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In order to drive a vehicle legally, it is necessary to get it inspected and obtain a sticker that shows you have passed the inspection.  Nearly 87% of all vehicles will fail their inspection during the first appointment, making it necessary for the car owner to get maintenance and repairs before they can schedule a second appointment for an inspection. Toyota Dealer near Philadelphia offers the following tips for helping you pass your inspection during the first appointment to save time and money: Take Care of Glass Repairs Right Away You may think that small crack, ding or scratch in your windshield is no big deal, but the longer you drive with these small glass problems, the bigger they will become.  Many times, small glass problems can be repaired without replacing the windshield if they are caught soon enough – but if you wait; the crack will grow larger and spread across the windshield in most cases.  Large windshield problems will prevent your vehicle from passing inspection. Make Sure Lights are in Working Order Before you go to your inspection appointment, take a second to check that your lights are all in working order.  Test the headlights, reverse lights and turn signals.  If any of them are not working, you can usually fix it easily by changing the light bulb or fuse. Keep Up With Your Tire Maintenance You need tires with decent tread on them to pass an inspection.  If you want your tires to last as long as possible, make sure you get them rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.  When the tread has worn out, get new tires so your car will remain safe to drive and will be more likely to pass inspection.

The professionals know exactly how to clean your car from the inside out, but the services are often very expensive.  Fortunately, with time and then right equipment, you can wash your car just as well. Toyota dealer near Philadelphia has tips to help you wash your car like a pro. 1. Avoid direct sunlight Wash your car in a car port or in the shade.  Avoid direct sunlight because it will dry to soap to the paint and leave water spots. 2. Wash by hand Rinse the car first.  Fill a bucket with water and car soap, and then start washing the car one section at a time.  Use a wash mitt to clean the car and to remove debris from the paint without leaving scratches. 3. Use non-acid tire cleaners Use a tire cleaner to clean the tires and wheels to remove debris and brake dust.  Clean your tires before you clean and protect the car’s paint. 4. Start drying at the top Start with trying the roof first, and then move to lights and glass to avoid water spots.  When you are drying the vehicle, pay close attention to the wheels, the door jambs, and hidden areas. 5. Vacuum it out If you have an air compressor, blow out dirt and debris from the vents, nooks and crannies in the interior, and the floor mats.  Once you have loosened the dirt, run the vacuum over the interior and the floor mats. 6. Protect the paint Polish the paint with an electric buffer, and then apply a protective coat of wax to the paint.  Use a liquid spray wax in between seasons.

According to the National Safety Council, a traffic death is 3 times more likely to occur at night. Driving at night exposes drivers to unpredictable scenarios and challenges that don’t present themselves during the daylight hours. When the sun goes down, your eyes lose the light they depend on to see. When the light is reduced, your depth perception, clarity and peripheral vision are all compromised. Pennsylvania Toyota dealership has tips for drivers to help keep them safe at night. Prep Your Car for Night Driving Make sure that all of your lights are working properly and that your headlights are properly aimed. Clean the inside of the windshield to reduce glare and clean off all of the lights around the vehicle so that you can see and so that others can see you. Prep Yourself for Night Driving When you are driving at night, keep these important tips in mind to keep you and other drivers safe on the road. Don’t smoke. The vapors from cigarette smoke can inhibit your vision and will leave a residue on the inside of your windshield that can cause a glare. Don’t drive at night if you are drowsy, experiencing headaches, or if you have been drinking alcohol Don’t stare directly into oncoming headlights, especially if the other driver fails to turn off their high beams. Watch the right side of the road and use it to guide you while you are steering. Dim the light on your instrument panel so that the lights don’t cause a reflection on the glass. Lookout for animal eyes on the side of the road that may run out in front of your vehicle.

If you are planning a road trip, don’t rely on fatty and sugary foods to get you through. Your body needs fuel just as your car does, and you should be on the lookout for nutritious snacks and drinks that provide you with energy, hydration and nourishment. Toyota dealer near Philadelphia recommends healthy alternatives at the convenience store when you are on a road trip. Candy bars and sodas are not the only food choices in gas stations; you can find healthy alternatives as well. Water, milk and fruit juice Water is the best choice when you are traveling. If you have children, you may need a variety, so low-fat milk and 100% fruit juices will give them the variety they need and health benefits. Veggies and whole fruit Many convenience stores sell travel-size snack packs of veggies and baskets of fruit are usually situated near the registers or coffee pots. Vegetable juice products are also a good way to sneak in a serving of vegetable, but be aware of the high amounts of sodium in the products. Whole grains Instead of buying donuts and a danish in the morning, purchase travel-size cups of whole grains cereal or cereal bars that are not loaded with sugar. Cheese and yogurt Low-fat yogurt and string cheese will give you and your family a serving of dairy for the day and a little added protein. Nuts and granola Instead of reaching for chips and candy bars, grab packs of unsalted nuts and bags of granola.

There is nothing quite like getting an amazing massage. One hour out of your day can dramatically turn your entire day around and bring you exceptional peace. After an hour of relaxation, you might wake up feeling a little groggy and sore. Hatfield Toyota has encourages drivers to exercise caution when driving after getting a massage. What to Expect After a Massage You may experience different feelings and emotions after a massage, depending on the technique you request. You may experience the following: Sleepiness Lightheadedness Spacey mind Soreness and muscle pain Driving After Getting a Massage If you experience any of the aforementioned reactions, make sure you are feeling 100 percent before you get behind the wheel. The reactions to your massage may reduce your reaction time and increase the risk of an accident after a massage. Drink water Water is important for your overall health. Getting a massage is like working out, so it is important that you keep yourself hydrated so that you have the clarity to drive and the fluid you need to recover. Sit and rest When the massage therapist leaves the room, take a minute to rest. Slowly get up from the table and take a moment to regain yourself. You don’t have to rush right out of the room. Take deep breaths and slowly stretch. Have a small snack If you feel lightheaded or spacey, have a small snack before you leave. A small snack will provide you nourishment and give you an extra boost of energy.

Driving in the dark can be a challenge.  In the winter months when there is less daylight, drivers have more time to deal with the darkness.  Your Toyota dealer near Philadelphia has tips for driving at night to keep drivers and passengers safe. Prepare Your Car Check that all of your lights are working.  Headlights need to be aimed properly so you can see the road well and not blind oncoming drivers. When in doubt, turn on the headlights even in twilight hours. It's not only headlights and foglights that are important for night driving, but so are the brake and taillights.  It is crucial that drivers behind you can see your car in front of them in the darkness. Prepare Your Body Before heading out, give your eyes some time to adjust to the dark. Don't drive in the late evening if you aren't used to it.  Your sleep pattern will be thrown off and cause drowsiness, and you will be less alert.  Drive a little slower at night since your line of vision is only as much as your headlights will allow. If you find you are too tired to drive, pull over and get some rest.  Schedule stops for snacks and caffeinated beverages and a chance to stretch your legs. Avoid alcohol or other drugs that have a sedative effect. Don't Drive Distracted Refrain from smoking in the car because the mix of carbon monoxide and nicotine affect vision at night.  Turn off your cell phone to avoid any temptations and keep conversations to a minimum when driving with others.  Have your radio set before you get going. Always wear your seat belt in case you have to stop fast for something not easily seen at night like a deer.

The way you treat your vehicle will directly correlate with its resale value.  In order to get the most money when you trade it in or sell it, you must keep the vehicle properly maintained.  Even if you keep up on every oil change and tire rotation, you may be engaging in other behaviors that are negatively affecting your car.  Your Pennsylvania Toyota dealership wants drivers to get the most for their car and is warning of 2 common and bad habits that will ruin your vehicle. Driving With a Near Empty Gas Tank It may seem like a good idea at the time, but squeezing every last drop out of your tank before refueling may cost you more money in the long run.  Sediments from gas settle at the bottom of the tank.  When your fuel gets low, your car is now using the dirtiest gas that may not be kept out by the fuel filter. This filter will now have a shorter life and need sooner replacing from all of this extra sediment.  Additionally, your engine is running on the dirty gas that can damage it and cause it to run less efficiently. A Dirty Vehicle If you don't wash your vehicle on a steady basis, this can harm it in more ways than one. Salt from the road, weather elements, bird droppings, leaves, and dirt can build up and ruin the car's finish.  It is wise to wash it at least every two weeks, and don't skip the undercarriage.  The interior should be kept fresh as well.  Avoid eating and smoking and clean out any dirt you drag inside with you.

When taking a long trip or flying to another destination, it often makes sense to rent a car.  Renting makes your life easier, but you must also be protected.  Once you rent, you are responsible for the car and whatever happens to it.  You also need to be sure that the vehicle is safe for you and your family to be riding in. Hatfield Toyota is explaining what to look for when you rent a car before you sign an agreement. Look For Existing Damage You are ultimately responsible for damages to the car when you bring it back.  Therefore it is wise to give the vehicle a good once over before you sign the agreement.  Make sure any damages that are already there are documented by telling the rental company and have them note them in your lease agreement. Check the Basics To ensure the vehicle is safe, look over the everyday things we take for granted in our own car.  Check tire pressure, windshield wipers, brakes, horn, and lights.  Get behind the wheel and make sure you are comfortable with how the steering handles.  If you don't think the vehicle is appropriate for you because of it's size or make, go with something else. Customize Before you hit the road in an unfamiliar car, get it set up so that you are comfortable.  Adjust the mirrors, seats, radio and headrests to your liking.  This is especially good to do ahead of time if you are going to be navigating strange roads out-of-town.

You are ready to sell your current vehicle and move on to something newer. This is exciting, but be aware that there is more involved than putting it out at the end of your driveway or posting it on a website. In order to get the most money for your vehicle, take these tips from your Toyota dealers near Philadelphia on how to prepare your vehicle for sale. Clean it Up Well The cleaner the car, the more attractive it is to a buyer. Invest in a good detailer that will scrub it inside and out. Empty out the glove compartment, console, trunk and other available storage spaces. Without the clutter and your personal effects, it will interest the buyer more. Fix All Damage You may have learned to live with the ding in your door but the next person might not. Anything that can be fixed easily like lights should be done. Body damage may be expensive to get fixed, but it may be what stops the car from being sold. Make sure you have a record of any damages so there is no question that there was more than there was, such as frame damage. Take a Good Picture When listing your car online, make sure you have a decent picture. Point out the good and the bad. You don't want there to be any surprises when the buyer looks at it in person. When cars are listed, potential customers will often avoid ones with no picture or ones that are unclear, so get the best shots you can.

Many people can't wait to escape the summer heat for the cool, crisp air of the fall. The foliage attracts the leaf peepers, and football season is in full swing. It is important for drivers to be cautious in the fall. Though we haven't reached the icy roads of winter yet, there are many hazards to watch out for. Pennsylvania Toyota is warning of the dangers of fall driving in hopes of reducing accidents this year. Watch for Kids Fall means back to school time. Be aware of children exiting school buses and crossing the street. This is especially true on your morning commute to work and your way back home in the evening. Deer Not only do kids have a chance of darting out into traffic but so do deer. If you live near woods be on the lookout for deer that are in mating season and migrating to new locations. Be especially cautious at night when they are harder to see. Fog As the temperatures go down, the chance of morning fog goes up. Remember never to use your high beams in fog because it will bounce back at you. Use fog lights or low beams at all times. Reduce your speed and the distance between you and the car you are following. Leaves The colors of the foliage can be gorgeous, but once they hit the ground it's a whole other story. When leaves covering the road get wet, they can become as slippery as ice. Proceed with caution to avoid skidding. Remember that leaves will cover potholes and other hazards on the road too. Watch out for leaf peepers who may not be paying full attention to the road as they admire the beautiful colors around them.

When you buy a used car, it may look perfect on the outside, but there can be damage you don't see. A vehicle's frame is the critical foundation that holds everything together, and harm to it can be hidden by dishonest sellers. Hatfield Toyota wants its drivers to be safe and is explaining the severity of frame damage to your vehicle. Severity of Frame Damage Damage to a frame from a collision or any type of accident is not reversible. When a frame has been dented or wrecked in any way, even pulling it back out to its original shape can leave it weakened. Vehicles now come with crumple zones that take on energy in a collision. If the frame is pulled back into place and a future accident occurs, it will be weaker and there will be less protection than before it was repaired. Air bag timing is also negatively affected and they most likely will not deploy when they should. Avoid Buying a Car with Frame Damage Before purchasing a used car, get a vehicle history report like CARFAX. This will tell you if the car has been in an accident. If it has and you suspect the integrity of the frame was compromised, have your car inspected by a reputable collision repair company. They should use a laser measurement system that is computerized to find out if any past damage has been done to the frame. If this is the case, think twice before purchasing the vehicle and move on to something safer.

Our Allentown area Toyota dealership gives you tips on how to safely drive in the rain. While driving in any weather has its dangers, driving in the rain is especially dangerous. Any occurrence where the roads are wet and the visibility is low can be very trying at times. If you know the safest ways to handle situations like that, you can greatly decrease your chances of getting into an accident. Tips for Driving in the Rain Most people probably don’t realize that the roads are the most slick right after it starts raining. There’s lots of build up on the roads from oil and grease, and when you add some rain to that it can cause slippery driving conditions. This is especially true if it hasn’t rained for a while. After a few hours of rain it will eventually wash away. You should always allow yourself plenty of extra time if you’re going to venture out into a rain storm. Always drive slower and brake slower. Any sudden or forceful braking may cause your vehicle to hydroplane. Some Other Things You Should Know Always keep your headlights on since it will help you to see, and it will make it easier for others to see you. Keep your window defoggers on, too, and allow a good distance between you and the car ahead of you. Never attempt to drive your car through any large puddles, since you cannot tell how deep they are by looking at them.