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It’s one of those things you use every day and probably never give a second thought to. But as the technology around car keys have evolved, so have the kinds of problems that can occur. The service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA can help out if your key goes “wonky” – and the best part is, there’s no appointment needed! In the meantime, here are some facts (fun and otherwise) about your all-important car key. FUN FACTS: -Up until around 1949, the ignition system of most cars began with a crank at the front of the vehicle that got the engine running. Then there was a button to push for the “starter” – and lastly, a key to finally get things rolling. A single key to start up the whole ignition system in one fell swoop was a game-changer. -In 1965, the first “double-sided” car key was introduced. Until then, you could only insert your key in one direction. The first “remoteless” car key was unveiled around 1987. In 1990, “laser-cut” car keys were introduced, a type of key that upped the security factor, since they were harder to duplicate. Today’s car keys feature sophisticated technology like “remote entry” and “remote start." If something goes off, you could find yourself "keyless," even if it's in your hand. Here are some helpful tips from the service department experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA to ensure your car key stays reliable (But remember, if something goes off, we’re here to fix it – and no appointment is needed!) -If you have “remote keyless entry,” make it a point to test your locks every so often. They can get rusty. -Replace the battery. We don’t often think that there’s a battery involved in today’s car keys, but there are. If you don’t know how to swap out an old car key battery for a new one, the service experts at Peruzzi Toyota are happy to do it for you. -Make sure that you have a spare. You’ll never know when you’ll need it. And here’s another tip: leave your spare car key somewhere other than in your vehicle. No matter what your service needs are (big or small), Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA are always here to help out. And remember that no appointment is needed.

Many drivers have had that “change your oil every 3,000 miles” rule drilled into them. But according to the service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA, there are some other signs that the lifeblood of your engine needs a serious checkup. The great thing about Peruzzi Toyota's service department is that no appointment is needed. So, if you're experiencing any of these weird signs that your oil requires a change or checkup, come on in. THE OIL LIGHT COMES ON OK, this is a big “duh” – but when that happens, get your vehicle into our service department ASAP. Ignore it, and you can expect some serious engine troubles that will cost you a lot more. EXHAUST SMOKE Vapor is one thing coming out of your exhaust on a cold day; actual smoke is a very different thing. Smoke is an indicator that something could be off with your vehicle's oil. Get it checked. THE COLOR IS “OFF” Clean oil should be a caramel color. If yours is dark or you spot tiny flecks of dirt on the stick, that's a sure sign you need an oil change. Overlook this and your engine is at serious risk. Stop into the service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA. There's no appointment needed! YOU HEAR A KNOCKING SOUND An odd rumbling or knocking sound in your vehicle’s engine is not good. It can indicate that metal parts are hitting against each other without lubrication. Schedule an oil change and checkup immediately. YOU SMELL OIL Smelling the very distinctive scent of motor oil inside of your car may indicate that you have an oil leak. That can deplete your oil levels pretty fast. It’s important to get your vehicle in for an inspection to find where the leak is coming from and have it repaired. Again, oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. If it’s old, dirty, dripping, leaking or whatever, that will cause serious damage. If you have any concerns, swing by the service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA. There’s no appointment needed, and our experts will fix whatever has gone wrong (and save you lots of money!)

Winter takes its toll on our vehicles, even in the mildest cold weather conditions. It’s a good practice to have service experts, like those at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA, to give your car, truck or SUV a thorough check so that you can head into the spring and summer months with confidence. Here are the items that can use a little TLC, as recommended by the technicians at Peruzzi Toyota. TIRE MAINTENANCE If you use winter tires, remove them and swap them out for the all-season type to carry you through the fall. Also, ensure your tire pressure is adequate (typically 30-32 PSI) and that your treads are in good condition. FLUID CHECKS When the weather outside is frightful, it’s all-too-easy to neglect regular checks of coolant, oil and brake fluids. Neglecting coolant, for example, can lead to engine damage and the resulting costs can be dramatic. Have the service department at Peruzzi Toyota inspect all of your vehicle’s fluid levels and bring them up to par. Oh, and while you're at it, have the blades changed on your windshield wiper: grating against ice, snow, mud, and salt does a number on them. CHECK THE AIR FILTER A clogged or dirty air filter can seriously reduce your gas mileage, as much as 10%. Have a new one installed for the new season. CHECK YOUR BATTERY Have a battery load test performed to see if the voltage is up to snuff. (A good rule of thumb is to consider a new battery every three years or so, depending on driving habits and overall weather conditions.) After the service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA gets your vehicle ready for the spring season, handle the cosmetic chores. It’s important to do a thorough wash-and-wax to clean off the gunk that – over time – can impact the exterior. Also give your interior a cleaning: pull out the vacuum cleaner attachments, then use a steamer or upholstery cleaner on any stains. Wipe down the consoles with a damp cloth. Now your vehicle is fresh and ready for the road trips of spring and summer!

You get in your vehicle, turn the key and put the transmission in gear. It’s one of those “automatic” things you do (even if yours is a “manual” transmission). The transmission is the thing that – quite literally – gets you in gear. Typically, it works trouble-free. But as with any piece of mechanical equipment, things can go wrong.   However, the experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA have some helpful tips for keeping your transmission in peak shape – so that you never experience that sad feeling of having your vehicle go “wonky” when you can least afford it.   The first rule of a healthy transmission is to stick to the regular maintenance schedule outlined in your Toyota owner’s manual. Just like the human body, many parts “help” each other. If one thing is stressing, it puts extra pressure on another. See how that works?   Certain things in your engine require more frequent attention than others, say, oil changes (which, ideally, should happen every 3K miles or so). Your transmission needs more TLC based on whether it’s manual or automatic.   For manual transmissions, it’s smart to replace the all-important transmission fluid anywhere between 30,000 and 60,000 miles. For those using their manual transmission vehicle in a more heavy-duty way (like a work truck), a good rule of thumb is to have fluids checked and/or replaced around 15,000 miles.   Automatic transmissions tend to require a bit less attention. Most owner’s manuals note that the fluid generally never needs to replaced on an automatic transmission. However, it’s not a bad idea to have it looked at between 60,000 and 100,000 miles.   The good thing about checking your transmission is that it doesn’t need to be attended to at the same level as oil, tires or a battery. Still, it’s smart to include it in your service schedule. If you’re confused or have questions about this critical function of your vehicle, the friendly experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA are always happy to answer your questions, with no pressure. Come on by!

No matter how many security devices you may have on your car, the chances of car theft is still a “thing.” It’s easy to become a little complacent, which offers car thieves a chance to ruin your day. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to offer Toyota vehicles with exceptional anti-theft technology, but just to be on the safe side, here are their smart tips for preventing car theft.   CONSIDER THE AGE OF YOUR CAR Older cars tend to have fewer security features and are easier to steal. Additionally, they’re constructed with materials that “chop shops” prefer over those found in more modern vehicles. If your car is over 10 years old, consider adding some security devices to prevent car theft. The service department at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA can advise you on the kinds of measures that make sense for an older car.   INSTALL ANTI-THEFT TECHNOLOGY Many new Toyotas include anti-theft features as standard. However, you can increase their effectiveness by considering additional ways to prevent car theft. “VIN etching” is where your vehicle ID number is etched on the windshield and other parts of the car. This makes it far less attractive to car thieves who want to sell it for parts. Also, consider a tracking system that will let you pinpoint where it is via GPS.   ALWAYS LOCK YOUR VEHICLE It’s easy to think, “Oh, I’ll just be a minute” and leave your car or truck unlocked. That creates an opportunity where there wasn’t one. Make locking your vehicle as automatic as putting on your seat belt. It’s one more way to prevent car theft. On a similar note, don’t give car thieves a chance by parking in a dimly-lit, remote area; stick to more populated sections of the lot.   KEEP GOODIES OUT OF SIGHT Getting back to the original point of becoming complacent, don’t think your anti-theft devices are going to prevent a car thief from trying to grab the good stuff they spot through the window. Keep items stashed out of sight, in a cargo holder, even under the seat.   Experts say that taking this kind of “multi-layered” approach is most effective in preventing car theft. Take full advantage of both Toyota's cutting-edge technology as well as common-sense measures. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is always ready to help you make your vehicle as safe and secure as possible.

When it comes to staying safe on the road, things like seat belts and being alert are essential. Another important element? The Emergency Kit. Things happen, and if you’re stranded, you’ll need a few items to help your situation until help arrives. Even though many Toyota vehicles come equipped with roadside assistance technology, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these tips for putting together your own Emergency Kit for your car or truck. Just in case.   Let’s start with some “must-haves”: -Portable phone charger (and make sure that IT’S fully charged, too!) Your phone is useless if it doesn’t have any juice -Jumper cables. Don’t assume another driver will have them -First Aid kit, including band-aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, aspirin, and anti-bacterial wipes -Flashlight and batteries -Maps (what if your GPS isn’t working? Keep some old-school paper maps on hand) -A car jack and spare tire in case of a blowout -Reflective triangles. These will alert other drivers in case you’re changing a tire in the dark -Roadside flares (and a working lighter to light them, if needed) -Bottled water -Non-perishable food. Bags of nuts or dried fruit, granola bars, and other pre-packaged items will keep you nourished if you're stranded   So, these are the absolute basics. Depending on your situation and the time of year, you might also want to consider adding a few things to your personal emergency kit.   -A few days of medication, especially if it's important to take it several times throughout the day -Blankets, hats, gloves for cold weather -A pair of old sneakers in case you need to walk anywhere unexpectedly. If it’s been snowing, a pair of boots -During the snowy season, a few bags of kitty litter can offer traction if you’re stuck. For that same reason, a small snow shovel will also come in handy for any needed “digging out”   Of course, one helpful tip for avoiding a roadside emergency is to keep up with your regular service and maintenance appointments. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is happy to look over your Toyota and let it know what it might “need.” Staying on top of the health of your vehicle will go a long way towards avoiding the use of that Emergency Kit.

We’re settling into the winter months, where colder temperatures affect not only our fingers and toes but our vehicles. One of the weirder things about winter weather is that it does a number on tires, specifically tire pressure. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these helpful tips for keeping your tires humming along in the colder months. When your car tire pressure light comes on, the first thing to check is that you haven’t accidentally run over a nail or other sharp object that might be a culprit. Once that’s done, realize that the outside cold temperatures affect the air inside the tires. It’s called “lower air density,” not that you need to be a scientist to sort it out: your tires lose pressure as a result. Your tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) will let you know when the "feet" of your vehicle needs a closer look. Older or more worn tires will tend to lose pressure more quickly than newer tires. It’s a good habit to get into to check the tread and wear on your tires, not just for pressure issues, but overall safety. Have a look at your tires on a regular basis, because cold weather will cause older tires to lose pressure more quickly – and that can be dangerous. Helpful note: if your tires are showing more wear, you might want to consider replacing them. The experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA can swap them out and have you back on the road in no time. One key tool every car owner should have handy is a tire pressure gauge. Give your tires a regular check (and reference the appropriate pressure either in your owner’s manual or on the tire sidewall.) Cold weather driving serves up tricky conditions, between wet or icy roads making properly inflated tires that much more critical. Got questions? Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is happy to walk you through the smart safety steps for your tires – and everything else. Your winter driving will be much more secure!

The tires on your vehicle are THE only point of contact between you and the road. That’s why it’s essential to ensure they’re in peak condition. This is especially important during tricky weather, like the snow, ice and slick roads that winter months deliver. Keeping your tires properly inflated is mission-critical. Ensuring that the tread is robust is also key. But Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA knows that there’s one more thing that you need to be aware of, namely keeping your tires in proper alignment.   A nasty pothole, a hard bump on a curb as you’re trying to park on a city street… loads of things can knock things off-kilter. How can you tell if your tires need to be put “straight” again? Here are the warning signs that your tires are out of alignment. Is your steering wheel vibrating? Yeah, that would mean it's working extra hard to keep your tires on the straight and narrow. How’s the “wear” on your tires? If you notice that the tread is wearing unevenly on one tire or the other(s), there you go. Your car “drifts” to the right or left when you’re driving normally. Here’s one more test (SAFETY NOTE: be sure you’re not surrounded by other cars or driving too fast when you do this). Briefly take your hands off the wheel as you’re driving in a straight line. Does the steering wheel stay “center”? Or do you find the car drifting? If so, you need to get it in for some servicing. A vehicle that's out of alignment puts you at much greater risk on the road, especially during the winter months. If you notice any of these warning signs, you'll want to schedule an appointment at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA to get it back in line. Their service department will have you taken care of in no time – and breathing easier as you drive.

You’ve washed windows, cleaned out closets and generally given your home a good spring cleaning. Now, what about your “other” home:  your car? Use these tips from Peruzzi Toyota to give your ride a fresh start. First off, schedule an appointment with a trusted mechanic, like the ones at Peruzzi Toyota. They’ll check your belts and hoses, fluid levels and do an oil change. They’ll also check your air conditioning, to ensure that it works when you need it. Now, using a soft cloth, give your car a thorough wash and wax. Get into the various cracks and crevices where winter grime can accumulate, giving wheels and hubcaps a little extra attention. You should also tighten any loose lug nuts and check tire pressure. Check under the hood for any debris and remove it. Winter weather really does a number on your windshield wiper blades, so give them a look and replace them if needed. Onto your car’s interior. Wipe down the console with a damp cloth, avoiding any electrical outlets. Clean out cup holders (which can get really grungy) and all other compartments that need some tidying up. Finally, give the mirrors and windows a good shine. Between rock salt, mud and leaves, carpet and upholstery take a beating during the winter. Wipe down the seats with a damp, soft cloth and use an upholstery cleaner if necessary. Vacuum carpeted areas. Then, if things are really stained, rent a carpet-cleaning machine. Finally, open your trunk and clean out all those things that tend to accumulate. Ensure that your spare tire is ready to go and also, that your emergency kit is up to date. Now, you’re ready to hit the road with both confidence in your car -- and pride! If in addition to your spring car cleaning, you'd like to get some spring car maintenance done, bring your vehicle in to Peruzzi Toyota for a tune up. Peruzzi Toyota's service department will look over your car and let you know which services we recommend. If the cleaning and maintenance necessary for your vehicle are too much to keep up with, and you'd rather get a new vehicle, Peruzzi Toyota has a great selection of over 280 new Toyota vehicles in the Allentown and Bethlehem areas available for purchase or lease. Peruzzi Toyota also has a large selection of nearly 500 pre-owned vehicles available for purchase. Visit Peruzzi Toyota today at 2601 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield, PA or give us a call at 877-545-2111.

The average car battery lasts about four years, depending on different factors. Want to see how yours is holding up? It’s a good idea to test your car battery before any big road trip – or, if you’ve had your vehicle awhile and want to know what’s up. This is especially critical if your car isn’t starting up right away. Rule of thumb? According to the mechanics at Peruzzi Toyota, a twice-a-year review is optimal. So here’s how to give it a check-up. First off, test your battery on a warm day (70F or higher). You’ll be doing a load test with a voltmeter. A digital version will give the most accurate reading. To start, your vehicle’s engine should be off. And just to be extra-safe, wear goggles and rubber gloves to avoid any potential issues with battery acid. Now, connect the Red/Positive test lead of the voltmeter to the battery’s positive terminal; connect the Black/Negative test lead to the negative terminal. If the voltage reads “12.4+” or above, you’re good. (“100” or “75”% will also do). To complete the process, remove the negative terminal first. Bottom line:  a good battery is under four years old. It will easily hold a charge of 12.4 volts or more, and easily returns to a working state. But if things are a little dodgy, it’s a smart move to get a new a battery. The experts at Peruzzi Toyota can help you out with a quick, easy install. Visit our Toyota service center to learn more about how we can help you with battery testing or battery replacement. If you're looking for a new vehicle, look no further than Peruzzi Toyota's huge selection of nearly 300 new Toyota vehicles available for purchase or lease near Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA. If you're looking for something less expensive or from a different brand, Peruzzi Toyota also has an inventory of nearly 500 pre-owned vehicles available for purchase in Hatfield, PA. Visit us today at 2601 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield, PA or give us a call at 877-545-2111 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

You’ve probably heard that oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. When it gets dirty, your engine suffers, that’s why regular oil changes are recommended. An essential step in the process is swapping out the old oil filter for a new one. Because otherwise, what’s the point? When it comes to removing and replacing the filter, here are a few tips, courtesy of Peruzzi Toyota. Start by running the engine for a few minutes, so that any contaminants circulate. Shut off the engine and engage the parking brake. Locate the oil drain plug underneath your car, and place a pan or basin big enough to catch all the oil beneath it. Loosen the plug with a wrench, then remove it by hand. Allow all the oil to drain out, then replace the drain plug. Now, tackle the oil filter. It will be filled with hot oil, so make sure the basin is in place to catch it. Loosen the old filter by turning it counterclockwise with an oil filter wrench, then removing it by hand. You can find the correct filter for your vehicle by checking your owner’s manual or asking at the automotive parts store. Before you install it, rub a little clean oil around the rubber gasket; this will help ensure a solid fit. Screw the new filter onto the engine block by hand, being careful not to over-tighten it (a half to three-quarters of a turn should do the trick). A too-tight filter can crack and leak. Using the recommended viscosity and using a funnel, pour in all but one quart of the new oil. Replace the cap, and run the engine to let it circulate. Turn off the car and check for any leaks (fix them as needed). Wait a few more minutes, then use a clean dipstick to check the oil level. Continue adding oil a little at a time, until it reads “full” (wiping the dipstick in between each check). Dispose of your old oil and oil filter at your nearest oil recycling center. Any questions? The expert mechanics at Peruzzi Toyota are ready to help. Visit our Toyota service center for help with changing oil or any other maintenance task your vehicle requires. If you're looking for a new vehicle instead, look no further than Peruzzi Toyota's huge selection of nearly 300 new Toyota vehicles available for purchase or lease near Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA. If you're looking for something less expensive or from a different brand, Peruzzi Toyota also has an inventory of nearly 500 pre-owned vehicles available for purchase in Hatfield, PA. Visit us today at 2601 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield, PA or give us a call at 877-545-2111 to learn more or schedule an appointment.

From the spilled coffee from your morning commute to muddy paw prints, courtesy of the dog park, your car's interior takes a daily beating. Some things are easier to clean up than others but to keep your car’s inside spruced up, Peruzzi Toyota offers these helpful, easy tips. First, know what kind of upholstery you’re dealing with. Leather is different from cloth is different from vinyl. And no matter what sort of cleaner you use (or what the label says), it’s always smart to do a spot test on a part that’s out of sight. Start by giving your interior a thorough vacuuming. Then tackle any splotches with a clean, damp cloth to get rid of basic surface grime. For leather: apply a dab of leather cleaner/conditioner to a damp rag and wipe in small, overlapping circles. Make sure to work it into any cracks or crevices. Use a clean, dry rag and wipe off any excess. When it comes to leather, experts suggest repeating this process a few times a year to keep the upholstery in top shape. For vinyl:  this surface is similar to leather, in that it cleans up somewhat easily. Start with a damp cloth and a vinyl-approved cleanser. Dirtier surfaces may require an assist from a soft brush. And, like leather, it’s a good idea to repeat this process a few times a year. For cloth upholstery: headrests and armrests take a daily beating. Spray stains directly, and let the cleanser penetrate. Now, blot with a clean, damp cloth. It’s not a bad idea to leave car windows down to help fabric dry thoroughly. Another cleaning option is to sprinkle a tough stain with baking soda and salt and let it sit: then spray a combo soda onto it, and scrub that stain away. Of course, if those options don’t quite do it, renting a steam cleaner with an upholstery attachment is the next step. Be careful not to oversteam/saturate cloth fabric or you may have to deal with a mildew problem. You may need to do some repeat-steaming every few days to finally knock those stains out. A little attention and care is all that’s needed to keep your car’s interior looking spiffy! If your vehicle has serious upholstery issues, the service experts at Peruzzi Toyota can help you out with a full replacement. Just visit our Toyota service center to learn more about how we can help. If you're looking for a new vehicle, look no further than Peruzzi Toyota's huge selection of nearly 300 new Toyota vehicles available for purchase or lease near Allentown, PA and Bethlehem, PA. If you're looking for something less expensive or from a different brand, Peruzzi Toyota also has an inventory of nearly 500 pre-owned vehicles available for purchase in Hatfield, PA. Visit us today at 2601 Bethlehem Pike in Hatfield, PA or give us a call at 877-545-2111 to learn more or schedule an appointment.