Tire Tips 101

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.

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!