tire’s tread is pointed directly to the front of the vehicle.  An incorrect toe setting will cause feathered wear across the tire tread.

Camber Angle

Camber is the tilt of the wheel perpendicular to the ground. Positive camber indicates the top of the tire tilts to the outside of the car. For the camber to be negative, the top of the tire would tilt towards the center of the car. The tire will wear unevenly if the camber is out of alignment.

Caster Angle

Caster refers to the angle of deviance between the upper and lower pivot points when the car is steering straight ahead as viewed from the side of the car. The front suspension system components include an upper and lower pivot point. These are commonly known as lower and upper ball joints, or strut tower mounts depending on the type of suspension. Negative caster, or pivot points that are tilted to the front of the car, makes the car harder to steer and impacts straight line tracking.

A poor suspension system and wheel alignment can wreak havoc on your tires, ultimately costing you thousands of miles of drivability, and maybe more in repair costs. At Auto Specialty of Lafayette, we know proper car maintenance can prevent suspension and wheel alignment issues from becoming expensive repairs. Extend the life of your tires by investing extra time and effort into your vehicle. Contact us at 765-477-7300 or stop by our Lafayette location for an alignment inspection.

 Based On The Manufacturer

First and most important, while your car us under the manufacturer’s new car warranty period, any changes to the recommended oil change schedule might invalidate the warranty should something go wrong with the engine. Stick to the schedule in your owner’s manual to avoid problems with the warranty.

Based On The Oil Type

Oil choices include petroleum, synthetic, and blended oil types. Synthetic motor oils cost more but don’t break down a fast as petroleum motor oils. Blended oils include varying ratios of synthetic and blended motor oils. Oils also vary by viscosity, or “slipperiness.” The Society of Automotive Engineers provides numerical guidelines to identify the viscosity of oil specified for your car. The SAE rating is shown as a number like “SAE 10W-30.” Depending on your car and driving habits, the correct oil type can make your engine run more efficiently, save gasoline and prolong the engine’s life.

Based On The Driving Conditions

The job of the oil is to lubricate the moving parts inside of your car’s engine. Specifically, the viscosity of oil provides a slight separation between the moving metal parts, allowing them to slide by one another with a minimum amount of friction for maximum efficiency. Oil also helps cool the engine by transferring heat to the engine block and eventually to the outside air. The usable life of the oil will change depending on when and where you drive. Short trips, frequent cold starts, hot weather and towing a vehicle make more frequent oil changes necessary.

Because the type of oil, manufacturers recommendations and driving conditions vary from vehicle to vehicle, the “get an oil change every 3000 miles” rule does not apply to everyone. If you are wondering how often your car needs an oil change talk to one of the highly trained mechanics at Auto Specialty of Lafayette, INC. Located in Lafayette IN we can assist you with any car maintenance needs including oil changes. Call 765-477-7300 to schedule an oil change or any other routine car maintenance services today.