4 Best Toyota Hybrids
Toyota is known for reliable and efficient vehicles, but the company is also garnering a lot of attention for its impressive lineup of hybrids.
Camry
The Camry Hybrid produces 66% fewer emissions that cause smog in the atmosphere, while also getting an estimated 39 miles per gallon on the highway. Its roomy interior and comfortable cabin makes it a top choice for buyers looking for mid-size sedans.
Highlander
If you need more room in your car, take the Highlander Hybrid for a test drive. This full-size SUV is a leader among vehicles in its class, with its EPA-estimated rating coming in at 27 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. It doesn’t skimp on power, since the engine has an output of 280 net power.
Prius
As one of the first hybrid vehicles on the market, the Prius is one of the most well-known options. But Toyota hasn’t relied on good initial reviews to keep sales high. Instead, designers and engineers continue to improve its features and powertrain, keeping it high on the list of best-selling cars from Toyota. The manufacturer recently introduced several new Prius options, including the C and V models.
RAV4
The compact RAV4 Hybrid has the space and efficiency to accommodate all of your adventures. It produces 194 combined horsepower and has a sporty feel that makes it perfect for off-roading.
Check out these Toyota hybrids and find your brand new ride that will get better fuel economy than many of its competitors.
Image via Flickr by David K
Get Outside and Go Hiking
When the weather gets nice, it’s always fun to get outdoors and enjoy the natural surroundings. In the Hatfield, Pennsylvania area, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby that provide the perfect setting for your next outdoor adventure.
202 Parkway Trail
This paved trail spans nearly 8.5 miles in length and runs alongside a scenic byway. It connects with The Circuit, which is the trail network that runs through Greater Philadelphia, and this segment links three separate towns. The trail is about 12 feet in width and has grassy areas along with split-rail fences that keep it separate from the roadway.
58th Street Greenway
This shorter trail is perfect for a brief walk near southwestern Philadelphia. It is about 1.4 miles in length and connects with Bartram’s Garden on the east side and Cobbs Creek Trail on the west side. Some small sections of the asphalt trail also allow cars, so use caution when walking on these areas. The path is well-marked with clear indicators.
Angelica Creek Trail
The Angelica Creek Trail is paved in gravel and starts in the suburbs of Reading. At the start of the trail, you’ll have breathtaking views of the Schuylkill River, then as it winds northwest, you’ll be near to Alvernia University and Angelica Creek Park. Parking is available along Route 10 and within the KenGrill Recreation Center on the south side.
During the spring, summer, and even early fall months, you’ll see plenty of other hikers along these trails, taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures and breathtaking surroundings.
Image via Flickr by Moyan Brenn
3 Best Beer Gardens Near Hatfield
There is nothing quite like relaxing with a cold beer on a hot summer day. If you find yourself in the Hatfield, Pennsylvania area, be sure to make a stop at one of these local favorite beer gardens.
The Crafty Jackalope
Unlike at chain restaurants, the experience at The Crafty Jackalope is one of a kind. The menu features homemade favorites like candied bacon, Ahi tuna, enchiladas, and burgers. But most people come for the large selection of craft beer. All appetizers are half-price during happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Other daily specials are available for wings and beer.
Independence Beer Garden
Located a little more than 30 miles from Hatfield, Independence Beer Garden is an All-American themed beer garden that overlooks the Independence National Historic Park and Liberty Bell. Choose from more than 40 different beers that are available on tap, including both domestic and regional craft varieties. It’s open daily at 11:30 a.m. and stays open late on weekends. You can also dine on tasty entrees and appetizers that pair well with your beverages.
Morgan’s Pier
Morgan’s Pier sits on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, less than 35 miles from Hatfield. It offers a unique twist on the traditional beer garden feel, since its owners bring in top chefs from the area to prepare their own menus for four months. You can also listen to live music on Thursday evenings and rock out to DJ-spun tunes on weekends.
Take advantage of the warm weather this summer by sipping on your favorite brew at one of these top beer gardens in the area.
Image via Flickr by MIKI Yoshihito
How to Properly Adjust Your Car Mirrors
Many drivers don’t take full advantage of the mirrors in their vehicles, making it hard to see what is beside them. Get rid of blind spots by adjusting your mirrors in a way that makes more sense.
Out With the Old
When you learned how to drive, your instructor or parent may have told you to adjust the mirrors a certain way, and you have just never deviated from that. Or, maybe you don’t use your mirrors as often as you should, so they point in haphazard directions without doing much to help with safety.
Point them Outward
When you position your side mirrors to eliminate blind spots, they should both point outward. When you look at the reflection in one of the side mirrors, it should just overlap the view from your interior rearview mirror. This positioning is the best for eliminating blind spots completely.
Adjust to the New View
Many drivers are used to seeing the sides of their own vehicles in the side mirrors, so a changed view can take some adjusting. But pointing a mirror at your own car simply isn’t doing any good, so it’s worth getting used to the new (and safer) view, since it will allow you to change lanes and make turns without having to look over your shoulder as often.
It is surprising how few drivers adjust their mirrors properly, but you can become one of the safe ones by redirecting the mirrors to reflect objects and other cars near your vehicle.
Image via Flickr by Croswald9
4 Ways You Know it’s Time to Get an Oil Change
Preventive maintenance is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your car. But many drivers skip the oil changes and other maintenance services. If you haven’t had the oil changed in your car recently, watch for these warning signs.
1. Color of the Oil
If you check your oil, you may notice that it is darker and/or grittier than usual. This is a clear sign that you need to change it. Fresh oil is the color of honey, but it can get overloaded with dirt and other particles. You don’t want these getting into the engine.
2. Recommended Schedule
Your car’s manufacturer will typically produce a schedule for recommended frequency of oil changes. Some cars need the service every 3,000 miles, while others can go longer. Synthetic oil burns more cleanly and efficiently, reducing the need to change it as often. But a synthetic oil change also typically costs two to three times more than a conventional service.
3. Strange Sounds
If you hear odd noises coming from your engine, such as grinding or whining, this could also indicate that you need an oil change. Oil provides lubrication for the engine, so if it runs dry, parts start to grind together and lead to added wear and tear.
4. Low Level
When you pull out the dipstick, make sure your engine has plenty of oil. If the indicator shows that the level is low, add more or get it changed ASAP.
You can help keep your car running more smoothly by getting the oil changed routinely.
Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker
How to Safely Drive in a School Zone
The streets surrounding schools in the United States are designated as “school zones” and have their own set of rules and regulations. If you get pulled over in a school zone, the police officer is much less likely to be lenient, and the risk of hitting a child is never worth driving too fast.
Watch for Signs
Some school zones have signs with flashing lights, while others aren’t as obvious. If you see a yellow sign, always slow down so you don’t have to hit the brakes. Always watch for kids, even if the lights on the sign aren’t flashing. A child who is late to school could run across the road, and if you are moving too quickly, it could be tough to stop in time.
Stay Back from Buses
School buses often drive through school zones to drop off and pick up the students. If there are no flashing lights on the bus, you may proceed with caution. But as soon as the red lights start flashing and/or stop signs come out from the sides of the bus, you must stop immediately. Even if you are partway past the bus, it is always better to stop because you never know if a child will dart out of the door without warning.
Avoid Acceleration
As you move through a school zone, allow your car to coast at a low speed instead of pressing on the gas.
With a few simple modifications to your driving habits, you can do your part in keeping school zones safe for children.
Image via Flickr by Brian
3 Ways to Ruin Your Car’s Paint Job
A car is a hefty investment, so many drivers look for ways to extend the vehicle’s life and keep it looking like new. The exterior paint job is one of the first things that people notice about your car, so avoid these situations at all costs.
1. Wash Your Car Often
The first way that you are damaging your car’s paint job without even realizing it is not washing it often enough. When mud, dirt, and other debris are kicked up from tires, they will scratch your car’s paint and create a dull finish. Wash your car often, especially during the winter months if you live in a snowy area. After a wash, apply wax regularly to protect the paint and keep it shiny.
2. Park in Bad Locations
When you park your vehicle beneath a tree and head into the office, your paint is at risk throughout the hours that you leave it there. Bird droppings and sap cause damage to auto paint. If you must park under a tree, drive through the car wash on your way home. A parking space in direct sunlight is also hard on the paint, since exposure to sun speeds up the oxidation process. The best place to park is in a covered space or garage.
3. Haphazard Maintenance
When you refuel your car or top off the brake fluid, be careful to avoid contact to the exterior of your car with these liquids. They are highly corrosive materials and can cause the paint to peel almost immediately.
Taking better care of your car can help prolong its life and maintain its value.
Image via Flickr by Charlie
When you want to shop for the most environmentally friendly Toyota models at Peruzzi Toyota, it’s nice to know you have options. Read on to learn more about the current eco-friendly lineup and how they stack up.
Toyota Prius
Considered the king of Eco-Friendly Cars, the Toyota Prius Hybrid has proven itself time and time again. Whether you opt for a pre-owned model or the latest version, you’ll enjoy all the perks a true hybrid has to offer. The 2016 Prius, for instance, is in its third generation, boasting an EPA-estimated 51 mpg and an affordable starting MSRP that makes it a popular option. Alternatively, you can opt for the Prius c or Prius v, both of which offer a fresh spin on the Prius’ eco-conscious tradition.
RAV4 Hybrid
Compact and sporty, the RAV4 is a great option for those who prefer a crossover to a compact sedan. The RAV4 Hybrid has taken this classic styling and fused fuel efficiency and affordability into every feature, resulting in a chiseled RAV4 that can get 34 miles to the gallon.
Highlander Hybrid
For a more traditional SUV look, go with the Highlander Hybrid. A great option for families, the Highlander Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated rating of 27 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway, making it a great vehicle for the daily commute and extended family road trips. It also offers all the space you could need.
These three models are just a sampling of Toyota’s environmentally friendly options. Stop by Peruzzi Toyota to experience them all for yourself.
Image provided by Shutterstock
The 3 Best Family Activities in Hatfield, PA
Looking for fun family activities to enjoy this spring and summer? You’ll find plenty in Hatfield and the surrounding area. Here are a few of our favorites.
Jumpin Jack’s
Open seven days a week, Jumpin Jack’s is the largest indoor bounce center in the area — and it’s located right in Hatfield! Seven huge inflatables fill this playland, which is perfect for children 12 years and younger. There is even a designated area for children under four and a parents’ area complete with 50-inch TVs and free WiFi. Open play costs $12 per child.
Merrymead Farm
Families will enjoy seasonal outings to Merrymead Farm in nearby Lansdale. During spring and summer, for instance, you can pick up some plants, soil, and mulch to start your own garden. You can also visit the baby chicks, ducklings, and calves, along with the other farm animals, and see the cows being milked from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Rebounderz
If you’ve never been to an indoor trampoline park, you’re missing out. Fortunately, you can easily fix that by heading to Rebounderz in Lansdale. The park hosts Toddler Time on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon for $7 per hour. Otherwise, rates are $10 for half an hour, $14 for a full hour, $20 for 90 minutes, and $10 for an additional hour.
This weekend, why not treat your family to one of these fun activities? If someone has a birthday coming up, keep in mind that all three venues can be reserved for parties.
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The 3 Best Cheesesteaks in Philly
Eating a cheesesteak is a rite of passage for all Philadelphia visitors. Whether you’ve recently moved to Philly or you’re just passing through, here are some of the best eateries that ensure you’ll get a delicious cheesesteak worthy of the Philly name.
John’s Roast Pork
While seeded sandwich rolls aren’t traditionally part of the Philly cheesesteak’s list of ingredients, John’s Roast Pork in South Philly does it very well. You won’t find the standard Cheese Whiz here, though, but you will be rewarded with deliciously charred meat on a bed of a gourmet Italian roll.
Tony Luke’s
An understated joint next to an I-95 underpass, Tony Luke’s offers the typical Cheese Whiz-drizzled fare that’s won numerous awards. Being a no frills eatery, you order at the window and pick up your sandwich from the streetside windows. Tony Luke’s is also known for giving its customers a hard time, so don’t be offended if they seem less than friendly. It’s all part of the South Philly experience.
Pat’s King of Steaks
It wouldn’t be a trip to Philly without a stop at Pat’s King of Steaks, the original home of the cheesesteak. The joint is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family, whose patriarch invented the sandwich in 1930. Where else can you get a classic cheesesteak from the most famous cheesesteak shop on the planet?
The Philadelphia food scene is bustling with eats from all over the world, but the modest cheesesteak still reigns supreme in these parts. You simply won’t find a better cheesesteak anywhere else.
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