Blog

Does your day-to-day commute entail you hitting the highway for at least part of your drive time? If so, then you know it's a whole different ballgame than driving in the city or in suburbia. It can be intimidating - you're moving at high speeds and during rush hour you may also face major congestion (hello, I-4). Toyota of Orlando wants to help! We're here with tips to help you be a better safe driver on the highway. Be a better safe driver on the highway Tip #1: Know how to merge. Merging is tricky even at the best of times, and it can be downright dangerous in heavy traffic. Be sure to use your turn signals to indicate your movements and move with the flow of traffic - don't zoom ahead and cut people off, and don't go so slowly that you cause traffic to build up. Tip #2: Follow the speed limit. Everyone knows that there's a maximum speed limit on the highway (which you should abide by), but there's ALSO a minimum speed limit. It's typically listed and it's illegal for you to drive under that limit because it can slow up the flow of traffic and cause an accident. Tip #3: Don't engage in distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous enough in itself, but when you engage in distractions at high speeds, it's even more dangerous. Put away your phone, keep your hands on the wheel, and keep your eyes on the road. You'll be a better safe driver for it. Tip #4: Check your blind spots. Before you change lanes or make movements on the highway, be sure to check your blind spots. Cars are traveling at a higher rate of speed and can creep into those blind spots quickly. Tip #5: Avoid pulling over if you can help it. If you HAVE to pull over, do it - but only in an emergency. It's dangerous to pull over on a highway because the cars are moving so quickly. Our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends trying to make it to the next exit if possible. Tip #6: Know how to react to emergency vehicles. If an ambulance is passing you on the highway with its sirens on, you should get into the right lane and slow down - but DON'T stop. Most safe drivers don't even realize this! Stopping can put you in a dangerous position. Tip #7: Use the left lane for passing. The left lane is used for PASSING on the highway so people can get by slower drivers. You should drive in the right lanes but only use the left lane for passing - don't sit in it, as you could be slowing down other drivers behind you. Let Toyota of Orlando get your car highway-ready Want to be a better safe driver on the highway? Another big part of that is keeping your car in excellent shape when it comes to car maintenance. Let Toyota of Orlando help! We can get you affordable auto service in a hurry and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. Visit our Orlando Toyota service center today.

Does your day-to-day commute entail you hitting the highway for at least part of your drive time? If so, then you know it's a whole different ballgame than driving in the city or in suburbia. It can be intimidating - you're moving at high speeds and during rush hour you may also face major congestion (hello, I-4). Toyota of Orlando wants to help! We're here with tips to help you be a better safe driver on the highway. Be a better safe driver on the highway Tip #1: Know how to merge. Merging is tricky even at the best of times, and it can be downright dangerous in heavy traffic. Be sure to use your turn signals to indicate your movements and move with the flow of traffic - don't zoom ahead and cut people off, and don't go so slowly that you cause traffic to build up. Tip #2: Follow the speed limit. Everyone knows that there's a maximum speed limit on the highway (which you should abide by), but there's ALSO a minimum speed limit. It's typically listed and it's illegal for you to drive under that limit because it can slow up the flow of traffic and cause an accident. Tip #3: Don't engage in distracted driving. Distracted driving is dangerous enough in itself, but when you engage in distractions at high speeds, it's even more dangerous. Put away your phone, keep your hands on the wheel, and keep your eyes on the road. You'll be a better safe driver for it. Tip #4: Check your blind spots. Before you change lanes or make movements on the highway, be sure to check your blind spots. Cars are traveling at a higher rate of speed and can creep into those blind spots quickly. Tip #5: Avoid pulling over if you can help it. If you HAVE to pull over, do it - but only in an emergency. It's dangerous to pull over on a highway because the cars are moving so quickly. Our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends trying to make it to the next exit if possible. Tip #6: Know how to react to emergency vehicles. If an ambulance is passing you on the highway with its sirens on, you should get into the right lane and slow down - but DON'T stop. Most safe drivers don't even realize this! Stopping can put you in a dangerous position. Tip #7: Use the left lane for passing. The left lane is used for PASSING on the highway so people can get by slower drivers. You should drive in the right lanes but only use the left lane for passing - don't sit in it, as you could be slowing down other drivers behind you. Let Toyota of Orlando get your car highway-ready Want to be a better safe driver on the highway? Another big part of that is keeping your car in excellent shape when it comes to car maintenance. Let Toyota of Orlando help! We can get you affordable auto service in a hurry and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. Visit our Orlando Toyota service center today.

Spring break is coming! Universities and schools across the country will be calling off classes in a matter of weeks, the weather is warming up, and it's time to hit the road for a spring break road trip. Is your car ready to hit the highway? Don't run the risk of wasting your beach days stuck on the road with a flat tire or dead battery - use our Toyota of Orlando spring break road trip checklist to get your car prepped for the best vacation ever. Make your spring break road trip the best one yet #1: Get your tires checked. The last thing you want is a flat tire or a blowout when you're heading for the highway. Have our Orlando auto service techs check your car's tires. They'll look for things like uneven wear, bulges or blisters, lack of tread, and inflation level to ensure they're at the correct PSI. They can also do a quick tire rotation for you if you're due for one. #2: Have our auto service techs inspect your battery. Dead batteries are a real drag, especially when you're trying to make the most of your week off. Have our techs check things out under the hood before you tackle your road trip! They'll inspect your car battery for any visible damage (like swelling, rusting, or leaks) and test the voltage to ensure it's up to the challenge. If it's not, they can also quickly, efficiently, and affordably replace your battery on the spot. #3: Change your car's oil. Oil keeps your car's engine cool and lubricated, which is essential when you're on a road trip and you're traveling long distances at high speeds. Your engine is going to be working overtime, so make sure it has fresh, clean oil in the oil reservoir. Our techs will check the oil level and cleanliness and get you a quick oil change if necessary. #4: Don't ignore your headlights and wipers. We hope for your sake that it doesn't rain on your spring break getaway, but you should be prepared for it just in case (spring is unpredictable!). Check your wiper blades to ensure they're in good condition, and have our techs check out your headlights to ensure all the bulbs are in good shape and your turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights are all working. #5: Make sure your fluid levels are where they should be. Before you take on the open road, check out the fluids under the hood. Two big ones are coolant and windshield wiper fluid - coolant keeps your car running cool when it's working hard, and you need wiper fluid to keep your field of vision clear. While you're at Toyota of Orlando, have our expert techs check ALL of the fluids in your car so you're all set. Let Toyota of Orlando get you road trip ready Don't risk ruining your spring break - swing by Toyota of Orlando to ensure you're ready to hit the road before you go! We're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida and we're ready to get you out on the highway. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

Spring break is coming! Universities and schools across the country will be calling off classes in a matter of weeks, the weather is warming up, and it's time to hit the road for a spring break road trip. Is your car ready to hit the highway? Don't run the risk of wasting your beach days stuck on the road with a flat tire or dead battery - use our Toyota of Orlando spring break road trip checklist to get your car prepped for the best vacation ever. Make your spring break road trip the best one yet #1: Get your tires checked. The last thing you want is a flat tire or a blowout when you're heading for the highway. Have our Orlando auto service techs check your car's tires. They'll look for things like uneven wear, bulges or blisters, lack of tread, and inflation level to ensure they're at the correct PSI. They can also do a quick tire rotation for you if you're due for one. #2: Have our auto service techs inspect your battery. Dead batteries are a real drag, especially when you're trying to make the most of your week off. Have our techs check things out under the hood before you tackle your road trip! They'll inspect your car battery for any visible damage (like swelling, rusting, or leaks) and test the voltage to ensure it's up to the challenge. If it's not, they can also quickly, efficiently, and affordably replace your battery on the spot. #3: Change your car's oil. Oil keeps your car's engine cool and lubricated, which is essential when you're on a road trip and you're traveling long distances at high speeds. Your engine is going to be working overtime, so make sure it has fresh, clean oil in the oil reservoir. Our techs will check the oil level and cleanliness and get you a quick oil change if necessary. #4: Don't ignore your headlights and wipers. We hope for your sake that it doesn't rain on your spring break getaway, but you should be prepared for it just in case (spring is unpredictable!). Check your wiper blades to ensure they're in good condition, and have our techs check out your headlights to ensure all the bulbs are in good shape and your turn signals, brake lights, and hazard lights are all working. #5: Make sure your fluid levels are where they should be. Before you take on the open road, check out the fluids under the hood. Two big ones are coolant and windshield wiper fluid - coolant keeps your car running cool when it's working hard, and you need wiper fluid to keep your field of vision clear. While you're at Toyota of Orlando, have our expert techs check ALL of the fluids in your car so you're all set. Let Toyota of Orlando get you road trip ready Don't risk ruining your spring break - swing by Toyota of Orlando to ensure you're ready to hit the road before you go! We're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida and we're ready to get you out on the highway. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

Do you consider yourself to be a safe driver? Even if you think you're a pro when it comes to following the rules of the road and respecting your fellow travelers, there's always room for improvement... right? Toyota of Orlando is here with 8 tips to improve your day-to-day drive time even more and make you a better safe driver in the long run! #1: Educate yourself when it comes to defensive driving. Are you well-versed in defensive driving? This method of driving teaches you to be proactive and avoid accidents and collisions rather than just reacting to them as they happen. Get more tips from Toyota of Orlando, or invest in a defensive driving class to learn these skills. #2: Learn how to park. Learn  how to park properly at an angle, in a perpendicular spot, and parallel. Some tips to remember? Make sure the spot can actually fit your car (and it isn't too small), be mindful of your doors when you get out, and always try to park in well-lit and populated areas to avoid a car break-in. Relearn the basics to be a better safe driver #3: Never drive when you're tired. Driving when you're tired is just as dangerous as driving when you're drunk. Your chances of getting into an accident get much higher when you drive fatigued. Try to take a nap and caffeinate before you hit the road, or consider postponing your trip until you've gotten some sleep. #4: Know how to merge into traffic. Merging can be tricky and stressful, and it's also dangerous if you don't do it right. Learn how to merge properly - use your turn signal to indicate your movements and don't cut people off. Your best bet is to travel the speed limit and take your turn sliding into the flow of traffic, but don't go so slowly that you hold up traffic. #5: School yourself on how to handle difficult driving situations. Driving can be scary. You should teach yourself or take a course so you're comfortable driving in heavy rain, snow, on ice, in heavy traffic, and in extremely dark conditions (like on an unlit road at night). #6: Practice your skills. The best way to be a better safe driver is to practice the skills. It's easy to tune out in the driver's seat with a Spotify playlist or new podcast, but try to be mindful of your driving habits at all times so you sharpen your skills even further. Use Orlando Toyota tech to help you tackle the open road #7: Be aware of your blind spots. Do you know where your blind spots are and how to check them? All vehicles have them, but luckily there are ways around this danger. A lot of our Orlando Toyotas have blind spot monitors in them that will alert you to another vehicle in your blind spot, and you can also adjust your rearview and side mirrors to give you a clear field of vision in these areas. #8: Hold the wheel correctly. To be a better safe driver, you need to keep both hands on the wheel at all time. We used to be told that you should keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel, but now experts recommend keeping them at 9 and 3 or even 8 and 4 for better control. Want more tips on how to be a better safe driver, or want to check out the safety tech on our cars? Come down to Toyota of Orlando today - we're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Do you consider yourself to be a safe driver? Even if you think you're a pro when it comes to following the rules of the road and respecting your fellow travelers, there's always room for improvement... right? Toyota of Orlando is here with 8 tips to improve your day-to-day drive time even more and make you a better safe driver in the long run! #1: Educate yourself when it comes to defensive driving. Are you well-versed in defensive driving? This method of driving teaches you to be proactive and avoid accidents and collisions rather than just reacting to them as they happen. Get more tips from Toyota of Orlando, or invest in a defensive driving class to learn these skills. #2: Learn how to park. Learn  how to park properly at an angle, in a perpendicular spot, and parallel. Some tips to remember? Make sure the spot can actually fit your car (and it isn't too small), be mindful of your doors when you get out, and always try to park in well-lit and populated areas to avoid a car break-in. Relearn the basics to be a better safe driver #3: Never drive when you're tired. Driving when you're tired is just as dangerous as driving when you're drunk. Your chances of getting into an accident get much higher when you drive fatigued. Try to take a nap and caffeinate before you hit the road, or consider postponing your trip until you've gotten some sleep. #4: Know how to merge into traffic. Merging can be tricky and stressful, and it's also dangerous if you don't do it right. Learn how to merge properly - use your turn signal to indicate your movements and don't cut people off. Your best bet is to travel the speed limit and take your turn sliding into the flow of traffic, but don't go so slowly that you hold up traffic. #5: School yourself on how to handle difficult driving situations. Driving can be scary. You should teach yourself or take a course so you're comfortable driving in heavy rain, snow, on ice, in heavy traffic, and in extremely dark conditions (like on an unlit road at night). #6: Practice your skills. The best way to be a better safe driver is to practice the skills. It's easy to tune out in the driver's seat with a Spotify playlist or new podcast, but try to be mindful of your driving habits at all times so you sharpen your skills even further. Use Orlando Toyota tech to help you tackle the open road #7: Be aware of your blind spots. Do you know where your blind spots are and how to check them? All vehicles have them, but luckily there are ways around this danger. A lot of our Orlando Toyotas have blind spot monitors in them that will alert you to another vehicle in your blind spot, and you can also adjust your rearview and side mirrors to give you a clear field of vision in these areas. #8: Hold the wheel correctly. To be a better safe driver, you need to keep both hands on the wheel at all time. We used to be told that you should keep your hands at 10 and 2 on the wheel, but now experts recommend keeping them at 9 and 3 or even 8 and 4 for better control. Want more tips on how to be a better safe driver, or want to check out the safety tech on our cars? Come down to Toyota of Orlando today - we're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

So you're about to start your car shopping journey. It can seem like it takes forever - you do a ton of research, explore your options online, read reviews, and finally choose a dealership so you can go check the car out. Are you exhausted yet? Some people think that doing research online is enough to make their final decision, but Toyota of Orlando is here to beg to differ. We know that some car dealers allow you to shop online and will drop the car in your driveway faster than Amazon Prime, but you're missing out on a vital part of the process. Before you let the ink dry on the dotted line, you HAVE to get behind the wheel for a test drive, and we're here to tell you why. Why is a test drive so necessary? Reason #1: You can see if it's comfortable. You want to make sure the car you choose is comfortable - after all, you'll be spending a lot of time in the driver's seat. That's why a test drive is important. You can hop behind the wheel and make sure it's comfy, and you can check to see that you can easily reach all the knobs, dials, and buttons you need access to. You can also check for blind spots and make sure that the backseat is big enough for your passenger load and any car seats or booster seats you'll need to install. Reason #2: You can do a little inspection. If you take a test drive before you sign the dotted line, you can conduct a quick inspection of the car. This means things like checking the cabin for stains, smells, or damage to the fabrics and trim. You can also examine the exterior for any body damage or signs of an accident and you can pop the hood and check under the car to look for damage or leaks. Finally, you can get the car up and running so you can listen for odd sounds and be on the lookout for weird odors. Reason #3: You can check out how the car handles. When you get behind the wheel and hit the road, you get your shot to see how the car handles. Does it have the acceleration you want? How does it feel when it brakes? Can you take turns the way you want? What about parking - is it easy to park in both perpendicular and parallel spots? Give yourself options at Toyota of Orlando Reason #4: You still have room to change your mind and explore other options. If you climb into the driver's seat and decide this ride isn't for you, you can walk away... and you've got a whole lot full of other options at Toyota of Orlando. Our product specialists can show you to other vehicles that are similar to the one you initially chose but might be a better fit. Reason #5: You can ask more questions and get better answers. If you visit our Orlando Toyota dealership in person, you can ask our sales and product specialists in-depth questions about the car during the test drive and they can show you the answers in person... which is a lot more informative and helpful than chatting online. Are YOU ready to take your test drive? Schedule it today at Toyota of Orlando - call (407) 298-4500.

So you're about to start your car shopping journey. It can seem like it takes forever - you do a ton of research, explore your options online, read reviews, and finally choose a dealership so you can go check the car out. Are you exhausted yet? Some people think that doing research online is enough to make their final decision, but Toyota of Orlando is here to beg to differ. We know that some car dealers allow you to shop online and will drop the car in your driveway faster than Amazon Prime, but you're missing out on a vital part of the process. Before you let the ink dry on the dotted line, you HAVE to get behind the wheel for a test drive, and we're here to tell you why. Why is a test drive so necessary? Reason #1: You can see if it's comfortable. You want to make sure the car you choose is comfortable - after all, you'll be spending a lot of time in the driver's seat. That's why a test drive is important. You can hop behind the wheel and make sure it's comfy, and you can check to see that you can easily reach all the knobs, dials, and buttons you need access to. You can also check for blind spots and make sure that the backseat is big enough for your passenger load and any car seats or booster seats you'll need to install. Reason #2: You can do a little inspection. If you take a test drive before you sign the dotted line, you can conduct a quick inspection of the car. This means things like checking the cabin for stains, smells, or damage to the fabrics and trim. You can also examine the exterior for any body damage or signs of an accident and you can pop the hood and check under the car to look for damage or leaks. Finally, you can get the car up and running so you can listen for odd sounds and be on the lookout for weird odors. Reason #3: You can check out how the car handles. When you get behind the wheel and hit the road, you get your shot to see how the car handles. Does it have the acceleration you want? How does it feel when it brakes? Can you take turns the way you want? What about parking - is it easy to park in both perpendicular and parallel spots? Give yourself options at Toyota of Orlando Reason #4: You still have room to change your mind and explore other options. If you climb into the driver's seat and decide this ride isn't for you, you can walk away... and you've got a whole lot full of other options at Toyota of Orlando. Our product specialists can show you to other vehicles that are similar to the one you initially chose but might be a better fit. Reason #5: You can ask more questions and get better answers. If you visit our Orlando Toyota dealership in person, you can ask our sales and product specialists in-depth questions about the car during the test drive and they can show you the answers in person... which is a lot more informative and helpful than chatting online. Are YOU ready to take your test drive? Schedule it today at Toyota of Orlando - call (407) 298-4500.

Is your teen driver about to hit the road solo for the first time? It's pretty nerve-wracking for any parent, and here at Toyota of Orlando we get it. That's why we've gathered up the top nine tips for teen drivers so you can prep your new driver for whatever may come their way when they climb into the driver's seat. What should you teach your teen driver before they hit the road? Tip #1: Choose a safe (and practical) car. It's tempting fate to put your teen driver behind the wheel of a sports car or a fast truck - it's a wiser option to put them into something practical and safe when you're sending them out on the road solo. Consider Orlando Toyota cars like the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, and Camry, for starters! Tip #2: Teach them defensive driving. It's good to teach your teen to obey the rules of the road, but you should also teach them defensive driving skills so they can avoid an accident BEFORE it happens. This means doing away with distracted driving, for starters. Tip #3: No texting. At all. Ever. Make texting a no-no - you can even download apps that will lock their phones while the car is in motion so they're not tempted to even look at incoming texts when behind the wheel. Tip #4: Make seatbelts a non-negotiable. Set a good example and always wear your seatbelt and teach your teens that driving without one is not allowed, period. The car shouldn't leave the driveway until everyone in it is buckled up. Tip #5: Review the rules of the road one more time. Is your teen driver perfectly clear on the rules of the road? Make sure they know the basics and are competent enough to drive before you turn them loose. Tip #6: Limit passengers. It's a good idea to limit the number of passengers that your teen has in the car with them at first - passengers can be big distractions. Driving solo is your best bet for the first few months, and then you can slowly increase the number of passengers allowed. Tip #7: Teach them basic car maintenance. Teach your teen how to care for your Orlando Toyota and the importance of oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, fluid checks, and letting you know if they hear or see something odd, or if a dashboard light comes on. Tip #8: Go over common car emergencies. Does your teen know what to do if they get a flat tire? What if they have a dead car battery? How about an overheated vehicle? Teach them the ins and outs of common car problems and what they should do. Tip #9: Fill them in on what to do in an accident. Make sure your teen driver knows what to do after a car accident - who to call, the steps to take, and how to react. Shop safe new Orlando Toyotas today Ready to turn your teen driver loose? Get them into a safe new Toyota today - shop Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Is your teen driver about to hit the road solo for the first time? It's pretty nerve-wracking for any parent, and here at Toyota of Orlando we get it. That's why we've gathered up the top nine tips for teen drivers so you can prep your new driver for whatever may come their way when they climb into the driver's seat. What should you teach your teen driver before they hit the road? Tip #1: Choose a safe (and practical) car. It's tempting fate to put your teen driver behind the wheel of a sports car or a fast truck - it's a wiser option to put them into something practical and safe when you're sending them out on the road solo. Consider Orlando Toyota cars like the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, and Camry, for starters! Tip #2: Teach them defensive driving. It's good to teach your teen to obey the rules of the road, but you should also teach them defensive driving skills so they can avoid an accident BEFORE it happens. This means doing away with distracted driving, for starters. Tip #3: No texting. At all. Ever. Make texting a no-no - you can even download apps that will lock their phones while the car is in motion so they're not tempted to even look at incoming texts when behind the wheel. Tip #4: Make seatbelts a non-negotiable. Set a good example and always wear your seatbelt and teach your teens that driving without one is not allowed, period. The car shouldn't leave the driveway until everyone in it is buckled up. Tip #5: Review the rules of the road one more time. Is your teen driver perfectly clear on the rules of the road? Make sure they know the basics and are competent enough to drive before you turn them loose. Tip #6: Limit passengers. It's a good idea to limit the number of passengers that your teen has in the car with them at first - passengers can be big distractions. Driving solo is your best bet for the first few months, and then you can slowly increase the number of passengers allowed. Tip #7: Teach them basic car maintenance. Teach your teen how to care for your Orlando Toyota and the importance of oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, fluid checks, and letting you know if they hear or see something odd, or if a dashboard light comes on. Tip #8: Go over common car emergencies. Does your teen know what to do if they get a flat tire? What if they have a dead car battery? How about an overheated vehicle? Teach them the ins and outs of common car problems and what they should do. Tip #9: Fill them in on what to do in an accident. Make sure your teen driver knows what to do after a car accident - who to call, the steps to take, and how to react. Shop safe new Orlando Toyotas today Ready to turn your teen driver loose? Get them into a safe new Toyota today - shop Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Here in Orlando, we get pretty mild winter weather (thank goodness). We never have to deal with heavy snow and we rarely have ice on the roads. However, we get a handful of cold nights during the year and if the temps dip low enough and your car is parked in the shade, you could wake up to ice on your windshield. Not to mention, if you head out of town in the winter you're more than likely to find yourself in need of some windshield de-icing. Toyota of Orlando is here with winter weather car care tips to help you de-ice your windshield like a pro and hit the road with a clear field of vision. Tip #1: Don't use hot water. DO NOT EVER use hot water to try and melt the ice off of your windshield - it can end in disaster. Hot water hitting the icy cold surface of your windshield can actually cause the glass to crack or shatter from the temperature differences. If you have to use water, use lukewarm water to try and loosen the ice a little. Tip #2: Avoid using vinegar. Another common myth is that you can use vinegar to remove ice from your windshield. Our car care experts advise against this - vinegar can damage the plastic and paint on your vehicle, so you want to avoid pouring it on your vehicle at all (even the windshield). Tip #3: Don't try to clear ice with your windshield wipers. Don't use your wipers to try and scrape frost or ice off the windshield when you face winter weather. It's not effective, first of all, and can easily damage or shred the rubber on the wiper blades. This means they'll be ineffective from that point on and you'll have to replace them ASAP. Tip #4: Run your defroster for a few minutes. Running the defroster in your car can help loosen up the ice a little bit, so climb into the driver's seat and warm both yourself and the windshield up before you get to scraping out in the cold. Tip #5: Avoid using a metal scraper - opt for plastic. A metal scraper can damage the glass windshield, leaving scratches and scrapes that impeded your field of vision. Instead, opt for a plastic scraper - one with a brush on the other end is super handy because then you don't have to use your hands to brush off the ice and frost. However, don't scrape TOO hard - even hard plastic can scratch your windshield. There are de-icer sprays on the market, but living here in Orlando, it's not really that cost-effective to buy them since we see ice and harsh winter weather so infrequently. Your best bet is to buy a plastic scraper and just keep it in the trunk in case you need it! Need more car care advice or want to grab a scraper? Ask our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando - they're here 7 days a week with the info you need at (407) 298-0001!

Here in Orlando, we get pretty mild winter weather (thank goodness). We never have to deal with heavy snow and we rarely have ice on the roads. However, we get a handful of cold nights during the year and if the temps dip low enough and your car is parked in the shade, you could wake up to ice on your windshield. Not to mention, if you head out of town in the winter you're more than likely to find yourself in need of some windshield de-icing. Toyota of Orlando is here with winter weather car care tips to help you de-ice your windshield like a pro and hit the road with a clear field of vision. Tip #1: Don't use hot water. DO NOT EVER use hot water to try and melt the ice off of your windshield - it can end in disaster. Hot water hitting the icy cold surface of your windshield can actually cause the glass to crack or shatter from the temperature differences. If you have to use water, use lukewarm water to try and loosen the ice a little. Tip #2: Avoid using vinegar. Another common myth is that you can use vinegar to remove ice from your windshield. Our car care experts advise against this - vinegar can damage the plastic and paint on your vehicle, so you want to avoid pouring it on your vehicle at all (even the windshield). Tip #3: Don't try to clear ice with your windshield wipers. Don't use your wipers to try and scrape frost or ice off the windshield when you face winter weather. It's not effective, first of all, and can easily damage or shred the rubber on the wiper blades. This means they'll be ineffective from that point on and you'll have to replace them ASAP. Tip #4: Run your defroster for a few minutes. Running the defroster in your car can help loosen up the ice a little bit, so climb into the driver's seat and warm both yourself and the windshield up before you get to scraping out in the cold. Tip #5: Avoid using a metal scraper - opt for plastic. A metal scraper can damage the glass windshield, leaving scratches and scrapes that impeded your field of vision. Instead, opt for a plastic scraper - one with a brush on the other end is super handy because then you don't have to use your hands to brush off the ice and frost. However, don't scrape TOO hard - even hard plastic can scratch your windshield. There are de-icer sprays on the market, but living here in Orlando, it's not really that cost-effective to buy them since we see ice and harsh winter weather so infrequently. Your best bet is to buy a plastic scraper and just keep it in the trunk in case you need it! Need more car care advice or want to grab a scraper? Ask our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando - they're here 7 days a week with the info you need at (407) 298-0001!