Blog / Hatfield Toyota Dealer

Some Myths About Hybrid Cars

Over the last couple of decades, cars have been moving away from the standard internal combustion engine that’s been around forever. Electric cars are getting plenty of buzz, but in the middle is the “hybrid,” which combines both gas and electric power. Even though Toyota introduced their beloved Prius in the late 90s – and they’ve gotten even better since then -- many consumers still harbor misconceptions about hybrid vehicles. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here to clear up some of those myths.

HYBRIDS HAVE TO BE PLUGGED IN

Not necessarily. While there are some plug-in hybrids that offer a longer driving range, many hybrids typically utilize another power method. Regular hybrids combine gasoline and tools like “regenerative braking” to capture electrical energy and keep the engine juiced up.

HYBRIDS ARE SUPER-EXPENSIVE

When hybrids first arrived on the scene, they were in fact more costly than “normal” cars (aren’t all “new” things?). But that was then. Now, hybrids are priced along the lines of many internal combustion vehicles.

HYBRIDS COST A TON TO REPAIR

Actually, hybrids utilize many of the same parts as a regular vehicle and have compatibility with typical auto parts. The only part that may be more costly versus “normal” cars is replacing the battery.

HYBRIDS ARE TRICKY TO DRIVE

Driving a hybrid is really no different than driving an internal combustion engine (ICE) car. They’re built on the same kinds of frames and suspension, so the “feel” behind the wheel is the same. The one thing that might take a little getting used to is that they’re so much quieter than gas-powered vehicles. Like, a lot quieter.

HYBRIDS HAVE NO “GET UP AND GO”

Some assume that a hybrid doesn’t have the “oomph” of a gas-powered engine. In truth, the electric drivetrain in a hybrid adds a pretty impressive kick to the gas side. For example, Toyota’s RAV4 Prime (available at Peruzzi Toyota) is among one of the brand’s fastest vehicles.

HYBRIDS DON’T REALLY HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Sure, hybrids still burn some fossil fuels – and that’s not optimal for Mother Earth. But they burn far less than ICE’s. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good: until we’re fully into electric or hydrogen-cell vehicles, hybrids can still support the environment in an important way (and save you money on gas!).

Got more questions about hybrids? We’re always happy to give you the lowdown at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA!

Posted in:

Related Posts

Discover The Fun Of Car Camping This Summer

If you’re hitting some scenic destinations this summer, you may want to skip the hotels in favor of “car camping.” When you have a roomy Toyota like the Highlander, Tundra, or Sienna, ( all available at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA) you can overnight in the great outdoors and save money at the same time. Here are smart tips on how to do it. First, find your location. You can’t just randomly pull over, so use an app like iOverlander or Allstays to locate great spots to camp. Make sure the spot is flat and level. Set up a comfy space to sleep. The Toyota models mentioned above are plenty roomy, so that’s your starting point. Add a car-sized air mattress, sleeping bag or pad. There are plenty of places within for convenient tools like a compact LED camping light. Car camping is becoming more and more popular, and you’ll find no shortage of clever accessories to make the event fun and comfortable, like wireless fans to keep things cool rather than keeping the engine running (a big no-no). Of course, an outdoor tent or hammock are other things to include in your adventure for when you want to relax outside. As with any off-road adventure, being safe is paramount. Leave your location with someone at home. Pack wireless chargers for your devices. Install some curtains for privacy as you sleep, and lock your Toyota’s doors at night. Pack some bear or pepper spray, just in case you’re faced with a scary situation. Ensure that your vehicle is fully fueled and avoid driving at night when you can: get yourself settled into your campsite before darkness falls. Finally, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield recommends giving your vehicle a service check before heading out on your summer car camping adventure; you’ll be able to enjoy every moment worry-free!

Spring Cleaning For Your Car: The Essentials

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!

Check Out The Toyota Corolla Cross XLE

The Toyota Corolla is a perennial bestseller. The Corolla Cross is earning even more fans. And the Corolla Cross XLE model? Well, hang on to your hats for a fresh, innovative take on this popular model. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is excited to show it off. The XLE is the top-of-the-line version of the Corolla Cross. While a hybrid version is expected to be unveiled later in 2023, the current gas model boasts an impressive 169 horsepower and a combined 30 mpg. It’s available as either front-wheel or all-wheel drive for extra-secure power. The engine and transmission have a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and ToyotaCare covers your oil changes, fluids, and tire rotations for the first two years. Overall, the Toyota Corolla Cross XLE has a 36,000-mile warranty. That’s all under the hood, but here’s where it gets really cool. The outside profile has been designed to be sleeker, with ABS plastic moldings over things like the fender, side and rear panels. If you get a ding or scratch, simply swap them out using a screwdriver (no body shop required). Outside mirrors are painted to match, and they fold in during situations of tight parking spaces – or a random runaway grocery cart. Those same mirrors are also a little larger than usual and heated to provide clear visibility during dodgy weather conditions. You’ll find tinted glass all around for privacy, including over the tailgate area (handy, if you’re hauling some cargo). Then there’s the power moonroof, to enjoy the starry skies when you’re in the mood. Of course, in the dark, you want to be spotted, and the Toyota Corolla Cross XLE features lots of cool LED light features all around the outer body, including a third taillight placed in the rear window. Plus, LED turn signals are incorporated into the side mirrors for extra visibility. Of course, there are all kinds of extra goodies on this XLE trim model: pedestrian detection, parking assist, lane tracing and road sign assist, and pre-collision detection. These are the details that Toyota puts into the Corolla Cross to ensure not only a stylish ride, but a super-safe one as well. At Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, we’re pretty excited about this XLE trim version of the Corolla Cross. We hope you’ll stop in to see it up close.