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Commuting is a necessary evil for many of us. But there are a few things you can do to make it less of a drag, maybe even to the point that you actually kinda sorta enjoy it. OK, maybe not quite that, but Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers up these tips to make commute more pleasant. AVOID RUSH HOUR: We know how that goes: traffic that crawls, drivers getting angrier and more frustrated. To the degree that you can, schedule your commute to miss the high-congestion times. Getting to work a bit early – or leaving a little later – goes a long way in keeping your nerves unfrazzled. TAKE THE LONG WAY: When it comes to commuting, the shortest distance isn’t always between two points. Taking the longer way whenever you can helps you avoid the frustrations of stop-and-start traffic. The extra few minutes pays off in a calmer mood, plus, you’ll get better fuel efficiency (something we can all appreciate these days). JOIN A CARPOOL: Carpooling offers several advantages: you have people to chat with, you save money on gas plus wear and tear on your Toyota. Carpooling a few times a week allows you to relax and do other things besides watching the road. MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC: There’s a reason radios were installed in cars starting way back; listening to music lifts your mood and makes any drive more pleasant. Today’s Toyota vehicles allow you to access your personal playlists. In fact, why not create a few of them to match a mood, day of the week, etc.? A personal soundtrack instantly makes a commute better. USE THE TIME WISELY: Make the most of your commuting time by using hands-free Bluetooth (like what you’ll find in the Toyotas from Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield) to catch up on phone calls and texts. You could also listen to an educational podcast or audiobook or learn a language. With every mile, you’ll be getting smarter! TIDY UP: Your commute will be much more pleasant if you’re not surrounded by empty coffee cups or food wrappers. Take some time every couple of weeks to clean things out and run a handheld vacuum over the seats and rug. A dashboard air freshener is another nice touch. Toyota gives you plenty of the safety and entertainment technology to make your daily drive a (almost) pleasure!

It’s no secret that gas prices are uncomfortably high right now. Filling the tank is a necessity for commuting to work, taking kids to school, running to the store and much more. But there are ways to make your fuel – and your dollars – go farther. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these smart tips. USE AN APP There are some very cool apps out there that will alert you to the best deals near you. GasBuddy uses your location to share nearby stations with the best prices. GetUpside is another app that lets you earn cash back for your gas via check or PayPal. PAY CASH WHEN YOU CAN Cash payments usually warrant a cheaper rate at the pump versus using a credit cards an average of two cents per gallon. JOIN A FUEL REWARDS PROGRAM There are many gas stations that let you earn points with every fill-up to put towards future purchases. Consider the stations that you frequent the most, then look online for any of their rewards programs. REWARDS CREDIT CARDS As long as we’re talking “rewards,” so many credit cards have programs to give you all kinds of goodies just for using them. Some may have specific gas rewards, others “cash back.” Either way, it’s one way to save when you fill up your Peruzzi Toyota. SHARE RIDES Consider setting up a neighborhood carpool for planned things like picking up the kids from school or extracurricular activities, or a regular weekly grocery run. When you share some rides, you save money! USE THE RIGHT OIL Regular oil changes – like the ones provided by Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield – are key to keeping your Toyota running at its peak. But using the right oil is essential, too. The U.S. Department of Energy notes that the wrong grade can cost you anywhere from 3 to 6 cents per gallon in fuel efficiency! KEEP IT LIGHT… AND SLOW Two more tips for getting the most for your gas money: cut down on any excess weight in your Peruzzi Toyota, and regularly clean out any unneeded stuff. Also, when you accelerate, do it gradually. Stomping on the gas pedal eats up fuel. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield is all about saving you cash. Keep these helpful tips in mind to make your Peruzzi Toyota as fuel efficient and cost effective as possible!

You know how it goes: the first big snow of the season happens, and you realize you’re out of salt for the driveway. Life goes by fast, and Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wants to help you prepare your vehicle for winter weather. Take some time now to review these helpful tips, many of which can be performed by our expert service technicians. Check your tire tread. In snowy or icy road conditions, you want to ensure that your tires are sound. The old-fashioned “penny test” can tell you: stick a penny in the tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires. Fill your tires. Proper inflation of your Toyota’s tires will help give you more control any time of the year, but especially in winter. Change your oil and antifreeze. These essential fluids ensure your vehicle operates at peak efficiency during dicey weather conditions. Inspect your battery. Battery power lessens in cold weather, and you don’t want it dying on you. Check your heater. If you were to get stuck somewhere on a cold night, a good working heater could make all the difference. Ensure that it’s working properly. Make a Winter Emergency Kit. Include road flares, jumper cables, a flashlight (and extra batteries), and a windshield scraper. A small shovel, with a bag of rock salt to melt ice and snow, and a bag of kitty litter for traction is also a good idea. A set of reflectors and a neon flag to attach to your door is a smart safety addition. Stash a sturdy chain or rope for any needed towing help. In case you’re unable to access a digital map, an old-school paper roadmap is a good idea. Outside of the mechanical things, add a warm blanket, hat and gloves, a cell phone charger, and bottles of water/non-perishable snacks. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield knows that a little planning ahead will go a long way in preventing a lot of winter-driving aggravation!

Every parent knows it’s coming: a teen driver who needs their own car. Yes, there are costs involved, but more importantly, new drivers need a vehicle that will help mitigate any “oopsies” they make on the road. U.S. News and World Report recently named Toyota to their current list of the Best Cars for Teens. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to be part of this exceptional brand and shares the report’s findings. To make the list, vehicles needed to offer active safety features – including strong crash test ratings -- to help teens as they develop their driving skills. Features like collision warning, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking were also key in helping teen drivers stay safe on the road. In the “New Car” category, the 2021 Toyota Camry made the list as a top car in the $35-45K price range. However, it’s in the “Used Car” category where Toyota really shines. Out of five segments, Toyota is tops in four of them. In the “Large Car” column, the 2017 Toyota Avalon ranks number one. For a “Midsize SUV,” the 2017 Highlander gets the nod, while the 2018 Corolla is the favorite in the “Small Car” category. Finally, the 2017 Toyota RAV4 is tops on the “Small SUV” list. When it comes to making the “Used Car” list, vehicles (2016-2018 years) need to show a strong combination of dependability, safety ratings and ownership costs. Vehicles need to also feature the kind of tech that will help keep teen drivers safer. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield offers not just the best new Toyotas, but also a full line of quality pre-owned vehicles. We thoroughly inspect our cars and SUVs to ensure that they’re top-quality. These Toyotas are a great (and safe) value for you…or your teen driver. Explore our inventory on our site or come in and let us show you what we have to offer.

Technology is evolving so incredibly fast; just look how far cars have come. They’re now “connected” to our phones and so much more. Toyota, in particular, has been working hard to further narrow the divide between smartphones and vehicles. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wants our customers to know about some very cool Toyota connected “apps” that will make your driving experience even better! The Joya Virtual Driving Companion is a voice-controlled, virtual “assistant” that’s being rolled out in some Toyota models, like the Sienna. Joya can provide tons of useful information for you; it’s being described kind of like a “digital owner’s manual.” Remote Connect is a subscription-based app ($80 per year) that takes care of so many driving/vehicle related issues. You can start your car through your phone, lock/unlock it, and get status alerts on fuel. The app also lets you set travel speed limits (which comes in handy if a younger driver is using the vehicle). If you’re driving a hybrid Toyota, Remote Connect will locate charging stations, hydrogen fuel stations, and monitor the “charge” status. Peruzzi Toyota is especially excited about the Service Connect app. We know how busy our customers are, and it’s easy to overlook important service or repair issues. Not to worry – the Service Connect app remembers these things for you! You’ll be alerted when it’s time for things like oil changes or brake servicing. Plus, you’ll get a clear picture of the overall health of your Toyota vehicle. We at Peruzzi Toyota are excited at the many technological developments that are being rolled out. Toyota is dedicated to giving customers the very latest tools for driving convenience and safety. And with much of it at your fingertips, that’s even better! Want to learn more of what Toyota technology is available? Reach out anytime.

Everyone’s out on the road this time of year – heading to the beach, off on a family vacation, just enjoying the warm, sunny weather. While that means “fun,” it also brings a few more potential hazards you need to be aware of. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wants to keep our customers (as well as everyone else!) safer on the road, so keep an eye out for the following: MORE ROAD CONSTRUCTION Yup, it’s the time of year when all that pothole-filling/bridge-fixing/lane-widening gets done. Sometimes those projects are done at night; sometimes crews are working in active driving lanes. Save yourself some time by researching any work zones before heading out on a long road trip. In general, pay close attention to all signs and pay even closer attention to members of the road crews. WATCH OUT FOR MOTORCYCLES Summer’s the time when motorcyclists are most active – and most vulnerable to potential accidents. Give riders plenty of space on the road. Also, double -- and triple check -- your blind spots before changing lanes. It doesn’t take much to cause a serious accident. BICYCLES As with motorcycles, bicycles are popular during the warmer months. Watch for bike lanes and follow cyclists at a safe distance. Also, give them the time (and distance) to make any maneuvers (going up hills, etc.). Remember to “share the road”! PEDESTRIANS You’re likely to see more folks out for a run, a morning stroll or just walking across the street to the movie theater. Be extra vigilant on busy streets. Give pedestrians right-of-way on crosswalks, and look right before turning through one, because someone may be stepping into it. And don’t ignore lesser-traveled paths: someone may be out taking a walk after dinner. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wants you to have a great summer. These simple tips will help make it happen!

Toyota has always provided tremendous value to their customers and that’s nowhere more apparent than with their acclaimed “Safety Sense” features. The full suite of high-tech safety features would’ve once cost a ton of extra money on any other vehicle, but Toyota values their customers in more ways than one. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to offer one of the safest vehicles on the road and to share the details. So how does Toyota Safety Sense work? It starts with a camera on the windshield that gives a look at the road ahead. Various sensors monitor the surroundings of the vehicle; the software and hardware of your Toyota work together to give you unparalleled control on the road. Adaptive Cruise Control comes in handy when you’re on the highway. While cruising along, your Toyota will sense when traffic ahead is slowing down and adjust your speed accordingly. Once things are clear, it will automatically pick up the pace and return you to your cruise control speed. Also, when you’re on the highway, the Lane Departure Warning system will help keep you “between the lines.” It will alert you if you’re drifting towards another lane and remind you to course-correct. Part of this feature is “lane tracing assist” which comes in handy when navigating a winding road. Toyota Safety Sense’s automatic high beams eliminates the need to click those beams on and off manually. When it detects an approaching driver, the beams go down – then automatically back up once the coast is clear. One of the most helpful everyday safety features on the Toyota is automatic emergency braking. When your vehicle detects a pedestrian or other car behind you, the brakes automatically engage. As you interact with other drivers, you’ll get cues to engage the brakes if needed. If, for whatever reason, you’re unaware, emergency braking kicks in. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is so proud to represent this exceptional brand – with all the top-of-the-line features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road!

Hatfield, Pennsylvania, is conveniently located close to several great day trip locations. Those looking to embark on a fun weekend adventure should look no further than one of these great day trips. Each offers fun, memorable opportunities. more Chanticleer Garden This incredible garden and historic property is located in Wayne, Pennsylvania, which is just over an hour from Hatfield. The short car ride is worth it to check out the incredible gardens and landscaping on the property. The Chanticleer garden features eight unique landscape areas to explore such as an Asian garden, a creek area, a woodland area, and many more. Washington, D.C. There's always so much to do in the nation's capital. The trip is slightly longer than the drive to Wayne, about two-and-a-half hours, but the destination offers several days' worth of fun. In addition to checking out the monuments, the collection of Smithsonian Museums are sure to offer something everyone in the family is interested in. For example, the Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular. Be sure to check out local restaurants that offer fun and unique foods as well. Ricketts Glenn State Park This incredible natural attraction has earned its spot on our day trip list thanks in part to its designation as a National Natural Landmark. Because of this, it's worth the two-hour drive for an exciting outdoor day trip this summer. Visitors are welcome to explore the vast trail system that grants access to 22 different waterfalls and more. There's no excuse to not have fun each and every weekend when you're in the Hatfield, Pennsylvania, area. Check out one of these great day trips soon!

It’s that time of year when the winter weather adds another “degree of difficulty” on the roads. Snow and ice require some special skills and awareness, and Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is happy to share these essential tips. While every Toyota is equipped with top-of-the-line safety features, they’re no replacement for your own awareness on the road. Keep this in mind the next time you head out in winter weather. BUCKLE UP: Yes, wearing your seatbelt has been drilled into every driver. However, it’s even more critical in winter driving when the odds increase of having an accident. Make this your first action when you get in the vehicle. DRIVE A LITTLE SLOWER: Snow, slick roads, black ice…all of these conditions require more reaction time. Also factor in other vehicles and if they get into trouble. Slow it down – even under the speed limit. DON’T SLAM ON THE GAS OR BRAKES: Sudden movements like these are always tricky in dry conditions; on snowy or icy surfaces, your tires will have a harder time getting traction. That can result in skidding or spinning out. Keep things steady. IF YOU DO SLIDE… Remember to steer “into” it. The typical reaction is to steer away, but that will result in a spin. Take your foot off the gas and keep your movements gentle so as not to make the event worse. STAY OFF OF HILLS: Slick roads and a steep grade are perfect conditions for a collision. Find alternate routes that don’t include a harsh incline or decline if you can. REMEMBER THAT BRIDGES FREEZE FIRST: Even if the road looks OK, bridges are something else. With cold air flowing under and over the structure, it can ice up before you know it. Stay vigilant and be prepared as you cross. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wishes you and your family safe and happy driving this winter season!

When you’re driving in a rainstorm, your focus is probably on your wipers as they keep the windshield clear. However, something else you should pay attention to is the road conditions beneath your vehicle; "hydroplaning" is a scary – and very real – risk. The experts at Peruzzi Toyota of Hatfield, PA wants you to know more about this all-too-common hazard and what you can do to stay safe.   OK, so what is hydroplaning? Essentially, it’s when you lose traction as a thin film of water comes between your tires and the road. It can happen during a downpour or just on a wet surface. This can lead to loss of control, spin-outs, dangerous skids, and worse.   So, what should you do if this happens?  Your first instinct will be to hit the brakes hard, but be careful – this can worsen the situation. Instead, take your foot off the brake and allow your car to slow down; hit the horn to alert other drivers around you. If you have anti-lock brakes, don’t “stomp” on them, pump them slowly and gently. This too applies to brakes that aren’t “anti-lock,”– be gentle.   Here’s another key thing to remember: turn in the direction of the skid. It sounds counterintuitive, but if you go in the opposite direction, it results in dangerous overcorrection and makes things worse. So, remember:  if your wheels are going “left,” turn left and use small adjustments, nothing too dramatic.   Now, how can you avoid hydroplaning to begin with? Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has these recommendations. First, slow down on wet roads. Despite all the many safety "assists" standard on Toyota models, nothing replaces common sense. Try to stick to the interior lanes if possible, since water tends to "pool" on road exteriors. Where you can avoid driving through big puddles. There are too many stories of folks who misjudge the depth and find themselves at a higher risk of hydroplaning, not to mention damage to their exhaust system and transmission.   Your tires are the point of contact on the road, and keeping them in good shape is critical. The service experts at Peruzzi Toyota can give them a thorough check to ensure that they have optimum tread depth and inflation. This will go a long way to keeping you safe in all kinds of road conditions – rainstorms included!

There have been plenty of times when folks have wondered “How did a law like THAT ever get on the books?” Yes, America’s legal history is packed with some seriously weird rules and regulations, many of which have yet to be removed from the rolls. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA thought they’d have a little fun and share some of the wackiest laws in America – as well as a few that are specific to Pennsylvania. Remember, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA takes its customers and service seriously – but in the meantime, have a chuckle over these goofy laws.   In Alabama, there’s a law prohibiting operating a vehicle while wearing a blindfold. Talk about your “blind spots.” The good news is that today’s Toyotas come equipped with safety features like "blind spot warning" alerts. Of course, this negates actual blindfolds…   The Aloha State (Hawaii) has a law on the books that makes it illegal to have your vehicle’s hazard lights on – while the vehicle is in motion. Um, what?   Illinois law prohibits a driver from operating a car that doesn't have a steering wheel.   Odd driving laws aren’t limited to combustion-engine vehicles: if you’re caught riding a bike in Wisconsin, and your hands aren’t on the handlebars, expect a ticket.   You might have to sit on a box to see over the steering wheel, but in South Dakota, you only have to be 14 to get a driver’s license.   In Oklahoma, you can get busted for reading a comic book while driving. The current crop of Toyotas, available at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA, come equipped with plenty of features to keep you entertained, but will also let you keep your eyes on the road.   North Carolina law prohibits playing in traffic. But if there are any lawbreakers out there, Toyota’s Safety Sense features, with things like pedestrian detection, will help mitigate any potential dangers.   Of course, as one of the oldest states in America, Pennsylvania has its share of weird traffic laws.  For one, it’s illegal to tie your horse to a parking meter (even if you have the quarters).   Speaking of horses, old Pennsylvania law cites that a driver should not only pull over in the presence of the equine but cover the car with a blanket until the horses pass.   Finally, because  Pennsylvania has so much livestock, laws are laid out to protect them. If you’re driving at night on country roads, you’re supposed to stop every mile and set up a flare as a warning to livestock – then wait 10 minutes for them to pass. At that rate, expect to get home in about three days.   Yes, these goofy laws are fun. But if you're in the market for a no-nonsense talk on one of the best-selling car brands in the world, come by Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA to see what we have to offer.