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Summer is coming - things are already heating up here in Central Florida as we faced record highs in the 90s this weekend. With summer comes some pretty intense sun, and that sun can do some serious damage to your car if you're not prepared for it. Toyota of Orlando is here with quick car care tips to help you protect your car from the sun all summer long. Use these 6 tips to protect your ride Tip #1: Wax Wax is your #1 defense against the sun if you want your car's paint to stay looking like-new. Our Orlando auto service center recommends that you invest in a quality wax and apply several coats to your car a few times a year as part of your car care routine - every three months should do the job to protect your car's paint from harsh UV rays that can cause fading and peeling. Ask the Toyota of Orlando parts store which wax is best for your ride. Tip #2: Park in the shade If you can park in covered parking, do it. It doesn't matter if it's a garage, a carport, or even a big, shady tree - any cover you can afford your Orlando Toyota will help shield if from the sun. Tip #3: Invest in a sunshade A sunshade will help protect your car's dash and interior from the sun. You should get a quality one (the cheap ones tend to be too flimsy to last long) and put it up in your windshield every time you park your car. This simple car care step will also help keep things cooler in the interior of your car. Tip #4: Consider tint Tint is another great way to shield the interior of your car from the sun AND keep things cooler. And the best news? We offer affordable tinting services right here at Toyota of Orlando. Schedule an appointment today at our auto service center. Toyota of Orlando's car care routine to protect your ride from the sun Tip #5: Buy seat covers and a steering wheel cover Still concerned about the interior of your car? You should be - sunlight coming in the windows and windshield can fade your upholstery and the plastic in your car. It can also cause leather seats to crack. Seat covers and a steering wheel cover can protect your interior as well as offer a more affordable way to switch up the look of the interior. Tip #6: Condition leather well We mentioned that the sun can do a number on leather seats, shifters, and steering wheels. Seat covers and a sunshade are a great deterrent to this damage, but you should still ensure that you condition anything leather well and make it a normal part of your car care routine. Want more tips? Think you need to shop for supplies? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 or you can stop by our auto parts store at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Do you feel confident that you engage in safe driving whenever you get behind the wheel? Most people do - but some of them are wrong. There are actually some pretty dangerous driving mistakes that you could be making without even realizing it, and Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss the most dangerous ones to help you break the habits. Don't make these dangerous driving mistakes #1: Driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires won't just put a damper on your Orlando Toyota's fuel efficiency - they also make you a lot more prone to a blowout. While a flat tire may not seem like too dangerous of a situation, reframe it like this: you're driving at high speeds on the highway around other vehicles and your tire blows out. Pretty dangerous, right? Fill up your car tires to the proper PSI. #2: Driving while sleepy. You should never drive while fatigued - it's just as bad as driving drunk. Pull over and take a nap in a safe spot, or call it quits for the night and get some sleep so you're refreshed in the morning. #3: Speeding. Speeding makes you a lot more likely to get into a bad accident - it's the second highest cause of fatal accidents. Follow the speed limit for safe driving habits, no excuses! #4: Distracted driving. Texting while driving, putting on makeup, eating, talking to passengers... anything that takes your attention off the road and the task at hand puts you at a much higher risk of an accident. Use safe driving habits and put away the distractions. #5: Not wearing a seatbelt. Safe driving means buckling up no matter what. This means even if you're just going a block to the 7-11 for a soda. 33% of accident fatalities happen because people aren't wearing seatbelts. You should also teach your children and any other passengers this safe driving habit. #6: Driving while under the influence. Don't drive drunk. Period. Have a zero tolerance policy for yourself and anyone you're supposed to ride with. #7: Not taking care when driving in bad weather. You need to adjust your safe driving habits when you hit the road in bad weather. Rain, snow, high winds, and icy conditions all require extremely careful driving, slower speeds, and more even acceleration and braking. Be sure to adjust your drive time style accordingly. #8: Following too closely. Don't tailgate people. When you drive too closely to the person in front of your Orlando Toyota, it makes you a lot more likely to rear-end them if they have to hit the brakes or drop their speed. Leave the proper distance between your vehicle and the cars around you. Get more tips from Toyota of Orlando Want more tips about safe driving or have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

In the wake of COVID-19, everyone is all about sanitization. It's essential to wash your hands, clean your phone, and make sure your home and workspace are sanitized to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, what about your car? If you're like most people, you're in and out of your Orlando Toyota several times a day, every single day. If your car isn't clean and sanitized, it doesn't matter how clean your hands are - the moment you touch the door handle, steering wheel, or shifter, your hands are essentially dirty again. Toyota of Orlando is here with car detailing tips to help you get your ride as clean and sanitized as possible. 1. Stock up on supplies Here at Toyota of Orlando, we're of the opinion that you should always have hand sanitizer on hand because... germs. But you definitely want to stock your car in the wake of COVID-19. Try to keep your car stocked with disinfectant wipes so you can quickly access them and wipe down surfaces on a regular basis. It's also a good idea to have hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes on deck for when you have to pump gas, pay tolls, etc. 2. Rethink how you're cleaning surfaces When it comes to car detailing, you're probably using the usual cleaners. However, you need to up the ante if you want to sanitize and disinfect your ride. This is the time to swap out your supplies. Did you know that you can use simple soap and water against the Coronavirus? We vote you shoot for antibacterial soap for a more comprehensive clean, but plain dish soap will work, too. Mix up a soap-and-water solution and use it to scrub down seats and other fabrics, or throw seat covers in the washing machine. You can use disinfectant wipes to hit things like the dashboard and center console. 3. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces You'll want to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces and make sure you clean them (often) with disinfectant wipes. These areas include: Door handles (both inside and exterior) Steering wheel Turn signal/windshield wiper controls Seatbelt buckles Shifter Infotainment screen and buttons A/C and heat controls And any other knobs or buttons on the interior that you touch. You should also consider where droplets may land if you cough or sneeze into your arm, like the driver's side door. 4. Don't forget the car seats Do you have car seats or booster seats in your backseat? Make sure you clean them, too. You can use the soap and water mixture we mentioned above to get the fabric (and some car seats allow you to remove the fabric surfaces so you can throw them in the washing machine) and disinfectant wipes for all the plastic parts. 5. Get on a follow-up schedule Now that your Orlando Toyota is sparkling clean and disinfected from your car detailing, keep it that way! Get on a routine cleaning schedule to wipe down surfaces, especially high-touch ones, on a routine basis. This will KEEP your car disinfected for the long-term. Have questions? Call us - Toyota of Orlando is here to help with all of your car detailing questions. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Spring is in the air! If you're trying to get prepped for the season by getting your house and home in order, you're not alone. As of 2018, 91% of Americans spring clean every year! Here are some quick tips from our Orlando Toyota dealership to make the process as easy, efficient, and enjoyable as possible. Tip #1: Declutter first. There's no point in trying to clean around clutter - it just makes it more time-consuming and less rewarding in the end. Before you start spring cleaning, declutter your house and get rid of things you don't need or want to hang onto. We recommend designating a box for donations, a box for storage, and a box for trash to make sorting things easy and efficient. The rule of thumb? If you haven't used it in more than a year and it isn't nostalgic, get rid of it. Tip #2: Work from top to bottom. You should work from top to bottom to make cleaning more efficient. Start with ceiling fans and light fixtures and work your way down, finishing off with the floors. This will save time AND frustration - remember, anything that comes off the light fixtures, fans, and furniture is going to end up on the floor. Tip #3: Don't forget about the walls, cabinets, and baseboards. It's easy to overlook the walls, cabinets, and baseboards when it comes to day-to-day cleaning. Spring cleaning is a good excuse to tackle them. Wipe down your walls and scrub your baseboards - you'll be amazed at how quickly dust and grime can gather there. Additionally, give your cabinets a thorough cleaning by wiping down the doors and handles, organizing the interiors, and cleaning the shelves before you put everything back. Tip #4: Go room by room. We know it can be overwhelming to think of spring cleaning as a whole, so take it room by room. Compartmentalizing it will actually help you save time because you can focus on one thing at a time, finish it, and move onto the next efficiently. Tip #5: Remember to clean outdoors, too. Spring cleaning isn't just about the interior of your house! Now's a great time to tackle all of those outdoor projects, too. Clean out your gutters so they're ready for our summer rainstorms, pressure wash the driveway and sidewalks, and clean up the landscaping. You can also take this time to scrub down the grill, clean the kids' toys, and organize that shed or utility closet you've been letting go. Tip #6: Don't forget about appliances. Appliances, especially small ones, can get overlooked during spring cleaning. Use this time to clean out and reorganize your fridge and freezer; you can also deep clean your microwave, clean your coffee pot and teapot, and make sure your blender is mess-free. Tip #7: Disinfect all the things Spring cleaning is also a great time to wash or disinfect things you may not think about on a day-to-day basis. Wash your pet beds, the pillows on your couch, your curtains - anything that can collect dust. You can also disinfect all the trashcans in your house and steam clean your couch, futons, and chairs to remove grime. And while we're talking about it, don't forget your car. If you're too worn out from spring cleaning your home, we've got you covered! Schedule car detailing at Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500. Happy spring!

When shopping for a new ride, some drivers just simply aren't satisfied with the current Toyota options on the market. They're looking for something extremely unique, something different - maybe even something from a different era. This is typically when a classic Toyota car restoration comes into play! However, restoring a classic car can take time, money, and dedication. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to give you some quick tips in our beginner's guide to classic Toyota car restoration - check it out. A quick beginner's guide to restoring a classic Toyota car Tip #1: Consider factors like time and money. Restoring a classic Toyota car is definitely a lot more complex than simply walking into Toyota of Orlando and driving off in a new Camry. It requires time and money, and you should make sure you have enough of both before you try to tackle it. Here's the breakdown: Time: Restoring a car takes a fair amount of time, even if you choose to have professionals do it for you. You typically won't be able to walk into our Orlando Toyota parts store to get the parts you need, especially if the car is vintage, which means it'll take some time to track them down. And if you go the modern route and use current-day parts to restore your vehicle, you still have to take the time to find the right ones and ensure that they're compatible with your ride. It could take over a year to get all of the pieces into play. Money: Restoring a classic Toyota car also requires a fair amount of money invested in it. Not only will you need to track down parts, but you'll also have to pay for a workspace and tools OR professional labor to get your car up and running again. Tip #2: Figure out how you're going to choose your car. How are you going to find the right classic Toyota car to restore? Again, you can't just waltz into our dealership and walk out with a set of keys! When searching for a vintage ride to upgrade, your best bet is the classifieds, whether online or in the newspaper. You can also look for sites that specialize in classic car sales. Tip #3: Have the right workspace and tools ready to go. If you're going to tackle restoration on your own, you'll need the right workspace AND the right tools. You'll want a place to work that's well-lit, dry, and big enough for you to move around in. You'll also want certain tools on hand - for starters, you should have a car jack, screwdriver, a drill with different bits, an air hose, screwdrivers, pliers, sockets, and wrenches. If you're really going to get into the trenches, you may want to consider having other items on hand like a welder, a blowtorch, and an engine crane and stand so you can lift the engine out of the car with ease. Make sure you know how to use all of these tools safely, though, before you get started. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Get tips and tools from Toyota of Orlando Want more tips on restoring a classic Toyota car? Call Toyota of Orlando's service center. We're ready and waiting for you seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

When it comes to pumping gas, it's pretty self-explanatory. You pay, stick the nozzle into the gas tank, pump, and go. However, did you know there are potentially dangerous mistakes that you could be making when you're at the gas pump? Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you more and make sure that you're safe every time you fill up at the gas station. Read on! Toyota of Orlando's tips for when you're at the gas pump Mistake #1: Topping off the tank Some people like to "top off the tank" to squeeze those last few drops in when they're getting gas. This is a bad idea, though - the automatic shut-off valves are there for a reason. Gasoline needs room to expand inside the tank so when you fill past the automatic shut-off valve's "click", you're potentially putting too much gas into the tank. This can lead to too much pressure inside the tank and subsequently, a leak as the gas expands. Fill until you hear the click, then stop. Mistake #2: Smoking at the gas pump This seems like a no-brainer, but we still see people smoking at the gas pump. Gasoline is EXTREMELY flammable and all it takes is one little hot ash or tiny ember to start a big, dangerous fire. Put out your cigarette or cigar until you're well clear of the gas pump. Mistake #3: Getting in and out of the car Did you know that every time you get in and out of your car, static electricity builds up a small charge on your body? This is especially true when it's cold and dry out. If you go to grab the gas nozzle and that electricity sparks, you could cause a fire. It stinks to pump gas when it's cold or wet outside, but resist the urge to get back into the driver's seat while you wait for the tank to fill. Mistake #4: Leaving your car running while you pump NEVER leave your car running while you fill the tank with gas. When you leave it on, it's putting off heat and static electricity - both of which can cause a fire when combined with gasoline or even gas vapors. Turn your car off and make sure you have your keys in hand before you fill up. Mistake #5: Using your cell phone We've got some good news - cell phones can't cause fires at the gas pump (contrary to what some believe). What they can do, however, is distract you to the point where you overfill your tank or even drive off with the nozzle still in the tank. Put your phone away while at the gas pump, period. Mistake #6: Not locking your doors or rolling your windows up You should always close or at least crack your car windows at the gas pump as well as lock all of your doors. (Make sure you have your keys in hand!) Thieves find it easy to sneak into the opposite side of your car and steal your belongings while you're distracted at the pump. Don't be a victim - lock up! Let our Orlando Toyota service techs answer your questions Want more tips? Call Toyota of Orlando's service center! We're here seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and our Orlando Toyota service techs are happy to give you any advice they can.

When you take things off the pavement, there's always a chance that you'll get stuck in mud or sand regardless of how performance-driven your Orlando Toyota actually is. Toyota of Orlando is always here to help on both the sales and service sides of things and today we're giving you tips on what to do if you go off road and find yourself stuck. Read on! Explore off road like a pro with these tips Stuck in the sand: There's nothing better than a day at New Smyrna, especially when you can drive onto the beach and not have to haul all of your beach gear to a good spot by hand. However, there's always a risk that you'll find yourself stuck in the sand if you aren't careful with your off road technique. If you find your tires spinning, here are some tips: Stop hitting the gas - it'll just make your tires dig in deeper. Instead, try to dig them out a little with a shovel or your hands. Moving the soft sand away from them so they can reach the firmer sand underneath can help you regain traction. No luck? You'll need to provide a little traction for your tires yourself. You can do this by putting pieces of cardboard or even your Orlando Toyota's floor mats under the front of your tires so they have something other than sand to grab onto. Once the mats are in place, accelerate steadily, but not too slowly. You want a little get-up-and-go to combine with the traction to pull you out of the sand. Our top tip? Drive closer to the water (but not IN the water) - the sand is firmer there. Choose a parking spot where the sand is firm but the water can't reach you, and never hit the gas or brakes hard. You should also avoid making sharp turns. Stuck in the mud: Taking things off road and into the woods can mean mud, and mud can mean getting stuck. Mud is even trickier than sand, so check out these Orlando Toyota tips for getting unstuck in this sticky situation: Just like when you're stuck in the sand, DO NOT slam on the accelerator to try and free yourself from the mud. It'll just dig you in more. Carry a bag of kitty litter with you - it sounds weird, but it can help. Pour the litter in front of your power tires (in a front-wheel vehicle, the front tires and in a rear-wheel vehicle, the back tires) to help your tires grip better. You can also use your car's floor mats if you're in a pinch, but expect them to get muddy. Accelerate steadily to move your vehicle forward. If this method doesn't work, try using a tow strap to get yourself out. You can have another vehicle pull you but ensure that you're using an actual tow strap that can withstand the pressure, and be sure to attach the strap to secure spots (not the bumpers or any part of the suspension). Go slowly and steadily when using this method! Get your car ready for off road with Toyota of Orlando Want more tips or want to get your ride ready for off road challenges? Call our Parts department! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

It used to be that when you got behind the wheel of your car, there was one "mode" - driving. You hit the gas and got where you needed to go, and that was that. However, as our Orlando Toyota vehicles evolve, new technology gets woven into every aspect of them including performance. Now many of our new Toyotas come with different drive modes, and we're here to explain what they are and how to use them to your benefit. Read on! What are Toyota drive modes? Driving modes are basically just modes that you can engage on your Orlando Toyota that will alter your driving dynamics and tailor performance to your preferences. The most common ones among our new Toyotas are Eco, Normal, and Sport. Some models also include a Snow mode for taking on tough winter weather. Hybrids typically have one additional mode - EV mode. How can you use Orlando Toyota drive modes to your advantage? Normal mode: This mode is just what it sounds like - normal. Your ride will operate in this mode unless you dictate otherwise, and it'll deliver what's been promised in terms of horsepower, torque, comfort, and fuel efficiency. Sport mode: When you engage Sport mode on your Orlando Toyota, it modifies the way your transmission, shifting, throttle response, and electronic power steering assist work. The gas pedal will be easier to press down, your handling will improve, and acceleration and shifting (on an automatic) will happen a lot faster. Overall, it'll be a sportier driving experience, although your fuel efficiency will likely drop. Not all of our new Toyotas have this mode - you'll find it on some of them, like the Toyota 86, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, and a few others. Ask your sales specialist which models offer the option. Eco mode: Eco mode is all about efficiency - namely, fuel efficiency. When you use this mode on your Orlando Toyota, your vehicle will slow throttle response, adjust climate controls (like A/C and heated seats), and reduce engine power so the engine doesn't have to work as hard and thus, can save fuel. If you're trying to accelerate quickly or climb a hill, this mode isn't ideal, but it's fine to use otherwise, especially in traffic. Snow mode: When you engage Snow mode, your Toyota will actually start out in second gear rather than first. This means less torque and in turn, less chance of your wheels spinning out when you accelerate. Your car will also operate in different shift patterns to give you better traction and control. EV mode: This mode is only found on Orlando Toyota hybrids; EV stands for Electrical Vehicle. In this mode, your hybrid car will stop using the engine completely and only power itself with the battery. However, in a normal hybrid, you can't use this mode for long distances or at high speeds. It's best used in traffic for a mile or so at most. Want to test-drive each and every one of these Toyota drive modes? Call us! Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're happy to get you behind the wheel.

It can feel stressful when you buy a car, especially if it's your first time making such a large purchase. However, an easy way to remove some of the stress from the occasion is to do away with uncertainties - i.e., preparing yourself ahead of time. Making a list of your drive time needs and picking a make and model is a good start, but it also helps to know what you should bring with you when you actually head to the dealership. Check out these tips from our Orlando Toyota dealership! 6 things to bring when you buy a car Your driver's license. You'll need your driver's license to test drive a car, first of all. But you'll also need it to verify identity so we can do all of the necessary paperwork when you buy a car. Make sure you have your license on hand the minute you walk in the door and make sure that it's not expired. A way to make payment. You'll be making a payment when you buy a car before you even leave the dealership as you typically will make a down payment before you can call it yours. Make sure you check with whoever you're buying from to see if they accept all forms of payment (credit cards, debit cars, personal checks, cashier's checks, etc.). The title to your vehicle. Are you trading in your current car? You'll need proof that you own it, so be sure to bring the title with you when you buy a car. If you have a co-owner on the vehicle, make sure you get their signature on the title before you try to trade it in! If you're confused, our Orlando Toyota sales specialists can help you get it sorted out. Your current registration. You'll need to bring the registration for your current car in order to trade it in. Make sure that the registration is current (not expired) and that you also have the sticker on your current ride's license plate. Insurance information. You'll need proof of insurance to take your new car home since it's illegal to drive without it. Bring your insurance card to show proof of insurance as well as contact information (if it's not on the card) for the insurance company so you can call and add your new ride to your policy before you hit the road. Verification for rebates. Are you going to be taking advantage of any rebates? If you're planning on cashing in on military, student, or other rebates then make sure you have the proper documentation to do so. You can call Toyota of Orlando to find out what you need for the Toyota Military Rebate or College Grad Rebate. A few other things we recommend bringing when you buy a car? Empty bags to clean out your current car (if you haven't already), a drink and a snack, and a phone charger. Purchasing a car can take a few hours from start to finish and you don't want to be hangry or stuck with a dead phone. Buy a car with our help at Toyota of Orlando today Ready to buy a car? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We'll get you set up for a test drive and answer any other questions you have about what to bring. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Do you have an excited teen driver waiting to get behind the wheel? While it's exciting for them, it can definitely be a nerve-wracking time for parents. However, teaching your teen how to drive doesn't have to be stressful for either of you, believe it or not. Prep yourself for the experience with these simple tips from Toyota of Orlando before you hit the road... in the passenger's seat. 9 tips for teaching your teen how to drive 1. Make sure your teen is READY to drive. If your teen driver has expressed an interest, then get the ball rolling. However, if they're reticent to get behind the wheel then don't push it - the last thing you want is an anxious new driver behind the wheel. 2. Prep them accordingly. Does their high school offer driver's education courses? Can you sign them up for a defensive driving course in your city? Giving them knowledge of the basics will help them feel more comfortable when they're in control of your Orlando Toyota. 3. Start in the right place. You should start teaching your teen how to drive in an empty parking lot and let them get comfortable there before moving to a quiet residential area. Once they've mastered that, you can move to busier streets with traffic and finally, work your way up to the highway. 4. Pick a good time. You want it to be daytime and sunny when teaching your teen how to drive. Save the rainy weather, snow days, and nighttime excursions for when they have more experience. 5. Be a good coach. Instead of yelling, scolding, or getting upset, stay calm and speak carefully. Also, be sure to praise positive aspects of their driving performance. 6. Don't lecture; instead, ask questions. Lecturing your teen when teaching them how to drive will likely just make them feel defensive and nervous. Instead of saying "You're going too fast", ask a question like "What's the speed limit here?" to allow them to correct their mistakes without feeling criticized. 7. Give them lots of directions and be careful about how you give them. Instead of saying "Turn left here" right before the turn, say "We're going to make a left turn in one block, so be ready". This lets them mentally prepare and execute the maneuver slowly and carefully instead of hurrying through it at the last minute. 8. Be aware FOR them. They're going to be concentrating on the road and you should teach them to be aware of their surroundings, but when they're starting out you need to serve as another set of eyes for them. Be aware of all four sides of the car and share your observations calmly to help them start to adjust to this mindset. 9. Set a good example. If you have a habit of tailgating or slamming on the gas to make it through yellow lights, cut it out. Teens will imitate your driving behaviors so you want to set a good example by wearing your seatbelt, using defensive driving skills, following road rules, and avoiding distractions. Get your teen a safe new ride at Toyota of Orlando Looking for more tips or want a safe and affordable ride for your new teen driver? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. Happy teaching!

Owning a car isn't cheap. It's a complex piece of machinery and an investment; it costs money both to maintain and operate it. However, owning a car doesn't have to break the bank every month (especially if you shop one of our affordable Orlando Toyotas, just saying). We're here with helpful tips on everything from maintenance to insurance to help you save a few bucks when it comes to owning a car. Keep that New Year's resolution of tightening your budget - read on! Cut the costs of owning a car with these tips from our experts Maintenance If you want to keep car ownership costs low, our Orlando Toyota service department recommends getting on a routine schedule for essential car care. If you're not sure what you need, talk to one of our techs. They'll get you set up on a schedule and send you helpful reminders when you're due for your next appointment. Here are some routine auto services you'll want to follow through on to save money: Oil changes Tire rotations and balances Battery checks Brake service Wheel alignments Tuneups Air and oil filter changes Coolant checks and flushes Drive time habits Another way to cut costs when it comes to owning a car is to adjust your driving habits. Here are some helpful suggestions from our dealership: Carpool. Join a carpool and give your car a break a few times a week. Not only will it cut fuel costs, but you'll also find that it puts fewer miles on your ride so you don't have to service it as frequently. Empty out your car. Carrying around extra weight reduces your ride's fuel efficiency, so take this opportunity to clean out the trunk and backseat of anything you don't need. Accelerate gently (slamming on the gas pedal wastes fuel). Use cruise control in the appropriate situation to avoid speeding up and slowing down, which wastes fuel. (You should only use cruise control on the highway when it's good weather outside and you're not in heavy traffic.) Don't let your car idle to warm it up. This wastes fuel over time. Plan your drive times before you leave the house to make them as efficient as possible. Take the route with the least traffic but also factor in mileage, and try to consolidate trips so you're not constantly going out and coming back home. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Insurance You have to have car insurance to drive legally - period. There's no getting around it, but there are ways to save a bit of money on car insurance. Check out these quick tips: Shop around. Look at different providers to see which offers the best coverage for the best price and take your time to find the right one. Consider bundling. If you have renter's insurance, homeowner's insurance, etc. some insurance companies will give you a discount if you bundle it with your car insurance. Ask about student discounts if you're in high school or college. Follow road rules - getting tickets and fines can raise insurance costs. Make sure you tell your insurance company about all the safety features in your car; safer cars are generally less to insure. Let our Orlando Toyota dealership get your car on a maintenance schedule Have questions about owning a car or feel like it's time to get your ride on a service schedule and start saving big bucks in the new year? Call our Orlando Toyota dealership today at (407) 298-4500!

Getting pulled over - a.k.a. getting stopped by a police officer - can be a pretty nerve-racking experience. The last thing you want to do is get into trouble or wind up with a pricey ticket, but unfortunately, the day may come where you see those flashing lights behind you indicating that you need to pull to the side of the road. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here with tips to help you handle getting pulled over like a pro. Orlando Toyota tips for getting pulled over First of all, the best way to AVOID getting pulled over is to follow the rules of the road. Go the speed limit, come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, don't drive aggressively, and use your turn signals. You should also ensure your car is always road-ready and in good condition (i.e. replace that burnt-out taillight, already). All pretty basic, right? However, if you find yourself getting pulled over here are some rules to follow. If you see the police car following you with flashing lights, pull to the right and bring your vehicle to a complete stop on the side of the road. Be sure to use your turn signal to indicate lane changes as you go. It's also a good idea to turn on your emergency flashers when getting pulled over - this indicates to the officer that you've seen their lights and are in the process of pulling your vehicle off the road. Remember to slow your speed as you go, too. You should pull to the right as far as you safely can so the officer can come to your window to speak to you without worrying about passing cars. Keep in mind that traffic stops are extremely dangerous for police officers - according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, traffic stops are one of the leading causes of police deaths - so common courtesies are appreciated. Once your car is in park, turn the engine off. Roll down your window and if it's dark out, turn on your interior lights so the officer can see you clearly. You should stay in your vehicle unless the officer directs you otherwise. Put your hands on the steering wheel and keep them there. Don't dig around for your license, registration, and insurance until the officer directs you to. If you have to reach into the backseat, be sure to let the officer know. An Orlando Toyota tip? Keep your car's glovebox organized so you can easily reach your registration and insurance information without having to dig around, and never drive without your license. Be polite, apologize, and stay calm. We know it's an anxiety-provoking situation, but stay calm and be polite to the officer. This will work in your favor. Don't give in to the temptation to argue about any wrongdoing; instead, take the ticket to court and contest it there. The side of the road is no place to try and prove your point. And don't forget to be careful when you've been told you're free to go. Slowly and carefully merge back into traffic and again, use your turn signal to indicate your movements. Keep your car road-ready at Toyota of Orlando If you have questions about road safety and keeping your ride up to code, call us! Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.