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Hurricane season is in full swing! It looks like Tropical Storm Dorian might take a swing at us (although you never know, it could go wide and leave us with a nice, dry Labor Day Weekend). Either way, we do live in the Sunshine State, which means we're prone to hurricanes every year from May 1 - November 30. We figured now was a good a time as any to brush up on hurricane safety - particularly, evacuating. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips below. 6 tips to consider when evacuating a hurricane Tip #1: Gas up in advance. There's nothing worse than sitting at a gas station with 5 people ahead of you while the storm clouds build in the distance. And the lines only get worse as the storm gets closer - gas up now so you don't have to worry about it before you get out town. That way you can stop once you're clear of the hurricane's path and top off the tank in your Orlando Toyota. Tip #2: Know what to pack. What should you take when you evacuate a hurricane? Our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends bringing important documents, photographs, chargers, all medications you might need, cash, and supplies for your pets. You'll also want to bring changes of clothing for everyone and snacks and drinks. Don't forget a paper map in case you lose service, as well as a basic first aid kit. Tip #3: Have a final destination in mind. Know where you're going. If the hurricane is anticipated to be a bad one, you won't be the only one getting out of town. Book a hotel or locate a shelter before you leave town so you know exactly where you're going and have a definite place to stay when you arrive. Tip #4: Make sure four-legged friends are welcome. When you book a hotel, choose a shelter, or ask a friend if you can crash with them, be sure that your four-legged friends are welcome, too. You should NEVER leave your pets home alone in a hurricane - no excuses. Get your car prepped and ready at Toyota of Orlando Tip #5: Ensure your car is ready to get out of town. Your Orlando Toyota should be gassed up in the event you decide to evacuate, but you also want to ensure it's in good enough condition to hit the highway. Make sure you're caught up on auto service like oil changes, coolant checks, tire inspections, and a battery inspection before you take on the open road. Tip #6: Check traffic before you head out. Before you actually evacuate, check traffic on your route. If a lot of people are of similar mind when it comes to evacuating, then the roads could be clogged. Checking before you leave your house will give you the option of searching for alternate, less crowded routes to get out of town. It can save you both time and gasoline. Whether you decide to stay put or head out of town this hurricane season, Toyota of Orlando has you covered. Schedule your auto service at our Toyota service department or call us for more tips at (407) 298-0001.

The weekend is here! As usual, the weather will be unpredictable - we may be called the Sunshine State, but Florida definitely gets its fair share of rain, especially in the summer. You can plan for the beach or the parks, but it's always good to have a backup plan in case storm clouds start to gather. Toyota of Orlando has gathered a little list of contingencies for you - check it out! #1: Orlando Science Center: The Orlando Science Center is great for kids and adults alike (and you can feel good that you're doing something entertaining AND educational). You'll find four stories of permanent exhibits about animals, energy, space, and more. There's also an IMAX theatre, as well as traveling exhibits that stick around for a few months and then swap out. #2: Dave and Buster's: Dave and Buster's is a sports fan's dream. You can catch sports games on huge screen TVs, order food, have a few brews (just remember to find a DD or an Uber home), and soak up the atmosphere. If you're not into watching sports, amuse yourself by playing the dozens of arcade games, shuffleboard, pool, or basketball located there. (Save your tickets and get prizes, too!) #3: Bowling: Hit the bowling alley this weekend - you've got tons of options spread throughout the city of Orlando. Some of our favorites include Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Disney Springs and King's Dining and Entertainment on I-Drive. Both serve great food as well as cocktails and whether you're a novice bowler or a pro, you'll love the atmosphere at both alleys. #4: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: This beautiful aquarium is located on I-Drive so if it's rainy, you can hole up inside and wander the interactive exhibits (there's even a playground for the kiddos). If it's sunny, take your time in the aquarium and then head out to I-Drive to explore the restaurants and other attractions, like Madame Tussaud's. #5: K1 Speed: Need a little thrill in your weekend but worried rain might throw a wrench into things? Check out K1 speed! This indoor go-kart track will let you get your adrenaline rush, and you can also relax in one of the spacious lounges, check out the racing memorabilia on display, or grab a snack from the snack bar. Who cares about the rain? #6: Monkey Joes: Looking for a way to get your little ones to expend some energy when the weather isn't conducive to the park or playground? Head to one of the Monkey Joes locations here in Orlando, where they can run around on the huge indoor bounce house playgrounds and you can relax in the cafe. There's even an arcade for slightly older kids. Rain or shine, you've got the weekend covered... and don't forget that we're open no matter the weather outside! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

School is back in session here in Orlando, which means traffic has definitely picked up and school zones are up and running again. While some drivers may think that all they have to do while driving in a school zone is slow down for a minute or two, there's actually a good deal more to it than that. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for safely driving in a school zone whether you're headed back to class or not. 7 tips for taking on driving in school zones #1: Slow down and anticipate lower speeds: School zones have lower speed limits to up the safety factor. You should slow down to the speed indicated on the road signs and also be sure to factor these lower speeds into the time you allow for your daily commute so you're not late. #2: Do away with all distracted driving. Put away your phone, stop fiddling with the radio, and save the breakfast for your desk. When driving in a school zone, you should be totally focused on the road and what's going on around your Orlando Toyota. There are a lot of pedestrians, cars, and bicycles to watch out for. #3: Be prepared to stop suddenly. With kids crossing the streets, bicycles making their way to class, and drivers pulling into the dropoff loop, you should be ready to come to a sudden stop without any notice... which is why we said to get rid of the distractions. #4: Watch for pedestrians and crossing guards. School zones are very pedestrian heavy between students and crossing guards. Be on the lookout for them - scan the road and the sidewalks and look both ways before pulling through a stop sign to ensure no one is in the crosswalk. Be sure you always yield! #5: Watch road signs. Pay close attention to the road signs so you know where school zones start and end and the speed and other rules you should abide by when driving in them. Learn the rules of the road with Toyota of Orlando before you get behind the wheel #6: Don't pass the school bus. Don't pass the bus in a school zone! They're likely going the speed that you should be going and since they're so large, it's hard to see around them and anticipate other cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Plus, they'll probably be stopping at the school for dropoff anyway. Similarly, don't pass a stopped car on the road - see what's going on first. They could be unloading passengers. #7: Don't block the crosswalks. Don't block the crosswalks when driving in a school zone (or anytime, really) if you find yourself coming to a stop. Crosswalks are the safe way for kids to cross the street and get to campus. And keep in mind that traffic WILL be heavier during back to school, especially as everyone gets back into the swing of things. Leave yourself extra time so you don't feel the need to speed or drive aggressively to make it to your destination on time. Want more back to school safety tips for driving in school zones? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're happy to help and we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Trying to get your daily dose of caffeination but sick of shelling out big bucks at Starbucks? Luckily for you, there are tons of small, unique coffee shops in Orlando that you can hit this weekend to get your fix. Toyota of Orlando has rounded up 6 of the top-voted shops so you can decide which ones you want to explore. Drunken Monkey: The Drunken Monkey is located in the Milk District downtown and is a popular hangout morning and night. On Friday and Saturday nights you can scope standup comedy, showcase night, and open mic sessions, as well as enjoy a variety of vegan AND non-vegan baked treats. This coffeehouse also features paninis, soups, teas, smoothies, frozen drinks, Anzac cookies, and more. Plus, they roast all of their beans in-house so you get the freshest cup possible. Cups and Pups: As of right now, you can only get Cups and Pups coffee when they pop up at farmer's markets and other events... BUT, good news. They're opening a permanent location that will not only serve a wide variety of different coffees and sweet treats but also offer an off-leash environment so you can bring your four-legged friends along! Let your pups have a playdate and try brews like lavender cold brew, butter coffee, and more. Snowbean Cafe: This Korean dessert cafe specializes in coffee and Korean pastries but also offers popular Korean treats like Patbingsoo, which is a dessert made of shaved ice and fresh fruit. You'll also find a variety of teas, frappuccinos, and baked goods, and it's noted as a great place to relax or study for local UCF and Valencia students. Bikes Beans & Bordeaux: Located just outside of Baldwin Park, this Orlando coffee shop lets you wind up with coffee OR wind down with a beer or glass of wine. You can also sate your appetite with soups, salads, sandwiches, paninis, quinoa bowls, and flat breads; they also feature a special kids menu AND an extensive breakfast menu. Plus, their coffee is micro-roasted so each cup is as fresh as possible. Stardust Video and Coffee: Trying to get your fill of life along with a dose of caffeination? Check out Stardust - this small coffee shop founded in the 70s offers live music, yoga, open mic nights, comedy nights, art shows, poetry nights, trivia, and more. You can grab a sandwich and sip a coffee but give yourself plenty of time - you'll definitely want to explore the eclectic decorations featured on the walls. DUO58: This coffee bar was founded by a local UCF grad and its mission is to serve. It's a non-profit - they partner with Mission for Hope: Haiti and also offer a Job and Life Skills program for those who are having trouble finding or maintaining employment locally. They offer both breakfast and lunch as well as a wide variety of of specialty coffees and teas. Get a bite, grab a brew, and give back!   We hope you have a fun and caffeinated weekend - don't forget to check out the coffee at Mr. Toyota's Cafe if you happen to swing by Toyota of Orlando!

Driving can be a hassle, even when you're behind the wheel of a reliable new Toyota. We get it! Orlando is jam-packed with traffic, it's hot most of the year, and realistically, most of us would rather be sitting on the beach or parked in front of Netflix instead of battling I-4. However, Toyota of Orlando is here to make the situation a little more tolerable. Check out these 10 driving hacks to make your day-to-day commute that much easier! Use these driving hacks to simplify your commute #1: Drop a pin where you park your car. There's nothing more annoying than not being able to remember where you parked, especially when it's hot and you're in a rush. When you park your Orlando Toyota, drop a pin on your iPhone and you'll have no trouble finding your way back to it. #2: Get the hot air out of your ride fast. Sliding into a stifling hot car after a long day of work is miserable. Get the hot air out fast - use this driving hack! Simply unroll the passenger side front window and then open and close your driver's side door repeatedly - it'll push the hot air out the window. #3: Know what exit sign positions mean. Unsure as to which side of the highway your exit is on? Just look at the signs. If the sign is on the right, the exit is on the right. If it's on the left, the exit is on the left. #4: Learn how to gauge unfamiliar mechanics. If you get stuck with a roadside emergency and can't make it to Toyota of Orlando, chances are you'll be visiting a mechanic you're unfamiliar with. Make sure they aren't scamming you - choose a part of your car that you know is in good condition and ask them if there's anything wrong with it. #5: Stay in your lane. When you're stuck in a traffic jam, just stay in your lane (as frustrating as it may be). Studies show that constantly changing lanes in a traffic jam won't really get you anywhere faster. #6: Keep your hands cool. Sick of burning your hands on a hot steering wheel every afternoon? Turn your wheel 180 degrees after you park so only the bottom gets heated by the sun - the top will be nice and cool when you turn it back. #7: Download the right apps. Phone apps can be a lifesaver (as long as you don't use them WHILE you're driving). We suggest apps like Waze, which can serve as navigation and also alert you to accidents, as well as music and podcast apps for entertainment, weather apps to check the weather on your route, and a gas station finder app for convenience. #8: Clean up after your four-legged friends. This driving hack is Mr. Toyota approved! Use a rubber squeegee to quickly and efficiently get pet hair off your seats (instead of taking the time to vacuum) so you're not sneezing your way to work. Shop driving hack supplies at Toyota of Orlando! Want more tips or need to shop for supplies to make your drive time simple and efficient? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Are you hitting the theme parks anytime soon? Summer can be a busy time to visit - it's usually peak time, in fact, as tourists from all over the world flood Orlando and Central Florida to visit the Mouse and check out Harry Potter's domain. However, that shouldn't stop you from making your way out to the theme parks and putting your pass to use. Toyota of Orlando is here with theme park hacks to make your visit easy, seamless, and stress-free! Make the most of your time with these theme park hacks 1. Start at the back. When the park opens, people tend to congregate around the front of it and explore what it has to offer. Head directly through the crowds to the back of the park where the crowds will be thinnest so you can take advantage of no lines before the crowd reaches you. 2. Hit the busy rides during shows and parades. Dying to ride Seven Dwarves Mine Train or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? Try to hit the most popular rides in the park when everyone else is watching shows, fireworks, and parades to save yourself the time and hassle. 3. Take a picture of where you parked. A long day at the parks can be exhausting and the last thing you want to do is wander the parking lots to find your Orlando Toyota. Take a picture of the spot and row where you parked BEFORE you go in so it's easy to locate your vehicle at the end of the day. 4. Have a designated meeting point in case your group gets separated. If you're going with a big group, it's easy for people to wander off or get separated in crowds and lines. Theme park hack: have a designated meeting spot where you can all congregate should you get separated. These Orlando Toyota tips can make your visits even more magical 5. Use mobile ordering. Some parks let you order food via their mobile app ahead of time, so when you get to the restaurant all you have to do is swing through and pick it up. This theme park hack can save you time, especially when restaurants are at their busiest. 6. Get there extra-early. The early bird gets the work, right? Head to the theme parks right when they open. If you can get there for "rope drop" (official opening time), you can sprint for the back and save yourself a ton of time by avoiding crowds. 7. Download park apps on your phone. As noted, you should download the park app to your phone. Not only can you use mobile ordering, but you can also check fast passes, show and parade times, and wait times to see when you should hit your favorite rides. It'll make your visit much more efficient. 8. BYO everything. All parks have different rules, but BYO EVERYTHING if you can. You can rent a locker to store it in, and you'll save money by bringing things like snacks, empty water bottles to fill, medicine, a basic first aid kit, and ponchos. From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have a great visit to the parks and we hope these theme park hacks make your visit even more magical!

If you've ever made a big purchase - a car, a motorcycle, a boat, etc. - you've probably heard the term "vehicle depreciation" bandied about. But what does it mean, and more specifically, what does it mean for your investment? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain vehicle depreciation and how you can counteract it to hold onto the resale value in your next ride. Why should you worry about vehicle depreciation? Here's the bottom line: when you buy a car, it depreciates. Simply put, this means that it loses value over time because of the wear and tear you put it through. Most cars lose 15-35% of their value in the first year (!!) and then up to 50% or more in the next three. This affects your car's resale value and in turn, affects how much money you'll get when you sell or trade it in down the line. Some vehicles depreciate less quickly than others; for example, Toyotas are renowned in the automotive world for holding their value well and getting you more bang for your buck as they age in comparison to other makes and models. How can you keep your Orlando Toyota's value high? So, how can you combat vehicle depreciation? Here are some quick Orlando Toyota tips to help you retain the existing value in your vehicle and get the money you deserve when you sell or trade in down the line. Tip #1: Do your research. Find out which makes and models hold value the best and base your final purchase on that data. Tip #2: Stay on top of auto service. Keep your car on a routine car maintenance schedule at Toyota of Orlando for things like oil changes, tires rotations, etc., and be sure to take care of repairs as quickly as possible. A well-maintained car will hold its value and depreciate less than one that misses maintenance appointments on the regular. Tip #3: Watch your mileage. You bought the car to drive it, sure. But cars with more miles on them depreciate faster! Keep your mileage at a reasonable number to try and retain some of the resale value already built into your ride. Tip #4: Consider elements like size, paint color, and fuel efficiency. These elements may or may not be important to you, but they definitely affect vehicle depreciation. Larger cars that cost more upfront tend to lose their value than smaller, more affordable models. Additionally, you should choose neutral paint colors when shopping because those are more desirable to future shoppers down the road. And finally, choose something fuel-efficient - the more economical a car is with fuel, the more desirable it'll be to a future buyer. Tip #5: Buy for your climate. All-wheel drives are popular in climates with lots of snow and ice, but they aren't as in-demand in climates like Florida where we don't see much besides rain. Think about where you live and where you might sell or trade-in before you buy. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Want a trade-in appraisal or need to get on a routine car care schedule? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-4500.

When your steering wheel is going to need some car maintenance, it’s going to tell you right away. Opposite to some of the other car issues you might experience with your vehicle, it isn’t safe to put off an issue with your steering wheel - given that your wheel handles your vehicle. Regardless of what the main cause of your steering wheel issue is - whether it’s your tires or a fluid leak - Toyota of Orlando has picked up some of the warning signs you need to make note of when your steering wheel isn’t functioning properly and to help you answer the question of "Why is my steering wheel shaking?". Why is my steering wheel shaking? You should include your steering wheel in your regularly scheduled car maintenance checks even when you’re not noticing anything out of the ordinary. Luckily for you, if your wheel begins to report some issues, they are usually quick and easy to fix. Here are some of the warning signs you should look for so you’ll know when to bring in your vehicle for car maintenance repairs - it's time to answer the question of "why is my steering wheel shaking?". Warning sign #1: Trouble turning the wheel in any direction. If your wheel has gotten stuck and doesn’t want to move, or you’re just having some difficulty turning, you might want to check and see if the fluid canister is empty. If it is, you’re going to want to fill it up as soon as possible. Check under your Orlando Toyota periodically to make sure your vehicle isn’t experiencing a fluid leak. Contact one of our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs to run diagnostics and perform some car maintenance checks. Warning sign #2: A vibrating wheel. If your steering wheel is starting to tremor, and it’s not due to some off-roading, stop and pull over as soon as possible. While it can be annoying to drive with a shaky steering wheel, it can actually mean that there’s an issue with your car’s wheel alignment or power steering. Due to the influx of contaminants in the steering system, you’re going to need to purchase a flush to unlodge the buildup. For some help, schedule car maintenance right away. Warning sign #3: Excess play when you steer. Are you making a 90 degree turn but your vehicle seems to be going nowhere? This probably means that there is a lack of response and movement in the wheel which can make it difficult to steer accurately and control how far the car is going. This can be caused by a loose steering gear, worn ball joints, or a loose wheel bearing. This can be extremely dangerous, especially when you’re out driving on the road. Make sure to bring your car in to our Orlando service center right away. Warning sign #4: The wheel shakes/bounces at high speeds or when you engage your brakes. This sign is one of the more tricky ones because it can be the result of a number of issues. Most of the time, however, it’s caused by your tires. It’s very possible that your wheels might be out of balance, unevenly worn out, or not inflated correctly. It’s also possible that your tires have some loose bolts or there’s an issue with your Orlando Toyota’s brakes. It’s time to schedule a car maintenance appointment as soon as you can. Warning sign #5: Your vehicle pulls to one side when driving. This is a sign that there is an issue with a worn out steering gear. The wear and tear of this gear can be caused by a lack of lubrication from the power steering fluid in the car. You should pull over right away and check under the car for leaks and contact a Toyota of Orlando auto service tech for some help. Warning sign #6: Grinding or screeching noises when moving the wheel. These headache-inducing sounds are often caused by a loose or worn-out steering belt. This part connects the power steering pump to the engine and this noise is indicative of a low amount of power steering fluid. Wondering why your steering wheel is shaking? Call Toyota of Orlando today! If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above or any other signs and need an answer as to why your steering wheel is shaking, call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule some car maintenance at (407)298-0001 or visit our dealership located at 3575 Vineland Rd just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Do you have a roadside emergency kit in your car? You should - you never know what life is going to throw your way and the best way to save yourself time, money, and frustration is to try and be prepared for the unknown. While you can certainly buy a roadside emergency kit off of Amazon or from an auto parts store, sometimes it's better to build your own so you can be sure you've got everything you need when the time comes to use it. Here are the main components our Orlando Toyota service experts suggest having for your roadside emergency kit - check it out. Build your own roadside emergency kit A fully inflated spare tire, a tire jack, and a lug wrench. (It's important to routinely check the condition of your spare tire to ensure it's in good shape and is inflated to the proper PSI - that way, you're always prepared for a flat tire or blowout.) A can of Fix-A-Flat as a backup to the spare tire A first aid kit - nothing fancy, but enough to deal with minor injuries on the go A flashlight for dealing with emergencies at night (and don't forget extra batteries for it) A phone charger to keep your devices powered up no matter where you are A small tool kit, or at least a multi-purpose tool in case you need to make a quick fix. Make sure you throw in a roll of duct tape. Roadside reflective triangles so you can draw attention to your car and avoid being hit should you need to pull over at night A compass (hey, you never know when you'll find yourself off the beaten path) Jumper cables to put to use in the case of a dead battery Bottled water and non-perishable snacks, like nuts or granola bars A paper road map in case your phone navigation cuts out on you Paper towels or rags for quick cleanup (baby wipes are also great) Those are the basics and should keep you covered whatever life hands you. However, if you want to REALLY be prepared, you can also add these items to your roadside emergency kit: An extra quart of motor oil Extra washer fluid Spare car fuses and lightbulbs in case something goes bad while you're out and about A portable air pump to reinflate a flat tire A towing strap or rope A car escape tool (a seatbelt cutter and window breaker tool - keep this in your glovebox so it's easy to access) And don't forget your seasonal gear! If you live in an area where winter weather is harsh, you'll want to throw in things like an ice scraper, kitty litter (for traction), a small foldable shovel, an extra set of winter gloves and a hat, and blankets.  In Florida, you might consider throwing in an umbrella and a rain poncho. Shop supplies at the Toyota of Orlando parts store Need help assembling a roadside emergency kit? Call us today - our Orlando auto service experts can lend some advice. Additionally, you can shop for a lot of the supplies at our Toyota of Orlando parts store. We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.

When it comes to your commute, are things really as convenient as they should be? If you're spending a lot of time behind the wheel then you want your drive time to be effortless, especially if you're covering long distances or fighting heavy traffic. You can buy the plushest of new Toyotas on our lot, but there are still ways to enhance the convenience of your car (and do it affordably). Check out some of Toyota of Orlando's favorite car accessories designed to improve your drive time to the max! Which of these car accessories will make its way into your ride? Car cooler/warmer: Sure, you can bring a lunch box with an ice pack, but will it REALLY stay cool in your car all day (especially in the Orlando heat)? Probably not. Investing in a small car cooler/heater, like the Cooluli Car Cooler/Heater, can save you from a nasty dance with food poisoning. It's big enough to hold six cans of soda so you can keep drinks and lunch cool all day long, and it also has a pretty awesome warming function if you want to keep your hot lunch hot. Plus, it conveniently plugs into the cigarette lighter for power. Seatback organizers: If you have kids, you have a ton of junk in your car - there's no getting around it. However, keeping things organized so you can easily locate the iPad or the wipes will make your drive time much more convenient. When it comes to car accessories for kids, seatback organizers are gold. There are a ton of them on the market (you can shop them at our Orlando Toyota parts store, too) but we recommend looking for one with an iPad holder and cord organizer, as well as cupholders and pockets for snacks, wipes, diapers, crayons, and anything else you need along for the ride. First aid kit: You never know when bumps and bruises will enter your drive time and the last thing you want to do is pull into a Walgreens and spend a bunch of money to deal with a simple papercut. Keeping a first aid kit in your car is a great way to handle minor injuries and stay on the go. You can find great options up for grabs at the Toyota of Orlando parts store! Air purifier: Have allergies? Invest in a car air purifier that can sit in your cupholder. Your drive time experience will stay fresh and clean even when pollen is at its worst outside. Best news yet - it keeps your car smelling like-new at all times, too. Shop convenience accessories at Toyota of Orlando Vehicle desk: Working on the go? Our caveat: you should always pull over BEFORE working on anything, no exceptions. However, if your job keeps you on the move then it's definitely worth investing in car accessories like a vehicle desk. These car accessories usually attach to your steering wheel so you can send emails without even leaving the driver's seat (and they're also convenient for eating on the go, let's be real.) Want to make your drive time more convenient with car accessories? Visit Toyota of Orlando's parts store today. We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!

Thinking of heading out to New Smyrna Beach this weekend and hitting the sand? Being able to drive on the beach makes things a lot easier - not only do you have a convenient spot to cool off if things really heat up, you also don't have to hike down the beach with all of your gear in tow. However, driving on the beach isn't quite as simple as it seems. For the best experience possible, use these Orlando Toyota tips for driving on the beach! Driving on the beach is simple with these tips Tip #1: Know the rules. You can't just drive on ANY beach - it has to be a designated beach, like New Smyrna, and you often have to pay for entry. Plus, there are rules (like at New Smyrna, you must have your headlights on at all times, drive 10 mph, and have your driver's side window open). Tip #2: Pack light. Now is not the time to load up your Orlando Toyota with every single beach toy, accessory, and tool you own, nor is it the time to load up a jetski in the back of your truck. You don't want your car to weigh too much when you're driving on the beach or else it'll be hard to retain traction. Tip #3: Four-wheel drive is best. You don't NEED four-wheel drive for driving on the beach, but it does help, especially if you hit a patch of soft sand. It can get you out of a sticky spot without your vehicle having to be towed out. Tip #4: Check the tides. Typically, beach ramps will close when it's high tide so vehicles can't access the sand. However, if you're already on the beach, keep an eye on the tides and park your car carefully. The last thing you want to do is find yourself bogged down in a foot of water when the tide rises. Tip #5: Let some air out of your tires. This flattens them a little which means they have more surface area and subsequently, more traction on sand. Just remember to restore them to the right PSI when you leave the sand - driving with underinflated tires on pavement can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and even a blowout. Hit the sand in an Orlando Toyota this summer Tip #6: Follow the speed limit and avoid hard braking and sudden turns. The speed limit is there for a reason, and you should avoid hard braking and sharp turns. These abrupt, sudden movements can cause you to dig into the sand and consequently, get stuck. Tip #7: Drive near the water (but not in it). The sand close to the water is packed down and easier to drive on, but make sure you stay out of the water so you don't get stuck or damage your car. Tip #8: Wash your car when you leave! Salt from the wind and water is extremely damaging to your vehicle and you want to get it clean as quickly as possible when you head off the sand. Want more tips or want to shop the Orlando Toyotas that we think are perfect for driving on the beach? Call us today at (407) 298-4500!

It's Memorial Day Weekend! Are you thinking about getting out of town for a short-distance road trip just to mix things up? Luckily, there are tons of destinations that seem far but don't require too much time behind the wheel. Check out some of Toyota of Orlando's favorite short-distance road trip destinations and get packing - the long weekend is here! #1: St. Augustine Get your fix of history AND the beach - pack up and plan a road trip to St. Augustine this weekend. This city is renowned for its rich history and incredible food. You'll be able to visit Castillo de San Marcos (dating back to the 17th century), the St. Augustine lighthouse, the National Historic Landmark District, the Lightner Museum, and historical Flagler College. And don't forget, you can park your car and leave it. St. Augustine has plenty of trolleys to get you around town and the beach is just miles from downtown. #2: Port Canaveral If you're a space fan, hit the road and head for Port Canaveral this weekend. You can visit the Kennedy Space Center and check out things like rocket exhibits, astronaut encounters, and 3D IMAX movies. You'll also be able to check out Canaveral National Seashore and the Everglades Airboat Safari if you want to get out in the fresh air, and the beach is minutes away. #3: Crystal Springs Swim with the manatees and get back to nature in Crystal Springs, which is just a few hours from Orlando. You can hike, fish, swim in Crystal River, have a manatee encounter, birdwatch, and even take an airboat tour of the area to get your fix of Mother Nature. On top of that, the area is surrounded by quiet, quaint towns where you can relax and get some piece before getting back to the grind next week. #4: New Smyrna Beach Hit the beach and find fun in the sun! Some beaches in New Smyrna even allow you to drive on them, cutting down on the whole dragging your gear down the sand part of your day. New Smyrna also boasts the Marine Discovery Center for boating and kayaking tours where you can spot dolphins, as well as walk the beach at night to spot baby sea turtles hatching. #5: Vero Beach Head south to Vero Beach - it's a beautiful beach town that also boasts quality outlet shopping, tons of restaurants, and more water sports than you'll have time to enjoy! You'll also love the ghost and walking tours available, as well as several museums to wander if you want to cool off. #6: Clearwater Beach Clearwater is one of Florida's most iconic beach towns - enough said. There are miles of wide sandy beaches, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, tons of shopping, dining, bars, and more. Plus, the fishing is incredible whether you're fishing off the beach or heading out into the Gulf. No matter where you're headed, be sure to use your best defensive driving skills and be safe on the highway - there will be more traffic than usual. Happy Memorial Day Weekend from Toyota of Orlando!