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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Owning a car isn't cheap. It's a complex piece of machinery and an investment; it costs money both to maintain and operate it. However, owning a car doesn't have to break the bank every month (especially if you shop one of our affordable Orlando Toyotas, just saying). We're here with helpful tips on everything from maintenance to insurance to help you save a few bucks when it comes to owning a car. Keep that New Year's resolution of tightening your budget - read on! Cut the costs of owning a car with these tips from our experts Maintenance If you want to keep car ownership costs low, our Orlando Toyota service department recommends getting on a routine schedule for essential car care. If you're not sure what you need, talk to one of our techs. They'll get you set up on a schedule and send you helpful reminders when you're due for your next appointment. Here are some routine auto services you'll want to follow through on to save money: Oil changes Tire rotations and balances Battery checks Brake service Wheel alignments Tuneups Air and oil filter changes Coolant checks and flushes Drive time habits Another way to cut costs when it comes to owning a car is to adjust your driving habits. Here are some helpful suggestions from our dealership: Carpool. Join a carpool and give your car a break a few times a week. Not only will it cut fuel costs, but you'll also find that it puts fewer miles on your ride so you don't have to service it as frequently. Empty out your car. Carrying around extra weight reduces your ride's fuel efficiency, so take this opportunity to clean out the trunk and backseat of anything you don't need. Accelerate gently (slamming on the gas pedal wastes fuel). Use cruise control in the appropriate situation to avoid speeding up and slowing down, which wastes fuel. (You should only use cruise control on the highway when it's good weather outside and you're not in heavy traffic.) Don't let your car idle to warm it up. This wastes fuel over time. Plan your drive times before you leave the house to make them as efficient as possible. Take the route with the least traffic but also factor in mileage, and try to consolidate trips so you're not constantly going out and coming back home. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Insurance You have to have car insurance to drive legally - period. There's no getting around it, but there are ways to save a bit of money on car insurance. Check out these quick tips: Shop around. Look at different providers to see which offers the best coverage for the best price and take your time to find the right one. Consider bundling. If you have renter's insurance, homeowner's insurance, etc. some insurance companies will give you a discount if you bundle it with your car insurance. Ask about student discounts if you're in high school or college. Follow road rules - getting tickets and fines can raise insurance costs. Make sure you tell your insurance company about all the safety features in your car; safer cars are generally less to insure. Let our Orlando Toyota dealership get your car on a maintenance schedule Have questions about owning a car or feel like it's time to get your ride on a service schedule and start saving big bucks in the new year? Call our Orlando Toyota dealership today at (407) 298-4500!

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

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