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You know when you need to put gas in your car. You probably (or should) get regular oil changes. But what’s the other vehicle part that needs regular attention? Your tires. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA want drivers to be super-safe on the road; too often, our service department sees tires that are ignored. Here are four things to make part of your maintenance routine. INSPECT YOUR TIRES Tires are the point of contact between you and the road. From rocks and rough surfaces, to driving over glass, nails and more, they can be damaged. You might not know it at first, so make it a regular practice to check your tires for punctures, cuts or bulges. These can turn into a dangerous problem when you least expect it. CHECK YOUR PRESSURE Tires at the wrong pressure affect your mileage, comfort, and longevity of the tires themselves. Get in the habit of checking tire pressure every month (including that of your spare). You’ll find the recommended tire pressure for your Toyota either inside the driver’s side door or owner’s manual. ROTATE YOUR TIRES Rotating your tires regularly helps them wear evenly and extends their life. It also improves performance on the road. The technicians at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield recommend tire rotation every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. WHEEL ALIGNMENTS Little things can knock your wheels out of alignment, and you may not notice it at first. However, uneven wear on the tread, wheels pulling to one side, or decreased fuel efficiency are indicators that you need an alignment. Many drivers tend to take their tires for granted. As you can see, showing them a little more love will improve your comfort, safety and fuel efficiency on the road. Stop by Peruzzi Toyota and let our experienced technicians get you set up for a great ride!

Now that the wintry weather is (mostly) behind us, time to spruce up your Toyota for the warmer weather. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA stands ready to give your vehicle the internal spring time maintenance it needs, like oil changes, checking brakes and fluids. But here are smart things you can do to make your ride the best-looking on the block! Start by thoroughly cleaning out the interior. Check under the seats and in all cargo areas. Use a vacuum attachment to get in between the seats to pick up crumbs and remove dust on the console. Don’t forget sticky cupholders and any pockets. Pull out the mats and either shake them out or vacuum them. Run the vacuum over all carpeted surfaces as well as the upholstery. Use upholstery cleaner on both carpet and cloth materials; once it dries, vacuum one more time. For rubber mats, hose them down. Wipe down your console, dash, gear shift, cup holders, steering wheel with a spray cleaner safe for car interiors. You might want to restore shine with a product like Armor-All. Clean the interior of the windows and rearview mirror. Now, tackle the outside with a good old-fashioned sudsing. Use an auto-safe cleaner; don’t ignore the wheel wells which accumulate a lot of grit. Dry with soft towels, then apply a coat of wax to protect the surface from damaging sun rays. You might want to hit the tires with some Armor-All as well to shine ‘em up (and don’t forget to check the pressure and inflate as needed). Once your car is all spiffed up, consider how to keep it that way. Look into “organizers” for the cargo area. Keep a trash bag (or two) handy inside, plus wipes to clean up any spills. Make it a new rule to remove things like empty cups, fast-food bags or the like at least a few times a week. Now, go out and enjoy the warmer weather!

It’s a little thing that reveals so much about your vehicle: the VIN number. That cute acronym stands for “Vehicle Identification Number” and there’s a lot going on with it. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here to give you everything you need to know about why it’s so important. The VIN number is a series of 17 letters and letters. It’s been a standard identifier since 1954, although a vehicle pre-1981 has fewer characters. The Motor Vehicle administration uses the VIN as part of your car registration. It’s a crucial piece of information for insurance coverage, letting them know more about the vehicle so they can provide an accurate quote. Peruzzi Toyota also uses the VIN number during a service appointment to ensure you’re getting the right parts. On that same note, it’s used in your vehicle’s history report, which comes in handy during a resale. The VIN is also a way to track any warranty or recall issues. Of course, law enforcement uses the VIN when a theft is involved or anything else related to car crimes. Depending on your Toyota model, the VIN will be found either on the driver’s side door jamb or the corner of the dashboard. Your title and registration, or your insurance card should also have it. The VIN is unique to your vehicle and can tell its story, almost like DNA. Here’s how to “read” it. The first character tells you the country where your car was built. The second character is the manufacturer. The third character is the car’s type or division. The fourth through eighth characters describe brand, body style, engine size/type, model and series. The ninth character is an authorized security code from the manufacturer. The tenth character is the model year. The eleventh character is the plant where the car was assembled. The last six numbers represent the serial number. At Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, we want you to know your vehicle as well as we do! Please reach out if you have any questions.

The seasons go by so quickly, and it’s hard to believe that summer’s over and we’re rapidly moving into the peak of Fall. Before it gets too cold, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA recommends handling some smart maintenance tips on your Toyota. CHECK THE HVAC: Sure, you’re not using the AC in these cooler days, but that’s not all the system does. It heats, ventilates, and dehumidifies your car. Plus, it’s essential for defrosting your windows.  On a similar note, have your exhaust system checked for holes, leaks, and rust. A poorly operating exhaust system impacts your mileage, but more importantly, can leak deadly carbon monoxide. The service experts at Peruzzi Toyota can handle it all for you (as well as the following tasks). CHECK YOUR BATTERY: The heat of summer can drain the charge, so before you find yourself stuck, make sure it’s performing well. Check the connections to ensure they’re clean, tight, and free of any corrosion. CHECK YOUR BELTS AND HOSES: Hot days can do a number on these vital parts. Have them inspected for cracks, fraying, brittleness, or looseness. CHECK THE TIRES, BRAKES AND SUSPENSION: Tire pressure can be affected by temperature changes, and that in turn can affect traction and mileage. Ensure that your tires don’t show any bulges or bald spots. Similarly, give your suspension, shock absorbers, brakes, and steering system the once over to ensure they’re ready for cold weather road conditions. CHECK THE FLUIDS: From the oil, to transmission and brake fluids, and windshield washer juice, make sure all fluids are clean, topped off, and ready to go. It’s also a good idea to check to see if you need new wiper blades; if they’re squeaking or leaving streaks, time for a new pair. CLEAN IT UP: Fall is the perfect time to give your Toyota a thorough washing to get rid of summer grime and bugs. Give the interior a good vacuuming and wipe down, and don’t forget a coat or two of wax to keep the exterior protected from upcoming things like snow and road salt.

The windshield is one of those things that we kind of take for granted (unless it gets fogged up or dirty). But it’s an essential feature for safe driving. Little things like a chip from a rock, worn-out wipers, or too much grime can make a huge difference in how our vehicle performs on the road. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these simple tips to keep your windshield at its best. First, do a quick inspection for things like small chips or cracks. Those can quickly wreck your windshield’s safety while driving. The good news is that windshield repairs and replacements are free in PA if you have comprehensive coverage as part of your auto insurance. So, there’s no excuse to wait. Make cleaning a regular thing. Keep some paper towels and a spray bottle of water in your Toyota. Whenever you stop for gas, take a quick moment to wipe the windshield down. Built-up dirt and dust can impact your vision – especially in the rain. On a similar note, try a rain repellent solution. There are plenty of options, just make sure you apply it the right way. Start with a squeaky-clean windshield; use an ammonia-based cleanser and dry the glass thoroughly. Follow the instructions to apply the repellent. Once it dries, wipe it clean with a towel. Let it “cure” for a bit, then rinse your windshield with water and wipe it down again. Finally, keep your windshield wipers up to snuff. If your wipers squeak across the glass, leave streaks, or show cracks in the rubber, time for a new pair. In fact, it’s a good rule of thumb to replace them at least twice a year. Keep your vehicle out of the sun as much as you can to prevent the rubber from drying out and cracking; in the snow, don’t use your wipers as an ice scraper. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield wants to keep our customers safe, so use these tips to see things more clearly on the road!

You’ve heard the terms “all-wheel drive” and “four-wheel drive” bandied about for years. But the average driver may not understand exactly what that means, and more importantly, how it will impact their own driving. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is happy to walk you through the basics. All-Wheel Drive:  Front-wheel drive is fairly typical, and its name pretty much says it all: power is pushed to the front wheels of the vehicle. It will serve you well in the day-to-day. All-wheel drive, however, takes things up several notches. This drive technology is an automatic function, allowing each wheel to use power independently, rather than simply sending it to those front or rear wheels. This makes it great for handling tricky weather conditions and things like slick roads. Because it’s always “on,” you don’t have to think about it which makes it a great asset in everyday driving; it’s constantly adjusting to road conditions to keep you moving safely. All-wheel drive can be found in Toyota models like the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, and Toyota Camry. Four-Wheel Drive: In these vehicles (such as a Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra), the power is typically only pushed to the rear wheels to keep it moving forward. You’ll need to switch to the four-wheel mode manually to divide the torque equally among all four wheels and keep them moving in balance. This makes it ideal for navigating difficult terrain or snow and deep water. Because it offers better control, four-wheel drive is the best choice for those who love off-roading adventures or need to haul heavy loads. Whatever your driving style – or needs -- Peruzzi Toyota has such a wide variety of exceptional Toyotas that you’re bound to easily find the perfect one for your life. Our experts can answer all your questions to ensure that you find the right Toyota vehicle for your lifestyle.

One of the reasons Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is so proud to represent the brand is its never-ending commitment to safety for its owners. The Toyota suite of Safety Sense features has been developed over years to deliver the most cutting-edge technology for making drives, both long and short, much safer. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included. PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM WITH PEDESTRIAN DETECTION Cameras and sensors continually scan the area to detect other vehicles, obstacles, or pedestrians. You’re alerted of them through both audio and visual cues; if you fail to brake in time, the system does it for you. Plus, Brake Assist kicks in to give you a little more power in stopping. LANE DEPARTURE ALERT/LANE ASSIST Even the most conscientious driver will have moments when they begin to drift out of their lane – and that can spell trouble. That is where this technology comes in. Once you hit 32 mph, the system kicks in and uses audio/visual reminders to get you back on track. If you’re drifting out of your lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist makes small steering adjustments to correct things. AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAMS Not only does this offer more safety during night driving, but it’s also convenient; the headlights automatically switch to “low” when it detects an oncoming vehicle. One less thing you have to do manually! ROAD SIGN ASSIST How great is this? This system looks ahead, scanning the road for signs reflecting speed limit changes, stop signs, and more, then displays it inside the cabin. It’s an additional “heads up” to help you from being caught unawares. Naturally, Peruzzi Toyota wants to remind you that while these technological advancements are great, they should be partnered with common sense driving skills. Nothing replaces your own attention behind the wheel, but it’s nice to know you’ve got a helping hand on the road, courtesy of Toyota!

We’re in the season of road repair, that time when the bumps, holes and cracks in the roads around Hatfield are being fixed. Of course, potholes aren’t just annoying, they can do a real number on your car. If the road crews haven’t quite reached those on your daily drive around town, Peruzzi Toyota has these suggestions for dealing with pesky potholes. First, let’s talk about what hitting a pothole can do to your car. Depending on the size of the hole and the speed at which you hit it, you can really mess up the underside of the vehicle. Things like struts, suspension and alignment will be damaged. You’ll know your alignment has been affected if your steering wheel “pulls” to one side. Don’t waste time: make an appointment with the Peruzzi Toyota service experts to get things set right again. Putting it off will make repairs even more expensive. Your tires as well will be impacted by hitting a pothole hard. One obvious sign of damage is a “bulge” which indicates that a breakage has occurred inside the sidewall. That’s going to require a replacement. While potholes are an annoying fact of life, there are a few things you can do to mitigate any potential problems. Start by making sure you keep full air pressure in each tire. This gives you a nice cushion between the rim and the pothole. If you’re not sure what the correct pressure is, you’ll find it in your Toyota owner’s manual. While on the road, keep your eyes peeled. If you see a pothole, slow down; hitting one at high speed will damage your wheels, tires, shocks, struts, springs, you name it. However, try not to brake when directly over a pothole; that shifts the car’s weight and can increase the damage. If you’re driving over a road where potholes are plentiful, grip the steering wheel firmly and keep it as steady as possible to avoid losing control. Also, watch out for water: it may be concealing a nasty surprise beneath. Remember that whenever you hit an unexpected bump in the road, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield is here to smooth things over and restore your vehicle’s performance!

Recently, a Toyota dealership in Florida noted that one of their customers had hit a biiiiig milestone: a man who bought a Toyota Highlander in 2006 hit an astonishing million miles on the odometer. For 17 years, he had used his Highlander for work, relying on it as a mobile office and for towing trailers for his asphalt paving business. That’s pretty impressive, but not as unusual as you might think. Toyotas are known for being one of the most reliable brands on the market, with exceptional longevity. While you may not make a million miles, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these tips for keeping your car, truck, or SUV in peak condition. Who knows? Maybe you’ll break a record! The owner of the Million Mile Highlander says the main key to keeping his Toyota running for all those years was simple: regular oil changes! This is one of the basic rules for keeping a vehicle in peak condition. Regular maintenance around things like fluids, brakes, hoses, and filters will also keep things humming along. Pay attention to Toyota’s suggested maintenance schedule. The expertly trained technicians at Peruzzi Toyota will send you helpful reminders, seamlessly schedule an appointment, and get you back on the road in no time. Don’t ignore funny sounds or little problems; get them looked at before they become a bigger deal. Also, pay attention to your tires. Keep them properly filled and rotated, and regularly check the treads to ensure you have the proper grip on the road, especially in tricky weather conditions. The other secret to helping your Toyota reach peak longevity is to practice good driving habits. That means avoiding things like sudden accelerations, hard braking, and anything otherwise reckless. While you may not go a million miles with your Toyota, you now know that it’s possible with this exceptionally durable brand. Take care of your Toyota, and it will take care of you!

When you think about it, your windshield is the “eye” of your car. Consider the wiper blades the part that keeps that eye seeing clearly. We take wipers for granted, but we shouldn’t. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has some tips on keeping this device at peak efficiency – and it’s a simple maintenance task you can do in minutes. When your wiper blades start to fail, you’ll experience more streaks and smears that wreck your vision (and at some point, no amount of wiper fluid will help). That could wind up costing you big – as in a fender bender. Replacing them is easier than ever; most blades today can be installed in minutes without any special tools. Even the least mechanically minded among us can remove the old ones and slip on the new ones in about 10 minutes. It’s a good idea to go for quality blades. You don’t have to choose the priciest ones, but wiper blades made of higher-grade materials will perform better and last longer. You’ll find that they’re quieter and smoother, which seems like a little thing – but over time, you’ll appreciate that added comfort during your ride. Of course, sturdy new wiper blades will improve visibility during the most difficult weather conditions. That’s mission-critical for the safety of both you and your passengers. So now that you’ve replaced them, what can you do to get the most from your new wiper blades? First, know that (depending on weather conditions) the average lifespan of blades is anywhere from six to nine months. Make them last as long as possible by never running them on a dry windshield (that awful squeaking sound…yikes!). If you can’t garage your car during snow or ice storms, reposition the blades by pointing them up. On that same note, warm up your windshield before you start scraping off any ice/snow; that’ll give your blades a helping hand. Changing your wiper blades regularly is easier than changing your oil or rotating your tires --and just as important. Give yours a once-over today!

After the cold winter months, now’s the time to give your vehicle a good spring cleaning! Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has this simple guide to ensure you hit the road in a spruced-up ride. THE EXTERIOR Start with a good washing; use microfiber cloths to wipe it dry and avoid spots. Make sure to scrub the tires and wheel wells to clean off the winter sludge. Add some “tire shine” to make ‘em look glossy. While you’re down there, check the tires to ensure there’s no bulging and that you still have decent treads. Consider using a “clay bar” on the exterior. This pulls contaminants and spots out of the paint and brings up an incredible shine. Next, apply a couple of coats of wax to protect that shine and repel water from spring showers. Clean exterior glass and outside mirrors. Polish up your headlights and taillights and check for any burned-out bulbs. Check your wiper blades; scraping off winter snow and ice can do a number on them. Now to the inside of the vehicle. Start by going through your glove box, cup holders, console and any other “pockets” than accumulate random stuff. Give those surfaces a good scrubbing, as they can get sticky from spilled morning coffee or a kid’s juice box. Next, remove the floor mats and do a thorough vacuuming. Get under the seats, into the seat cracks, and your trunk and cargo areas. Now take a small, thin paint brush and dust all the crevices, like the air conditioning vents. Clean the inside glass surfaces. You may be surprised at how the grime builds up! Be sure to use the right kind of cleaner, otherwise you might damage any tinting. Spot-treat any stains on cloth upholstery; treat leather seats with the right solution. Shampoo the interior rugs and mats as well. As a final step, go over the steering wheel, console, knobs, buttons, and anything else plastic with a cleaning solution to shine them up. And here’s one more handy tip: slip a few dryer sheets under the seats to act as a cheap air freshener. Now’s also a good time to bring your car into Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield to let our friendly (and quick) service department check your tires, brakes, fluids and oil. Then you’ll be all set for a smooth, trouble-free ride into the spring and summer months!

Most drivers are good about doing the basics to maintain their vehicles: oil changes, brake checks, tires and the like. But let’s face it: there will be times when something bigger goes wrong and repairs get more serious. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has excellent service technicians, who are here to give you a simplified breakdown of some typical…breakdowns. SEIZED ENGINE: This happens when your engine isn’t getting enough lubrication (read: oil). That means parts of the engine scrape against each other and the whole thing just shuts down. Maintain a regular schedule of oil changes – including checking for engine leaks. OVERHEATED ENGINE: This can happen due to a leaky hose, a loose clamp, or a stuck thermostat. One time isn’t a big deal, but if your engine overheats too often, that can lead to pricey repairs. WORN CLUTCH: If you’re a fan of manual transmissions, you should be aware of the things that can wear it out. Bad driving habits like overheating the clutch, slipping or riding it, can result in an expensive repair. So, tighten up your skills – or prepare to shell out some money. CRACKED HEAD OR BLOCK, BLOWN HEAD GASKET: These issues can occur when the engine overheats. This can lead to oil leaching into different parts, making those items wear down. Be diligent in not letting overheating occur, otherwise you could see yourself out as much as $4K for a repair. BROKEN TIMING BELT: The timing belt coordinates with the camshaft to keep your engine running smoothly. Over time, it can get worn down or break altogether. WATER DAMAGE: If your vehicle has been subject to flood damage – or has even just run through a giant puddle – the engine can become “hydrolocked.” This can result in parts attached to the piston either bending or breaking altogether. Always get your engine looked over as soon as possible after any encounter with water. Remember, the service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield is here to answer any questions you have. Plus, we’ll check and repair anything of concern in no time at all and get you back on the road, worry-free.