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Trying to find the next compact SUV in your life? We've got options at Toyota of Orlando, but we know we're not the only options out there. There are plenty of choices in this popular vehicle segment, and we're here to help you whittle them down. Today we're comparing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 to the 2022 Kia Sportage. How does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 compare to the Kia Sportage? Performance: One of the major selling points of a compact SUV like the Orlando Toyota RAV4 is its versatile and efficient performance. Here's how things shake out against the competition: The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine under the hood and gets more horsepower than the Kia Sportage - 22 more horsepower, to be exact. It's also faster. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has faster times in the 0-30, 0-60, 45-65, and quarter mile tests. This Orlando Toyota also pulls ahead in terms of fuel efficiency. It gets 27/35 mpg in contrast to the Kia's 23/30 mpg in the FWD model, and 27/34 mpg versus the Sportage's 22/26 in the AWD model. It also offers an automatic engine start-stop system (where the engine turns off at stoplights) to help reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency further. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has an 8-speed automatic transmission standard for better acceleration, while the Sportage has a 6-speed automatic. This new Toyota has a shorter stopping distance (161 feet to come to a complete stop from 70 mph, while the Kia needs 174 feet). The Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 lbs while the Kia Sportage maxes out at 2,000 lbs. It also has a greater ground clearance for better handling on off-road surfaces. Comfort: You'll find that this Orlando Toyota has advantages in this area, too. Here are some of the highlights we noticed when comparing it to the Kia Sportage: The Toyota RAV4 offers options like memory seats (not available on the Kia competition), a power parking brake with one-touch release AND automatic release (unlike the Sportage's, which is solely manual), and one-touch power front and rear windows. This new Toyota also offers a unique feature that allows you to roll up the car windows using the outside door handle, as well as a keyless remote feature to roll them down on hot days. Some trim-levels of this Toyota offer automatic windshield wipers (they adjust themselves) in contrast to the Kia's wipers, which have to be manually adjusted. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has more front headroom, front shoulder room, rear headroom, and rear shoulder room than the 2022 Kia Sportage. It also has a larger cargo space in the rear - 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up versus the Sportage's 30.7 cubic feet. Same story goes for the rear seats down - 698 cubic feet versus 60.1 cubic feet. Safety: What about safety? It's a concern for every driver, no matter what you're commandeering. Here are the advantages that the Orlando Toyota RAV4 offers over the Kia Sportage: Pretensioners on front AND rear shoulder belts to eliminate dangerous slack in an accident A standard driver's side knee airbag A standard secondary collision break to prevent further collisions in the case of a car accident Optional parking assist with automatic braking An optional Bird's Eye View Camera Standard Safety Connect Services with GPS tracking It also performed better in NHTSA tests including the 35 mpg front crash tests, side-impact tests, and newly refined side-impact tests. Value: You want the most bang for your buck, period. Here are the facts when it comes to the new Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage: This Orlando Toyota has better resale value than the Kia Sportage. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a 5-year corrosion warranty with no mileage limitations; the Kia Sportage's runs out at 100,000 miles It also offers no-cost scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years or 25,000 miles, a benefit not available from Kia. Consumer Reports reported that Toyota is more reliable than Kia, ranking the brand second (Kia came in 15th). The Toyota RAV4 is cheaper to operate with cheaper repairs, as well as more affordable insurance, fuel, fees, repairs, maintenance, financing, and depreciation (according to The Car Book and IntelliChoice). Test drive this Orlando Toyota today Ready to take your test drive? Come down to Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. We're open seven days a week!

Trying to find the next compact SUV in your life? We've got options at Toyota of Orlando, but we know we're not the only options out there. There are plenty of choices in this popular vehicle segment, and we're here to help you whittle them down. Today we're comparing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 to the 2022 Kia Sportage. How does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 compare to the Kia Sportage? Performance: One of the major selling points of a compact SUV like the Orlando Toyota RAV4 is its versatile and efficient performance. Here's how things shake out against the competition: The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine under the hood and gets more horsepower than the Kia Sportage - 22 more horsepower, to be exact. It's also faster. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has faster times in the 0-30, 0-60, 45-65, and quarter mile tests. This Orlando Toyota also pulls ahead in terms of fuel efficiency. It gets 27/35 mpg in contrast to the Kia's 23/30 mpg in the FWD model, and 27/34 mpg versus the Sportage's 22/26 in the AWD model. It also offers an automatic engine start-stop system (where the engine turns off at stoplights) to help reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency further. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has an 8-speed automatic transmission standard for better acceleration, while the Sportage has a 6-speed automatic. This new Toyota has a shorter stopping distance (161 feet to come to a complete stop from 70 mph, while the Kia needs 174 feet). The Toyota RAV4 can tow up to 3,500 lbs while the Kia Sportage maxes out at 2,000 lbs. It also has a greater ground clearance for better handling on off-road surfaces. Comfort: You'll find that this Orlando Toyota has advantages in this area, too. Here are some of the highlights we noticed when comparing it to the Kia Sportage: The Toyota RAV4 offers options like memory seats (not available on the Kia competition), a power parking brake with one-touch release AND automatic release (unlike the Sportage's, which is solely manual), and one-touch power front and rear windows. This new Toyota also offers a unique feature that allows you to roll up the car windows using the outside door handle, as well as a keyless remote feature to roll them down on hot days. Some trim-levels of this Toyota offer automatic windshield wipers (they adjust themselves) in contrast to the Kia's wipers, which have to be manually adjusted. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has more front headroom, front shoulder room, rear headroom, and rear shoulder room than the 2022 Kia Sportage. It also has a larger cargo space in the rear - 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up versus the Sportage's 30.7 cubic feet. Same story goes for the rear seats down - 698 cubic feet versus 60.1 cubic feet. Safety: What about safety? It's a concern for every driver, no matter what you're commandeering. Here are the advantages that the Orlando Toyota RAV4 offers over the Kia Sportage: Pretensioners on front AND rear shoulder belts to eliminate dangerous slack in an accident A standard driver's side knee airbag A standard secondary collision break to prevent further collisions in the case of a car accident Optional parking assist with automatic braking An optional Bird's Eye View Camera Standard Safety Connect Services with GPS tracking It also performed better in NHTSA tests including the 35 mpg front crash tests, side-impact tests, and newly refined side-impact tests. Value: You want the most bang for your buck, period. Here are the facts when it comes to the new Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage: This Orlando Toyota has better resale value than the Kia Sportage. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has a 5-year corrosion warranty with no mileage limitations; the Kia Sportage's runs out at 100,000 miles It also offers no-cost scheduled maintenance for the first 2 years or 25,000 miles, a benefit not available from Kia. Consumer Reports reported that Toyota is more reliable than Kia, ranking the brand second (Kia came in 15th). The Toyota RAV4 is cheaper to operate with cheaper repairs, as well as more affordable insurance, fuel, fees, repairs, maintenance, financing, and depreciation (according to The Car Book and IntelliChoice). Test drive this Orlando Toyota today Ready to take your test drive? Come down to Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. We're open seven days a week!

It's definitely spring break season, so you - and many other people - might be hitting the roads for a spring break road trip. Whether you're traveling a few hours to the beach or headed out of state entirely, it pays to have road safety tips in your pocket when you leave. Spring break means a lot more cars on the road, and there's also a higher chance of reckless or intoxicated drivers. Check out these Toyota of Orlando spring break road safety tips for the best vacation possible. Six tips for spring break road safety Tip #1: Know where you're going and check the traffic. Before you head out of Orlando to your spring break destination, check traffic on your route to see how bad it is. If you see a lot of delays and accidents, you may want to consider taking an alternate route to avoid the congestion that will likely result and also (hopefully) avoid accidents yourself. Tip #2: Everyone should be buckled up. Everyone - including you - should be buckled up before you even leave your driveway or parking spot for a spring break road trip. Make sure that every passenger has a seatbelt; no one should be riding in the bed of a pickup truck or the cargo area of an SUV. Also, ensure that all children are in the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age and size and that they're properly buckled before you leave. Tip #3: Follow road rules. Follow the basic rules of the road when you're on a spring break trip. Abide by speed limits, come to full stops at red lights and stop signs, use your turn signals, etc. You'll also want to avoid distracted driving (i.e. put your phone away) and pay full attention to the road, and don't forget to be extra careful of pedestrians, especially while driving in urban and suburban areas as there will likely be more tourists and pedestrians on foot and on bicycles this time of year. Tip #4: Keep distance between your car and the car in front of you. Make sure to leave plenty of distance in between your car and the car in front of you, regardless of whether you're in suburban traffic or out on the highway. This will give you plenty of time to come to a quick stop if you need to and will help you avoid getting into a rear-end collision. Tip #5: Never drive after drinking, and look out for drunk drivers. Don't drink and drive. Period. It doesn't matter if it's one drink or ten drinks - don't get behind the wheel of a car if you've been drinking. That being said, spring break is a popular time for partying, so you should be on high alert looking for drunk drivers, too. If you notice one, don't try to follow them yourself. Instead, call the police and give them as much info as you can, including where the driver is and where they're headed (the direction) as well as the make, model, and color of the car. Tip #6: Make sure your car is up for it. Before you hit the road for spring break, make sure your car is up for it. You'll want to check tires, battery, brakes, oil, wiper fluid, coolant, and your A/C system before you leave to ensure you have a safe trip there and back. Schedule auto service for your road trip at Toyota of Orlando Have questions? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001. We can get you on the books for spring break auto service to ensure your car is ready to hit the open road.

It's definitely spring break season, so you - and many other people - might be hitting the roads for a spring break road trip. Whether you're traveling a few hours to the beach or headed out of state entirely, it pays to have road safety tips in your pocket when you leave. Spring break means a lot more cars on the road, and there's also a higher chance of reckless or intoxicated drivers. Check out these Toyota of Orlando spring break road safety tips for the best vacation possible. Six tips for spring break road safety Tip #1: Know where you're going and check the traffic. Before you head out of Orlando to your spring break destination, check traffic on your route to see how bad it is. If you see a lot of delays and accidents, you may want to consider taking an alternate route to avoid the congestion that will likely result and also (hopefully) avoid accidents yourself. Tip #2: Everyone should be buckled up. Everyone - including you - should be buckled up before you even leave your driveway or parking spot for a spring break road trip. Make sure that every passenger has a seatbelt; no one should be riding in the bed of a pickup truck or the cargo area of an SUV. Also, ensure that all children are in the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age and size and that they're properly buckled before you leave. Tip #3: Follow road rules. Follow the basic rules of the road when you're on a spring break trip. Abide by speed limits, come to full stops at red lights and stop signs, use your turn signals, etc. You'll also want to avoid distracted driving (i.e. put your phone away) and pay full attention to the road, and don't forget to be extra careful of pedestrians, especially while driving in urban and suburban areas as there will likely be more tourists and pedestrians on foot and on bicycles this time of year. Tip #4: Keep distance between your car and the car in front of you. Make sure to leave plenty of distance in between your car and the car in front of you, regardless of whether you're in suburban traffic or out on the highway. This will give you plenty of time to come to a quick stop if you need to and will help you avoid getting into a rear-end collision. Tip #5: Never drive after drinking, and look out for drunk drivers. Don't drink and drive. Period. It doesn't matter if it's one drink or ten drinks - don't get behind the wheel of a car if you've been drinking. That being said, spring break is a popular time for partying, so you should be on high alert looking for drunk drivers, too. If you notice one, don't try to follow them yourself. Instead, call the police and give them as much info as you can, including where the driver is and where they're headed (the direction) as well as the make, model, and color of the car. Tip #6: Make sure your car is up for it. Before you hit the road for spring break, make sure your car is up for it. You'll want to check tires, battery, brakes, oil, wiper fluid, coolant, and your A/C system before you leave to ensure you have a safe trip there and back. Schedule auto service for your road trip at Toyota of Orlando Have questions? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001. We can get you on the books for spring break auto service to ensure your car is ready to hit the open road.

When you're choosing the next set of car tires for your vehicle, it helps to take into consideration the climate that you live in. If you live in an area that sees heavy winter weather like snow and ice, you'll definitely want to consider tires that can handle that. Areas with temperate weather usually call for all-season tires. But what about areas that see a lot of rain? How do you choose car tires for that type of weather? If you live in an area where you see large amounts of rain, you may want to consider getting car tires that are best suited for it. Toyota of Orlando's auto service techs are here to explain how. Six tips for shopping rain-ready car tires Tip #1: Think about how often you'll be driving in the rain. Before you purchase new car tires, consider how often you'll actually be driving in the rain. Is it going to be daily waterlogged drive time, or will you just encounter rain here and there throughout the year? If you only see rain every so often, all-season tires might be a better fit for you than something specialized. Tip #2: Consider what type of car you have. Did you know that the type of car you drive can actually determine your need for special tires? A sports car naturally performs better in the rain, and front-wheel drive vehicles are easier to drive in the rain than rear-wheel drive vehicles. Ask your tech which type of car tires is best for your vehicle in the rain. Tip #3: Know your driving style. OK, fess up - what type of driver are you? If you drive a lot and have a long commute or a lot of stops on a daily basis, then you're more likely to encounter bad weather and more rain. Let our Orlando auto service techs help you choose the right car tires. Tip #4: Check the type of rubber. Car tires can be made from multiple types of rubber, and that will affect how your car rides, especially in inclement weather. Choose the right one that your car calls for. Tip #5: Look at the tread. You'll also want to inspect the tread that you're going to have on your new tires. There's special tread available that will push the water away from the tires when you're driving in the rain, giving you better traction. Tip #6: Don't forget about budget. Don't forget to factor in your budget when you're shopping for new car tires. They're an investment, but you don't want to break the bank to get something you don't need. Shop today at Toyota of Orlando's service center Be sure to ask our Orlando Toyota service techs about all of the above and discuss both your needs and budget with them to find the perfect car tires for your rainy day needs. Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can also call with questions or to make an appointment at (407) 298-0001!

When you're choosing the next set of car tires for your vehicle, it helps to take into consideration the climate that you live in. If you live in an area that sees heavy winter weather like snow and ice, you'll definitely want to consider tires that can handle that. Areas with temperate weather usually call for all-season tires. But what about areas that see a lot of rain? How do you choose car tires for that type of weather? If you live in an area where you see large amounts of rain, you may want to consider getting car tires that are best suited for it. Toyota of Orlando's auto service techs are here to explain how. Six tips for shopping rain-ready car tires Tip #1: Think about how often you'll be driving in the rain. Before you purchase new car tires, consider how often you'll actually be driving in the rain. Is it going to be daily waterlogged drive time, or will you just encounter rain here and there throughout the year? If you only see rain every so often, all-season tires might be a better fit for you than something specialized. Tip #2: Consider what type of car you have. Did you know that the type of car you drive can actually determine your need for special tires? A sports car naturally performs better in the rain, and front-wheel drive vehicles are easier to drive in the rain than rear-wheel drive vehicles. Ask your tech which type of car tires is best for your vehicle in the rain. Tip #3: Know your driving style. OK, fess up - what type of driver are you? If you drive a lot and have a long commute or a lot of stops on a daily basis, then you're more likely to encounter bad weather and more rain. Let our Orlando auto service techs help you choose the right car tires. Tip #4: Check the type of rubber. Car tires can be made from multiple types of rubber, and that will affect how your car rides, especially in inclement weather. Choose the right one that your car calls for. Tip #5: Look at the tread. You'll also want to inspect the tread that you're going to have on your new tires. There's special tread available that will push the water away from the tires when you're driving in the rain, giving you better traction. Tip #6: Don't forget about budget. Don't forget to factor in your budget when you're shopping for new car tires. They're an investment, but you don't want to break the bank to get something you don't need. Shop today at Toyota of Orlando's service center Be sure to ask our Orlando Toyota service techs about all of the above and discuss both your needs and budget with them to find the perfect car tires for your rainy day needs. Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can also call with questions or to make an appointment at (407) 298-0001!

When you buy a used vehicle, there's always an element of uncertainty. Will it be reliable? Is it in good condition? Will you have to shell out for future repairs because the seller isn't being truthful about prior accidents or maintenance? We get it - and Toyota of Orlando is here to set your mind at ease. If you're looking for a used vehicle but want to get the peace of mind that you're making a good investment, it's time to start shopping our Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. And we're not the only ones that think that - as of 2022, 7 million Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have been sold in the US. Why are Toyota Certified Used Vehicles such a popular option? Why, though? What's the appeal of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles over other used cars? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain. The TCUV program was first started back in 1996 to give customers the peace of mind that they were buying a quality used vehicle that also came with warranties, just in case. In order for a vehicle to qualify as a TCUV, it has to be no older than six model years back (so this year, it must be a 2016 or later) and has to have fewer than 85,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle must also undergo a rigorous 160-point inspection from bumper to bumper that checks the exterior, interior, and under the hood for any issues or developing issues, inspecting elements like engine performance, transmission, transaxle, electronic system, tires, brakes, and suspension. Additionally, all present hybrid and fuel cell components are carefully inspected. It's conducted by trained Toyota technicians who use a standard checklist from Toyota. Additionally, the vehicle's CarFax report is inspected to ensure it's in good condition and safe to sell. And buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at our Orlando Toyota dealership has definite perks even besides the peace of mind you get knowing it's been thoroughly inspected and vetted. A 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty A seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty Seven years/100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance A free CarFax report Available new car financing rates to ensure you get the best deal possible The warranties are honored at 1,400 dealers in the US and Canada Trade-ins can be applied The car will have been reconditioned to like-new standards by Toyota trained technicians Additional extended warranty coverage is available Obviously, you can rest easy knowing you've made a good buy. Still trying to figure out whether to buy new or used? Here are some points to consider as there are pros and cons to both. New Toyotas offer cheaper insurance, lots of warranties and extended coverage options, no-cost maintenance, and fewer repairs and less maintenance since they - and all of their parts - are new. Used vehicles offer less depreciation, a lower price tag and in turn, a cheaper monthly payment, and the option of buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle with the safeguards and warranties in place. Shop now at Toyota of Orlando Regardless of whether you want a new Toyota or a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, Toyota of Orlando has got what you need. Visit us in person today at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, or call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule a test drive.

When you buy a used vehicle, there's always an element of uncertainty. Will it be reliable? Is it in good condition? Will you have to shell out for future repairs because the seller isn't being truthful about prior accidents or maintenance? We get it - and Toyota of Orlando is here to set your mind at ease. If you're looking for a used vehicle but want to get the peace of mind that you're making a good investment, it's time to start shopping our Toyota Certified Used Vehicles. And we're not the only ones that think that - as of 2022, 7 million Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have been sold in the US. Why are Toyota Certified Used Vehicles such a popular option? Why, though? What's the appeal of Toyota Certified Used Vehicles over other used cars? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain. The TCUV program was first started back in 1996 to give customers the peace of mind that they were buying a quality used vehicle that also came with warranties, just in case. In order for a vehicle to qualify as a TCUV, it has to be no older than six model years back (so this year, it must be a 2016 or later) and has to have fewer than 85,000 miles on the odometer. The vehicle must also undergo a rigorous 160-point inspection from bumper to bumper that checks the exterior, interior, and under the hood for any issues or developing issues, inspecting elements like engine performance, transmission, transaxle, electronic system, tires, brakes, and suspension. Additionally, all present hybrid and fuel cell components are carefully inspected. It's conducted by trained Toyota technicians who use a standard checklist from Toyota. Additionally, the vehicle's CarFax report is inspected to ensure it's in good condition and safe to sell. And buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at our Orlando Toyota dealership has definite perks even besides the peace of mind you get knowing it's been thoroughly inspected and vetted. A 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty A seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty Seven years/100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance A free CarFax report Available new car financing rates to ensure you get the best deal possible The warranties are honored at 1,400 dealers in the US and Canada Trade-ins can be applied The car will have been reconditioned to like-new standards by Toyota trained technicians Additional extended warranty coverage is available Obviously, you can rest easy knowing you've made a good buy. Still trying to figure out whether to buy new or used? Here are some points to consider as there are pros and cons to both. New Toyotas offer cheaper insurance, lots of warranties and extended coverage options, no-cost maintenance, and fewer repairs and less maintenance since they - and all of their parts - are new. Used vehicles offer less depreciation, a lower price tag and in turn, a cheaper monthly payment, and the option of buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle with the safeguards and warranties in place. Shop now at Toyota of Orlando Regardless of whether you want a new Toyota or a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle, Toyota of Orlando has got what you need. Visit us in person today at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, or call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule a test drive.

Spring is in the air (minus this weird cold front we're supposed to get hit with this weekend). What better way to celebrate the incoming season than to check out Florida's natural wonders? You could absolutely head to the beaches or try hiking in one of our beautiful parks or preserves... but you could also head to the springs (no pun intended). Here are Toyota of Orlando's top picks for the best springs in Central Florida to visit this season - pack up the car and take a daylong road trip! De Leon Springs State Park: Head to De Leon Springs to swim - the water is 72 degrees year-round and it's one of Florida's TOP recreation spots. You can rent canoes or paddleboats and make your way through the park to explore lakes, creeks, and marshes. With 22,000 acres to trek through, you can definitely make a day of it. And when you're done and have worked up an appetite, head to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant nearby to make your own pancakes on a tableside griddle. Rock Springs Run: Drive over to Apopka to visit Rock Springs Run if you're in the mood for crystal clear water and a relaxing ride down the river. You can launch a canoe, kayak, or even a tube from King's Landing and enjoy 8 miles of nature as you make your way downstream at a steady rate of 3-4 miles per hour. Three Sisters Springs: Crystal River is famous for its beautiful springs and with good reason. The water is pretty much pristine and at Three Sisters Springs, you can swim with West Indian manatees. There are five natural springs, Lake Crystal, and a vibrant wetland to explore in the vicinity. If you're not in the mood to swim, you can board a trolley that will take you to a boardwalk that's a prime viewing spot for the famed manatees, and you can also take a guided water tour. Weeki Wachee Springs: Who hasn't heard of the famed mermaids at Weeki Wachi? This neighboring state park is world-famous and has 538 acres for you to explore in a variety of ways, including kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and river cruises. There's also a water park called Buccaneer Bay complete with water slides. Blue Springs State Park: Blue Spring State Park is the largest spring on the St. John's River in Florida and spans 2,600 acres. Swimming is not allowed during manatee season (November to March), but the springs stay a comfortable 73 degrees all year long. You can kayak and paddle, as well as take a narrated boat tour while you're there. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area: Head into Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest. You can swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and more in the beautiful blue-green waters as well as see a mix of saltwater and freshwater fish. This area additionally boasts incredible archaeological landmarks - there are middens. or large mounds that are designated sacred spots in the Native American culture. From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have the best weekend AND the best spring!

Spring is in the air (minus this weird cold front we're supposed to get hit with this weekend). What better way to celebrate the incoming season than to check out Florida's natural wonders? You could absolutely head to the beaches or try hiking in one of our beautiful parks or preserves... but you could also head to the springs (no pun intended). Here are Toyota of Orlando's top picks for the best springs in Central Florida to visit this season - pack up the car and take a daylong road trip! De Leon Springs State Park: Head to De Leon Springs to swim - the water is 72 degrees year-round and it's one of Florida's TOP recreation spots. You can rent canoes or paddleboats and make your way through the park to explore lakes, creeks, and marshes. With 22,000 acres to trek through, you can definitely make a day of it. And when you're done and have worked up an appetite, head to the Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant nearby to make your own pancakes on a tableside griddle. Rock Springs Run: Drive over to Apopka to visit Rock Springs Run if you're in the mood for crystal clear water and a relaxing ride down the river. You can launch a canoe, kayak, or even a tube from King's Landing and enjoy 8 miles of nature as you make your way downstream at a steady rate of 3-4 miles per hour. Three Sisters Springs: Crystal River is famous for its beautiful springs and with good reason. The water is pretty much pristine and at Three Sisters Springs, you can swim with West Indian manatees. There are five natural springs, Lake Crystal, and a vibrant wetland to explore in the vicinity. If you're not in the mood to swim, you can board a trolley that will take you to a boardwalk that's a prime viewing spot for the famed manatees, and you can also take a guided water tour. Weeki Wachee Springs: Who hasn't heard of the famed mermaids at Weeki Wachi? This neighboring state park is world-famous and has 538 acres for you to explore in a variety of ways, including kayaking, canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, and river cruises. There's also a water park called Buccaneer Bay complete with water slides. Blue Springs State Park: Blue Spring State Park is the largest spring on the St. John's River in Florida and spans 2,600 acres. Swimming is not allowed during manatee season (November to March), but the springs stay a comfortable 73 degrees all year long. You can kayak and paddle, as well as take a narrated boat tour while you're there. Silver Glen Springs Recreation Area: Head into Salt Springs in the Ocala National Forest. You can swim, snorkel, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and more in the beautiful blue-green waters as well as see a mix of saltwater and freshwater fish. This area additionally boasts incredible archaeological landmarks - there are middens. or large mounds that are designated sacred spots in the Native American culture. From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have the best weekend AND the best spring!

If you're a social media user, chances are that over the past few years you've seen videos of people getting snakes in their car (even right here in Florida *screams*). While these videos and pictures are definitely nightmare fuel, are they anything to worry about in real life on a day-to-day basis? Toyota of Orlando is breaking down the chances of getting snakes in your car and how to deal with the situation should it occur. Can you actually get snakes in your car, or is it a myth? So bad news - it IS possible to get snakes in your car, especially in a place like Florida where they seem to be hanging out all over the place. Here's why: Snakes like dark, warm places (especially in the winter, since they're cold-blooded and need an external heat source to get warm). Your engine is both, and it's a great place for them to hide from predators, too. Not only is it safe, but it also gives them the advantage to strike first before they can get nabbed by something. Your engine bay is an easy port. All snakes have to do is look up - your engine is open to the ground and easy to access for a snake slithering under your car. But here's the good news. While it's easy for a snake to get into your engine bay, it's NOT easy to get snakes in your car when it comes to the cabin of the vehicle. Your Orlando Toyota is pretty much sealed to the outside - there really aren't any places where a snake can access it except for doors and windows. So as long as you keep them closed when you're not using them, you should be good to go. And yes, we're serious about the windows - snakes are excellent climbers (more nightmare fuel for you) and could easily climb up the side of your car and drop in an open window. And remember that video of the Florida woman who had a snake come out of her A/C vent inside the cabin of her car? That's extremely uncommon. Your HVAC system is sealed off to the outside, so it's more likely that the snake found its way into the cabin of her car and went in the A/C vent from there. Credit to her for not crashing her ride. Orlando Toyota tips for dealing with a snake in your vehicle So what should you do if you discover snakes in your car? Here are a few quick tips from Toyota of Orlando: Don't try to grab the snake with your hands - remember, they're at an advantage in their hiding spot and could likely strike at you before you got them. If you have a pole or some other instrument to get them out, use that. Otherwise, contact animal control to come and assist you in removing snakes from your car. Don't just "let them be" inside the engine compartment. Snakes can become wrapped up in moving belts and also cause electrical fires. Want more tips on car care (even snakes in your car)? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us. We're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!

If you're a social media user, chances are that over the past few years you've seen videos of people getting snakes in their car (even right here in Florida *screams*). While these videos and pictures are definitely nightmare fuel, are they anything to worry about in real life on a day-to-day basis? Toyota of Orlando is breaking down the chances of getting snakes in your car and how to deal with the situation should it occur. Can you actually get snakes in your car, or is it a myth? So bad news - it IS possible to get snakes in your car, especially in a place like Florida where they seem to be hanging out all over the place. Here's why: Snakes like dark, warm places (especially in the winter, since they're cold-blooded and need an external heat source to get warm). Your engine is both, and it's a great place for them to hide from predators, too. Not only is it safe, but it also gives them the advantage to strike first before they can get nabbed by something. Your engine bay is an easy port. All snakes have to do is look up - your engine is open to the ground and easy to access for a snake slithering under your car. But here's the good news. While it's easy for a snake to get into your engine bay, it's NOT easy to get snakes in your car when it comes to the cabin of the vehicle. Your Orlando Toyota is pretty much sealed to the outside - there really aren't any places where a snake can access it except for doors and windows. So as long as you keep them closed when you're not using them, you should be good to go. And yes, we're serious about the windows - snakes are excellent climbers (more nightmare fuel for you) and could easily climb up the side of your car and drop in an open window. And remember that video of the Florida woman who had a snake come out of her A/C vent inside the cabin of her car? That's extremely uncommon. Your HVAC system is sealed off to the outside, so it's more likely that the snake found its way into the cabin of her car and went in the A/C vent from there. Credit to her for not crashing her ride. Orlando Toyota tips for dealing with a snake in your vehicle So what should you do if you discover snakes in your car? Here are a few quick tips from Toyota of Orlando: Don't try to grab the snake with your hands - remember, they're at an advantage in their hiding spot and could likely strike at you before you got them. If you have a pole or some other instrument to get them out, use that. Otherwise, contact animal control to come and assist you in removing snakes from your car. Don't just "let them be" inside the engine compartment. Snakes can become wrapped up in moving belts and also cause electrical fires. Want more tips on car care (even snakes in your car)? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us. We're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!