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off-roading tips

Off-roading: 4 tips for beginners

Have you been playing with the idea of taking your Orlando Toyota off the pavement to find some new adventures in the new year? It may seem as simple as finding a trail and following it, but there's actually a lot more to off-roading than you think. Toyota of Orlando is here with 4 tips for beginners to help you tackle the trails with confidence in the new year. Use these beginner tips to start your off-roading adventures Tip #1: Make sure your vehicle can actually handle off-roading. Do you have the right ride for taking things off the pavement? Not all Orlando Toyotas are created equally when it comes to new terrain. Cars like the Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla are better suited for the pavement; after all, they're designed to provide compact design, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable drive time. You'll definitely want to ensure that you're behind the wheel of a vehicle that is designed for a more versatile drive time. Features like off-road tires, locking differential, off-road suspension, four-wheel drive, and CRAWL control are all great attributes to have, so consider vehicles like the Orlando Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser. Tip #2: Find a group to ride the trails with. If you're new to the trails, it can help to have some expertise on your side! Find a local group or organization that rides together and tag along with them. They can direct you to the best trails, help you get to know your way around, and can also help you learn how to navigate and execute technical maneuvers with confidence. Check your favorite social media platform to find a group. Tip #3: Pack up the right supplies. Regardless of how long you think you're going to be traveling the trails, you should bring the right supplies with you. Here are some items you don't want to leave at home: A spare tire, kit to change it, and a tire pressure gauge Fix-a-flat and a portable air pump for tire inflation A shovel Jumper cables A GPS tool and a backup paper map A flashlight Water, snacks, and any medicine you might need A basic first aid kit A phone charger That way you're ready for anything. And don't forget, if you're off-roading in the cold be sure to bring extra blankets. Let Toyota of Orlando help upgrade your ride Tip #4: Consider upgrading your ride. If you discover that off-roading is your thing and you want to make it a serious hobby, then consider adding a few upgrades to your ride! You can swap your tires out for off-road tires, install new suspension, add mud flaps or body armor, and tack on more lighting for night riding. The options are endless and our Orlando Toyota parts store can help you find all of the off-roading parts and accessories that you need. Want to customize your ride for off-roading or find the right vehicle to take on the trails? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. We can get you off the pavement in no time.

Happy dog

5 tips for traveling with pets this holiday season

The holidays are here! Are you going to be hitting the road to visit family and friends and celebrate the season? If you're planning on heading to the highway and bringing your four-legged friends along for the ride, then it's time to prep. Believe it or not, taking a road trip with a pet isn't as simple as just sticking them in the back seat and taking to the open road. Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 tips for taking pets on road trips this holiday season! Toyota of Orlando's tips for traveling with pets over the holidays Tip #1: Get identification for your pets What would happen if your pets were to get separated from you on your road trip? Would you be able to be easily reunited with them? The best way to ensure this is to make sure they're identifiable. Always keep your pets collared with tags that have their name, your name, and your contact number on them. You should also think about microchipping - this is a surefire way to identify pets who have slipped or pulled off their collars and tags. Tip #2: Plan your trip from finish to start Is your final destination pet-friendly? What about any places you're planning on stopping on the way there? Toyota of Orlando recommends making sure you iron out these details before you hit the road - check hotel policy or give them a call for confirmation. Also, make sure you leave enough time in your drive to stop and let your pets stretch their legs and use the restroom. Tip #3: Pay attention to what you pack Pack for your pets as you'd pack for yourself. Bring plenty of water and snacks for them as well as toys to keep them occupied and any medications they need during your trip. If you're headed north for a white and wintery road trip, bring blankets to keep them warm and any coats or jackets they might wear in the cold. Tip #4: Secure your pets before you leave the driveway You wear a seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle, and your pets should be no different. They should always be secured in your Orlando Toyota so they don't get injured in an accident or injure you as a projectile. You can crate your animals if they're comfortable with it, or invest in pet harnesses that attach to the seatbelts to keep them secured when the car is in motion. Tip #5: Be responsible when out on the road Is your pet a nervous traveler? If so, consider talking to your vet about ways to ease their anxiety when you're out on the road. And remember, you should never leave your pets unattended in the car. Cold can quickly become dangerous and even fatal for your pet so be a responsible pet owner and take your pet with you when you leave your Orlando Toyota. Get ready for your road trip with us! From our Toyota of Orlando family to yours, happy holidays! Enjoy your road trip and don't forget - our auto service techs can prep your vehicle for the road before you go. Just call (407) 298-0001 to make your appointment!

Orlando used car tips

4 signs you should retire your used car

Is it time to retire your used car? It can be a tough decision to make, especially if your car is paid off and you own it in full. Should you really get into a new car and start all over with a new payment? Here at Toyota of Orlando we get it, and we're here to help make your decision a little bit easier. There are certain signs that are surefire indicators you should hang up your keys and our auto service techs have taken the time to explain each one in detail so you can see if it applies to your situation. Check it out! When is it time to call it quits with your used car? Sign #1: You've been in a serious car accident. Have you been in a major accident or collision that did some serious damage to your car? Depending on the auto repairs necessary to get it back on the road, it may be time to call it a day with your current used car. This is especially true if you have damage to the frame or anything else that might make the insurance company call it a total loss. The best way to gauge if ANY repairs are worth it is to estimate the current value of your car. If the repairs cost more than that, it's time to get into a new ride. Sign #2: You can't seem to find affordable replacement parts, or find replacement parts at all. Is it getting harder and harder to find the replacement parts you need for your ride? Is it getting costlier and costlier just to keep it up and running? The older the vehicle is, the harder and more expensive it can be to keep it in good shape because the parts go out of production and alternate parts may not get the job done. If this is the case, consider retiring your used car for something more up-to-date. Sign #3: Your rust issues are getting hard to handle. Rust is hard to control and can be very, very expensive to fix. If you have big-time rust damage that's spread-out over large areas on your car you can certainly have our Toyota of Orlando body shop take a peek at it, but we may recommend calling it a day and sinking your hard-earned money into something newer. Sign #4: Your engine block is damaged. Damage to the engine block can be a budget-buster. You'll typically notice this type of trouble when you go to start your ride and it refuses to get going, or it stalls out in traffic on you. Have our Toyota of Orlando techs take a peek under the hood to see what's going on and as noted before, if the repairs exceed the value of your used car, it's time to call it quits and invest your money into something more reliable. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Let Toyota of Orlando help you through the process! Not sure, or want our Orlando Toyota service techs to check out your situation? Call us today! We're open seven days a week and whether you want to fix up your old ride or get into a new one, we can help. You can reach us at (407) 298-4500!

car accident tips

What to do after a hit-and-run car accident

If you've ever been in a car accident, you know just how frightening it can be whether you're a driver or a passenger. However, a hit-and-run car accident is even scarier. When someone hits you and takes off, it's a big deal and it can be so overwhelming that you don't know what to do first. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you deal with a hit-and-run car accident and keep a cool head - print them out and put them in your glovebox so you have them on hand should you ever be in this scary situation. Orlando Toyota tips for a hit-and-run accident Step #1: Make sure no one is hurt. If you or your passengers have serious injuries, immediately call 911 and don't try to move anyone or move your vehicle. However, if your injuries are minor, move on to step #2. Step #2: Move your vehicle off the road if you're able to. This will get you out of traffic and reduce your chances of being hit again or being struck when you exit the car. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence. Step #3: Call the police and report the accident. Most insurance companies require a police report and you'll also want to report everything you can about the other vehicle so they can be pursued. Step #4: Write everything down, even if the cops aren't there yet. Try to remember as many details as you can - what color, make, and model were the car? Did it have any identifying marks like stickers, rust, or body damage? Did you catch the license plate number? Which direction were they headed? What did the driver look like, and what were they wearing? Write it down before you forget it. This is also a good time to take pictures of the damage on your Orlando Toyota. Step #5: Gather witnesses. If there were witnesses to the accident, ask them to stick around for when the police arrive so they can give their account of the car accident. They also may have noticed details about the car or driver that escaped you. Step #6: File a police report. You should always file a report whenever you get into an accident, regardless of whether or not it was hit-and-run. Ask for a copy and ask the police how and when they'll follow up with you when it comes to pursuing the other driver. Make sure you get contact information for the right department to contact with questions. Step #7: Go to the doctor to treat your injuries. It's essential to take care of injuries, even if they're minor, right away in case they turn into something worse. You also want to get copies of the records. Step #8: Contact your insurance company and file a claim. You'll want to get your car fixed as well as take care of any bills from injuries, and your insurance company can steer you in the right direction. Get your car in like-new shape at Toyota of Orlando Need more tips or need Orlando auto repairs after a car accident? Call us today! Our Toyota of Orlando body shop is open and waiting to get your car like-new and get you back out on the road. You can reach them at (407) 298-6006!

engine size tips

Car buying tips: What kind of engine should you get?

There's a lot to consider when you're buying a new car. You have to think about price, fuel efficiency, interior space, cargo space, performance capabilities (like towing, 4x4, etc.), technology, safety, and style. However, one thing most people don't consider when car buying is the engine size... it can be intimidating to even think about it. What kind of engine size should you shop for? Toyota of Orlando is here with some helpful car buying tips to assist you in finalizing your decision. Which terms should you know when considering engine size? Let's talk about terminology first. There are three main terms you'll hear tossed around when discussing engine size while car buying: Cylinders: This is how many cylinders the engine has - for example, some common ones at Toyota of Orlando are 4-cylinder, V6 (six-cylinder), and V8 (eight-cylinder). Displacement: Displacement is basically how big the engine is internally and is stated in liters. Our Orlando Toyotas offer options like 2.5L, 4.oL, 5.7L, and more. Horsepower: Horsepower translates to how much power the engine produces - for example, the 2018 Toyota Tundra produces up to 381 horsepower. For the most part, drivers don't get too caught up in engine size or power unless they're auto enthusiasts or they're car buying for a specific purpose, like towing and hauling. But to make your decision simpler, here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping: If you're looking for something fast or powerful, shoot for bigger on the size spectrum as well as more horsepower. These engines usually offer more get-up-and-go and can handle heavy loads. If you want something with better fuel efficiency for getting around town, shoot for smaller with less power - these engines tend to be more efficient when it comes to fuel economy. If cost is a big issue for you, you may want to think smaller. Vehicles with larger engines are usually more expensive. Also take a look at specific models of the vehicle you're shopping for. Sometimes certain features only come with a specific engine size. Test drive today at Toyota of Orlando If you're really having trouble deciding, your best bet is to sit down and chat with one of our car buying specialists. Our Orlando Toyota inventory spans a wide range of engine sizes so you'll have a lot of choices when it comes to car buying, and our product specialists can help clear up any confusion or uncertainty you may have about choosing one. You should also definitely take a test drive A big engine with lots of power may seem like a great choice, but you might not like it when you're behind the wheel. Similarly, a smaller engine with more efficiency might sound good in theory but lack the excitement that you're looking for in your drive time when you actually slide into the driver's seat. Test drive any and all of our options. We're ready and waiting for you, and so is our large inventory of choices. Visit us today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall! You can also call our internet sales team for more information about our inventory and to set a test drive appointment at (407) 298-4500.

How to care for your used car: Adulting 101

Are you a car owner? If so, chances are you're probably not doing everything you should to take good care of it and keep its resale value high. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! We know adulting can be rough, so we've broken down responsible, adult car ownership to ensure you get it done and don't let your car fall into disrepair (because bye bye, trade in). Check it out. Adulting when you own a used car #1. Pay attention to dashboard lights. Don't ignore those lights that turn on - we know, it's a scary feeling when they do. But if there's a problem, it's only going to get worse (and more expensive) if you ignore it. If you see one illuminate, bring your ride by our Orlando Toyota service center so our techs can at least pinpoint the problem and give you an estimate. #2: Watch out for potholes and curbs. It may seem like no big deal to jump curbs when you're in a pinch or to hit those potholes at high speeds, but you can do big-time damage to your car. Avoid potholes at all costs and try to refrain from hopping curbs in your used car (unless you're in a large SUV or truck that can handle it). #3: Clean out your car - really, though. Keeping your car clean on the interior will help keep its resale value high - basically, you'll get more cash in hand when you trade it in for your next ride. Giving it some TLC on a monthly basis with a simple wipe-down and vacuum can make a big difference in the long run. #4: Wax on, wax off. Wash your car on a monthly basis (at least) and make sure you apply wax. It's a little bit of extra work, but wax will protect your paint from scratches, fading, and moisture and keep your car's value high by ensuring the paint stays like-new. #5: Get on a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Routine Orlando car maintenance like oil changes, coolant checks, brake service, tire rotations, and battery checks can save you a TON of money on repairs and also boost your car's value. Get on a schedule - our Toyota service techs can help you figure one out and remind you - and keep your service records. Keep your used car's resale value high and repairs low #6: Think about where you park. Try to park under cover and in the shade whenever you can to protect your car from the sun and the heat. Also, avoid parking in areas that are not-so-safe so you lower your chances of a car break-in. #7: Replace burnt out bulbs. Taillight or headlight burnt out? Replace it - a new bulb is a lot cheaper than a ticket for having a burnt-out light. #8: Consider the seasons. The only intense season we see here in Orlando is summer, but it's enough to do a number on your car. Protect your used car from heat and UV rays with a coat of wax, window tint, seat covers, a sunshade, and a steering wheel cover. Ready to adult, or do you need a little help? We know you hate talking on the phone, so head over to our website today and schedule your service online.

Toyota of Orlando tips

Become a carpool master with these 5 tips

Whether you're getting a group together to make your work commute simpler or trying to cut down on the number of trips back and forth to the school pickup line, carpooling definitely has its perks. You save gas (which means you save money), you put fewer miles on your car, you reduce vehicle wear and tear, and also give yourself a break from constantly being behind the wheel. You also reduce traffic because there are fewer cars on the road when people team up. Plus, carpooling can be more fun than simply hitting the road by yourself! Toyota of Orlando is here to give you five tips to help you master carpooling and make your day-to-day commute that much simpler. Take on carpool like a pro with these 5 simple tips Tip #1: Be organized. Before you get the carpool going, make a list with everyone's contact information and make sure every driver and passenger have a copy. You should also draw up a schedule so everyone knows when they are supposed to drive versus ride. Stick to the schedule and be sure to communicate with everyone ahead of time if you're not going to be riding or driving that day so they don't waste time waiting for you. Tip #2: Be on time. Don't be late, whether you're a passenger or driver. This throws off everyone's schedule and can subsequently make everyone else late, too! Be punctual and respectful of others' time and if you're running late, consider finding your own way to your destination so you don't delay everyone else. Tip #3: Don't make detours. When you're driving, be sure to stick to the direct route! Stopping off to run errands, get gas, or pick up an extra person can make everyone late and adds stress to the morning commute. Go to and from your destination only and save the stops for after you've dropped everyone off. Tip #4: Clean your car. No one wants to ride around in a dirty car! Make sure you keep your car clean (you can get it detailed at Toyota of Orlando, just saying) and keep it organized, too. This will keep your passengers happy and also prevent them from losing their own belongings in the clutter. Make sure you have enough space for everyone to be in a seat with a seatbelt or carseat AND stow their gear. Tip #5: Don't be annoying. Don't be that annoying person in the carpool - if your driver asks you not to eat or drink in the car, respect that rule. Avoid playing loud music and don't try to engage others in conversating if they're not feeling especially chatty in the morning. Schedule Orlando car detailing today at our Toyota Service Center Need to have your car cleaned or serviced so you're ready to hit the road? Call our Orlando Toyota service center today! They're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida. You can reach them at (407) 298-0001!

Toyota of Orlando tips

Should you pay for auto repairs or trade in?

So you're at the mechanic's shop and it looks like the bill is going to be a hefty one - is it worth it? Should you pay for the repairs and get your ride back on the road, or should you trade it in, wash your hands of it, and start over from scratch with a new car? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain and not only that, we have a program at our dealership that can help you answer this very question. Is it time to ditch auto repairs and trade in? How do you know if you should make auto repairs or trade in your car? Here are some main guidelines to think about when you're faced with this decision: How much do the repairs cost, and how much have you spent so far? Do the math to get an estimate of how much you'll be shelling out overall and then consider routine maintenance, fuel, and insurance costs. How much is it really costing you on an annual basis to keep your car? Also, take into consideration that a lot of new cars - including our new Toyotas - come with complimentary maintenance for the first 2 years/24,000 miles. Once you've come up with that number, think about how much your car is worth if you were to trade it in today. You can use the KBB calculator to get an idea of its value. If what you're paying on an annual basis is more than the value of the car, it's most likely time to move on and start over with something new. Also, think about technology. Entertainment, safety, and convenience technology all change at a rapid rate as of late. Is your old car seriously lacking when it comes to safety? Are you ready for an upgrade when it comes to audio? New cars mean new features, and most likely features that you can't install on your old car. Take into consideration your drive time, too. Are you constantly worrying that your unreliable car will break down and leave you stranded? Are you wasting hours going back and forth to the repair shop? Is driving becoming embarrassing? All are signs that it might be time to cut ties and get into something new. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> So, how can we help? Here at Toyota of Orlando we have the Vehicle Exchange Program, which was designed to do exactly what it sounds like - exchange your old vehicle for a new one. Our trained sales specialists can help you weigh out the value of your current ride and assess whether or not it's worth it to get into a new one! Let them take a look at your ride and give you an idea of what payments will be. Toyota of Orlando can help you decide between auto repairs and a trade-in! Bring your car in and figure out how much it's worth, and then let our Vehicle Exchange Program work their magic! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

How to prep your car to be an Uber driver

Thinking about making some extra cash outside of your normal gig by signing up to drive Uber or Lyft? You're not alone - more and more drivers are joining the ranks of these two major companies as ridesharing becomes increasingly popular. However, before you hit the road and start picking up passengers, there are a few things you should do to prep your car. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to make your transition into driving Uber easier than ever. Tip #1: Schedule an auto service appointment and inspection. Before you hit the road, ensure that your car is ready for it. Remember, you'll be driving a fair amount of miles as an Uber driver. You should schedule a multi-point inspection so our Orlando Toyota service techs can look it over, bumper to bumper, and ensure that you're ready for anything. Schedule an oil change so your engine can stay cool and lubricated and check your battery's voltage to ensure it's got enough charge to get you where you need to go. You should also check your brake pads and brake system as well as have your tires inspected and if need be, inflated and rotated. And don't forget about headlights, taillights, and wipers! Once your car is in good shape, you're ready to hit the road. Remember, a well-serviced car is a reliable car. Tip #2: Get your car detailed. No one wants to ride around in a dirty car. Your passengers won't recommend you and you'll also get sick of it if you're going to be spending a fair amount of time behind the wheel. Luckily for you, Toyota of Orlando can help. Schedule a car detailing with us and we'll get your car spic and span both inside and out. If you're going to do it yourself, be sure to wipe down all surfaces, clean all glass, vacuum out the car, and shampoo any stains or spots. Don't forget to wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint (first impressions are everything!) and keep a trash can in the back for passengers. Tip #3: Make sure you're following the company rules when it comes to equipment. Some cities - and some companies - require that you have a phone mount installed so you aren't holding your phone in your hands, as well as a charger so you don't run low on battery power. Some other good equipment to invest in include a company sticker or magnet identifying your car as an Uber or Lyft vehicle, tissues for the backseat and wipes for easy cleanup, trash bags, mints, and hey - bottled water doesn't hurt, either. And remember to stay on top of your routine car maintenance. Being an Uber or Lyft driver means putting a lot of miles on your car and also putting it through its paces. Toyota of Orlando can keep you on a schedule based on your mileage so you know exactly when you're due for auto service to keep your car - and your money-making - on track. Call us today to get your free multi-point inspection scheduled - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

Orlando Toyota tips

Toyota of Orlando's 6 Tailgating Essentials for Your Car

The good old tailgate - what better way to show pride in your school, Alma matter, or simply your favorite team? There’s no doubt that even if you place a group of people with nothing in common, one thing they do share is their passion for football. Whether it’s because they’re into sports, love their school, or even just like dressing up for tailgates. No matter the case, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide on what you should pack to have an epic tailgate, just in time for the UCF and SC game! Which new Toyota should you take to the tailgate this season? First things first, not every car is fit for tailgates. Toyota of Orlando offers a variety of SUVs and trucks that are best suited for celebrating the upcoming football season. A few Orlando Toyota vehicles that we recommend for ideal tailgates include large vehicles like the Toyota Tundra, Highlander, 4Runner, and Tacoma. With all that extra space, you’ll have no problem celebrating with all your friends! What Should You Pack? Portable Couch: Portable couches are easy to travel with. They are the size of a suitcase when folded; once it gets opened, it turns into a pretty comfortable love seat. Toyota of Orlando’s trucks like the Tundra and Tacoma will make a great haven on the bed of the truck for the portable couch. Bluetooth Speakers: Evidently, speakers are a must. Music will always be the mood setter in situations, therefore in this situation, it’s important to remember the reason behind this Orlando football celebration! Portable Grill: This is pretty self-explanatory. No grill equals no food and without food you can’t have a proper tailgate. Cooler: On a hot day with so many people around you, a cold refreshing drink does not sound like a bad idea. It is what keeps you pumped and hydrated throughout the day so that you could cheer on your team! Cooler for Hot Foods: Yes, you read correctly. This is something you can finally use a DIY skill for. Use an empty cooler and cover the inside with foil and hot bricks. Be warned, this trick isn’t meant to cook your food. It’s meant to keep your tailgate delights warm and enjoyable to eat. Jumper Cables: While this seems more like an emergency item rather than a tailgate necessity, jumper cables will prove useful in the event that your Orlando Toyota battery loses too much charge. During the tailgating celebration, you’ll most likely forget that your car is running or you may be using accessories that require power from your car. Either way, have a set of jumper cables on hand in the event that you need a jump. Shop all of our Orlando Toyotas in time for the big game! Football season and tailgates are times for comradery and celebrating your favorite team. Making sure you have all the necessary supplies to make it one to remember. If you’re unsure of what to bring to your tailgate or need help finding the right accessories, come see us at Toyota of Orlando! Our auto parts department has a great selection of accessories to make your tailgate one to remember! Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week! Oh yeah... and GO KNIGHTS!

Orlando toyota tips

Toyota of Orlando's 5 back to school traffic tips

Back to school is here! It's time to load up the book bags, pack all the lunches, and start getting back into a busy day-to-day routine. Your best bet to stay calm and organized when back to school hits is to have a schedule and a routine going, especially when it comes to your daily commute. There are more buses and more cars on the roads, not to mention more pedestrians crossing in school zones. All of this can combine to make some pretty spectacular delays! Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 traffic tips to make back to school more bearable. Make back to school easier with these 5 traffic tips Tip #1: Plan your route. Know where you're going, especially if you're going to a new school! This traffic tip can save you a lot of time and frustration. Take a dry run the day before school starts so you're familiar with the route and have a solid idea of where you're headed. Tip #2: Leave extra time (even more extra thank you think you need). It's so important to leave extra time in the morning (and in the afternoon) when back to school starts. Traffic is a good deal heavier, especially around school zones. Combine that with possible accidents or rainy weather and you're sure to have delays. Give yourself some cushion time so you're not rushing to get to homeroom. Toyota of Orlando recommends about 15 extra minutes; if need be, you can circle the block before dropoff or stop for doughnuts! Tip #3: Pack the car the night before. Make sure the car is packed (minus those lunches) the night before, or at least leave everything right by the front door. This means backpacks, sports gear, musical instruments, extra clothes, homework, and anything else your student needs to make it through the day successfully. You won't have to turn back to fetch forgotten gym uniforms if you have it all waiting for you by the door in the morning. Be prepared for Orlando traffic before you leave your driveway Tip #4: Check traffic before you leave the driveway. Before you actually get on the road, take a moment to check the current traffic situation. A lot of our Orlando Toyotas have this capability built into their Entune system so you can do it right from the driver's seat; otherwise, check your local news station or app to get an idea of what the roads are like. This can help you figure out if you need to take a special alternate route and how much time you'll have to get where you're going. Tip #5: Consider a carpool. Carpools can save you gas and time, and they also cut down on the number of cars on the road (which means less traffic). If you're going to join one, make sure everyone in it exchanges contact information and set up a schedule so it's clear when people are driving and the order in which people will be picked up. Happy back to school and safe driving from Toyota of Orlando!

Orlando highway miles

Highway miles vs city miles: which are worse for your car?

When it comes down to mileage, most people just look at the number. How many miles are on the odometer of the car? Most people tend to avoid cars with high mileage because the higher the mileage, the more likely you are to have big-time repairs coming and more expensive car maintenance on your schedule. Not to mention, most cars become problematic when they really get up there past the six-digit mark. However, have you ever considered the TYPE of mileage on the car? Which type of miles is worse for your car? There are two types of mileage that your car can accrue - city and highway. Toyota of Orlando is here to break down both of them so you can see which you prefer on your car next time you're about to get behind the wheel of something new! City miles City miles are miles that are mostly accumulated in an urban or suburban area. In these types of environments, there tends to be a lot of stop-and-go action for your car due to traffic, stop lights, and stop signs. This can actually be harder than you may think on your engine and transmission, as well as your brakes. Additionally, city miles tend to burn more fuel and drop that your MPGs when it comes to fuel efficiency. You'll also encounter more potholes, curbs, and road maintenance that can give your car's suspension a run for its money. Not to mention, you're far more likely to get into a collision in this environment due to stop-and-go traffic and a lot more road signs to pay attention to. All in all? City miles are harder on your car! Highway miles Some people assume that highway miles are worse for your vehicle. After all, your car is traveling long distances at high speeds when it's on the highway. That has to be hard on the engine, right? Well, sort of. Yes, it's hard work for the engine to maintain a high speed over a long distance. However, the highway lacks the stop-and-go action that you find in the city. When you're on the highway,  you tend to maintain one speed for long periods of time. Cruise control can reinforce this and make the wear and tear on your engine and transmission a lot less. Highways also tend to be in good shape maintenance-wise, so you're less likely to encounter potholes and other rough patches that can be bad news for your car's suspension. Highway miles also mean much improved fuel efficiency since you're not constantly slowing and accelerating. You can even extend the lifespan of your battery and alternator with highway miles because longer drive times allow them to charge appropriately! Know which miles you prefer when shopping Orlando used cars So which is better? We vote highway miles - less wear and tear, improved fuel efficiency, and less risk. Next time you're shopping for a used car in Orlando, consider this! It's worth asking the seller what TYPE of miles the car has on it so you can get a better idea of its condition. For more information or to shop a great inventory, come on down to Toyota of Orlando - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!

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