Blog

Hatfield Toyota knows that expensive gas has hurt the budgets of many people. If you want to lower your fuel expenses, try using these techniques. They could help you buy cheaper gas that will keep more money in your wallet. Tip #1: Know Which Stations Have the Best Prices Near You You don't need technology to tell you which station in your neighborhood has the best price on gas. You see prices posted all over town. Some of them shock you because they're outrageously high. Others shock you because they're so cheap.   No which ones to avoid so you don't line the pockets of companies that want to rip you off. Tip #2: Use GasBuddy GasBuddy is a smartphone app that helps drivers find the cheapest prices in the United States and Canada. Plus, it's free to download to your phone.   GasBuddy relies on its users to report gas prices. That's how it gathers so much useful information. When you submit prices near you, you get entered into a weekly giveaway that could give you a $250 gift card. Tip #3: Use SmartFuel GasBuddy is great, but there are problems with relying on people to report prices. Hey, people make mistakes. SmartFuel taps into gas price databases to offer more accurate prices.   SmartFuel, however, isn't free after the first month. It will cost you $2.99 per month, so you have to decide whether it actually helps you save that much before you buy it. Otherwise, you're just transferring gas money to app money.

Your Toyota dealer near Philadelphia wants to make sure you know how to keep yourself and your pets safe in the car. Follow these tips to improve safety and lower the likeliness of injury. Tip #1: Never Let the Dog Sit in Your Lap This is probably the most important tip you'll ever hear about dogs and driving safety. Having a dog in your lap is a big distraction. They want to look out the window, which blocks your access to controls, and they want to lick you in the face, which means you can't see anything but dog tongue.   Perhaps even more scary is what happens during an accident. An airbag explodes with so much force that it could literally kill small dogs. Tip #2: Get a Crate for Large Dogs If you have a large dog, get a vehicle that can hold a suitable crate. SUVs work well because they often have large cargo areas in the back.   Secure the crate so that it doesn't move around. Bungee cords work well.   Make the crate comfortable with blankets and toys. That way, your dog won't mind riding back there without you. Tip #3: Get a Safety Belt for Your Dog It probably sounds a little silly, but there are safety belts made specifically for dogs. They're actually harnesses that attach to the car's safety belt. When connected, they prevent the dog from moving around much. It's a great way to keep a dog under control even when she wants to hop around the car.

Your Toyota dealer in the Trenton area wants to make sure you choose a great driving teacher so you can make smart choices on the road. Try these tips. They could help you avoid sketchy instructors and find the best teachers in your area. Tip #1: Don't Worry About Coupons It's a bad sign when a driving instructor always has coupons in the paper. Really good instructors don't need coupons. They have waiting lists of people who can't wait to experience their tutelage.   Don't let a cheaper price sway you. You need good instruction, not a coupon. Tip #2: Ask Your Friends and Relatives for Recommendations People love to talk about their experiences. If your cousin had the best experience with a driving instructor, he's probably happy to tell you all about it. If your old college friend's son had a miserable time, then he will definitely fill you in on the details.   Pay attention and keep notes. If one instructors gets a lot of positive remarks, that's the person for you. Tip #3: Find a Professional Instructor Some driving instructors operate out of tiny offices. That's not a big deal. A lot of small businesses do this to save money. The problem comes when they can't offer you good customer services. If the receptionist chomps on gum while "trying" to answer your questions, it's best to find someone else.   Look for someone who treats clients respectfully and has their records in order. Otherwise, you're dealing with people who can't really help you.

Between kids, pets, the environment and – let’s face it – ourselves, our cars can get dirty quickly. Keeping your car clean can protect the exterior, reduce maintenance costs and increase resale value. Here are some tips from your Pennsylvania Toyota dealership to keep your car clean. Everyday Tips to Minimize Clutter Keep your car clutter-free by making make a rule that whatever you bring in, you take out. This will ensure your car is free of fast-food wrappers, sporting equipment or anything else that falls into the “I’ll get it later” category. Use toddler-friendly products to minimize snack and drink spills. Also, tuck away a trash bag in your car for garbage, wet clothes or muddy sports equipment. A Good Wash on the Outside Keep your car’s exterior car clean to minimize damage caused by salt, dirt and other elements. If washing it yourself, do it in a shaded area. Rinse your car first to remove loose dirt. Use a mild liquid soap and a clean wash mitt, then clean section by section, starting from the top. Also, make sure to rinse off your mitt before putting it back in the water. Use a separate mitt for tires. When finished, give the car another rinse and dry it. A Good Cleaning on the Inside Clean your car’s interior to help keep it looking new. Start by shaking out the floor mats and vacuuming them. Then vacuum the seats and car floor. Move the front seat back to so you can clean underneath. Clean the dash and doors with an electrostatic dust cloth and then wipe them with an all-purpose cleaner and an old towel. Clean windows inside and out.

You’ve found a car you like and now it’s time to get behind the wheel and take it for a spin. But what should you be looking for? Hatfield Toyota can help you understand how to get the most out of your test drive. Do Your Homework Before going to the car dealership do some preliminary research to determine what type of car you’re looking for. Narrow down your choices by determining your needs and what features you’ll require in your new car. And, of course, consider the price. Is the Car a Good Fit? Before taking the test drive, sit in the car. Think about how the seat feels. Are the controls within reach for you? Also, check the rearview mirror and side mirrors to make sure you have clear visibility. Think About How the Car Handles When you take the car out be sure to drive the exact model you’re looking for. Different engines and options can alter the way a car drives so you’ll want to make sure to drive the model you want to ensure it’s the right one for you. Be aware of how the car feels and how it sounds. See how it handles turns and how the accelerator and brakes react. How does it drive on a bumpy road? And don’t forget about the sound system. Bring your iPod or MP3 player along to test out the sound. Take Your Time When you complete your test drive take some time to let it soak in. If you’re considering other cars, test them out as well so you can make a solid comparison. Buying a car is a big decision and you want to make the right one.

As parents, we always want to keep our kids safe and when it comes to driving, the stakes are even higher. Establishing safe habits for new drivers is essential and literally could be a life saver. Here are some tips from your Toyota dealer in the Trenton area to help keep your new driver safe. Set a Good Example Despite whether they want to admit it, our kids look up to us and follow the examples we set. If they see you texting while driving, searching through iPod playlists and eating meals behind the wheel, they’ll think it’s OK. Be aware of your driving habits and the message you’re sending out. Give Your Teen a Lot of Practice When driving with your new driver, be sure to practice in a variety of settings. They’ll need to learn how to drive day and night and in inclement weather. It’s also important to practice both local and highway driving so your new driver will be more comfortable in those situations. Ensure Your Teen Gets Enough Sleep Well-rested drivers are more alert and have better response times. Teens are busy with school, sports and friends and often don’t get as much sleep as they should. Stay in tune with your teen to help prevent a dangerous situation for not only him or her, but for other drivers on the road. Establish a Zero-Tolerance Policy It’s important for all drivers to understand that drinking or doing drugs and getting behind the wheel of a car is a dangerous combination. Although your teen surely knows this already it’s a good idea to reinforce it. And, again, practice what you preach.

Not just homes need what is commonly known as spring cleaning. Your car needs a bit of this tender loving care too. Think no further than your Toyota Dealer in the Trenton Area for this needed care. They know just what your car should have done. Read your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with your car and its needs. The cold of winter and the heat of summer have extreme effects on your car’s operation and it must be prepared to meet the changes coming. There should be a maintenance plan listed in the manual and if you value the condition of your car, you will follow that plan. If you are able to handle some of the needed maintenance yourself, fine, otherwise we are here to help. Tires and the pressure vary greatly between seasons. If you use snow tires, those can be put away till next season! All belts, hoses and claps should be examined. Oil changes should never be skipped and doing your own fluid check in-between will never hurt. You never know if a leak may have developed during the extreme winter temperatures. Filters are a critical part of your engine’s functioning. Their job is the getting rid of the grit that flows through no matter what time of the year it is. Clean filters mean a better functioning engine. Any tough starts, stalling, along with rough idling should be addressed before the heat of summer really hits.

If your car is in good working condition, how you drive will determine the gas mileage you get. There are some simple habits you can learn and be aware of. Know that the driving conditions also affect your mileage. Your Pennsylvania Toyota Dealer can answer any questions you may have regarding driving tips. The average driver covers 15,000 miles a year, but if you are in a rural area you will naturally cover more miles. Getting the best mpg you can will be of great benefit to your budget. Flat areas, such as in the South are good, but the heat will add to your bill here. Keeping your A/C setting in recycle mode is best for the highest efficiency. There is also the option of not using you’re A/C but keeping the windows closed at high speeds because of drag.  it is OK to keep them open at lower speeds. In the Northeast and Northwest, the hilly roads and intense winter temperatures can take a big bite from your budget. Most seem to agree that warming your engine comes first. Putting the heat on immediately takes heat from the engine. Most modern cars have an efficient climate control. An aggressive driver loses mileage because of using a jerky driving pattern of fast starts and stops. This manner of driving can add up to 33% usage on the highway and 5% more in town.  Smooth driving is the key. It does not make sense to rush up to a red light and then have to sit. The long gone top speed level of 60 mpg still gives the best mileage. There are tests that determined that for every five miles over the 60 mile limit is equal to putting out 31 cents more per mile for gas. When you stop and think of it, common sense rules when it comes to driving smart!

Not all jobs that require trucks need the full workhorse of the big guys, but you still need the quality and strength. Check out the Tacoma at a Toyota Dealer in the Trenton Area. The Tacoma comes with all the rugged quality features and reliability that you need, as well as the modern electronic features used today. Cab Seating and Features The single bench is there, but with options such as premium upholstery and heated front seats. Those heated seats are great when out on a job in the cold weather. You can get a single cab or even a double cab option with a shorter bed. The double cab gives you a 60/40–split rear bench seat and rear seat vents. A sliding rear window is optional on all Regular Cabs. Packages make the difference In the convenience package, which can vary by region, a tinted sliding rear window, keyless entry along with cruise control and steering-wheel audio that lets you keep your hands on the wheel. The Limited Package includes the above as well as 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and a 4-way adjustable driver seat along with upgraded upholstery. If you really need off road capability, explore the TRD Off-Road and the TRD sport packages that are only available for 4x4 V^ Access and Double Cabs. You get a heavy duty suspension, locking rear differential with hill start assist and hill descent control with the automatic transmission.

The 2013 Sienna still has a quiet, smooth ride, with its comfortable seating arrangements. The power gives plenty of acceleration when needed. In other words, it is a good all-around car for the money. Your Toyota Dealer near Philadelphia is the place to go to check it out. Ride Quality It does not matter what type of driving you do, the Sienna is there for you.  Whether cruising on the freeway or just running errands around town, the six-speed automatic does its job well along with giving you respectable fuel economy. This is a minivan, and not a hybrid. It has a totally different job to do and it will serve you well if getting children to various functions is a part of your daily routine. It has a sport-tuned suspension to help give that smooth ride you love. Safety Features In tests done by the Insurance Institute for Highway safety, the Sienna ended up with a top score of GOOD in frontal, side impact and roof-strength tests. Anti-lock disc brakes, with stability and traction control, along with front-seat side airbags as well as a full-length side curtain airbags, driver-side knee air bags and active front head restraints are standard on all Sienna models. Interior Design and Seating Perfect for a family vehicle is the rear-seat entertainment system that includes a split-screen monitor which allows two different medias to play simultaneously, thus ending the argument over who watches what. Various seating options in this seven-passenger Sienna are available from second row captain’s chairs that tip up for easy access to the rear as well as sliding capability to the lounge seats that equal La-Z-Boy comfort. The eight-passenger model has the 40/20/40-split with the center row able to slide frontward for easy access to any little person in that row. Now this is truly a family minded car!

People talk about what they can do to keep their cars in good shape. Toyota Philadelphia wants to inform drivers that, in addition to doing good things, they should avoid bad habits that are destroying their cars. Topping Off the Tank Topping off your tank might seem like the normal thing to do. You want to get just a bit more in there so you can go longer between fill ups. What's wrong with that?   Actually, there's a lot wrong with that. Today's vehicles have an evap system that traps fuel vapors. When you top off your tank, you make that system work much harder than it should. Eventually you end up with a damaged charcoal canister and control valve.   Those aren't cheap to replace. Plus, you're just spending extra money on gas that you don't even get to use. Using Your Wiper Blades to Remove Ice Winter weather can add minutes to your commute. When you're already running late, you might just turn on the window wiper blades to knock ice out of the way. At this point, you just want to see the road so you can get moving.   It's pretty obvious that doing this harms your wiper blades. But so what? They only cost $20 and you're in a hurry. But you're forgetting a few things. Putting extra stress on your wipers can also cause damage to the motor and transmission that control them.   When those stop working, you're looking at much more than a $20 fix.

Selling an old car isn't always easy. You might feel attached to the fun times that you had taking road trips, going on dates, or watching movies. More often than not, though, selling an old car isn't easy because no one wants to pay your asking price. Your Hatfield Toyota dealer has some advice that will help your car stay valuable as it ages. Don't Get a Weird Paintjob You and your friends think that flying dragons, women in bikinis, and skulls are awesome! You think they're so awesome that you had them painted on your car. Guess what? You made a huge financial mistake when you did that. No one is going to pay top dollar for a used car with a ridiculous paintjob.   In fact, don't paint it at all. Just stick with the factory paintjob. Never Smoke in the Car Practically all non-smokers agree: cigarette smoke stinks! Unfortunately it also penetrates fabrics and refuses to leave. No matter how much you clean the upholstery, it will still smell like smoke. If you want to keep your car valuable, take smoke breaks far away from the interior.   Don't think that rolling the window down helps. That will only trick smokers with poor senses of smell. Keep Your Maintenance Receipts Keep all of the receipts for maintenance and repair services. Potential buyers will like seeing that you got the car's oil changed every three months to the day. Proof that your car has been cared for can only improve its value.