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Are you hitting the highway to celebrate the big red, white, and blue weekend ahead of us? You're not alone! July 4th is one of the busiest weekends for road trip travel in the US. Not only is it a holiday, the kids are out of school so it's a prime time for families to plan a getaway. Toyota of Orlando is here with 6 road trip travel tips to help you hit the roads safely and efficiently this weekend! Use these road trip travel tips to make the most of your July 4th weekend Book your hotel ahead of time. Remember, this is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, so we don't recommend rolling into town without a reservation and hoping you can find a place to stay. Save yourself the stress and book ahead of time, even if it's only a few days before your departure. And remember to ask about parking - is it included in the hotel, or will you have to secure street parking in high season? Check traffic and weather before you leave. Before you actually get into the driver's seat, check the traffic and weather where you are, along your route, and in your final destination. This can help you figure out how long it's going to take you to get where you need to go, if you're going to need to stop overnight, and what sort of weather you'll be facing during your road trip. It'll also ensure you've packed all of the necessary supplies for your getaway (like raincoats and umbrellas or extra sunscreen!). Leave plenty of time for your journey. Don't rush! Rushing leads to collisions because you tend to be more aggressive if you're in a hurry. Take your time getting to your final destination... and that means leaving extra time to get where you need to go. This is why our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends checking traffic before you leave so you're aware of any delays and can plan your road trip accordingly. Orlando Toyota travel tips for holiday weekends Be ready for the heat. Summer = heat, no matter where you're headed. Make sure you take the time to cool the car off before you all pile in, and bring along plenty of water for you, your passengers, and your four-legged friends. Also, ensure your car is ready to beat the heat! Get that oil change, check your coolant levels, and make sure your A/C is working well before you start your road trip. The Toyota of Orlando service center can help you get ready to hit the highway in the heat. Be careful taking fireworks across state lines. Some fireworks are illegal in some states, so if you're planning on taking fireworks across state lines, be sure to look up the logistics in case you get pulled over. Prepare for other drivers under the influence. July 4th is a big party weekend. Our most important travel tip is to ensure that you watch out for intoxicated drivers on the road with you. If you encounter one, be sure to call the police and report them (never try to stop them yourself). And most importantly? Buckle up! Happy July 4th from Toyota of Orlando and friends. Call us today for auto service before your road trip at (407) 298-4500!

When it comes to shopping for a new Toyota truck, it's easy to get overwhelmed. There are so many options for you to consider and it can be challenging to narrow them down AND make sure everything fits in your budget. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help streamline the process and make you feel more confident in your decision. Let's get started! Tip #1: Be prepared for the price tag. Trucks are just more expensive than cars no matter where you buy them from - they're designed with specific performance abilities in mind, like towing, hauling, and off-roading. This means bigger engines, more performance features, and more going on under the hood. Subsequently, they tend to cost more than your run-of-the-mill sedan or hatchback! Be prepared before you consider buying a Toyota truck so you're not thrown off by the higher price. Tip #2: Outline WHY you need the truck. Why are you buying a Toyota truck? Will you be using it for towing a boat or trailer? Taking it off the pavement to hit the trails? Or maybe hauling heavy supplies for a job? Whatever your needs, be sure to outline them before you start shopping. This question can narrow the field of options very efficiently for you. Make a list of the specific features you'll need to achieve your performance goals. Tip #3: Decide on an engine as well as duty type. Asking yourself "why" you want the Toyota truck in question will help you answer this question. Your towing and hauling needs (in terms of how much weight) will help determine what size engine you need, as well as whether you need a light-, medium-, or heavy-duty Toyota truck. Obviously, light can handle the least amount of weight while heavy handles the most. Numbers vary by make and model, but you'll be able to sit down and look at the specifications for the truck you're considering to determine what you need. Tip #4: Choose your trim-level and other options. You'll also need to choose things like bed size (at Toyota of Orlando, they come in long, regular, and short) as well as cab size - how many people do you need to fit inside the cabin? Trim-level is another option, and it determines which features you'll have in terms of style, technology, convenience, and more. Making these decisions should help you pinpoint a specific Toyota truck. Tip #5: Figure out your registration and licensing. Once you've signed the dotted line, will anything change in terms of your license or registration - bigger trucks sometimes require extra fees or special licensing! Your insurance costs could also go up. Be prepared for the increased finances and do your due diligence to ensure they can fit into your budget. Are you ready to shop for a new Toyota truck? Call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule your test drive - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. Explore our selection AND our specials today!

Are you thinking about hitting the road this summer? July 4th is coming up fast and Labor Day Weekend isn't far behind. Plus, it's summer and the perfect time to hit the highway is when the kids are out of school. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you with one of the most tedious parts of a road trip - packing the car. We've got tips on how to safely and efficiently pack your ride so you can get to the fun parts of your summer vacation. Do you know how to pack a car? Tip #1: Put the heavy stuff on the bottom. When you pack a car, you want to put all heavy items in the cargo area of your car and obviously, stack them on the bottom of the pile so they don't smash anything else (put fragile items somewhere else or at least on the top of the pile). Also, be sure to put the heavy items toward the center of the vehicle to keep weight distributed equally when you pack a car. Always avoid putting heavy items in the roof racks of your car; this throws off your vehicle's center of gravity and can up your chances of the car tipping or rolling over in an accident. Tip #2: Pack separate bags. It's a lot to pack a car with separate bags, we know. But packing special bags can save you a lot of time and money! First, you should pack a bag that has your road trip necessities in it. This means snacks, drinks, chargers, maps, and anything you need to keep you and the kids occupied. Also, don't forget to pack a first aid kit and any medications you need to have on hand. You should pack one of these bags for your four-legged friends, too. Second, you should pack an overnight bag if you're planning to stop and stay in a hotel during the course of your road trip. Pack this bag with the essentials, including changes of clothing, toiletries, etc.. Put it at the top of your luggage so when you stop, you can easily grab it and take it into the hotel without having to lug ALL your luggage. Tip #3: Keep your field of vision clear. It's tempting to stack luggage to the ceiling of your car in order to maximize space when you pack a car... don't give into the temptation. This impedes your field of vision and is very dangerous (and you can actually get into trouble for doing it, too). Be sure to leave a clear field so you can properly use your rearview mirror and check your blind spots. Use these Orlando Toyota tips to pack a car with ease Tip #4: Check the specs if you're towing or hauling. If you're going to be using roof racks or towing something behind you, be sure your car can handle the weight. Our Orlando Toyota sales specialists can help you figure out the specs or you can check your owner's manual. Also make sure you've installed the racks or tow hitch properly so you can get to your final destination safely - our Orlando auto service team can help you with that! Want to make sure your car is ready to hit the road before you leave? Visit the Toyota of Orlando auto service center to check  your tires, brakes, headlights, wipers, battery, and fluids! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Driving in different weather conditions than the ones we're used to (a.k.a, hot and sunny) can be challenging. Unfamiliar weather throws drivers off their game, resulting in collisions, traffic, and other snags that can slow you down big-time. One of the biggest troublemakers when it comes to weather is fog. We don't see it TOO often here in Central Florida but it does make an appearance from time to time. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips for driving in fog to help you hit the road safely and confidently. Toyota of Orlando tips for driving in bad weather Tip #1: Slow down. Slow your speed in foggy conditions so you can have more reaction time should you need to come to a sudden stop or make a sudden maneuver. Also, be sure not to tailgate or ride too closely to the vehicle in front of you just in case they come to a sudden stop. Tip #2: Turn on your headlights (but not your brights). Turn on your headlights to help you cut through the mist when driving in fog; this will also help other drivers see you better on the road. However, avoid using the brights in your Orlando Toyota because the light will reflect off of the fog, making it difficult for you AND other drivers to see around it. It can be very disorienting. And never drive with your hazard lights on; it's actually against the law. Tip #3: Use markers and technology to guide you. Having a hard time seeing where you're going? Use the right side of the road (and the painted lines there) to keep you where you need to be when driving in fog. You can also set your navigation to inform you ahead of time when you need to make a turn or take an on/off ramp to a highway. Driving in fog is simple with these 6 tips Tip #4: Don't pull over. Try to avoid pulling over when you're driving in fog. Other drivers won't be able to see you and you run the risk of being struck by another car. If you HAVE to pull over because of car trouble, be sure to pull well off the shoulder and turn on your hazards once your car is in park so it's more visible. Tip #5: Watch out for wildlife. Animals tend to be a bit braver in the fog, but they're also harder to see in this type of weather. Be on the lookout for animals crossing the road so you can maneuver around them. Tip #6: Use your wipers and defroster. Using your wipers and defroster will help to keep your car's windshield clear when you're driving in fog. Be sure to implement both! And don't forget to keep your car up on routine Orlando auto service that helps it take on foggy weather like a pro. Schedule service for your brakes, have your headlights checked, make sure your defroster works, and don't forget to change out your wiper blades. Want to schedule Orlando auto service to get your car prepped? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001!

When it comes to shopping for the perfect family vehicle, there are a lot of options out there. Not only do you have to pick the type of vehicle you want, you also have to choose the make and model as well as decide about things like trim-level, packages, and accessories. We can give you recommendations when it comes to make and model (hint, hint) but let's start with the most basic question for family car shoppers - what TYPE of vehicle is going to be the best for your drive time needs? Should you drive a Toyota SUV or a minivan? The two most common choices for family cars are SUVs and minivans. They have their similarities, but they also definitely have their differences. We're here to pick them apart so you can decide which is going to suit your driving needs more efficiently. Space Some drivers want their family-friendly vehicle to be as spacious as possible inside; other drivers are willing to sacrifice a bit of space to have something that's fuel-efficient and sporty. You can have either when you shop our Orlando Toyotas! The Toyota Sienna minivan is super spacious, offering seating for up to eight with 39.1 cubic feet of cargo space and gets 19/27 mpg. The Toyota Highlander can also seat up to eight with 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space and gets 21/27 mpg (although there is a more efficient hybrid option up for grabs). The Toyota RAV4 seats five and has 38.4 cubic feet of cargo space available, and gets 23/30 mpg. Family-friendly features Looking for features that can make your drive time easy, efficient, and stress-free? While Toyota SUVs have great features that can help make that happen (like Bluetooth wireless streaming, automatic climate control, and fold-flat rear seats), the Orlando Toyota Sienna has all of those features and more. With this unique Toyota minivan, you'll find features like dual power sliding doors, Driver Easy Speak, and a dual-view Blu-Ray entertainment center with wireless headphones. All in all, the minivan takes the cake when it comes to true family features, but the SUVs are a close second. Versatility For some drivers, versatility is the name of the game. We have to admit that in this category, Orlando Toyota SUVs take the top spot. You can take home an SUV like the Toyota 4Runner which is spacious and has tons of family-oriented efficiency features, but still packs a punch in terms of performance with off-road features and towing capabilities. It offers things like four-wheel drive, CRAWL Control, Multi-terrain Select, and towing of up to 5,000 pounds. It's perfect for both work AND play, offering you the versatility you need from a family vehicle. Test drive both at Toyota of Orlando However, the best way to find out is to get behind the wheel - so come in for a test drive! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week until 10 pm at 3575 Vineland Road. We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall! You can call us ahead of time to schedule your test drive at (407) 298-4500.

Traffic is awful. There's no other way to spin it - it's a frustrating situation to be in regardless of where you're headed or what you're doing. Toyota of Orlando is here to help; we have 8 tips to help you keep your cool and retain your sanity when you're hitting the road and it's all taillights (we're looking at you, I-4). Let's get started! Toyota of Orlando's top tips for beating traffic Tip #1: Accept it. Our first Orlando Toyota tip is pretty simple, right? Traffic is awful; we've established this. But it's difficult to do anything about it unless you have an alternate route (and we'll get to that). Control your annoyance and try to accept that you're stuck in traffic and you'll eventually get to where you need to go... but until then, you need to keep your cool. Tip #2: Know your way around or use navigation. Tons of our Orlando Toyota cars come with navigation technology in them, and they can help you find an alternate route to your final destination that may help you save time. Familiarize yourself with that route if it's one that could help speed up your daily commute. It's also smart to check traffic before you leave the house - if it's bad, you know to head straight to your alternate route. Tip #3: Get comfortable. If you know you're going to be heading home in rush hour, be prepared. Make sure you're wearing something relatively comfortable and get your car cool inside before you hit the highway. You might also want to bring snacks and a drink, and be sure to use the bathroom before you get into the driver's seat. Tip #4: Don't think about the traffic. Make playlists with calming music, learn a new language, or invest in an audiobook. Distracting yourself from the situation at hand can help quell your frustration quickly. You can also use the hands-free Bluetooth tools in so many of our Orlando Toyota cars to make a call and catch up with an old friend. Tip #5: Be polite. Driving like a maniac isn't going to make traffic better - in fact, you're really just gearing yourself up to get in a collision and cause even more traffic and delays. Follow the rules of the road and avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and cutting people off. Make sure your car is fueled up and ready to hit the road Tip #6: Fuel up beforehand. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a traffic jam watching the gas needle edge closer and closer to empty. Make sure you always have at least 1/4 tank of gas in your car for emergencies. Tip #7: Stay focused. Yes, you should listen to soothing music or a good book to keep your mind off the traffic, but don't forget to keep your eyes on the road and other drivers so you can react BEFORE a collision occurs instead of as it's happening. Tip #8: Plan ahead. Need to get off at the next exit? In heavy traffic, it's best to start getting over sooner rather than later. That way you don't need to cut people off and you don't miss your exit because you just couldn't get to it. Want more tips, or want to check out the convenient technology in so many of our Orlando Toyota cars? Call us today at (407) 298-0001!

It can be overwhelming when you're shopping for a new ride. What make and model will suit you best? How are you going to pay for it? What features do you need to make your drive time easy and efficient? One of the biggest questions we get is whether someone should buy a used car or a new car. There's no real right answer; it depends on your personal preferences and your ideal driving situation. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the pros and cons of both sides to help you make a more educated decision when it comes to buying a new ride. Buying a new car Buying a new car definitely has its perks. Here are some of the highlights you'll get when you purchase new from our Orlando Toyota dealership: The car is brand-new, so it hasn't had any previous owners (or any previous repairs or accident damage). You know exactly where it's coming from. You get excellent warranties from the factory to cover any issues that the car might have - these typically span the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, bumper to bumper. It's sometimes easier to get financing on a new car, which can affect how much your monthly payment is. Most makes offer no-cost maintenance for the first 2 years/24,000 miles or so for routine auto service, saving you a pretty penny when it comes to car care. And here are some of the possible cons of buying new over used: New cars sometimes have more expensive price tags attached to them, which can affect how much you pay overall as well as your monthly payment. Buying a used car Buying a used car also has its benefits. Here are some of the things you can look forward to if you shop pre-owned: Price tags are typically lower on used vehicles, meaning you'll pay less overall and on a monthly basis. The car may have a history, but you can always request both a CarFax report and service records to ensure that it's accident-free and has been well cared for over the course of its life. If you buy from a dealer, you may have the option of a warranty for the vehicle. This is especially true if you shop cars like our Toyota Certified Used inventory, all of which come with exceptional warranties to give you peace of mind. A used vehicle may be cheaper to insure than a new vehicle. And here are some of the perceived cons of choosing a preowned option over a brand-new car: Used cars do have a history, which makes some drivers nervous when it comes to reliability. You have to pay for maintenance and the older the car is, the more likely it is that you'll have larger services or repairs coming up. Still confused as to which option is best for you? Let Toyota of Orlando help. We have a great selection of both new and used cars for sale right now and you can get behind the wheel of any and all of them. We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Are you leasing a vehicle? If so, then you know that at a certain point you're going to have to turn it back into the dealership (unless you choose to purchase at lease end - in that case, it's all yours). However, if you're not planning on purchasing, what should you do BEFORE you return a lease to the dealership? Toyota of Orlando has Toyota lease end tips to help you prepare your car and yourself to end your new car lease. How do you end a new Toyota lease? Tip #1: Do a thorough inspection. You'll want to inspect the car for damage when you turn in your Toyota lease, as you may be penalized if there's a lot to fix. We suggest doing a thorough inspection both of the interior and of the exterior and looking for excessive wear and tear that you may need to remedy before you bring your car back in. Remember, if there's collision damage, scratches or dings bigger than 2" in length, or excessive stains or damage to the interior, you may be charged. Also, consider bringing your ride by our Orlando Toyota service center to have them conduct a multi-point inspection - this will ensure that you're aware of any auto repairs that are needed before your lease is up. Tip #2: Clean your car, inside and out. Detailing your car helps it to look and smell like-new again, and that's exactly how you want to present the vehicle to the dealership (it helps lessen your chance of being penalized). Detail the inside making sure to wipe down all surfaces, shampoo carpets and upholstery if necessary, and dust out cracks and crevices. Finish things off by vacuuming. And don't forget about the exterior; it's always smart to give your car a wash and apply a fresh coat of wax to get it nice and shiny before you hand over the keys. Save money when ending a car lease with our Orlando Toyota tips Tip #3: Take care of minor auto repairs. Need an oil change? Headlight burnt out? Have accident damage? These are things you may want to consider handling before ending your Toyota lease. Get an estimate on any service and repairs and compare it to the penalties you'll have to pay at lease end to see which route is the most cost-effective for you. Be sure to check your tires; according to most lease terms, your tires must have at least 1/8" tread left on them when you turn it in. And don't forget to remove any aftermarket parts or accessories you may have added that violate lease terms. Tip #4: Check your mileage and gather your belongings. All leases have a mileage agreement - most of them require that you keep it under 12,000 miles a year. Check your mileage to ensure you haven't gone over (you may be penalized financially if you have). Also, gather up things that go with the car like spare keys, etc. You could be charged if your Toyota lease is missing keys, parts, or accessories when you turn it back in. Ready to end your Orlando Toyota lease? Come by the dealership today. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

What is true cost to own? It's undoubtedly a phrase you've heard before, especially if you're researching cars. However, do you know what it really means or how it applies to you? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain exactly what true cost to own is and why it's important to factor into your car shopping process. Learn how to calculate true cost to own True cost to own is just what it sounds like - what it REALLY costs to own a car. Most drivers assume that when budgeting for a new ride, they really just need to worry about setting aside money for a down payment and then the monthly car payment if they're going to finance the vehicle. There's a lot more to it than that! Take a closer look at exactly what you need to budget for besides the monthly payment when planning to get behind the wheel for a new ride. Fuel costs: How much will it cost to keep your car gassed up every month? Some vehicles are more fuel-efficient than others - for example, the Orlando Toyota Prius gets much higher efficiency than the Toyota Tundra. Be sure to calculate how much it'll cost you to keep your car running or the fuel costs could be the part of the equation that just doesn't add up. Insurance: It's illegal (and dangerous!) to drive a vehicle without insurance. In fact, you can't buy a car without insurance most places! But how much will it cost you to insure your new ride? Rates will vary based on whether it's new or used, your financing, your neighborhood, and your prior driving habits. It's always smart to call around and get an idea of how much insurance will run you so you can add it to your true cost to own. Depreciation: Cars depreciate - there's no getting around it. You can lose 20-30% of the value of a new car just driving it off the lot. While this may not affect your monthly costs, it WILL affect how much money you get for the vehicle if you decide to sell or trade in a few years down the road. Be sure to pick a car that holds its value well, and do what you need to do to keep the resale value high. Routine car maintenance: How much will it cost to keep your car running in tip-top shape? Take a look at the recommended maintenance schedule for the car you're considering and calculate the cost of oil changes, tire rotations and balancing, brake service, and any other routine car care the vehicle will need. And don't forget to have a small sum set aside for unforeseen repairs! State fees: You have to pay to register your car yearly - driving without it is illegal. Calculate how much it'll cost to register your car and factor it into your overall budget on a yearly basis. Toyota of Orlando can help you calculate costs Ready to shop? Toyota of Orlando is ready to get you into the driver's seat. To schedule a test drive or get more information about the true cost to own of a particular car on our lot, call us today! We're ready and waiting at (407) 298-4500.

When it comes down to horsepower and torque, which one matters the most? Which should you be more concerned about when purchasing a new vehicle? Toyota of Orlando is here to break down these performance qualities so you know exactly what they are, how they work, and why they're important. Then you can get shopping for the perfect new Toyota. First, let's get into the definitions. Horsepower is a unit used to measure power. Scientifically speaking, it's equal to 550 lb-ft per second. In car ownership terms, it's the amount of power that the new Toyota you're shopping can produce via the engine. Torque is a little more complex, but to break it down into simple terms related to car performance, it's a measure of turning power in the engine. In essence, it's the muscle of the vehicle. Why is horsepower important? Basically, it's what makes your car go fast. Horsepower translates to acceleration which is why it's such an important element in race cars and high-performance vehicles. Additionally, the more a car weighs the more horsepower it needs to get going (and the lighter the car is, the faster it'll hit high speeds, especially when paired with high horsepower). Horsepower allows you to accelerate rapidly to your desired speed; without it, you'll be going nowhere fast. Why is torque important? Torque is like a "muscle" in the car, as mentioned above. It's especially important if you want to tow or haul heavy items as it's the force that allows you to do so. You can have all the horsepower you want in a vehicle but if you don't have torque, you won't be able to move a heavy load. Obviously, these two forces work hand-in-hand to give you maximized performance. But which one is more important to you when you're shopping our new Toyotas at Toyota of Orlando? Here are some things to consider before making a decision: Horsepower translates to quickness. If you want a fast car that's fun to maneuver and could even be capable of the track, then you want a car with high horsepower to get you where you need to go. An example? The new Toyota 86. It has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that puts out 205 horsepower. Combine that with rear-wheel drive and you'll be able to easily satisfy your need for speed. Torque means towing. If you want to tow a heavy load or haul a lot in your bed, you definitely want the torque to make it happen. A great example of a torque-heavy vehicle is the new Toyota Tundra. This powerful truck gets 401 lb-ft of torque so you're able to tow up to 10,000 pounds without batting an eye. Having trouble deciding which performance factor is more important? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. Our sales specialists can answer any questions and set up a test drive for your next ride today.

What is resale value? For a lot of people shopping for a car is treading into unknown waters. All they know is that they want to get a good deal on a reliable car and not have to worry about anything past that. However, when it comes to buying, owning, and selling a vehicle, resale value is an extremely important element in the decision-making process. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain to you exactly what it is and why you should consider it when it comes to vehicle ownership. Resale value is the value that your car holds over the course of its life - in other words, how much money you can get for it if you sell it. Obviously, it's at its highest when a car is brand-new. However, as time goes on, cars depreciate and lose value. In fact, your car can lose up to 30% as soon as you drive it off the lot because it's technically not brand-new anymore and has one owner under its belt. All cars depreciate differently and some vehicles hold their value better than others (like our new Toyotas - they're renowned worldwide for their incredible value). Plus, there are things you can do to keep resale value at its highest level. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips! Tip #1: Shop carefully when it comes to color. Some car colors just aren't as popular as others (for example, bright orange). Consequently, those cars tend to have a little less resale value when it comes time to hand over the keys. If you're concerned about value, consider buying a car that's red, white, silver, or black - those are the most popular paint colors. Tip #2: Shop for the area you live in when it comes to features. If you live in a mountainous area that sees a lot of precipitation and winter weather, then having a vehicle with 4x4 or all-wheel drive can really come in handy. However, if you live in the suburbs of Central Florida, a vehicle with off-roading capabilities may not hold as much appeal for the typical buyer. Shop for the features that you need but make sure they're popular enough to appeal to a pool of buyers should you ever want to sell your car in the future. Tip #3: Consider technology and other features carefully. Some features, like technology, may seem like they can boost the resale value of your car but actually won't make much of a difference. For example, audio systems and navigation - technology changes so quickly that the tech you pick now may be dated in five years. However, features like a sunroof or leather-trimmed interior can boost value no matter how far down the road you sell your car. Tip #4: Get regular service. Get your car maintenanced on a regular basis (our Orlando Toyota service center can help you get on a schedule). Regular auto service like oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, and battery replacement will not only help your car run at peak performance but also make it more desirable for future owners. They'll be able to rest assured that the car was well cared for and won't have any major mechanical issues in the near future. Also, keep your service records! Tip #5: Detail your car on a routine basis. Keeping your car neat and clean will help keep the value high. The interior will stay nice and keep the car looking new, and your paint is less likely to have damage if you wash and wax your car on a regular basis. If you don't want to do it yourself, visit Toyota of Orlando for affordable car detailing. Have questions? Want to get shopping or schedule some routine auto service? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

There are usually two types of people when it comes to car owners - the people who have way too much stuff in their car and the people who don't have enough. We're here to help you find the middle ground with some helpful Toyota tips! We've chatted with our sales specialists, our auto service techs, and our parts department to compile a list of ten things you should always have in your car, so let's get started. Orlando Toyota tips for keeping your car organized and efficient 1) Jumper cables. This one is pretty obvious - our Orlando Toyota service techs recommend always having a set of jumper cables in your trunk. This way you're prepared if you find yourself with a dead battery - you can simply get a jump from another driver and make your way to the closest Toyota auto service center. 2) Spare tire, jack, and wrench. Getting a flat tire can be but a minor annoyance if you have the supplies to quickly change it yourself. Our Toyota tip? Keep a fully inflated spare, a jack, and a wrench to help with those stubborn lug nuts in your trunk at all times. 3) Car info folder. Create a folder full of important info to keep alongside your owner's manual in your glovebox. Our Orlando Toyota specialists recommend keeping your insurance information, emergency contacts, and details about any medical conditions or medications you or your passengers have in the folder. 4) First aid kit. A small first aid kit can make bumps and bruises easier to handle on the road, especially if you have kids. Pick up a kit that has the basics and be sure to restock it as necessary. 5) Snacks. Who doesn't like snacks? They can also come in handy if you find yourself stuck somewhere or out on the road longer than intended. Keep a stash of snacks in your car; just make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight and don't choose anything perishable or capable of melting everywhere. 6) Blanket or jacket. You'll be thankful for a blanket or jacket if your car breaks down and you're stuck waiting for a while in cool temperatures. Plus, who knows if it's going to be cold in restaurants or shops? 7) Flashlight. Flashlights can come in handy both for car trouble at night AND for searching for that pesky lipstick cap under the seat. Be sure to have one in the glovebox and check it periodically to ensure the batteries are still working. 8) A portable cell phone charger. A lot of people have car chargers for their phones but what if your car's battery dies? Have a portable cell phone charger in your glovebox - you don't want to be stuck somewhere with a dead car AND a dead phone. 9) Cash. Stash some cash in your car for emergencies - $40 should do it. Be sure to keep it out of sight! 10) Toiletry kit. Ever get in the car and realize halfway through your commute you forgot to brush your teeth? Some basic toiletries - mouthwash, deodorant, and baby wipes - can go a long way in a pinch. Call us for more Toyota tips today Need to shop for any of these things or get more Toyota tips for efficiency? Check out the Toyota of Orlando parts store for jumper cables, spare tires, and more. We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!