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How To Get Yukky Smells Out Of Your Car

Wet dogs, a forgotten hot dog left under the seat, stinky soccer players, last week’s takeout…these are just a few of the things that can add a pretty “ripe” smell to your vehicle. Sometimes, those odors can linger a lot longer than you’d like. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has these easy hacks for eradicating almost any stench.

Most odors tend to trap themselves in carpeting, mats, and upholstery. Remove floor liners, then give your car a thorough vacuuming. Make sure you get into the crevices and under the seats to pick up the little debris that can leave a big stink. At the same time, vacuum your child’s car seat and hit up the door panels. It’s a good idea to sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on fabric surfaces, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum again. You can also place a few pieces of charcoal in a small dish and leave it in your car overnight.

Sometimes smells emanate from your air vents, in which case it’s a good idea to replace the air filters.

Vinegar is a natural cleanser that neutralizes odors when you mix it with water; a 50/50 solution is perfect for cleaning hard surfaces, and cuts through dirt. Wipe down the dash, floor mats, and console. Because the vinegar smell will linger, keep the windows open to air the car out.

Essential oils are another natural way to keep things smelling fresh and are typically less overwhelming than commercial air fresheners. Put a few drops on some cotton balls, then tuck them around your car. A moisture absorber is another good idea to prevent mildew smells.

Of course, if you’re dealing with a truly persistent stink, there are extra-strength odor eliminators to try. They’re available as sprays or gels that go directly on fabric surfaces. Additionally, there are “odor bombs” that you place in your car overnight.

Keeping smells down in your car is simple. Avoid smoking, clean up spills immediately, and keep the windows down whenever you can to air it out.

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Is It Too Late To Learn How To Drive?

Recently, we met someone who – at 35 – has yet to learn to drive. There are lots of reasons for this, and while public transportation is usually an option, it’s not so much in his neck of the woods. Most of us learned how to drive in our teens. In fact, we couldn’t wait! The freedom and opportunity resulting from having a driver’s license is something most of us take for granted. Is it ever too late to get yours? Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA says, “No!” and offers some helpful tips for you or someone you know to finally get behind the wheel. Start by enrolling in a licensed/approved driving school. Some specialize in teaching adults who may have fears or hesitations about learning at a late age. It’s better to work with an approved teacher than friends or family who may make the process harder. A driving school can help guide you through the process of getting a learner’s permit which you’ll need before you can get a full-fledged license. Count on several hours behind-the-wheel before you take your official “road test” with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. It’s typically an average of 75 hours of supervised driving spread out over different conditions (night driving, heavier traffic, parking, etc.). There are options when you can cram needed driving time into a shorter “intensive” course. You’ll need to take a written test about the driving laws of your state and general safety practices. Studying the available manual will help. If you don’t cut it the first time around, don’t worry; many of us had to take the driver’s test more than once. But before you know it, you’ll be a full-fledged driver with all the freedom and convenience that entails. Another way to make yourself comfortable behind the wheel and on the road is to choose a Toyota. It’s one of the safest vehicles on the road, with advanced safety features that provide a little extra help. The Safety Sense features include things like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and more. While you’re gaining confidence in your own driving skills, it’s nice to know a car from Peruzzi Toyota will be a trusted partner!

Deer, Deer: Avoiding Wildlife Collisions

This is the time of year when deer are on the move; mating season lasts until December and the likelihood of encountering them on the road increases exponentially. According to State Farm Insurance, Pennsylvania ranks as the state that’s the third highest for colliding with deer, and the costs for repairs are increasing. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA offers these tips to stay safe around these beautiful critters. Deer are herd animals; when you see one or two, there are likely more nearby. Stay sharp if you see one crossing the road. From dusk into the evening hours is when deer and other wildlife tend to be most active; use your high beams to expand your range of sight. Slow down on rural or suburban roads, those with sharp curves and corners, and long straightaways near wooded areas. These create potential points of impact. A deer hitting your vehicle creates major damage. One study conducted between 2006 and 2019 showed that the average cost for fixing deer-related damage was about $3,700. Those costs keep rising, mainly due to the many sensors, cameras, and other advanced features that need to be fixed or replaced. On the upside, auto manufacturers like Toyota are working on collision-warning systems that specifically alert drivers to the presence of deer or other animals. In the meantime, be your own Deer Warning System: stay alert, stick to the speed limit or slow down in areas known to harbor wildlife. Keep your lights, brakes, and tires in good shape for optimal performance when you need it most. Sadly, and as far as safety goes, there may be instances when hitting the deer is the better option. If you face a choice between the deer or swerving into another lane to avoid it, hitting the deer will ultimately do less damage. Toyota works hard to provide the most advanced safety technology for our customers, but in the end, your own smart driving habits will do the most to avoid deer collisions.

Back-To-School Time: Safe Driving Tips

It’s that time of year again, with kids heading back to school, and a few brand-new drivers out on the local streets. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA wants to keep everyone safe on the road, so here are some reminders to keep yourself and others safe during this busy time. First, pay extra-close attention to your surroundings, especially when you’re in school zones and residential areas. School kids may not be as aware of what’s around them and can excitedly run out into the street. Then there are the kids on bikes. Constantly “sweep” the area and be prepared to slow down or stop. Remember the rules around school buses: if the yellow lights are flashing, they’re preparing to stop. When the lights are red, you’re obligated to stop – in both directions – as the bus loads and unloads their passengers. On that note, build in a little extra time on your commutes to accommodate traffic slowdowns from buses or kids crossing the street. Don’t drive distracted. This applies at any time of year, but especially when the volume of kids on the street has increased. Don’t check your phone, do your makeup, or eat. Be alert for those who may not be, like a child running out from between cars to hurry to the bus stop. Back to school time also brings new drivers, eager to get themselves to school all on their own. Be patient with them, and most of all, give them some space on the street. Peruzzi Toyota is proud to represent one of the safest auto brands on the road. The Toyota Safety Sense suite of features which comes standard offers things like pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and other tools to keep you (and others) safer on the road. But even with all that technology, nothing replaces your own eyes on the road.