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car tire care

Three reasons to never ignore your tire pressure warning light

When you see a light - any light, really - turn on in your dashboard, you probably immediately feel uneasy. After all, seeing one of those lights come on could mean that auto repairs are in your near future and you may have to shell out your hard-earned money to keep your ride on the road. However, the longer you put them off, the more likely it is that they develop into serious issues. That's why it's so critical to not ignore your dashboard lights. Today we're talking about three reasons you should never ignore one light in particular - your tire pressure warning light. Why does your tire pressure light turn on? Your tire pressure warning light turns on to alert you that one or more of your car tires is too low in terms of air pressure. The air pressure has dropped below the recommended level and you should take immediate steps to add air to the tire(s) and get them back to the proper PSI. Some people don't think the tire pressure warning light is a big deal - after all, the tire's not flat yet, right? - but here are three reasons our Orlando auto service specialists recommend dealing with this simple car care task right away! Reason #1: You're more likely to have a flat or blowout. When your tire is underinflated, you're much more likely to have a flat tire or a blowout. And while that may seem like a minor inconvenience or no big deal, it's not -having a blowout can be pretty dangerous to you and the cars around you, especially if you have one while moving at high speeds (like on the highway). This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and end up in a collision, or worse. Reason #2: Your tires will wear unevenly and wear out faster. If your PSIs aren't where they should be, your car tires will wear faster. Low tire pressure means your tire has more surface area on the road (more rubber touching road) which means it's going to wear out faster and wear unevenly. And this throws everything out of balance, so your other tires will likely wear unevenly, too. All in all, this means you're going to have to replace your tires more frequently and spend WAY more money than you rightfully should. Reason #3: You won't get the fuel efficiency you deserve. When your car tire pressure is too low, you won't get the fuel efficiency you deserve. Having tires inflated to the proper PSI is directly related to getting the right fuel efficiency. Let our Orlando Toyota service techs restore your tires to the right PSI It's easy to get your car tire pressure back to the right level - just pull into the gas station and use the air hose to fill them up, also using a gauge to ensure you don't overinflate them. If you're not comfortable with the DIY approach, though, just head on over to Toyota of Orlando! Our auto service techs can get you back on the road in no time. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

preowned Toyota

Which used Toyotas are the best?

If you're thinking about buying a used Toyota, you know you're getting a high-quality and reliable preowned vehicle. After all, the best new cars make the best used cars, right? There's an implicit level of longevity and durability in Toyotas across the board, so buying a preowned one is never a bad idea. However, there are several years that - according to drivers and industry insiders alike - stand out and shine amongst their siblings. Check out this quick Orlando Toyota guide to the best used Toyotas you can put in your driveway today. The 2016 Toyota Camry The Toyota Camry is a best-seller on a global level, so any model year that you buy is going to be a win-win. However, 2016 truly stands out from the rest. Earlier models had the potential for engine failure (which means expensive repairs), but this model is smooth sailing when it comes to performance. It's also got an updated and modern aesthetic inside and out, better technology than earlier models, and updated safety technology. You're looking at around $15k for a model with 30,000 miles, which is a great bet considering you'll be able to drive this model for years (maybe even decades) to come. The 2015 Toyota Tacoma When you're shopping for a used car, you want one that's going to retain its value well so when it's time to sell or trade in down the road it gives you more bang for your buck. The Toyota Tacoma is renowned across the industry for doing just that and is considered one of the best used Toyota models for holding resale value. The 2015 model is a particular favorite among drivers; it looks good, has an efficient engine under the hood, has updated entertainment and safety technology, and has the versatility you need for a busy life. The 2014 Toyota Corolla The Toyota Corolla has been a fan favorite for decades - we mean DECADES - and we're not surprised. It's fuel-efficient, compact, fun to drive, and stylish in a sporty, unique way. Any model year will serve you well, but the 2014 model was redesigned for an even sportier look inside and out. It's also got more updated technology and safety features, gets around 42 mpg on the highway, and has a cheap pricepoint to start at - typically, you can get your hands on one of these used Toyotas for $10K or less. The 2016 Toyota RAV4 Looking for a family-friendly ride with a little more space? Consider a used Toyota RAV4 - specifically, a 2016 model year. SUVs tend to run a bit on the pricy side, even when used, but this model year precedes a redesign and as such, is more affordable than others. Plus, it's got reliable and fuel-efficient performance features, new tech, and great safety elements. You can likely find one for between $15-18k, depending on the mileage. The 2008 Toyota Highlander Trying to budget a little harder and looking for something a bit older to put in the garage? Check out the 2008 Highlander. While the mileage will likely be higher on an older model, it doesn't mean you're not getting a reliable ride. This particular model year fixed all of the engine issues that the 2006 model had to contest with, and it also has a sporty V6 engine under the hood for 270 horsepower. Plus, it's incredibly spacious and comfortable inside. As long as you stick to your routine car care, you should easily be able to drive this used Toyota for many more miles to come.

car fueling tips

Ethanol gas: A quick guide from Toyota of Orlando

Have you ever pulled into the gas station, parked at the pump, and noticed the "Less than 10% Ethanol stickers" on it? If you're anything like most drivers, you probably didn't think twice about it and may not even know what that means. Toyota of Orlando is here to give you a mini (and pain-free) chemistry lesson on what ethanol is, why it's used as a fuel additive, and what it can mean for your car's performance. What is ethanol? Ethanol is actually found in almost every single grade of gasoline available today, although the amount of ethanol found in your fuel can vary. Here are a few quick facts on ethanol and where it comes from: This substance actually is created by a natural process - you get ethanol when you ferment yeast with sugars. It can be manufactured from a wide variety of crops, too - in North America, it's commonly created from corn whereas, in Brazil, they prefer to produce it using sugarcane since that's a plentiful crop in that region of the world. Ethanol can be found in lots of places besides gasoline - it's used in alcoholic beverages, for one, and is also sometimes used as a disinfectant substance in the medical field. It's actually distilled on a worldwide basis for a variety of purposes. It's also a viable fuel source and is commonly used as an additive in gasoline. But why? The U.S. started adding this substance to fuel back in the early 2000s. Ethanol is usually added to gasoline to help preserve fossil fuels; it stretches the gas a bit further, to put it as simply as possible. Additionally, it also helps to cut down on emissions. Typically you'll find that most gasoline here in the U.S. is about 10% ethanol or less (you can look at the stickers on the pump to determine just how much is in the fuel that you're using in your Orlando Toyota). What benefits come from adding this substance to fuel? Putting this substance in fuel helps to reduce the carbon emissions coming out of your Orlando Toyota's tailpipe, but let us be clear - this only works if the percentage of ethanol in the fuel is low. If you were to utilize a mixture that was more ethanol than gasoline (like 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline), you'd actually be putting the planet in a worse submission. Burning ethanol at levels like that creates more smog than if you were to just stick to pure gasoline. However, as great as this all sounds, there is a caveat. Ethanol is hygroscopic; this means it pulls in moisture and absorbs it from the surrounding air. Having excess moisture in your gas tank is never a good thing, especially in older cars where it could cause rust and performance problems. It shouldn't be an issue in a newer Orlando Toyota; these cars are built to guard against this issue (and ethanol levels are typically low enough to not cause issues). However, if you drive a classic, consider finding an ethanol-free fuel to fill up the tank. If you have questions about the type of fuel you should be using in your ride, give the Toyota of Orlando auto service center a call today. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Orlando Toyota tips

What to do if you have a car emergency on the highway

Having a car emergency like a flat tire or breakdown is never a fun experience, but it's even more stressful if it happens on the highway. You're moving at a high speed and so are all of the cars around you, and you're usually not close to a gas station or mechanic - in fact, you could be miles from the nearest exit. And if you're on a rural highway, it's even scarier. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you deal with a car emergency on the highway and stay safe. Four tips for dealing with a car emergency on a highway Tip #1: Pull over. If you start having a car emergency like a tire blowout or engine failure, pull off the road as quickly as you can. You should look for a flat shoulder to stop on and get your vehicle as far away from the road as you safely can so you're farther away from traffic. Keep in mind that if you have to change a tire, you want the shoulder to be flat and sand-free. If there's nowhere to pull off (like on some sections of I-4), you should try to make it to the next exit or at least the next shoulder, even if it's going to do more damage. It's NEVER a good idea to stop your car on the highway in a lane unless you have no other option (like in the event of a car fire). Turn your wheel away from the road after you park - this way if you were hit from behind, your car isn't pushed into traffic. You should also set your parking brake. Tip #2: Make yourself as visible as possible. Now's the time to make your car as visible as you possibly can, especially if you're driving at night and have a car emergency. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence, and if you have them, set up roadside flares or triangles. If you're really in a bind, you can also call the police. They likely won't be able to get your car back on the road, but they can turn on their lights and give you added visibility. Tip #3: Get back in the car. If you're in it for the long haul and need to wait for a tow truck, it's best to get back in your car. This way you're not anywhere near the traffic on the road. Lock the doors and keep an eye on the road around you while you wait for help to arrive. Tip #4: Call for assistance if needed. If you're dealing with a car emergency that you can fix on your own on the side of the highway, it's time to call for help. Call for a tow truck or roadside assistance to come to pick you up and get your car where it needs to go to get fixed. Toyota of Orlando can get you back on the road after a car emergency If you need auto repairs after a car emergency, call Toyota of Orlando today. Our Orlando auto 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.

driving tips

Easy ways to make your new Toyota even more comfortable

You did it - you finally signed the dotted line on a new Toyota car and now you're ready to hit the road. However, no matter how comfortable your new ride is, it may not feel like sitting in a recliner after a few hours at the wheel. And if you're going to be in the driver's seat on a routine basis for your daily drive time, you want to make sure you're not uncomfortable. That's why it's important to know how to make your vehicle as pleasant as possible to drive (and without spending a ton of money or time on it). Toyota of Orlando is here with tips - check it out! Four ways to make your drive time as pleasant as possible 1. Make sure your seat is adjusted properly. Did you know that there's actually a proper way to sit in the driver's seat? And luckily, a lot of our new Toyotas come with power adjustable seats that also have memory settings so you can program in your position. When you sit, your thighs should touch the back of the seat, but the backs of your knees shouldn't. You want to make sure that your feet touch the pedals with ease and you're not stretching for them or cramped, and also that you can comfortably reach the wheel. Your chin should be as high as the steering wheel and your back should be straight, and your hips should be as high as your knees. 2. Keep the air as clean as possible. If you're spending a lot of time in your car, you want to ensure that the air you're breathing is as clean and fresh as possible. This means checking and changing your cabin air filter at the recommended intervals. And if you start to smell a weird or musty odor inside the cabin, bring your car in right away so our Orlando Toyota service techs can check things out under the hood. 3. Ensure your cabin is set to the right temperature. There's probably not much worse than going through an Orlando summer without air-conditioning in your car. Keeping your cabin at the right temperature is integral to a comfortable drive time, so make sure you stay on top of routine car care for your air-conditioning system. If you notice an issue with your A/C, heat, or defroster, come to Toyota of Orlando and let our techs try to pinpoint what's going on. 4. Splurge a little. If you're uncomfortable at all, it might be time to splurge on a few accessories for your new Toyota. You may want to consider padded seat covers or lumbar support for comfort, or a phone holder to keep your phone in plain view. You may even want to spend your cash on other car accessories designed for convenience and efficiency, like a lap desk if you work from the car or a condiment holder if you're a frequent guest at Chick-Fil-A. Shop parts and accessories at Toyota of Orlando today Whatever you need to make your new Toyota comfortable, we can help you find it. Contact Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 or stop by for a chat at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

car shopping tips

A quick guide to choosing the right car engine

If you're in the process of car shopping right now, you might feel a little overwhelmed (and understandably). There's so much to consider before you even take a test drive. Which make and model do you prefer? What about the trim, color, and additional accessories? How about safety and entertainment features, as well as interior space? We get it - you have a lot to think about before you even visit the dealership. Good news; it's our job to make your car shopping process easy and stress-free even if you haven't walked through our doors. Today we're talking about car engines and how to choose the right one for your drive time needs. How do you decide on the right car engine? Before you can pinpoint which car engine is going to be the right solution for your needs, you have to think about your driving habits. Here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can narrow the field: Where are you driving? Are you making a daily commute to and from work and school and not much else? If so, a smaller and more fuel-efficient car engine should suffice. Are you in need of interior space? If you're head of the carpool or need an interior cargo area for gear, then you might want to consider a slightly larger engine (you'll usually find these on the bigger cars, anyway). Do you need to haul or tow on a regular basis? If so, a larger car engine is probably going to be your go-to so you have the horsepower and torque you need. Once you've answered those questions, it's time to start considering options. Here are the three main types of car engines that you'll find at Toyota of Orlando when you shop our inventory. Three types of car engines to consider in your next Orlando Toyota 4-cylinder: This type of car engine is one you'll find in smaller Orlando Toyotas; it's built for driving and carrying light amounts of cargo. These types of engines are pretty fuel-efficient and are often used in hybrid drivetrains, paired with electrical motors. Some common Orlando Toyotas that have this engine include the Corolla, Yaris, and Camry. 6-cylinder or V6: This is more of a mid-sized car engine that offers a lot of versatility. It's more fuel-efficient than a large engine, but still gives you more power than a 4-cylinder if you need to do some light towing or hauling (or like putting the pedal to the metal). You'll often find these engines in the Toyota Highlander and Tacoma, as well as some models of the Camry. 8-cylinder or V8: This is a large and powerful engine that's great for towing, hauling, and any other drive-time task that requires power. However, there's a trade-off. While you have a lot of power at your disposal, your fuel efficiency is going to go down. This type of engine is currently found in the Toyota Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia models. Want to get shopping or need a little guidance? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Toyota of Orlando tips

Daily car maintenance: What you need to know

Car maintenance.... we know. Just the thought of it can make you groan out loud. Whether you bring your car to a mechanic or DIY it, it's going to cost you time and money to take care of the necessities. And even though you don't have to schedule things like oil changes and tire rotations very often, it can still be a pain. Well, today we're here to talk to you about more car maintenance - daily car maintenance, to be exact. But before you throw your hands up in the air and say you've got enough on our plate, hear us out! Do you REALLY have to do daily car maintenance? Car care is a critical part of car ownership. And believe it or not, scheduling recommended maintenance every few months just isn't going to cut it when it comes down to keeping your car in the best shape. Luckily, however, daily car maintenance doesn't have to be time-consuming or costly. Check out this list of quick car care items you should check off your daily to-do list from our Orlando auto service experts. #1: Clean all of the trash out of your car. This should be a no-brainer - leaving trash in your car, especially wrappers and cups, can attract pests like insects and rodents. Every day before you lock up, make sure you've emptied your car of trash. To make things quick and easy, hang a trash bag on the back of the seat or keep everything in a cupholder so you can grab it and go. #2: Do a walkaround of the exterior. Do a walkaround of the exterior of your car every single day. And when we say walkaround, we mean just that - walk around your car once before you hop into the driver's seat. Look for any issues or problems, as well as any accident damage that may have arisen without your knowledge (like an errant shopping cart collision). #3: Inspect your tires while you walk around. While you're conducting your daily walkaround, our Orlando auto service experts recommend that you take a look at your car tires. Just glance at them to ensure they're not flat and don't have any noticeable damage like bulges, blisters, or punctures. #4: Glance at your dashboard lights. When you turn your car on, all of your dash lights should illuminate and then turn off. If any of them stays illuminated, then you may have a problem. Be sure to address it at Toyota of Orlando's service center as soon as you can; ignoring these issues can lead to bigger and costlier problems down the road. #5: Make sure your mirrors are aligned. Make sure your mirrors - your side mirrors and rearview mirror - are properly aligned before you hit the road to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers. #6: Don't drive around on empty. Life gets hectic, we know, but try to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in your car at all times. Driving around on empty is bad for your car's fuel pump and the engine in general. Get all of your car care questions answered at Toyota of Orlando Have questions about daily car maintenance or need to schedule an appointment at Toyota of Orlando's service center? Call us today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Orlando Toyota tips

Why is my fuel efficiency lower than it should be?

When you shop for a car, fuel efficiency is probably on your list of things to research. After all, no one wants to pay more than they have to for gas, especially if they're trying to maintain a budget. And even after you buy your Orlando Toyota, you probably know off-hand just about how many MPGs it's supposed to get when you hit the road. So you'll definitely notice when they drop - why aren't you getting the fuel efficiency you deserve? Toyota of Orlando's auto service center is here with answers. There are many reasons why your fuel efficiency may drop, but there are several main culprits that you should look into first. Here are six big reasons why your MPGs have dropped. Six reasons your fuel efficiency isn't what it should be 1. Your air filter is dirty. Your air filter is responsible for ensuring that clean air is pulled into the engine to be mixed with fuel. If it's dirty, the right amount of air isn't making it in. Luckily, this is an easy fix at our Orlando auto service center. 2. Your tires are underinflated. Driving with underinflated tires isn't just dangerous - it also can drag down your fuel efficiency in a big way. Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI, which you can find on the sticker on the inside of the driver's door OR in your owner's manual. 3. You need new spark plugs. Your spark plugs may be on the fritz if you have reduced MPGs - they wear out over time, so if they're misfiring or dead, it can drop your fuel economy. Toyota of Orlando's tecns can replace them in no time and get you back on the road. 4. You have a problem with your exhaust system. If there's a problem with your exhaust, catalytic converter, or oxygen sensors, it can absolutely negatively affect the gas mileage you get on your car. This one requires a skilled technician to get under the hood and fix things, so visit us. 5. Your fuel system has an issue. If you notice your fuel efficiency dropping, it may be because of an issue with your fuel system. This includes your fuel pump, fuel injector, and a few other key components. Let our auto service techs take a peek. 6. You're putting the pedal to the metal. If you have bad driving habits, you may be burning more fuel than necessary. If you find yourself slamming on the accelerator and brakes or idling for long periods of time, it's time to change things up - these bad habits can drastically drop your MPGs, leaving you shelling out more than you should for gas. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Get the MPGs you deserve at Toyota of Orlando Whether you have questions about your current car's fuel efficiency or you want to shop for a more efficient Orlando Toyota, we can help! Visit us today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can also call us at (407) 298-4500, seven days a week.

Orlando Toyota truck parts

New Toyota Tacoma TRD lift kit up for grabs

Tacoma drivers, rejoice - Toyota is officially releasing an all-new TRD lift kit for this iconic truck! This dealer-installed option will give the Orlando Toyota Tacoma a serious boost and was designed to be perfectly compatible with the truck, and we've got all the details about what it'll have to offer. Read on! What does this new TRD lift kit have to offer? This all-new Toyota TRD lift kit is the first of its kind - no Toyota lift kit exists for the Tacoma, at least until now. Here are the details: It's an official Toyota TRD suspension lift kit - up until now, all that was available were aftermarket kits that worked but weren't official Toyota products (so you don't get that same sense of reliability AND they could possibly void warranties that you have on your truck). This special lift kit will offer 2" of lift in the front and 1" of lift in the rear; this provides the Orlando Toyota Tacoma with enhanced ground clearance (+1.7") and better approach (+3.1 to 32 degrees), departure (+0.5 to 24 degrees), and breakover (+1.6 to 23 degrees) angles for tackling tough terrain. The kit is composed of Bilstein monotube shocks with digressive valving. Each shock is further fitted with red TRD dust boots and graphics that boast "Tuned by TRD". As noted, the front shocks boost things by 2" because of an adjusted coil spring position on the shock tube and have extended rebound stroke. The rear shocks have a larger shock body than the standard shock; this means they have a higher oil volume to keep things cool and improve damping response when you're traveling rocky roads. These larger shocks can also hold larger pistons and piston rods for enhanced strength and include cast-iron spacers. This TRD lift kit has been tested by TRD engineers and is the ONLY existing lift kit that is compatible with the Toyota Safety Sense system technology integrated into the Toyota Tacoma. The kit is dealer-installed and comes with all the necessary hardware for installation, so you can definitely get info and options at Toyota of Orlando. It also comes with a special new grille with TOYOTA lettering on the front (as opposed to the Toyota badge) and a new Toyota Safety System millimeter-wave sensor to ensure the TSS works with the lift kit. Pricing for the kit is $1,350 (not including labor) and this lift kit is available for all Toyota Tacoma V6 4x4 models after the model year 2020. Best news? It comes with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on parts if installed at time of sale OR a 1 year/12,000 mile warranty after the fact. Shop Toyota Tacoma parts and accessories at Toyota of Orlando Have questions about this TRD lift kit or any other Toyota parts and accessories? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can stop by to chat with us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Orlando Toyota plug-in

Toyota announces introduction of three new electric vehicles

We all know that Toyota is dedicated to keeping their vehicle lineup wide and varied, as well as full of green options. They've introduced hybrid versions of many of their popular models, ranging from the compact Toyota Corolla Hybrid to the spacious and stylish Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Long gone are the days where the Toyota Prius family was the only eco-friendly option up for grabs. And the automaker just announced that they're taking things up another level - they'll introduce three more EV options in the year 2021 alone. Will we see new electric vehicles at Toyota of Orlando? So far, our Orlando Toyota dealership doesn't have much in the way of details. We know that one of the vehicles will be a plug-in (PHEV) and two of them will be all-electric cars (BEV). That's pretty much it, though - we don't know if these new electric options will be variants of current models or if Toyota will be introducing never-before-seen models into the lineup (or reviving old favorites, as they did with the Toyota Venza this year). If we had to speculate, we'd say that at least one of these electric vehicles will be an SUV (and the Toyota RAV4 Prime already exists, so we think all-electric is likely). It's also quite possible that Toyota will make an electric version of their best-selling Toyota Camry. Not to mention, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has been kept under wraps pretty firmly, so there's a chance that it might go green when finally unveiled. As we said, it's all speculation. But we'll keep you posted as more details unfold! Should you drive an all-electric vehicle or a plug-in vehicle? Thinking about changing up your drive time and going green? To get you prepped and ready to get behind the wheel of an electric car, let's talk about how plug-ins differ from all-electric vehicles. Here are the basics: Plug-in cars, like the Orlando Toyota Prius Prime, can literally be plugged in to charge up. These vehicles can run on electric power alone, but the range is typically pretty short (anywhere from 15-50 miles at a go). Luckily, when the electric charge runs out they can swap over to a gasoline-powered engine under the hood - plug-ins actually have two different drivetrains. All-electric cars, on the other hand, run solely on electric charge and don't have a gasoline-powered engine under the hood. These vehicles have longer ranges than plug-ins - they can usually go several hundred miles on one charge so you won't be left in a lurch as long as you keep an eye on things. Which is better? Well, they both have their perks and drawbacks. All-electric vehicles have zero emissions and are extremely green, clean, and also cheap to operate since you don't have to pay for any gasoline. They also offer tax credits in some states, and are usually cheaper to maintain since there are fewer parts involved than in a gasoline-power car. Plug-ins, however, have a greater range and you can go much farther without having to worry about charging your car. Additionally, it can take anywhere from 25 minutes to a few hours to charge an electric car, which means it's not as quick and efficient as pulling into a gas station and fueling up. See which of these green cars better suits your lifestyle - stop by Toyota of Orlando to get more information and get behind the wheel of one of our plug-ins. We're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can also call our Orlando Toyota dealership for more info at (407) 298-4500.

Toyota of Orlando tips

Everything you need to know about car titles

When you buy a car - whether new or used - you're going to have to sign a bunch of paperwork. Just like any other large purchase, you've got a lot of ground to cover in terms of legally transferring ownership of the item to yourself! One of the most important things you'll sign when you buy an Orlando Toyota is the car title, and Toyota of Orlando is here to explain exactly what it is, the different types of titles, and what to look for in a title when you're buying a preowned vehicle. What is a car title? A car title comes from the state in which you buy the car. It contains information like: The identifying information for your car. This means elements like the make, model, year, VIN number, etc. The license plate number now attached to your car. Technical specifications, like the weight of the car. The owner's information, including name and address. And if you're financing your car, the car title will include the lienholder's (who you borrowed the money from) information. This is so the state can ensure that before you officially sell the car to someone else, the debt will be paid to the lienholder. The four types of car titles There are four types of car titles that you should be aware of, especially if you're buying a used vehicle in Orlando. Here are the basics: Type 1: Clean If the car is clean, it means that it's in excellent shape structurally and there are no issues with the title or the vehicle itself. You'll always find this type of title attached to a new car, and it's a good thing to look for when you shop for something preowned. Type 2: Clear A clear car title means there's no debt against the car - the person who owns it owns it outright and doesn't have a lienholder. Type 3: Salvage If the car title is a salvage title, it means that the car has been wrecked - and badly - in the past. Basically, the car was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The damage to these cars was so extensive that they're typically not safe to drive, and you'll have a hard time getting insurance coverage for it, so buyer, beware. Type 4: Rebuilt or reconstructed If a salvage car has been repaired and rebuilt so it's safe to drive again, the salvage title will be upgraded to rebuilt or reconstructed. However, you should check with your insurance company to ensure they'll cover rebuilt cars and also keep in mind that it can be difficult to resell these cars. Your car title will also indicate if your car was branded a lemon in the past according to the "Lemon Law", which means the buyer was actually able to return it to the dealer because the car doesn't meet standards for quality and safety. What if you lose your paper title? It happens, but it's not the end of the world. Gather up info like the make, model, VIN, your driver's license, any lienholder information, and some receipt of how you paid for the car and you can get a duplicate title sent to you. And remember, if you finance a car, you won't get the title right away because you don't own it outright. Instead, it'll be mailed to you when the car is paid off completely. Have questions about car titles, or want to shop for a new Toyota or used vehicle? Toyota of Orlando is your go-to. Call us at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Tackle the Arctic in this new Toyota Hilux truck

Off-roaders, this one's for you - Toyota has officially created a new Toyota Hilux truck that can tackle any terrain, including the Arctic tundra. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop on this all-new off-road solution and we're here to share. Meet the newest model of the Toyota Hilux - the AT35 The AT35 - as this new Toyota Hilux has been dubbed - is a result of Toyota's collaboration with Arctic Trucks to create a vehicle that explorers, scientists, and adventurists alike could use to go farther than ever before when exploring the Arctic. Obviously, the Arctic contains some pretty tough terrain - it's rocky, uneven, full of water, mud, and ice, and has a polar climate (temps go well into the negatives on a regular basis). Plus, it can be dark quite a bit of the time, making terrain even more challenging to handle. Tackle Arctic terrain in this incredible new Toyota truck Thus, Toyota and Arctic Trucks had to make some significant changes to the existing Toyota Hilux to make it adaptable and comfortable enough to handle such tough terrain. They started with the X model of the Toyota Hilux in a double cab. It's a very user-friendly vehicle that's actually sold on the European market. Here are some of the upgrades and edits they made: A re-engineered frame with new suspension that was jointly developed with Bilstein New 35" all-terrain tires and high, punched-out wheel arches - these bigger tires make the truck more capable of tackling tough terrain and maintaining high speeds while doing it (and it makes it more comfortable for passengers, too). More height - this truck will be 2.5" taller than its predecessor and have approach and departure angles of 38 and 29 degrees (these angles were increased by nine and three degrees) A 2.8L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (which is actually standard in the regular model) that allows for 204 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque Re-geared front and rear differentials for added torque when necessary A six-speed automatic transmission A payload capacity of 2.321 lbs and a towing capacity of 7,716 lbs Plus, you can add options like mud-terrain tires, an air compressor for filling up low tires, skid plates, and more. And the best news? This Toyota truck will actually be FOR SALE. You can buy it in England starting this year and it starts at about $25,800 before taxes. It also comes with a five-year/100,000 mile warranty as it's a factory-authorized vehicle, not just a concept car. Want to get your hands on it? You'll need to head overseas but trust us - if you want a new Toyota truck that can handle almost anything - including intense Arctic terrain - this is the ride for you. However, if you'd rather shop stateside, check out our new Toyota trucks at Toyota of Orlando. Both the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Tacoma are capable of taking on some pretty tough terrain if you like to get off the pavement. Come see what your options are and get behind the wheel to see if you like how they handle! Call us today to schedule your test drive - we're open and waiting at (407) 298-4500. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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