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Toyota of Orlando tips

The best five features to have for your road trips

Spring and summer are the prime times to hit the open road in your new Toyota, especially if plane travel just isn't your thing. However, even though road trips are a great way to get out and explore the U.S., they can get tedious if you don't have the right tech and tools at your disposal. Check out the top five features you'll want to have in your next Orlando Toyota to make your road trips easy, efficient, and stress-free! Don't take that summer road trip without these five features 1. Adaptive cruise control: Cruise control is a great feature for any road trip; it allows you to stretch out and relax a little bit while you're on the open road. Adaptive cruise control, however, is an upgrade from this convenient feature. With adaptive cruise control, your Orlando Toyota will actually slow and accelerate your vehicle according to the car in front of you. If they brake or slow, this ingenious feature will slow your vehicle and then return you to your cruising speed when it's safe. It takes highway travel to an all-new level. 2. Bluetooth wireless streaming: It's all about the hands-free, cords-free life when you're out on the highway, especially if you're solo. Bluetooth allows you to stream phone calls and music in your vehicle without an adaptor cord, and it's usually paired with hands-free controls so you don't even have to pick up your phone - you can use the controls mounted on the steering wheel so your focus is on the road ahead at all times. 3. Rear-seat entertainment system: There's nothing worse than the constant chorus of "are we there yet?" ringing out from the backseat. Allay your backseat riders' boredom with a rear-seat entertainment system. Vehicles like the Orlando Toyota Sienna offer this life-saving feature along with wireless headphones so you can still listen to your favorite podcast in the front while the kids stay entertained with their favorite Disney + show in the backseat. 4. Apple CarPlay: Apple CarPlay is newer tech that basically allows you to view and operate your phone's home screen right in the touchscreen panel of your vehicle. It makes accessing and using apps easier than ever; you can view your navigation, operate your Apple Music, and even view and respond to text messages with ease. It also works with all of your car's control buttons for major convenience. 5. Wireless charging: Again, it's all about going cords-free when you're on a road trip. Many of our Orlando Toyotas have Qi wireless charging in them, meaning you can simply lay your device on the pad, and voila - it charges up while you navigate the open road. Find a road-trip-ready ride today at Toyota of Orlando! And the best part of all of this is that you can see and test every single one of these features right here at Toyota of Orlando when you shop for your next road-trip-ready ride. We're conveniently located just off the I-4 - stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, near the Millenia Mall. You can also call ahead of time at (407) 298-4500 to schedule a test drive or get more info on the cars and features available.

Orlando Toyota SUV

The best 2021 Toyotas for road trips

Are you thinking about packing up and hitting the open road this spring? It's a great time of year to take a trip - winter (and bad driving conditions) has made its grand exit, but the scorching heat of summer hasn't quite arrived yet. If you're thinking about hitting the highway, you need the right ride to do it... and that's why we've created this quick list of the BEST new Toyotas for a road trip. Check it out! 2021 Toyota Highlander: If you're in need of something spacious to get to your final destination, consider the 2021 Toyota Highlander. This redesigned SUV offers seating for up to eight and is packed with technology like Bluetooth wireless streaming, the Audio Plus system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Sirius XM Satellite, and more. You'll never be short on entertainment and you can also get comfortable and stretch out - even with all of the roomy seats up and occupied, you'll still have 16 cubic feet of space and the capability to tow up to 5,000 lbs behind you. 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime: The Orlando Toyota RAV4 Prime is especially suited for road trips for two reasons: One, it's a hybrid, which means exceptional fuel efficiency and green performance, and two, because it has all-wheel drive. Hybrid performance means you can spend less at the fuel pump - this particular new Toyota gets an estimated 38 mpg. You can also feel good about your time behind the wheel because you'll be releasing fewer emissions into the air. Additionally, all-wheel drive means superior handling should you encounter a late spring snowstorm or rainy weather during your drive. 2021 Toyota Sienna: Are you hitting the highway with the family? Check out the Orlando Toyota Sienna. This new Toyota minivan is seriously family-friendly with features like hands-free power sliding doors and liftgate, Driver Easy Speak, a rear-seat 1080p HD entertainment system with wireless headphones, four-zone automatic climate control, and a Bird's Eye View Camera (among other amazing safety features). Plus, it can seat up to eight with over 33 feet of cubic cargo space to spare AND it's a hybrid, which means improved MPGs and clean performance. 2021 Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla may be small, but if it's a solo road trip or you're taking just one or two people with you, it's a great option for getting where you need to go. This compact sedan boasts amazing fuel efficiency (31/40 mpg, to be exact), has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and boasts safety features like an integrated backup camera, Toyota Safety Sense, a blind spot monitor, and even hill start assist control. No matter which new Toyota you want to take out on the road this spring, we can help. Shop our inventory today! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the MIllenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can call to ask questions, schedule your test drive, and more at (407) 298-4500. Happy travels!

2022 Toyota GR 86

Meet the all-new 2022 Toyota GR 86

It's finally here - the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has officially been unveiled. It's set to arrive at dealerships across the nation late this year, but our Orlando Toyota dealership has the scoop NOW on what it's going to offer when you can finally slide into the driver's seat. If you noticed, the name is slightly different. Toyota added "GR" to this sports car's moniker, which stands for Gazoo Racing (and it's obvious that this car will be track-ready). However, that's not all that's changed. This Orlando Toyota was completely redesigned for its second generation. Much like the first gen, it was co-designed and developed with Subaru (check out the BRZ - twinsies) and the two automotive powerhouses didn't disappoint when it comes to design, performance, and technology. Here are the basics of what the all-new Toyota GR 86 will offer. A larger engine - the original has been replaced with a 2.4L flat-four. This means increased horsepower (232 hp) and torque (184 lb-ft) for a more exciting performance. (The old model got 205 hp and 156 lb-ft). It's still rear-wheel drive for quick acceleration and is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions. It gets from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds, an improvement from the 7.4 seconds that the prior generation boasted. Dimensions will stay generally the same; the new 2022 Toyota GR 86 will showcase the same low stance that it achieves through its flat-four engine. The wheelbase is slightly longer and the center of gravity is a little lower. The roof and fender panels are now made of aluminum for lower overall weight (and more speed). Torsion rigidity has been increased by about 50%, according to Toyota - this means enhanced handling as well as a more comfortable experience for the driver and passengers. The interior will showcase a 7" digital display in the instrument cluster, as well as an 8" touchscreen interface for the entertainment system. Some models of the new Toyota GR 86 will showcase the new Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology. (Likely the automatic models.) We can't wait for it to arrive at Toyota of Orlando. For more information about the 2022 Toyota GR 86, call us! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Easter in Orlando

Celebrate Easter Weekend 2021 in Orlando

Easter is here! Do you have plans to make the most of the beautiful weather and holiday weekend? Check out these fun events going on in the City Beautiful and surrounding areas this Saturday and Sunday and from our family to yours, hoppy Easter! Central Florida Zoo will be hosting an Easter event from 9 am to 3 pm tomorrow, April 3. "Hippity Hoppity Adventure" will include an egg trail, crafts, games, music at the splash pad, and an inflatable obstacle course! The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance to round out the celebration. This event is free with zoo admission. Gaylord Palms Resort will be hosting indoor scavenger hunts, a springtime pool party, a cookie decorating experience, and even encounters with animals from Wild Florida throughout Easter Weekend! Guests can also have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny to kick off the day. ICON Park is offering a chance to have your photos taken with the Easter Bunny as well as complimentary rides on The Wheel for visitors who do so! City of Ocoee is holding a Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt at the Jim Beech Recreation Center! Attendees will also get to experience a glow zone and live music from a DJ. You have to reserve your spot ahead of time for this free event on April 2 from 6-9 pm. CrossLife Church in Oviedo is hosting an "EGGstravagant" event filled with games, inflatable bouncers, scavenger hunts, live entertainment, sno-cones, and more! The event is free and takes place from 11 am to 2 pm tomorrow, April 3. Mall at Millenia will offer Easter Bunny photos and while you're there, stop by Capital Grille for Easter brunch! They're serving lobster frittata, NY strip and eggs, pan-seared sea bass, filet mignon, shrimp and grits, and more. The Tea Room Experience is hosting an Easter-themed afternoon tea in honor of the weekend! Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, fresh clotted cream, mimosas, and all the tea you can drink. Seating is limited and tickets are $35 a person. The Hammered Lamb is hosting an adult easter egg hunt. The egg hunt starts at noon and there will be live music and entertainment plus great food throughout the afternoon. Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

Toyota of Orlando tips

More car hacks to make your drive time easy

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we're all about car hacks. If there's an easy or creative way to make your drive time more enjoyable, we're going to share it with you. Today we're giving you a few more car hacks that can make your experience behind the wheel more efficient and less stressful. Check it out! Hack #1: Unlock your door manually. Did your key fob stop working? Don't worry - even if you can't remotely unlock your car, you can still get the door open. Your key fob has a small mechanical key hidden inside. On the door handle, you'll notice a small piece of plastic that can be popped off - there's a mechanical lock under there. Voila! Hack #2: Prevent your wipers from freezing. We know, we know - you won't really have this issue here in Orlando. However, if you head north, you can stick a pair of socks over your windshield wipers when you park your car. This will prevent them from freezing to the glass when it snows. Hack #3: Go the speed limit. Not only will going the speed limit prevent you from getting pulled over and ticketed, but it'll also help you get where you're going faster. Did you know that green lights are timed so that if you're going the speed limit, you SHOULD be able to hit all of them as you make your way down the street? It's a much safer way to get somewhere fast. Hack #4: Make your car easy to find. Are you guilty of ALWAYS forgetting where you've parked? Make it easier to find your car - stick something on your radio antenna, put a sticker on the back of the car, or stick something brightly colored in one of the windows that makes your Orlando Toyota easier to spot. Hack #5: Cool off your car quickly. Your car can become a literal oven in the summer, especially here in Orlando. A lot of people think that they should open all four windows to let the hot air out, but this actually doesn't get the job done. You should open the two front windows when you hit the road to let the hot air out, then roll them up and blast the A/C. Hack #6: Touch up scratches on the cheap. Do you have small scratches and dings in your paint, but don't feel like shelling out for professional car paint repairs? We get it. Your best bet for a temporary fix is nail polish, believe it or not. With all of the shades available, it isn't hard to find one that comes pretty dang close to your car's paint. Hack #7: Stop hitting your car door on the garage wall. Sick of hitting your car door on the wall of the garage when you get out? Here's a quick and easy car hack to deal with it. Cut a pool noodle in half and stick it on the wall where your door hits - this will protect both the wall and your car door from dings. Hack #8: Put your kids' slime to use. Ah, slime. Kids love it, parents hate it... unless it comes to car detailing. Believe it or not, slime is a great way to get dirt and debris out of the cracks and crevices in your car. Use a ball of slime to pick up dirt from cupholders, the dash, etc. - debris will stick right to it. Just make sure to throw the slime out afterward. Want more car hacks? Call Toyota of Orlando. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and located conveniently just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Orlando Toyota sports car

Toyota's Four Most Iconic Cars

Toyota is renowned on a global basis for its vehicles. Not only do they have a wide array of options spanning everything from compact sports cars to spacious and safe SUVs, but they also are recognized as a brand that's durable, reliable, and exceptional in terms of performance. They're also responsible for introducing some of the most iconic cars to the market, and today our Orlando Toyota dealership is taking a closer look at four of them. The four most iconic new Toyotas out there Toyota Supra Who doesn't know the Toyota Supra? This iconic sports car is back for a second round but the first iteration of it is the one that gained major notoriety in the automotive world. It's got five generations under its belt and the fourth - the one that spanned 1993 - 2002 - is arguably the most notorious. It's reliable, performance-driven, and relatively inexpensive given its capabilities. Plus, it was featured in The Fast and the Furious - need we say more? Toyota Land Cruiser The Toyota Land Cruiser has been around for a lot longer than you night realize - the first model was brought to market in the 40s as a wartime solution in Japan. It was initially meant for tackling tough terrain and was pretty bare-bones inside, but over the decades has evolved into a luxurious AND off-road-ready SUV. Unfortunately, it's going to be retired after the 2021 model year, but it'll always be remembered for the icon it is. Toyota Prius Hybrids are pretty common nowadays, but this wasn't always the case... at least until the introduction of the Orlando Toyota Prius. This new Toyota hybrid was introduced to the world in the early 2000s, kicking off the green car revolution. Since then, hybrids have become more and more commonplace out on the road and Toyota has introduced multiple new hybrid models besides the iconic Toyota Prius. Toyota Mirai Toyota is an ever-evolving brand, and it definitely takes producing green cars seriously. (See above.) The Toyota Mirai is their foray into fuel cell vehicles. This idea isn't uncommon, but Toyota is one of the only brands that were actually able to put all of the research into fruition. This revolutionary ride has been around since 2014 and has already been redesigned once to make it even more sleek and stylish. The technology is also being put to use in the industrial world to replace diesel engines. Those aren't the only iconic Toyotas out there. The Toyota Tacoma is a global favorite for its rugged capabilities. The Toyota RAV4 is revered for its versatility and efficiency, and the Toyota Camry is a bestseller because of its classic style and dependability. Not to mention, the entire brand is famous for its safety technology AND high resale value. Make an iconic new Toyota yours today Whether you want to make one of these iconic new Toyotas yours or just want to be a part of the Toyota brand, we've got you covered. Visit Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week until 10 pm, even Sundays. We're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can call us to learn more and schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.

car ownership tips

A quick guide to car insurance

Have you ever sat down and tried to navigate your car insurance policy? It can be confusing, to say the least - there are so many options and lots of unfamiliar technical language. And on top of that, it's a must-have when you get behind the wheel. Driving without car insurance is illegal and can also land you in big financial trouble. Toyota of Orlando is here to help, as always - check out our quick guide to car insurance to help you better understand and choose a policy best suited for your drive time needs. Why do you need car insurance? Like we said, driving without car insurance is illegal. This is because insurance has two purposes - to cover your expenses, but also to cover the other driver's expenses if you get into a car accident and it's your fault. Basically, your car insurance will help cover the bills (after your deductible) when it comes to your medical expenses and car repair bills when you get into a car accident. If you didn't have insurance, you'd have to foot the bill yourself (and those costs add up really, really quickly). Similarly, if the car accident is determined to be your fault, you're responsible for the other driver's bills, so your insurance will cover those, too. So what should you be looking at when you choose a car insurance policy? Here's a breakdown of the main categories: Collision: This segment of your insurance covers the costs to repair your car. If your car is deemed totaled, then this part of your policy will cut you a check that you can use as a down payment on a new ride. Personal Injury Protection: PIP coverage will cover your medical bills if you're injured in an accident or collision. Bodily Injury and Personal Property Liability: This segment of your car insurance policy cover's the other driver's medical bills and auto repair costs. But remember, this only kicks in if YOU were legally determined to be at fault. Comprehensive: This segment is for things like hit-and-run car accidents (where there's no other driver to help foot the bill), natural disasters, and in the state of Florida, windshield repair and replacement. You should check to ensure that your Orlando Toyota's policy includes each of these segments for the fullest coverage. How much will it cost to insure your Orlando Toyota? The cost of car insurance varies from driver to driver as the premium (the amount you pay each month) is determined based on a variety of factors, including: Your age and gender Your marital status Your address Your insurance, driving, and accident histories The type of car you're going to drive and what you're using it for The number of miles you're going to drive annually Another thing to consider when signing up for car insurance is how frequently you have to make the payments. Most drivers pay monthly, but your provider may offer annual or biannual payment options. The amount you pay on that schedule is larger, but you'll often get a discount doing it that way, so be sure to ask. Have questions about which policy is best for your Orlando Toyota? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

car seat safety tips

Toyota introduces new app feature to help you install a child car seat

Does the thought of installing your child car seat for the first time make you nervous? We get it - you want your kids to be as safe as possible at all times, especially when you have them in the car with you. However, installing a car seat can be confusing if you've never done it before, and even if you get it installed, you can't really be sure that you've done it correctly until you've had lots of practice... or a little guidance from the experts. That's where Toyota comes in! What is Toyota For Families? As always, you can visit your local fire station or police department to have them show you how to properly install a child car seat and ensure that you're doing it correctly. Toyota is dedicated to safety, though, and wanted to make car seat installation even simpler for its customers. After all, proper installation of a car seat can reduce injuries in a crash by up to 70%. That's why they've created a new app feature called Toyota For Families that shows you how to install your seat safely and correctly in your Orlando Toyota. Toyota For Families was developed by three mothers who were determined to make this information more accessible for EVERY driver. Jennifer Pelky (Toyota principal engineer of vehicle performance development for interior safety), Lindsay Babian (Toyota principal engineer of body design for seats), and Janelle Pharris (advanced technology senior planner for Toyota) worked together to create this award-winning app feature and get it off the ground in 2021. Here are the details: Toyota For Families can be accessed either through the Toyota Owners App or via the Toyota website. Users can either enter their VIN or select their model and trim to specify which car they'll be installing in. Next, users choose the location where they want to put the car seat and then the type of car seat they have - forward-facing, rear-facing, or booster seat. Toyota also makes it easy if you're unsure as to which seat you should be using by providing a guide to car seats based on age and weight. Once those details have been specified by the user, they're shown both a custom video AND written step-by-step instructions on how to install a generic car seat into their chosen vehicle. Instructions are given both for the LATCH system and seat belt installation, and if the user chooses an installation method that's incompatible with their seat (for example, wanting to use LATCH when it's not possible) the system will let them know. The video and instructions are specific to the Toyota Sienna right now (that's the model used as the example), but Toyota hopes to expand this to the rest of the fleet to make customers feel even more comfortable. Additionally, this feature of the app is accessible to both iPhone and Android users. Shop for a family-friendly Orlando Toyota today Have questions or shopping for a family-friendly new Toyota? Call us to get the ball rolling - Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Toyota Subscribe + Drive

Toyota launching Subscribe + Drive program

Are you the type of driver who just can't commit to one vehicle? We get it - sometimes it's hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution for your drive time needs, especially if you usually rely on public transportation or don't drive on the regular. Is it really worth it to sign the dotted line on a purchase or lease if you're not going to use it that much in the long run? Well, Toyota may just have the solution you're looking for - Subscribe + Drive. What is Subscribe + Drive? Subscribe + Drive is an all-new Toyota program that provides an alternative to leasing or purchasing a new Toyota. When you sign up, you can basically "rent" a new Toyota for 60 days at a time. When the 60 days is up, you can renew the program or you can cancel and return the car - whichever fits your needs at the time. Toyota of Orlando has the details on this innovative new program below. Subscribe + Drive is a subscription service and you'll pay monthly for it. However, to make this short-term ownership as easy as possible, Toyota bundles the "rent" for the car, insurance coverage, and maintenance all into the monthly fee. The only thing you have to pay for is gas - even your tolls will be charged to your credit card on file via Toyota. You'll be able to choose from a variety of models spanning compact cars to spacious SUVs so you can get whatever fits your drivetime needs for that particular time period. To subscribe, you just download the app and fill out all of the information on your phone. Toyota will then hook you up with a digital concierge, who you can text with any questions or concerns that you have. Once you've signed up, paid a small one-time fee, and chosen your vehicle, your new Toyota will be delivered right to your door - you don't even have to leave home to collect the keys. However, if you have questions about the car, you can always schedule a pick-up at a Toyota dealership near you. Is this new Toyota program right for you? And here are a few of the finer details regarding this new Toyota program: There's no long-term commitment. If you don't need the vehicle when the 60 days is up, you can cancel your membership (or pause it if you want to use it again later in the year and not pay the initial fee). The monthly subscription fee varies based on the vehicle that you choose, as well as your state and local taxes. To make your life easier, you can renew the same vehicle that you're in after 60 days (that way you don't have to move all of your stuff to a new car). You'll be allotted 1,250 miles a month to get you where you need to go. You can add a second authorized driver to the subscription if you want a family member or partner to get behind the wheel, too. You have to be 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and meet both credit and driving record standards to be able to participate in this new Toyota program. Insurance coverage is backed by Nationwide and includes $500,000 liability and property coverage, $10,000 medical per person, $10,000 income continuation coverage, and $5,000 loss of services coverage. Physical damage coverage is subject to a $1,000 deductible per occurrence. Have questions? We've got answers (as always). Call Toyota of Orlando today for more information OR to look into leasing or purchasing a new Toyota today. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500!

how to deal with pollen on cars

Pollen on Cars: The Dos and Don'ts of Car Care

Updated July 2026 Here in Orlando, pollen is a thing. At certain times of the year there’s a literal coating of yellow-green on everything outside, and we’re not just talking about patios, sidewalks, and outdoor furniture. Pollen on cars is a huge frustration for Florida drivers, especially if you park under trees or outside for long periods of time. And while pollen on cars may seem like just an eyesore (making your car look filthy even if you just detailed it), it can actually be a bigger problem than that. Leaving pollen on your car for too long can damage and stain your car’s paint, as well as make it wear prematurely. Here’s your good news for the day - it’s not hard to protect your ride through pollen season and beyond. Check out this complete guide from our detailing experts here at Toyota of Orlando. Executive Summary Pollen on cars is more than just an annoyance—it can trap moisture, contribute to oxidation, leave stains, and make your paint harder to clean if it's left sitting for long periods. The best defense is prevention. Regular washing, wax, paint sealants, or ceramic coatings help keep pollen from bonding to your vehicle's paint and make cleanup much easier. Never wipe dry pollen off your car. Always rinse first, then wash with automotive car soap and microfiber towels to avoid scratching the paint. Don't forget about your car's interior and air filters. Pollen can collect inside your cabin and clog both your cabin and engine air filters more quickly during peak pollen season. Parking in a garage or covered area, avoiding flowering trees, and washing your vehicle more frequently during heavy pollen season can help keep your Toyota looking its best. Why Is Pollen On Cars Such a Big Issue? A lot of drivers think pollen is harmless because it’s soft and lightweight - it’s not like mud coating your Orlando Toyota. However, pollen isn’t as simple as it seems; it’s not just yellow dust. Pollen actually contains tiny organic particles that trap moisture against your car’s paint. And when you mix that with the intense sunshine, humidity, heat, and rain, that layer of pollen can do surprising damage. If pollen sits on your ride long enough, it can actually: Hold moisture against the paint Mix with rain and create acidic residue Contribute to oxidation over time Leave behind stubborn stains Make washing your vehicle more difficult One day of pollen buildup isn’t going to damage your car paint, don’t get us wrong. But pollen on cars that accumulates week after week and doesn’t get washed off can cause long-term cosmetic damage. Four tips for handling pollen season Tip #1: Prepare your Toyota before pollen season arrives. So, what’s the best way to prep for pollen on cars before it actually happens? Here are our Orlando Toyota service team’s tips: Detail your car regularly and keep it on a schedule Wash it routinely and apply a quality coat of wax Consider a paint sealant or ceramic coating if you live in an area where pollen on cars is a big issue (like Florida) Wax, sealant, and ceramic coating won’t stop pollen from landing on your car. However, they act as a protective barrier between pollen and your paint and prevent the pollen from bonding. They also make it easier to wash off, which means less scrubbing. Tip #2: Remove pollen on cars as often and gently as you can Peak pollen season is when you should be doing the most to keep your car clean, and this means watching more than usual to get the pollen off. However, you also need to make sure you’re washing your car the right way. Don’t even try to wipe pollen of your car with a dry towel or duster. It can cause scratches, especially if there’s dirt and dust mixed in. Instead, use these steps to remove pollen from your Orlando Toyota: Rinse your car thoroughly Use automotive car wash soap to get it clean (not dish soap - it can strip away protective layers) Wash with a clean microfiber mitt Dry using a microfiber drying towel Reapply wax as needed throughout pollen season for that protective layer Not sure you have the right car detailing supplies? Pop by Toyota of Orlando. Our parts team can help you pick the right supplies for your car, especially during pollen season. Tip #3: Choose your parking carefully Where you choose to park your ride will definitely affect how much pollen on cars is an issue for you. Our Orlando Toyota service team recommends parking hacks like: Park inside your home garage Use a covered parking space Avoid parking directly beneath flowering trees Stay away from areas where tree branches hang over parking spots Even choosing a parking spot that’s a short distance away from trees can make a big difference. But if you find yourself having to park outside all the time, just wash your car more often during peak pollen season to prevent that buildup. Tip #4: Don't forget the interior and under the hood. Pollen on cars is definitely noticeable on the exterior, but that’s not the only place it collects. Every time you open a door or a window, pollen gets inside your Orlando Toyota too. It can settle on your dash, seat, carpets, and vents (and make your allergies ten times worse). Be sure to keep your car’s cabin clean too by doing things like: To help keep your cabin clean: Vacuum the carpets regularly Wipe down hard surfaces with microfiber towels Keep your windows closed during high pollen days Replace your cabin air filter when needed Your cabin air filter traps dirt, dust, and yup - pollen - before they get into your car’s interior. During pollen season, it might clog up faster and need to be replaced sooner. And don’t forget about your engine air filter - it can also get dirtier faster during pollen season! Not sure if you need to replace either or both? Let Toyota of Orlando help - our service team can check them out and fill you in. Should You Use a Car Cover During Pollen Season? A lot of drivers take matters into their own hands and consider a car cover to prevent pollen on cars. However, this is only a viable solution if you use it correctly. A clean, well-fitted car cover can protect your car when it’s parked. Make sure both your car AND the cover are clean. Use a breathable cover designed specifically for your car, and be sure to remove it and clean it regularly. A dirty cover will trap more pollen, dirt, and dust against the paint, and can also cause scratching if the cover moves in the wind. How Often Should You Wash Your Car During Pollen Season? There’s really no one schedule that works for keeping pollen off cars. If your car sits in a garage or covered parking most of the time, you can probably get away with washing it every few weeks. However, if your car is outside a majority of the time, you might want to rinse it every few days during pollen season to remove loose pollen before it has time to stick. Routinely washing your car also gives you a chance to look for other contaminants like tree sap, bird droppings, and dead bugs that can also damage your Toyota’s paint. Keep your Toyota Looking Its Best with Toyota of Orlando Need help dealing with pollen, other contaminants, or just detailing in general? We’ve got your back at Toyota of Orlando. Stop by to shop our Toyota parts store or chat with one of our expert auto service techs today. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Mall at Millenia!

routine car care

Do you really need a new air filter?

When you last visited your mechanic or auto service center, did they tell you that you needed a new engine air filter alongside your already scheduled service? This is a touchy subject among both drivers and auto service technicians alike. While some less trustworthy mechanics try to push this car care on drivers more frequently to make an extra buck, it actually IS a necessary item on your car maintenance checklist. Toyota of Orlando is here to clear the air surrounding this controversy. Believe it or not, you DO need to replace your engine air filter from time to time. This important car part plays a critical role in performance. Air is pulled into your car engine in order to ignite your fuel; the air filter prevents dirt and debris from being pulled into the engine alongside the air. And over time, the filter itself will become dirty. This means it needs to be cleaned regularly but as with any car part, you'll get to a point where cleaning just won't cut it and the part needs to be replaced. What happens if you don't replace your engine air filter as needed? Here are just a few scenarios: Not enough air is pulled into the engine. This leads to misfiring, low fuel efficiency (which means you have to spend more on gas), and a reduction in power (so you won't be able to put the pedal to the metal). The filter starts to come apart due to excessive wear and tear. This can actually lead to pieces of the filter being pulled into the engine, causing costly damage to the engine itself (and more auto repairs on your schedule). Ignoring your air filter can have expensive consequences so while you don't need to change it every single time you get an oil change or tire rotation, you do need to give it attention on a regular basis. But how often do you actually have to replace it? The answer to this really depends on your driving habits. While some will say that it's only necessary to replace this car part once a year, a better gauge is to change it according to mileage. Some drivers may put 50,000 miles on their car in a year while others drive infrequently and only rack up 10,000 miles. A good rule of thumb is that your engine air filter needs to be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. And if you notice performance issues in between these appointments, definitely have our Orlando auto service techs check things out for you. And here's the best news - we can both clean and replace this important car part right here at Toyota of Orlando. Our auto service techs can get you on a schedule and they'll inspect your air filter every time you come for service to ensure it's clean enough to function properly. If you think you need car care or just want to get answers, call us! Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

The Toyota RAV4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue is ready for anything (and we mean anything)

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we love concept cars. Like, LOVE them. They're a great way for automakers to take design and innovation to new levels, no holds barred, and bring something truly unique to drivers (even if there's a slim-to-none chance that the vehicle will ever actually be put into production). The new Toyota RAV4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue is no exception. This incredible SUV has been decked out with features to ensure that it's ready for any terrain, any weather - basically, anything and everything you could imagine. Toyota of Orlando has the details! Meet the Toyota RAv4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue The Toyota RAV4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue was recently unveiled online by Toyota. It was supposed to have its big debut at the Tokyo Auto Show but since that event was canceled, we'll have to get more up close and personal with this innovative SUV at an upcoming dealer-sponsored Toyama Prefecture in Japan. This is actually perfect because this particular region of Japan is one that faces intense winter weather than can often leave drivers stranded (i.e., they'll love this thing). The concept crossover was built off of the Orlando Toyota RAV4 Adventure model gear. This means it has dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive with rear driveline disconnect, as well as multi-terrain select and a tow hitch. Toyota designed this concept with weather and terrain in mind, and here are some of the features you can expect when you get behind the wheel. New large-diameter wheels with knobby tires for extra grip on tricky terrain Damage-resistant bumpers in the front and rear, as well as steps on the corners fitted with material to add grip for when conditions are slippery Step rails to improve ingress and egress A ladder on the back to give the driver easy access to the roof racks Modular cube LED light units that can be fitted into docks on the outside of the crossover - eight on the roof rack and four below the headlights. However, LED lights aren't the only things that can be plugged in there. These outlets can also house cameras, wi-fi signal boosters, speakers, lidar for measuring distance, or USB charging ports. An emergency beacon bar and red lights embedded in the grille for major visibility in the worst of weather And that's just the exterior. The interior of this new Toyota RAV4 concept showcases an augmented reality projection on the windshield to ensure that the driver can navigate tricky, uneven terrain even in terrible weather conditions where visibility is limited (like snow). It also has a smartphone-controlled rooftop drone that reads the movements of people and other vehicles. Get offroad in a new Orlando Toyota today While it's not likely that we'll see this incredible concept at Toyota of Orlando anytime soon, we DO have plenty of off-road options waiting for you. Shop all of them today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall!

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