To Warm Up The Engine Or Not To Warm Up The Engine?
On a cold, frosty morning, climbing into a toasty vehicle is wonderful. And now, with the ability to start your Toyota vehicle remotely at the push of a button, it seems like a no-brainer. But warming up the engine actually has some downsides. The service experts at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA are here to explain.
First off, letting your car engine idle in cold temperatures can put strain on the engine. Back in the day, the carburetor and various engine parts needed some time for the oil to circulate and do its thing. However, since 1980, vehicles have been manufactured with fuel management systems that allow the engine to warm up within about 30 seconds. Driving is actually the best way to warm up your engine; just be sure you don’t punch it too quickly. Rapid acceleration right out of the gate puts strain on bearings and chips away at your engine’s life.
There is one instance in which you’ll want to take a little extra time before you climb into your car on a cold morning: ensure that your defroster is blowing hot. Trying to drive peering through a frosted up or foggy windshield is not worth it for safety reasons.
Another good reason to skip the extended engine warm-up is for the environment. Idling your engine releases chemicals and toxins that are harmful to the air we breathe. In fact, idling burns more gas than just starting your vehicle and contributes to the build-up of damaging greenhouse gases (every gallon of gas burned creates 20 pounds of greenhouse gas). Actually, this is a good thing to remember at any time of year: keeping your vehicle running when you run in for a coffee or to mail a letter hurts the planet.
So, Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield reminds you that technology will get your engine running warm in no time – and you’ll enjoy a cozy ride yourself.
Four Great Reasons To Love The Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the most popular Toyota vehicles across all kinds of drivers. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to offer it, and shares the four biggest reasons our customers love this sporty SUV.
ROAD-TRIP READY
The 4Runner is perfect for families who want to take off on an adventure. It’s roomy, with standard seating for five (the Limited trim model offers seating for seven), and more than enough space for all kinds of gear. Behind the rear seats is 47.2 cubic feet of cargo; fold the rear seats down and you’ll enjoy almost 90 cubic feet (enough to stretch out in your sleeping bag!).
AN OFF-ROAD CHAMP
If you’re the type who likes to get out of town and into the wild, your Toyota 4Runner is a reliable partner. The powerful V-6 engine puts 270 horsepower at your command; four-wheel drive helps you easily navigate tricky terrain. Skid plates protect the undercarriage and fog lights cut through any gloom when you’re off the grid.
SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY
These days, our phones are like an extension of our body. Even when you’re “getting away from it all,” your Toyota 4Runner helps you stay fully connected. The intuitive touch screen allows you to integrate and access your apps via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A button on the steering wheel lets you make and receive calls without taking your eyes off the road.
SAFETY IS ALWAYS TOPS
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the safest rides out there. The standard Safety Sense bundle includes essentials like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control to adjust your speed to traffic conditions, automatic high beams, and pre-collision warning. From running errands to trips with the family, you have exceptional protection on the road.
These are just four great reasons to consider the Toyota 4Runner for your next SUV, but stop into Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield and discover even more!
Should You Bother Washing Your Toyota In Winter?
It’s getting to be that time of year again, when snow, ice, and slush are on the streets – and mucking up our vehicles. After a few winter storms, you might wonder if you should even bother washing your Toyota, or just wait until warmer weather. Peruzzi Toyota knows how unpredictable winter weather can be in the Hatfield, PA area and has a few thoughts on “to wash or not to wash” during those months.
The bottom line is, “yes, you should wash it.” The stuff that road crews deposit to keep highways and streets safe can be murder on your exterior, leading to oxidation, rust and corrosion. So, it’s smart to keep your Toyota clean to prevent serious damage to the body. It not only looks bad, but also reduces the lifespan and value of the vehicle.
Of course, picking the right temperature for washing your vehicle is important; make sure it’s at least in the upper 30s to ensure that your windows, trunk and doors don’t freeze. Even if you run it through a car wash, take a towel, pop the hood, doors, etc. and run it over them as a precaution.
Speaking of car washes, the same rule applies as to the best temperatures when taking your vehicle through. It’s also a good idea to opt for the “undercarriage” wash to rinse the salt and grime from the undercarriage. Over the days and weeks, that build-up can affect sensitive brake parts as well as your suspension – and that’s never good in tricky winter driving situations.
While being able to store your Toyota in a warm, enclosed space during the winter is certainly ideal, there’s an advantage to keeping it parked outside. Freezing temperatures keep the snow and slush from melting, thus any salt mixture your car has picked up also doesn’t melt – and that slows down any corrosive effects on the exterior.
Of course, when it comes to maintaining your Toyota in any season, you can trust the service experts of Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield. In the meantime, stay safe and warm this winter!
Essential Tips For Winterizing Your Toyota
Colder weather is creeping up on us. Snow, icy roads, and cold starts in the morning will be here before you know it. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here with some smart tips on winterizing your Toyota to ensure you stay safe and cozy on the road.
CHECK YOUR TIRES: They’re your essential point of contact with the road in every season, but they’re most important in winter. Ensure the tread is up to par and that they’re properly inflated.
CHECK YOUR BATTERY: Cold weather can drain the juice, so check that your battery is at full power.
LUBRICATE WINDOWS AND DOORS: Water can seep down the window tracks and freeze. Use a little silicon spray to keep them in good shape. The same goes for door frames. Spray some silicon lubricant on a rag and hit the weather stripping around the doors and the trunk.
WINTER WIPER BLADES AND WINDSHIELD FLUID: Frost and ice can do a number on your wiper blades, so either get a new set or a set designed for the rough stuff. Your wiper fluid should also be able to handle frostier conditions.
REPLACE THE CABIN AIR FILTER: You won’t be rolling down the windows anytime soon, so ensure that the interior air is as clean as possible.
CREATE A WINTER EMERGENCY KIT: Be prepared for a breakdown with some essentials to keep you warm and safe as you await help. Ensure you have a phone charger, fluorescent hazard signs, a flashlight, lighter, warm socks, a hat, and mittens, bottled water, snacks like granola bars or beef jerky. Another good idea is to keep a small candle and metal can in your car to make a heat source; running the engine to stay warm can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. A bag of kitty litter can provide traction in a snowbank, while a foldable shovel can help you dig out. Also, a pen and small pad of paper comes in handy when communicating with roadside assistance; they may have information you need to jot down.
(Just a note that Toyota offers a great available roadside assistance plan as part of the Safety Sense suite of features.)
Peruzzi Toyota’s expert service department will quickly give your Toyota a thorough winterizing and get you ready for the season. Come on by!
Check Out The Toyota Corolla Infrared Edition!
It’s a given that the Toyota Corolla is one of the world’s best-selling cars, beloved by generations of drivers. Of course, that’s never enough for Toyota, who continues to improve the model. The latest is the Corolla Hybrid Special Infrared edition – which is both great looking and awesome to drive. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA has the details!
The special Infrared Edition gets its name in part from the vibrant red trim on the interior and exterior. You’ll also find red stitching on the upholstery, and red accents on both the floor mats and door trim. It’s available as either an AWD or FWD. But hold up – even if you don’t go for this special Toyota Corolla Hybrid Infrared Edition, other versions of the 2023 Corolla Hybrid offer equal excitement. There are now five model grades versus only the one that was available in the past.
Available standard exterior colors include Midnight Black Metallic, Underground, and Ice Cap each with 18-inch Gloss Graphite-colored alloy wheels. Talk about “style”!
As for power, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid has seen a boost, going from 121 hp to 134 and 156 lb-ft of torque from the previous 146 lb-ft. Gas mileage has also gotten a boost to 46 mpg, with improved acceleration. And then there’s the all-new electronic on-demand all-wheel drive feature for even more juice.
All grades of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid get an automatic upgrade to Toyota’s acclaimed Safety Sense 3.0 system which includes new Proactive Driving Assist, with Obstacle Anticipation Assist and Deceleration Assist. Plus, you get Safety Connect and Service Connect with an up to 10-year trial subscriptions. That’s some sweet value.
The 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, available at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, also gives you an exceptional interior experience with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an 8-inch high-res touchscreen, and two more added USB-C ports in the rear, bringing the total to four.
Whether you opt for the special Infrared edition or a standard model, your experience with the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid is guaranteed to be sizzling!
What are the benefits of electric vehicles?
Electric vehicles – “EVs” – are all over the media these days. They’re the next wave of cars and trucks, so what sets them apart from your standard-issue gas-powered vehicle? Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to represent the fine EVs made by Toyota and offers this list of the great benefits of electric vehicles. Check it out.
A CLEANER, GREENER PLANET
The main appeal to driving an EV is how it benefits the environment. Electric vehicles produce fewer climate-changing emissions. They don’t require gas or motor oil, derived from fossil fuels. Plus, their batteries can be recycled, something that Toyota has worked to ensure is done efficiently and easily.
DRIVERS SAVE MONEY
You’re not spending money on gas – so there’s that. But EVs also don’t need the kind of maintenance (and ensuing costs) that a regular vehicle does. And the other good news? There are tax incentives for buying an electric vehicle that make it appealing to your bottom line.
A LOT LESS MAINTENANCE
Unlike gas-powered vehicles, EVs don’t need oil changes, spark plugs or gas filter replacements. Brakes on an EV last longer, well over 100,000 miles due to their regenerative braking design. Compare that to a standard combustion engine vehicle, where brakes need to be replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles.
A FUN (AND DIFFERENT) DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Electric vehicles respond differently than gas-powered engines. This means you get faster acceleration and speed versus the slower response of a standard vehicle.
GREATER CONVENIENCE
With an EV, having to swing by a gas station is a thing of the past. Most owners just plug in at home or have a mechanic install a high-power charger that works faster. Plus, more and more quick-charging stations are popping up cross-country. Another bonus? EV owners often get their own parking spaces at work, shopping malls, and other places. You’re saving time avoiding the gas station or looking for a place to park. How sweet is that?
Peruzzi Toyota offers a great range of electric or hybrid vehicles. We’re here to answer all of your questions and show you how an EV can be a game-changer in your world.
Toyota: Supporting Sustainability And Communities
For decades, the Toyota brand has been known for quality, affordable vehicles that are always on the cutting edge of new technology. Along with that focus comes a commitment to the American communities that help manufacture them. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to showcase some other states helping push the brand forward.
In Texas, Toyota is starting up production on the new hybrid Toyota Sequoia, to be exclusively assembled in a newly upgraded San Antonio plant. To mark the occasion, Toyota donated $100,000 towards local environmental initiatives.
An $803 million investment at their Indiana facility will go towards assembling the Highlander and Sienna, as well as Toyota’s electrified SUVs. The move also represents 1,400 new jobs for the area.
At their Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri plants, Toyota is putting the focus on assembling more eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles with $383 million in factory upgrades.
For its newest North American facility, Toyota North Carolina is investing $2.5 billion in carbon-neutral vehicles by producing batteries for EVs and hybrids. Besides providing jobs for over 350 local workers, Toyota supports the area with a $1 million donation to regional technical schools.
Toyota has found a great corporate balance between producing vehicles and supporting the local communities and environment where their plants are located. Over nearly four decades, the company has donated well over a billion dollars to various community causes. To support the surrounding environment, they’ve helped out with local tree planting initiatives and also established dozens of pollinator gardens to help the critical migration efforts of endangered monarch butterflies.
Peruzzi Toyota in Pennsylvania is so pleased to be associated with a company that supports every aspect of the states that manufacture their vehicles. Come by our showroom in Hatfield to see the “finished product” created by hardworking fellow Americans!
Is It A Good Time To Trade In Your Car?
With the ongoing chip shortage, there’s never been a better time to trade in your vehicle. You’re pretty much guaranteed to get top dollar for it, but there are a few qualifiers. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is here with insider tips to ensure you get the most for your reliable ride.
First, know the value of your car. Look at various website resources to see what your make and model is currently worth in your market. This will give you critical information when it comes to negotiating for your trade-in.
When it comes to resale among Toyotas, the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma are known for their excellent resale value. The Toyota RAV4 is always an in-demand vehicle, so if you own one, you’ve already got a leg up. Two more notes: SUVs are more sought-after than sedans, and vehicles with low mileage are always more attractive.
Cars that have been regularly serviced will always catch a buyer’s eye. If you’ve kept up with oil changes and other key maintenance tasks, that will go a long way towards you getting the best deal. In that same department, when you go to make a trade-in, having documentation of these tasks will be a big help. This is key evidence in your car’s value.
Lastly, make sure your vehicle is as clean as can be. Get it thoroughly detailed, inside and out: washed, waxed, vacuumed, the whole shebang. Clean up any stains as best you can, buff out any “dings” on the exterior. First impressions count!
The final step is scheduling a trade-in appraisal at Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield. Our honest, experienced experts are well-informed on current demand for your vehicle and will guide you to making the absolute best deal.
So, if you’re planning on taking advantage of the demand for quality used cars, take the first step at Peruzzi Toyota!
Tricks To Defogging Your Windshield
We’ve all been there: you climb into your Peruzzi Toyota on a humid day after a sudden downpour…only to find you can’t see out of your windshield. You try the wipers, but it’s just not clearing things up fast enough. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA knows how frustrating scenarios like that can be, so here are a few tips for defogging your windshield fast.
The reason that your windshield fogs up is due to condensation forming from temperature changes and the resulting humidity; this can happen if your car is either hot or cold.
The first step to defogging your windshield quickly is to crank up the heat. This helps evaporate the moisture in the car. Next, turn on the air conditioner to absorb that moisture; make sure your air circulation button is off. Note: you will want to ensure your heating and A/C systems are running at peak performance. If you haven’t had them checked in a while, schedule an appointment with the service pros at Peruzzi Toyota.
Finally, crank the windows down – all of them, if you can. Your car will be rid of the “old air” and flooded with outside air to rebalance the internal environment.
Here are a few more tips to help reduce instances of windshield fogging. First, keep your windshield – inside and out – clean. The condensation that contributes to fogging things up can cling to dirt and grime. There are also commercial fog repellent products you can apply to the inside of your windshield to prevent it from clouding up.
Of course, the defogger button inside your Peruzzi Toyota is a trusty helper, but these other techniques will come in handy to ensure that you always see your way “clear” when you’re out on the road!
Why The 2023 Toyota Camry Is So Awesome
For the last two decades, the Toyota Camry has outsold every other sedan in America. The 2023 model is about to make it even more popular! Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA is proud to represent the Camry, and happy to share all of the details about the latest model.
The affordable Camry is the sleeker, larger version of the perennially popular Toyota Corolla. Slip into the spacious, luxurious interior with its leather trim (red leather is also available for a sporty feel) and available heated seats and steering wheel. That’s perfect for a chilly Pennsylvania morning commute!
Technology factors big in the 2023 Toyota Camry from Peruzzi Toyota. You’ll enjoy a slick, 9-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The multi-information display is great for getting alerts, safety information or turn-by-turn directions. On the lower windshield, the Head-Up Display lets you monitor your speed, directions and more without having to take your eyes off the road. Available Remote Connect allows you to start your car, lock/unlock doors and more, all from your smartphone.
Of course, your 2023 Toyota Camry is equipped with outstanding safety features (‘cause “safety” is a key part of the Toyota brand). The acclaimed Safety Sense package includes blind spot monitor, front and rear parking assist with automatic braking, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with steering assist, and so much more.
No doubt about it: if you are in the market for one of the most reliable, comfortable, and affordable sedans on the market, the 2023 Toyota Camry should be on your list to check out.
Come by Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield for a closer look – and a fun test drive. Like all those drivers who’ve found it the perfect vehicle for their lifestyle, we think you’ll be sold on it too!
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