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stuck in a ditch

What to do if your car gets stuck in a ditch

Even if you use your best defensive driving skills and are exceptionally careful every time you get behind the wheel, accidents can still happen. Whether it's another driver being reckless or bad weather creating dangerous conditions on the road, you may eventually find yourself in the situation where you lose control of your vehicle and find yourself sliding off the road. And if you've ever found yourself stuck in a ditch, you know how frustrating and difficult it can be to get yourself out. Our Orlando Toyota team is here with safe driving tips to help. Safe driving tips: 4 steps to take if you get stuck in a ditch Step #1: Before you do anything, make sure that both you and your passengers are uninjured. If anyone has sustained injuries, it's best to call for help right then and there so professionals can assess their condition before you try to move anyone. Step #2: Turn on your hazards. This will alert other drivers to your whereabouts and also help any emergency vehicles or tow trucks that you may have called find your car. If you're close to the road, call for assistance to get your car out of the ditch quickly so you can avoid an accident or collision with another vehicle passing by. Step #3: If the ditch is dry and your car is simply stuck, you can try lightening the load to free it. Remove anything that's excess weight - passengers, stuff in the backseat and trunk, etc. - and then try to accelerate enough to get out of the ditch. Don't slam on the gas; this can cause you to just spin your wheels and dig yourself into a hole. Instead, gently press the gas to see if the lightened load can make the difference. If you're stuck in mud, water, or snow, the excess weight in your car can actually work in your favor - it can help you gain traction. In this case, simple acceleration probably won't get you out of the ditch. You'll need extra traction, whether it's gravel, kitty litter, flattened cardboard under the tires, or even your floor mats. If your Orlando Toyota is front-wheel drive, put the traction device in front of your front tires. If it's rear-wheel drive, put the traction device behind your rear tires. Step #4: Still stuck? It's time to call in the professionals. Unless you know how to properly use a winch and pull a vehicle out safely, you shouldn't attempt to DIY this one. You can do serious damage to your car's frame (we're talking thousands of dollars worth) or damage your bumpers if you make a mistake. Call a towing service to pull you out of the ditch and consider bringing your car to our Orlando auto service center to have it checked before you take to the open road again. You never know if something was damaged in your accident, and it's best to have the experts take a quick look before you drive again. Get more safe driving tips from Toyota of Orlando today Have questions about safe driving or need assistance after an accident? Toyota of Orlando is here for you. Call us at (407) 298-4500 for more information or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

vintage Toyota

Three questions to ask yourself before restoring a classic Toyota car

Thinking about taking on a classic Toyota car restoration as your next project? You're not the only one - this popular passion project is becoming more and more common as owners restore classic Toyotas to their former glory. However, undertaking a car restoration of any make or model is a major project and shouldn't be taken lightly. Before you jump in, you should ensure that you're prepared for what's to come. Toyota of Orlando is here to help - our experts in the Parts Department have created a list of three questions you should ask yourself before restoring a classic Toyota car (and they also can help you find the right parts for your project, too!). Ask yourself these questions before you start a car restoration project Question #1: What am I going to do with the car when I'm done with it? What are you going to do with the classic Toyota car you've restored when all is said and done? If you're going to sell it, you obviously want to make a profit on it. You should set a budget and a selling price to ensure you don't spend more on the restoration than you'll get when you sell. If you're going to keep the classic Toyota for yourself, think about how often you're going to drive it. If you're going to use it as a weekend car, you can pretty much keep things the way they are. However, if it's going to be an everyday vehicle, you may want to upgrade certain parts for your own safety, comfort, convenience, and efficiency. Question #2: What kind of shape is the car presently in? Take a good long look at the current shape of the classic Toyota car you want to restore. What kind of shape is it in? If you're dealing with a seriously rusted vehicle or one that's missing key components like an engine or chassic, then you're going to be able to take it home for cheap but will likely spend a good deal on the restoration part of the process. On the other hand, if you buy a classic Toyota that just needs a little TLC to restore it, then you'll pay more up front but then not have to spend as much money on parts and labor to get it up and running. Question #3: What kinds of parts will I need to acquire to finish things? Make a list of the car parts you'll need for this project and if you're not going to DIY the process, factor in labor, too. It can get pricey to restore a classic car and you want to ensure that if you have a budget, you're sticking close to it. And don't forget that the rarer the car, the harder it can be to find the parts, and the more expensive the parts tend to be. Let Toyota of Orlando help you through the restoration process! The basic thing to keep in mind is that restoring any classic car isn't a quick process. It takes time, money, and hard work (or a really trusted mechanic). If you're ready to get the process rolling today, call us! Toyota of Orlando is here to help you along the way. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

driving tips

Eight tips for beginner drivers

Whether you're a teen driver about to hit the road for the first time or just someone who's never had the opportunity to get behind the wheel, learning to drive can be intimidating. It doesn't have to be hard, though, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here with 8 quick driving tips to help you tackle the task with as little stress as possible. 8 driving tips to help beginners hit the road Tip #1: Learn to feel where your tires are. Do you know how to feel where your tires are? This will help you avoid hitting curbs when you're parking and potholes and road debris when you're out on the road. Practice feeling where they are by putting a plastic bottle on the ground and driving and backing over it - roll down your window so you can hear it. Tip #2: Always adjust your mirrors before you drive. You should always adjust your mirrors BEFORE you leave the driveway. Make sure you can't see the side of your car in your side mirrors so you can see your blind spots, and make sure you can see out of the back window of your Orlando Toyota entirely when using your rearview mirror. Tip #3: When you're in traffic, watch the taller vehicles. If you're in traffic, watch the taller vehicles in front of you to see how they're maneuvering. This will help you better navigate the road, turns, and stop-and-go driving. Tip #4: Use the night mode on your rearview mirror. Did you know there's a night mode on your rearview mirror? Pull the lever on the bottom of the mirror at night so headlights behind you won't blind you. Tip #5: Use your A/C, even in the winter. Pro driving tip - turn on your air conditioner regularly. This will help ensure that it stays in good shape all year long and always works when you need it. Tip #6: If you see someone in the lane next to you slowing down, you should slow down too. This can indicate a speed trap or that they're letting a pedestrian cross the road. Tip #7: Don't drive through water of any kind quickly. If you can't go around a puddle and have to drive through it, go slowly. You never know how deep water is and you don't want to flood your car or ruin your electrical system. Go slowly so if need be, you can back out before any damage is done to your Orlando Toyota. Tip #8: Use your parking brake. Not many people use this part of their car unless they're parked on a hill, but you should actually use your parking brake all the time. It helps take some of the strain off of your normal brakes and can save you money in the long run. Call us for more driving tips today! Have questions? Need more beginner's driving tips? We've always got your back at Toyota of Orlando. Call us at (407) 298-4500 or swing by 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Toyota of Orlando tips

Tips for spotting irregular car tire wear

Your car tires play a crucial role when it comes to your Orlando Toyota's performance. They're what meets the road, after all, and if they're not in good condition then your performance as a whole (and possibly even your safety) will suffer. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Some of the most common car tire problems we see stem from irregular wear, and we're here to help you spot these problematic wear patterns before they do a number on your car. Check it out. The 6 most common types of car tire wear Type 1: Center wear Center wear is when the center of your tire has excessive wear, more than the sides of the tire. This is typically caused by overinflation of the tire. The PSI is too high and this causes your tire to bulge and in turn, wear unevenly. Our Orlando Toyota service techs can check your PSI levels to ensure your tires get to where they need to be. Type 2: Side wear On the other hand, if your tires aren't inflated enough and your PSI is too low, you'll notice side where. This is where the sides of the tires wear faster than the center. This also reduces fuel efficiency and could even signify an issue with your alignment, so let our Orlando auto service techs take a look. Type 3: Sidewall wear The sidewall of your car tires doesn't even touch the road, but it can still have uneven wear. This is usually caused by rubbing curbs or other structures as you try to park, especially if you're parallel parking. Sidewall damage puts you at high risk of a tire blowout so don't ignore this type of wear and bring your car to Toyota of Orlando ASAP. Type 4: Feathering Feathering actually can't be see by the eye, but this type of car tire wear can definitely be felt. It feels like spiky or sharp edges when you run your hand along the tire and is usually caused by alignment issues or overly aggressive driving. Type 5: Cupping Cupping happens when your car tires are actually bouncing on the road. This results in small, cuplike divots in your tires that can cause problems over time. If your tires are bouncing, it's likely due to issues with your car's suspension or shocks, so it's worth looking into. Type 6: Flat spots You'll be able to both feel flat spots when you're driving and see them when you're not. These spots usually develop on your car tires because you're braking too aggressively. If you notice these areas on your tires, bring your car to Toyota of Orlando so we can help you remedy the problem. Let Toyota of Orlando fix all of your tire issues today Have questions? Find out the answers you need at Toyota of Orlando. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. We're ready and waiting!

Toyota of Orlando tips

Easy road trip hacks for the upcoming holiday season

Believe it or not, the holiday season is coming up fast. 2020 has flown by and it's already time to start thinking about holidays celebrations and with them, the travel they might require for you to see close family and friends. Whether you're hoping to avoid road travel or just like hitting the highway, road trips are a great way to get where you're going this holiday season. Check out these easy road trip hacks from our Orlando Toyota dealership to make your holiday travels stress-free and memorable. Seven easy road trip hacks Tip #1: Put a trash can in the car. Trust us - plastic bags are great for trash, but if you have something wet or leaking that needs to be disposed of it's likely to end up all over the floor. Put a plastic bag inside of a plastic cereal container (and bring the lid!) to keep everything neatly contained until the next rest stop. Tip #2: Download the Sit Or Squat app. This ingenious app helps you find clean public bathrooms along your route so you're not stuck using the rest stop bathrooms every time your kids need to go. Tip #3: Laminate a travel map and bring erasable markers. Are you sick of the "are we there yet?" ringing from the backseat? Download a road map of your road trip and print it out. Laminate it and use erasable markers to keep track of your progress and show your kids just how far you are and how much longer you have left to go. Tip #4: Use shower caddies to keep to-go food from spilling. Drive-throughs are handy on road trips but it can be hard to eat without spilling, especially when kids are involved. Use plastic shower caddies to keep your burger and fries upright, as well as hold utensils and napkins. Tip #5: Bring a DIY car sickness bag along for the ride. Car sickness happens and it's a lot less unpleasant if you're ready for it. Make a DIY car sickness bag to throw in your Orlando Toyota. You should include Clorox wipes, a few plastic grocery bags (for clothes and trash), mints, a bottle of Gatorade or water, some Dramamine, napkins, and hand sanitizer for quick cleanup before you can get to a bathroom. Tip #6: Use suction cup shower caddies for art supplies. The shower caddies that stick to the side of the shower wall are a great way to store toys and art supplies on a road trip. Just stick them to the window so your kids can easily access what they need without dropping things all over the flood. Tip #7: Bring cookie sheets to use as lap desks. Lap desks are a great way to keep kids occupied with coloring, workbooks, and reading, but you don't need to shell out a bunch of money to get them. Bring a few cookie sheets along for your road trip and let your kids use those. They're also great for magnets! Let Toyota of Orlando get you road trip ready We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season - if you need to get your ride ready for a road trip or you want a new Toyota to hit the road in, call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Orlando Toyota minivan

Car shopping: A quick guide to buying a minivan

Are you considering taking the plunge and buying the ultimate in family-friendly vehicles? If you're thinking about putting a minivan in the driveway, great decision. Minivans are versatile, performance-driven, safe, and designed to give you an efficient and family-friendly drive time every time you hit the road. And gone are the days of the "soccer mom" mobiles - today's minivans, especially the Orlando Toyota Sienna, are sleek and stylish. Toyota of Orlando is here with a quick car shopping guide to help you navigate the purchasing process - check it out. What should you know about car shopping before buying a minivan? Before you head to Toyota of Orlando for a test drive, here are some things to consider about your next ride. Seating: Typically, you'll find minivans that seat either seven or eight passengers (the Orlando Toyota Sienna offers configurations for both). Decide which is going to be better suited for your drive time needs before you sign the dotted line. Access: Minivans nowadays have incredible access points. You'll have options like single sliding door, dual sliding door, and dual power sliding doors, as well as the choice of a standard or power rear liftgate. Decide how much convenience you need when you hit the road and choose the model with the best access points. Cargo: How much cargo space do you need for your gear when you and the family hit the road? Many models offer under-floor storage in both the cargo area AND in the cabin of the van, as well as a spacious cargo area under the liftgate. Some even offer tie down points, and you should also take into consideration how easy it is to fold flat/stow or remove interior seats for more cargo space. Performance: What performance features do you need for your next vehicle? Some minivans (including the Orlando Toyota Sienna) offer all-wheel drive for superior traction in slick conditions. You'll also want to look into fuel efficiency (and whether or not you want a hybrid vehicle), as well as features like towing (what's the max weight?) and engine size (should you go with 4-cylinder or V6?). Safety: We know that in every family vehicle, safety is the #1 feature on the must-have list. Minivans don't disappoint in this arena, especially if you take the Toyota Sienna into consideration. They usually offer top-notch safety features like backup cameras, advanced airbag systems, rear backup alert alarms, and other advanced crash avoidance technologies. You should also ensure that the minivan you choose has the right hookups for your carseats - most have the LATCH system in place to make installation easy. Entertainment and connectivity: What features are highlighted in the cabin to make your drive time efficient AND enjoyable? Look into features like the audio system you want and its accessories, such as Sirius XM Satellite Radio. You'll also want to consider features like a rear-seat entertainment system (with wireless headphones, of course), Bluetooth streaming for devices, steering-wheel-mounted controls, Driver Easy Speak, and other features designed to make your job as chauffeur that much easier. Shop all of our Orlando Toyota options today Have questions about car shopping? Make it easy on yourself - call us today! You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500, or stop by and see us in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

driving at night

Daylight Saving Time: How to prep to fall back

Daylight savings time is almost over! The time change will happen on Halloween this year and whether you're ready for it or not, we'll fall back just as November arrives. While daylight savings time ending may not seem like a huge deal, our days will definitely be shorter and you may find yourself making your evening commute in the dark. That's why it's important to prep your car and yourself now so you're ready to fall back like a pro. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for handling the time change below. 5 tips to prep yourself for daylight savings time to end Tip #1: Have your brakes and tires checked. When daylight savings time ends, you'll likely be driving part of your commute (if not all of it) in the dark. You should have our Orlando auto service center check your brakes and tires so you're ready to hit the road no matter the lighting situation. Our techs will ensure your brake system is in good condition and you can bring your car to a safe (and even sudden stop) whenever you need to, and they'll inspect your tires to ensure you have the proper amount of tread for good traction. They'll also assess the general condition of your car tires to ensure you're not headed for a blowout, which is the last thing you need in dim lighting. (Who wants to change a tire in the dark?) Tip #2: Ensure your lights - all of them - are in good working order. Before you hit the road this fall, take a minute to ensure ALL of your car's lights are working properly. This means headlights, taillights, turn signals, and hazard lights, but it also means all interior lights. Remember, you'll need to turn your headlights on from dusk until dawn so you have proper visibility and so other drivers can see you. Our Orlando auto service techs can replace burnt-out bulbs, fix broken headlights, and even perform headlight restoration to keep you safe while driving in the dark. Tip #3: Realize that it takes time to adjust to the time change and don't drive when fatigued. Remember, we may fall back (and gain an hour of sleep) but it still takes time to adjust to daylight savings. If you're overtired from staying up too late (especially since the time change falls on Halloween this year), be sure that you rest before you hit the road. Driving while fatigued is just as bad as driving while intoxicated. Tip #4: Pay close attention to your surroundings when driving in the dark. Driving in the dark brings a whole new set of challenges to the table. Animals tend to be more active at night and are more likely to cross your path, and you're also less likely to see issues on the road as soon as you would in the daylight. This means you need to be ready for anything, including coming to a sudden stop, so ensure that you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times. Tip #5: Clean your windshield. Make sure you clean your windshield inside and out before daylight savings time ends. Any dust, fingerprints, or other debris on the glass can reflect light and make it more difficult for you to see clearly. Call Toyota of Orlando with all of your fall auto service needs Have questions or need Orlando auto service? We've got you covered all season long. Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

alternative fuel vehicles

Don't make these 5 mistakes when buying an electric car

Are you considering putting an electric car in the driveway? These eco-friendly, tech-driven rides are a great way to get around town. However, they may not be a perfect fit for everyone, and that's why we encourage you to do your research BEFORE you sign the dotted line. Check out these 5 mistakes our Orlando Toyota sales specialists urge you not to make when shopping for one of these alternative fuel vehicles. 1. Not plotting out your budget First things first - let's talk money. Electric cars tend to be more expensive than hybrids and traditional gasoline cars because of all the technology they've got going on under the hood and inside the cabin. That being said, make sure you can afford it before you sign the dotted line. You don't want to get stuck in a car payment that you can't swing on a monthly basis. And don't forget to factor in both maintenance and car insurance when considering your budgetary situation. 2. Not looking into federal incentives Did you know that there are often federal tax credits available for EV cars bought here in the United States? You should do your research (or inform your accountant) when tax time rolls around - driving one of these Orlando Toyotas can get you a pretty nice refund, so factor that into your decision. 3. Not considering your commute What's your day-to-day commute like? Just like traditional gasoline cars can only get you so far on a tank of gas, electric cars can only get you so far on one charge. Make sure you do research on the "range" (how far you can get on one charge) that the model you're interested in has to offer. And don't forget, if your work or school doesn't have a charging station, you still have to make it back home, too. Factor your daily mileage before you settle on a particular make and model. If you live in a rural or even suburban area, a short range might not cut it. 4. Not taking into account your local climate Did you know that the local climate can actually have an effect on electric cars? Believe it or not, extremely cold weather can have a negative effect on your EV's performance. The batteries don't charge as well in super-cold conditions, nor do they hold the charge as well. This can have a big impact on your range and overall performance, so take your local climate into account before you sign the dotted line. (If you live here in Orlando, you're good to go.) 5. Not evaluating all of your drive time needs Make sure you take ALL of your drive time needs into account before you decide to buy an electric car. Do you need something that can tow or haul? Do you need a ton of interior space for passengers? What about off-roading - do you tend to take things off the pavement? Compile a list of ALL of your drive time needs and make sure an electric vehicle can meet them before you buy. Have questions about electric options or want to explore alternative fuel Orlando Toyotas? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Toyota of Orlando tips

6 bad driving habits you should avoid

Do you consider yourself to be a good driver? Most people do, but sometimes they're unaware that the driving habits they've cultivated actually aren't the best. Bad driving habits can put both you and other drivers on the road in danger and increase the risk of getting into an accident or collision. That's why our Orlando Toyota dealership has come up with a list of the top 6 worst driving habits we see and why you should avoid them. Check it out! The 6 worst driving habits we see 1. Distracted driving Distracted driving is just what it sounds like - engaging in distractions while driving. This is absolutely the #1 worst driving habit you can have. Whether it's using your phone, changing radio stations, turning to talk to passengers, eating, doing your makeup - whatever distraction it is, it highly increases your chances of getting into a car accident. Don't be selfish; put the distractions away and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. 2. Not wearing a seatbelt You should ALWAYS wear a seatbelt, even if you're just running around the corner to the convenience store. Everyone - including yourself - should be buckled in securely before your Orlando Toyota leaves the driveway. Not only is it illegal to be in a moving vehicle without a seatbelt, not wearing one leaves you 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a crash. Seatbelts reduce your risk of serious injury by 50% and your risk of death by 45%. The odds are in your favor - buckle up. 3. Tailgating Tailgating is when you drive too closely to the car in front of you. It's dangerous because if they have to come to sudden stop, you'll likely run into the back of them. You should always leave at least "four seconds" of space in between you and the car in front of you. When they pass a landmark (like a road sign), you should be able to count to four before you pass it. 4. Not using your turn signals Use your turn signals! They're there for a reason. Using them alerts other drivers to your movements and helps them avoid your vehicle (and subsequently, avoid an accident). 5. Driving aggressively Don't give in to road rage. Driving aggressively seriously increases your risk of getting into a fatal traffic accident and you're also putting everyone else on the road in danger. 6. Speeding (or going under the speed limit) The speed limit exists for a reason, too. This is the optimal speed for the road you're on. Going over the speed limit means you may not be able to control your car based on the road conditions and you're making it unsafe for other drivers, too. Conversely, going too slowly can also be dangerous to you and other drivers. Try to stick at or near the speed limit. Call Toyota of Orlando with questions! Have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

safe driving tips

8 tips for driving in construction zones

No matter where you drive - city, rural, highway, or suburbs - you're likely to encounter construction zones at some point. Driving in these zones is very different from your typical drive time experience, so it's important to know how to adapt when you encounter them behind the wheel of your Orlando Toyota. Not only is it more hazardous to drive in these zones, but you can also be penalized more for bad driving habits. Here are our top 8 tips for safe driving in construction zones. Use these 8 tips to safely navigate construction zones Tip #1: Slow down. The posted speed will always be lower in a construction zone and you should take care to adhere to it. This also allows you more reaction time should you need to get out of the way or come to a sudden stop. Remember, speeding fines can be increased in a construction zone - in some areas, they can be doubled or more. Tip #2: Pay attention to the signs. Pay close attention to the signs when driving in these areas. You should be on the lookout for new speed limits, lane changes, merge signs, new stop signs, and more and adjust your driving accordingly. Tip #3: Obey the flaggers. Flaggers are there to direct traffic and keep you safe, so pay close attention to them and follow their instructions. Flying past them when they tell you to stop can end up in an accident or collision. Tip #4: Use defensive driving skills. Use your best defensive driving skills when driving in a construction zone. Leave plenty of distance between your car and the car ahead of you and be on the lookout for road hazards so you can act to avoid an accident rather than react as one's happening. Tip #5: Be ready for anything. You should be ready for anything in a construction zone - you may need to get out of the way or come to a sudden stop. This means you have to shelve all of your distracted driving habits and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Tip #6: Use the "take 10" method when you change lanes. When you change lanes, allow at least ten seconds to complete the switch. You should signal for at least three seconds before starting to move over and then take seven seconds to slowly shift into the next lane. Tip #7: Obey the rules until you're clear of the construction zone. Just because you can see the end sign of the zone doesn't mean you should speed up or ignore the posted signs - follow the rules until you've cleared the zone and are back on the open road. Tip #8: Be patient and expect delays. Construction zones can slow things down and cause delays as unexpected issues arise. Be patient, don't speed, and don't give in to aggressive driving practices because you're in a rush. Call Toyota of Orlando today with questions! Have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Toyota of Orlando tips

Driving in the snow: What you should know

Ok, we know, we know - this is Orlando and our chances of seeing ANY snow this year are basically zero. However, we also know that the holidays are coming up and with them bringing holiday road travel to see friends and family. Even if we won't see snow here in Central Florida, there's a chance you may encounter it on your holiday road trip (it's snowing in Denver today, already!). That's why we've compiled this quick guide to driving in the snow so you're ready for whatever Mother Nature may throw your way. Tip #1: Slow down. A lot. When driving in the snow, you should significantly reduce your speed. Even in the best of conditions, the roads will be slippery and slick and your chances of losing traction are high. The slower you're going, the more control you'll have over your vehicle. Just remember to stay in the right lane so other drivers can get around you. Tip #2: Leave more distance. You should always leave more distance between your Orlando Toyota and the car in front of you when driving in the snow. Conditions are very likely to be slippery and if the car in front of you brakes suddenly or loses control, you want to ensure you have plenty of space to bring your car to a stop without slamming on your brakes or having to swerve out of the way. Tip #3: Take turns slowly and carefully. When you're turning in the snow, you want to make sure you take your turns slowly and carefully, avoiding jerking the wheel. Why? Because if the road is slippery and you power through a turn, it's likely that your back wheels will slide out from under you and you'll lose traction. Slow down well before your turn and move the wheel gently. Tip #4: Don't make sudden movements. Don't slam on your brakes or gas, and don't jerk the steering wheel when driving in the snow. These sudden movements can cause your car to skid and lose traction, which puts you in danger of getting into an accident. Tip #5: Don't get too confident. Just because you have a car with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive doesn't mean you're impervious to the dangers of driving in the snow. Yes, you'll likely have better traction, but you can still lose control and should still take steps to drive as carefully as you can to avoid an accident. Tip #6: If you skid, don't slam on the brakes (even though that'll likely be your first reaction). Instead, take your foot off the gas. If your front wheels are sliding, removing your foot from the gas should let the tires regain traction in a moment or two. If your rear wheels are sliding, turn your steering wheel in the same direction that your wheels are sliding. As you regain traction, slowly and deliberately start to steer in the opposite direction. Have questions or think you need to make an appointment to get your car road-ready before you travel? Call Toyota of Orlando any time at (407) 298-0001.

5 car movies to watch this weekend

It's Labor Day Weekend, which means a lot of us are about to have one extra day of freedom on top of our normally scheduled break. What are your plans? According to the weather forecasters, it might rain (but who knows - it IS Florida). If you can't get your dose of fun in the sun, it's always good to have a backup plan. That's why we've created this quick list of five of our favorite car movies for you to stream this weekend! 1. Cars: In need of a family-friendly movie night? Check out Cars from Pixar. Not only will the kids love this exciting and hilarious animated film, you'll love being able to see the different personalities given to the various makes and models of cars. Plus, there's always a life lesson thrown in when you watch a Disney movie... so queue up the Blu-Ray player! 2. Ford v. Ferrari: If you like 20th century history and are a fan of Christian Bale or Matt Damon, this is the flick for you. Ford v Ferrari won an Academy Award for its portrayal of the Le Mans Race of 1966. The biopic not only has a dramatic storyline, but also stunning scenic shots and a healthy dose of vintage cars. 3. Any of the Fast and Furious movies: If you want something fun, light-hearted, and even laughable at some points, check out any or all of the Fast and Furious franchise. These movies are absolutely action-packed, full of celebrities and iconic cars, and have soundtracks that will make you want to start a throwback playlist on Spotify. If you start with number one, you'll be able to spot the iconic Toyota Supra driven by Paul Walker (RIP). From there, you'll have nine more movies to make it a marathon day if you so choose. 4. Baby Driver: It's not what it sounds like; this action-packed and thrilling movie is all about the thrill of the getaway scene and features big stars like Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Lily James, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, and more. It also has a killer soundtrack, so make sure your surround sound is hooked up and ready to go. 5. Bumblebee: Are you a fan of Transformers? Then you'll love this iconic coming-of-age movie about Bumblebee, a transformer in disguise as a Volkswagen Beetle. Actually, you'll probably love it even if you're NOT a fan of the Transformers franchise. It's exciting, funny, and heart-warming AND set to a great soundtrack.   So break out the snacks, get your comfiest PJs on, and bring the big screen home with you! We hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend. If you're in need of a new ride, don't forget - our Labor Day Sale is going on NOW through this Monday and we're working to get you into a new ride for a great deal AND lower your car payment. Come see us! We're open until 10pm every single night at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can call ahead of time to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.

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