What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

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!

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.

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.