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

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

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

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

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

Is it time to retire your used car? It can be a tough decision to make, especially if your car is paid off and you own it in full. Should you really get into a new car and start all over with a new payment? Here at Toyota of Orlando we get it, and we're here to help make your decision a little bit easier. There are certain signs that are surefire indicators you should hang up your keys and our auto service techs have taken the time to explain each one in detail so you can see if it applies to your situation. Check it out! When is it time to call it quits with your used car? Sign #1: You've been in a serious car accident. Have you been in a major accident or collision that did some serious damage to your car? Depending on the auto repairs necessary to get it back on the road, it may be time to call it a day with your current used car. This is especially true if you have damage to the frame or anything else that might make the insurance company call it a total loss. The best way to gauge if ANY repairs are worth it is to estimate the current value of your car. If the repairs cost more than that, it's time to get into a new ride. Sign #2: You can't seem to find affordable replacement parts, or find replacement parts at all. Is it getting harder and harder to find the replacement parts you need for your ride? Is it getting costlier and costlier just to keep it up and running? The older the vehicle is, the harder and more expensive it can be to keep it in good shape because the parts go out of production and alternate parts may not get the job done. If this is the case, consider retiring your used car for something more up-to-date. Sign #3: Your rust issues are getting hard to handle. Rust is hard to control and can be very, very expensive to fix. If you have big-time rust damage that's spread-out over large areas on your car you can certainly have our Toyota of Orlando body shop take a peek at it, but we may recommend calling it a day and sinking your hard-earned money into something newer. Sign #4: Your engine block is damaged. Damage to the engine block can be a budget-buster. You'll typically notice this type of trouble when you go to start your ride and it refuses to get going, or it stalls out in traffic on you. Have our Toyota of Orlando techs take a peek under the hood to see what's going on and as noted before, if the repairs exceed the value of your used car, it's time to call it quits and invest your money into something more reliable. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Let Toyota of Orlando help you through the process! Not sure, or want our Orlando Toyota service techs to check out your situation? Call us today! We're open seven days a week and whether you want to fix up your old ride or get into a new one, we can help. You can reach us at (407) 298-4500!

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

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

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

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

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

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