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If you have kids, you know just how much damage they can do to the backseat of your car. Sticky juice, crumbly crackers, ripped-up paper, melted crayons... your Orlando Toyota's backseat can look like a warzone in a matter of hours and until you have time to detail it, you just have to live with it. However, leaving the backseat a mess can attract bugs and rodents, make your car smell, and even become a safety hazard if you get into an accident (flying debris). Toyota of Orlando is here with car care tips on how to protect your car's backseat. Car care tips for kid proofing your backseat Tip #1: Invest in all-weather mats. They might cost a bit more than the carpet mats, but all-weather floor mats can save you money in the long run. This type of floormat is water-resistant and has deep grooves and channels to better collect dirt and debris. Plus, you can pull them out and either shake them or even hose them off if need be. They make cleaning up the backseat simple and quick. Tip #2: Have a trash can in the car. Keep trash all in one spot by having a designated trash can in your car. Encourage your little ones to hand you their wrappers, etc. so you can toss them immediately and prevent clutter and crumbs in the backseat. Make sure the can has a lid to contain everything and empty it routinely, especially if you throw food away. Tip #3: Buy a dust buster. A small handheld vacuum can be a lifesaver in between car detailings. You can even get a battery-powered one to just leave in your car. Use it to clean up crumbs and dirt on the go so you don't have to let it all accumulate until you have time to detail your car (another extremely important aspect of car care). Tip #4: Keep cleaning wipes on hand. You should also keep some sort of wipes in your car to clean up spills, whether they're baby wipes or Lysol wipes. This will make handling diaper disasters, drink spills, and any other liquid catastrophe easy and fast even if you're out and about. Tip #5: Keep toys organized. Keep your kids' toys organized so they don't go flying in an accident. Tuck things into seatback pockets, keep a large Tupperware box (with a lid) on the floor of the backseat, or buy a cheap shoe organizer to hang over the back of the seat and put toys in. This will keep the backseat of your Orlando Toyota safe AND clutter-free. And don't forget - although some companies sell seat protectors that go under the car seats, you should NEVER put anything in between your car seat and the vehicle's seats. This can cause them to slide around and in an accident, offer less protection, or even malfunction. Get your kid-friendly car care supplies at Toyota of Orlando Shop today - we have all the car care supplies you need for kids and beyond at Toyota of Orlando's parts store! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call (407) 298-4500 OR shop online today!

Have you ever encountered aggressive driving out on the road? According to a recent AAA survey, over 80% of drivers have shown significant and measurable anger or frustration while in the driver's seat in the past year. We get it - it can be frustrating to drive sometimes, especially when things that are out of your control interrupt or delay you. Road rage, however, takes things to a whole new level. Toyota of Orlando explains road rage Road rage is when a driver is significantly angry when behind the wheel and takes it out on other drivers by tailgating, weaving, cutting people off, brake checking... you get the idea. Basically, it's when someone is mad and drives like a maniac to express their frustration, even if they're not specifically mad at you. What causes it? Lots of things; sometimes it can be as simple as someone having a bad day. However, the most common causes of road rage are traffic, delays, and running late to something. Another common cause is anonymity; drivers feel that if they won't see the person they're cutting off ever again, their bad behavior doesn't matter. Sometimes aggressive driving is a learned behavior, and every now and then you just get those people who have no regard for others (or the law). Regardless of what causes it, road rage can be exceptionally dangerous to everyone on the road and can quickly cause car accidents. It includes behaviors like: Speeding Cutting cars off Tailgating Swerving or weaving in and out of lanes Preventing other cars from changing lanes or turning Honking, screaming, and making rude gestures Confronting another driver outside of the car Bumping or hitting another vehicle on purpose So, what should you do when you're confronted by another driver with road rage? Here are our Orlando Toyota tips: Do not engage. When another driver is displaying road rage behaviors toward you, don't engage. Don't try to brake check them, yell back, speed up to make eye contact... it's a bad idea in general. Not only does it take your attention off of the road, it also can fuel their fire and make them even angrier. Why put yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle at risk? Don't engage. Keep an eye on the situation. Watch your back when you've encountered an aggressive driver. You want to ensure they're not following you to try and force a confrontation when you do come to a stop. Get as far away as you can. When you notice a driver behaving recklessly, try to move out of their path. Change lanes, slow down or speed up to put distance between your cars, or worst case, get off the road and pull into a parking lot to get away from them. Don't stop. If a driver with road rage is indicating that they want you to stop your Orlando Toyota, DON'T. You're putting yourself and your passengers in danger if you do. Get more tips at Toyota of Orlando Need more tips for dealing with road rage, or need auto repairs after an accident? Call Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Have you ever been driving down the road, glanced up in your rearview mirror, and noticed that the car behind your Orlando Toyota is just a little too close for comfort? When another driver rides too close to the back of your car, it's called tailgating. This type of behavior is dangerous and more often than not leads to collisions and accidents. That's why it's key to know how to react when you're in this unsafe situation - check out these safe driving tips for when you're being tailgated from the experts at Toyota of Orlando. Five tips for when you're being tailgated Tip #1: Don't freak out. Your first reaction is probably either to get really annoyed or to panic. Try not to do either (easier said than done, we know, but still). You'll need to keep your cool to get yourself and your Orlando Toyota safely out of the situation. Keep your emotions in check and focus on the next step once you realize you're being tailgated. Tip #2: Don't feel pressured to speed up. You might feel like you have to speed up since the person behind you obviously wants to go faster, but you don't. If you're going the speed limit, stick to it - it's enforced for a reason. Don't drive over it just to make them happy. It should be noted, however, that it's considered to be bad form to drive in the left lane and not let people pass, so if you're in the left lane and being tailgated, it might be time to move over. Tip #3: Gently brake. The person behind you may not even realize that they're tailgating or getting too close for comfort, so sometimes a little reminder in the form of brake lights can help. Tap your brakes gently so your brake lights illuminate and make them aware. We know it's tempting to brake check them - where you slam on your brakes to give them a little scare - but this behavior can actually result in them running into the back of you, so control yourself. Tip #4: Move over if you can. If you're on a multi-lane road, try to get out of the tailgater's way. Use your blinker to indicate your movements to everyone around you, check your blind spot, and slowly make your way out of your lane to let the driver behind your Orlando Toyota pass you. Don't make any sudden movements or change lanes without using your turn signal - those behaviors increase your chances of a collision. Tip #5: Don't confront them. We get it - it's so annoying when someone is riding your car. But avoid confrontation. Yelling, making rude hand gestures, etc. take your attention off of your own safe driving habits and can also make the other driver angry. Road rage is a real risk and can result in you, the other driver, and the people around you getting hurt, so maintain your cool and get on with your day. Make safe driving a priority with Toyota of Orlando Want more safe driving tips for hitting the highway, city streets, and everything in between? Follow us on social media, call us at (407) 298-4500, or stop by and see us in person at 3575 Vineland Road. Toyota of Orlando is just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

The sun in Central Florida can be brutal. If you've lived even one summer here, you know how unforgiving the sun can be in a lot of ways, especially when it comes to your car. One of the most common types of car paint damage we see here at Toyota of Orlando is car paint oxidization. This is when the sun actually causes your paint to lose its oil content and start to develop a dull, rough finish and eventually, lose its color pigment. There's usually no coming back from severe cases or cases in which the car lacks a clear coat, but there are ways to make it look better. Our Orlando Toyota body shop is here with tips on how to handle this type of car paint damage. How to prevent and treat this type of car paint damage Tip #1: Prevention is key. The best way to handle car paint oxidization is to try and prevent it from happening in the first place. How? By parking your car under cover as much as you can - a garage is best, but a carport or even trees that provide some shade can help ward off sun damage to your vehicle. If you aren't able to park under any cover, you may want to consider investing in a car cover to protect your vehicle when it's sitting out in the elements. You should also regularly apply wax. A solid coat of quality wax can help prevent sun damage (and also keeps moisture away) to keep your paint bright and shiny. Tip #2: Get the right tools. If you're going to try to spruce up your car paint DIY style, you're going to need the right tools. Shop our Toyota of Orlando parts store for: Car soap and a sponge A few soft microfiber towels An electric buffer with soft pads Car rubbing compound Car polish and wax Automotive tape Tip #3: Get to work. Here are the quick steps you can take to try and reduce car paint oxidization. Note: This will only work if you have a clear coat on your car. First, wash your car thoroughly and park it in the shade to dry it off with the microfiber towels. Direct sunlight is no good for rubbing compound, polish, or wax. Next, tape off all of the plastic and chrome pieces in the area where you're working. Apply a small amount of rubbing compound to the area and then use the electric buffer to work it into the paint. Go slow, use the slowest setting, and put the softest pad on the buffer. It'll take time, so don't rush or apply too much pressure. If it doesn't seem to be working, you can swap out the buffer pad for one that's more heavy-duty and use a higher speed. Wipe off the excess compound and repeat the process with polish. Wipe off the excess polish and use a quality car wax to apply a couple of coats of wax to the entire car. Schedule car paint oxidization repairs at Toyota of Orlando If the above steps don't seem to make a difference on your Orlando Toyota (or you don't have a clear coat), then it's time to bring in the professionals. Let the Orlando Toyota body shop take a look at it and get the process started on your car paint job to bring your car back to like-new condition. We're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call us at (407) 298-0001 today! Come by for a free estimate - your car is in good hands.

Is it time for you to kick your old car to the curb to make room in your life for a new one? First of all, congrats - buying a new car is exciting and rewarding. However, what are your plans for your old ride? If you're not sure what to do with your retiree vehicle, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Check out the options available to you for getting rid of your old car. Option #1: Trade it in or sell it to us. We're always looking for preowned cars to stock our used lot, and we'll add yours to our inventory whether you want to trade it in or just sell it to us. Our used cars director will appraise your vehicle and make you a cash offer on the spot regardless of whether you plan to buy your new car from us or someone else. This is a quick and easy way to get your money's worth, and you can schedule an appointment with us to save time and at least just get the offer so you can better weigh your options. Option #2: Sell it privately. You can also sell your car privately. This gives you a little more control over the process and lets you dictate the price, but keep in mind that you have to do all the legwork when you sell privately. You're going to be the one transferring the title and tag and doing all of the associated paperwork (instead of us), so make sure it's worth your while before you take this route. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Option #3: Sell it online. Selling your old car online is another option. This is sort of like trading in at a dealership but instead, using an online service that will come to pick your car up from your house. The only downside? You can't haggle the offer in person - what you get is what you get with no room for improvement. Option #4: Donate it. Another option is donation. If you don't really need the money or don't feel it's worth the time or effort to trade in or sell your car, you can definitely hand over the keys for free. Plenty of local non-profits take old cars as donations and not only can you feel good about your decision, but you can also write it off as a tax benefit to save yourself a bit of money. Typically, the IRS will allow you to write off whatever the car would sell for if sold at auction. Defer to your accountant with questions! Option #5: Junk it. Finally, you can always junk your old car if you're completely done with it and it's not safe or able to be donated. In this scenario, you'd need to find a junkyard or junk removal service to tow it away and dispose of it for you. You won't get any money for it, but at least it'll be off your plate. Have questions or want to schedule a trade-in appraisal? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Has the thought of adding a car spoiler to your Orlando Toyota recently crossed your mind? It's a great way (and an affordable one) to create a custom look for your ride and also - believe it or not - to improve your car's performance. However, although they're just an accessory, you do need to take a few things into consideration before you buy and install a car spoiler. See what the experts at our Toyota of Orlando body shop have to say about it! What you should consider before adding a car spoiler #1: You need to do the right research. You can't just buy any car spoiler and stick it on your car - you run the risk of it looking ridiculous. Certain spoilers look good with certain vehicles, so do your research. And don't just rely on pictures. Remember, they're taken at certain angles and with particular lighting. Try to find the car spoiler you want in real life and look at it on a car that's similar to yours to get the best idea of how it'll look after you install it. #2: You need it to match your vehicle's paint color. If you're buying a carbon fiber spoiler or one that's primed to paint, you're in good shape. However, if you're buying one that's already painted, you need to ensure that it's going to have to match the existing car paint color on your car or you run the risk of it clashing. Paint codes are unique to makes and models, so do your due diligence before swiping your credit card. #3: You'll have to care for it much like the rest of your car. You'll have to take care of your car spoiler much like the rest of the car - wash it, wax it, etc. And don't forget, it can still be damaged like the rest of your Orlando Toyota, too. It's at risk of dings, dents, scratches, and even wind damage if the weather is bad enough, so take the proper precautions. Why you should invest in a car spoiler However, we're big fans of car spoilers here at Toyota of Orlando. Here's why we think it's a great accessory to add to your car: #1: It creates a truly custom look. You can spend a ton of money swapping out wheels, having your car repainted, etc. - or you can add a spoiler to the back. It's an easy way to create a custom look for your ride without having to spend a ton of money or put your car in the shop for a long period of time. #2: It enhances performance. Believe it or not, adding this car accessory can actually enhance your car's performance. Car spoilers catch wind when you're out on the road and this actually causes them to push the back of your car down, giving you improved handling. It's a performance improvement that you don't even have to crack the hood for, and it's free. Have questions about car spoilers or want to start shopping? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Halloween is just around the corner and while we've talked about safe driving practices and prepping your car for the spookiest night of the year, we haven't really touched on how to be safe while celebrating in general. Check out these simple Halloween safety tips to keep you and your little ghouls and ghosts safe on All Hallow's Eve! 12 Halloween safety tips to use this year Tip #1: Make sure you can be seen. If you're hitting the sidewalks to collect candy this Halloween, make sure you and your little monsters can be seen. If your costumes are dark colors, consider putting reflective tape on them or having everyone carry a glow stick or flashlight so drivers can easily see them crossing the street. Tip #2: Stay on the sidewalks and crosswalks. Don't walk in the street, and don't walk in between parked cars. Trick-or-treaters should stay on the sidewalks at all times and use crosswalks to cross the street to stay out of the way of traffic and ensure that drivers see them. Tip #3: Don't trick-or-treat alone. Any child under the age of 12 should be accompanied while an adult while trick-or-treating, and even after that, no one should trick-or-treat alone. Teach your teens to stick to the buddy system at all times while they're out celebrating. Tip #4: Put away phones and don't even take AirPods with you. Put away phones, handheld games, and any other device that may distract your attention from your surroundings. Also, never wear headphones while trick-or-treating - you may not hear oncoming cars. Tip #5: Consider face paint instead of masks. Masks are definitely spooky, but full face masks can sometimes impede vision, putting your little monster in a less-than-safe situation. Consider face paint to get the costume done instead. Tip #6: Make sure your costume is the right size. Also, make sure your kids' costumes are the right size. Too-big costumes can cause tripping and falling, or get caught on things. Tip #7: Don't eat candy until it's been checked. Make it a rule that no one can dig into the candy until it's been checked back at the house. Better safe than sorry, right? Tip #8: Try to trick-or-treat in well-lit areas. This will make it easier to see the sidewalks and avoid obstacles, and also make it easier for drivers to see you when you're crossing the street. Tip #9: Buy costumes, wigs, and accessories that are flame-resistant. Tip #10: If you're carving up pumpkins on Halloween night, remember that while it's fine for kids to draw the faces and scoop out the seeds, they should let the adults do the actual carving parts. Tip #11: If you're handing out candy, ensure that all pets are put safely away so they don't escape when you open the door. Tip #12: Remind your kids that they should NEVER enter a stranger's home while trick-or-treating, nor should they let a stranger into yours while handing out candy. Happy haunting from Toyota of Orlando! From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have a safe and happy Halloween!

Are you considering taking the plunge and putting a new Toyota hybrid in the driveway, but having some reservations? We get it - even though hybrid cars have been around for a long time, there are still a lot of misconceptions about them floating around that could persuade people to stick to traditional gasoline-powered cars. We're here to bust these myths and help you get behind the wheel of an Orlando Toyota hybrid. Did you fall for these hybrid car myths? Myth #1: You have to plug it in. Not always. It depends on what you're driving, but a lot of people think that ALL hybrid cars have to be plugged into the wall to charge. This is only true if you have a plug-in hybrid, like the Orlando Toyota Prius Prime. Plug-in hybrids have the capability to drive on electric power alone over a longer distance - for example, the Toyota Prius Prime can go around 25 miles on electric charge because you physically charge the battery by plugging it in. Traditional hybrid cars, on the other hand, charge the battery through regenerative braking. They do not get plugged in to charge, and their capability to drive on electric power only is short and only at low speeds. Myth #2: They're way more expensive to purchase. Not anymore. Hybrid cars - admittedly - used to be pretty pricey. But as they become more common and other options (like plug-ins, electric cars, and other alternative fuel options) come available, the price has become substantially more reasonable. Plus, you have to consider the fuel that you'll save when you're out on the road. Myth #3: They're also way more expensive to maintain and repair. Nope! You'd think that because they seem complicated, Toyota hybrids are more expensive to care for. However, your engine is actually used LESS in a hybrid car since you can switch back and forth with the electric motor. This means less wear and tear on the engine and all of its parts. Plus, hybrids are so common now that it's not difficult to find a tech who knows how to work on one. Myth #4: They're awesome for fuel efficiency, but not any other performance aspects. Definitely not true! Sure, they're awesome for improved fuel efficiency and a much cleaner performance... but that's not all they have to offer. With improvements to engineering and new technology, hybrids are perfectly capable of producing tons of horsepower and torque. Take the new 2022 Toyota Tundra coming out later this year - it's got a hybrid option that offers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Myth #5: They're complicated to own and drive. Think again! Hybrid cars are so common now. Driving one is just like driving any other car after you've learned the lay of the land. Take a test drive to see for yourself! Myth #6: They're not even that great for the environment. OK, so maybe they're not as good for the environment as an all-electric car or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. But they DO cut way back on emissions and use less fuel (which means they use fewer natural resources), so overall, they make an impact and offer a more environmentally-friendly option than a traditional gasoline-powered car. See for yourself! We've got tons of Toyota hybrids waiting for you at Toyota of Orlando and you can get behind the wheel today. Test drive one at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time to schedule at (407) 298-4500!

Are you shopping for the perfect new Toyota that's a fit for the entire family? You've found it - the redesigned 2022 Toyota Sienna is here and bringing with it a slew of new features. However, we know that Toyotas aren't the only options on the market right now and we want to help you find the BEST drive time solution for your needs. That's why we're taking the time to compare this Orlando Toyota minivan to one of its strongest competitors - the 2022 Honda Odyssey. See how things stack up! How do these two new minivans compare? For comparison's sake, we're putting the 2022 Toyota Sienna XLE and the 2022 Honda Odyssey EX in the hot seats to see which of these new minivans walks away with the advantage. Let's take a look at the details. Comfort: When all is said and done, you really want a family vehicle that's comfortable inside. This means you need something spacious and ergonomic and the 2022 Toyota Sienna delivers. It offers more hip space in the front by an inch and the rear by two inches, as well as four climate control zones compared to the Honda Odyssey's three. Additionally, this new Toyota offers easy symmetrical-fold rear seats for maximum cargo space and a standard front sunroof. Otherwise, these two minivans are neck and neck in terms of interior space, comfort features, and accessibility. Performance: Let's talk about what matters most first - this new Toyota minivan is a HYBRID. This means major fuel efficiency and a much cleaner performance. Right off the bat, it gets 36/36 mpg in the city and on the highway, far surpassing the 19/22 that its Honda competition offers. You'll save a ton of money on fuel alone. This Orlando Toyota also offers performance features like regenerative brakes, plus the option of navigation via a 9" color display, neither of which are up for grabs on the Honda model. Technology: The 2022 Toyota Sienna also has a bit of an edge when it comes to technology. While both minivans offer the tech you need to make your drive time safe, convenient, and efficient, the Toyota model takes things one step further with features like a standard power liftgate, a standard coming home device and power garage door opener, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, the option of a wireless charging pad, and the Safety Connect System, which you'll only find on Toyotas. Additionally, the 2022 Toyota Sienna offers a superior audio system with 8 speakers (and the optional JBL upgrade with 12 speakers), as well as an optional subwoofer and wireless headphones that go with the rear seat entertainment system, a feature not available on the Honda Odyssey. Test drive the 2022 Toyota Sienna at Toyota of Orlando Honestly, the best way to decide which is best for you is to test drive them both and see which one better suits your drive time style. Come on down and put the 2022 Toyota Sienna to the test today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week until 10pm at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time for more info or to schedule your appointment at (407) 298-4500!

If you've ever gotten into a car accident, you know that damage to your vehicle is usually inevitable. Even a fender bender can do a fair amount of damage to your Orlando Toyota, especially as more and more safety technology is woven into the design of newer cars. Once you've sustained damage to your car in a car accident, you typically file a claim with car insurance (your insurance if it's your fault, the other driver's insurance if it's their fault). From there, an adjustor will check out your car and decide how much damage was done and how much it's going to cost to repair it. But what happens if they declare your vehicle a total loss? Toyota of Orlando explains a total loss and what it means In car insurance speak, a total loss is when the cost of repairs to restore your vehicle back to normal is more than the actual cash value of the car. Basically, it's going to cost more to fix the car than what it's worth. In essence, it's not worth fixing the car; at that point, it's more prudent to purchase a new vehicle. How do they come to this decision? Your car insurance company will utilize a few resources to determine the value of your car so they can compare it to the repair costs. Here are two commonly used ones: NADA: The National Automobile Dealers Association offers up data on things like mileage, current model year, overall condition, and more to help adjustors determine a fair value for your car. KBB: Kelley Blue Book is another great tool that's often also used by dealers to determine the value of a car. It uses criteria very similar to that of NADA to determine just how much your car is worth. After they've determined the value of your car, the insurance company has to look at a few more criteria. In the state of Florida, for example, the damage to the vehicle has to exceed at least 80% of the car's value. If it doesn't, the car can't be deemed a total loss. So what happens when the car insurance company declares your car a total loss after a car accident? Basically, the insurance company seizes your car and offers you a cash payout so you can take that money and put it into a new vehicle. But here are a few things to consider: If you don't agree with the amount they're offering you, you can always refuse the payout or ask to negotiate the value. If you have a lot of aftermarket parts and accessories on the vehicle, it's wise to find the receipts for it so you can ensure the value you're offered by insurance matches up what's been invested into your car. You can also negotiate how fast you get your payout check. Deal with the aftermath of a car accident at our Orlando Toyota dealership Have questions, need auto repairs after a car accident, or want to shop for a new Toyota? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Getting into a car accident is one of the worst feelings, especially if it's your fault. Not only do you have to deal with the damage to your car, but you also have to deal with the damage to the other person's car (or whatever you hit) as well as the embarrassment and frustration of getting into a car accident in the first place. Don't let these car accidents happen to you Luckily, our Orlando Toyota Collision Center is open and ready to restore your car to like-new condition whether you're been in a fender bender or a serious car accident, and we've also compiled a quick guide to the six most common types of car accidents and how to avoid them. Check out these tips! Type #1: Rear-end collision This type of car accident is far more common than we'd like it to be. It occurs when the car in front of your Orlando Toyota stops and you're not able to stop in time, so you run into the back of them. This puts you at fault and can do serious damage to both of your cars. The best way to avoid it is two-fold: first, leave plenty of distance in between your car and the car in front of you so if you need to come to a sudden stop, you can. Second, always pay attention to the road - get rid of distractions and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times so you can react quickly. Type #2: Intersection collision This is your friendly reminder to always look twice before pulling through an intersection - an intersection collision happens when you pull through one and someone hits you as they also cross through. Double-check to ensure it's clear before you hit the gas, and also NEVER speed through a yellow light to make it through before it turns red. This ups your chances of getting into an accident drastically. Type #3: Backing out collision Backing into things is common (unfortunately) whether it be another car, a pole, a shopping cart... you get the point. The best way to avoid this type of car accident is to avoid relying solely on your backup camera. It doesn't give you the whole view of what's behind you, so you should physically turn and look to the sides AND the rear before you move your car. Also, back out slowly and be ready to stop at a moment's notice if need be. Type #4: Parking lot accident Parking lots are busy places full of lots of things that can bump into your car and vice versa. And it's beyond annoying to walk out to a car that's been dinged or dented, with the perpetrator nowhere in sight. Avoid this type of accident by parking your Orlando Toyota farther out - most people park near the entrance of the building, so parking farther out means there will be fewer cars around. Additionally, avoid parking your car near tight turns or anywhere that might be a blind spot. Type #5: Windshield damage Windshield damage is inevitable if you drive anywhere where there are rocks or other debris (we're looking at you, I-4). If a tire kicks up even a pebble, it can ricochet into your windshield and leave a crack or chip. There's not really any way to entirely avoid this, but it's helpful if you leave plenty of distance between your car and the car in front of you to lessen the chances. Type #6: Bad weather damage Bad weather happens, and it's a fact of life here in Orlando. And it can do a number on your car. If you know bad weather is coming, be sure to park your car somewhere safe. Higher ground (to avoid flooding) is best, as well as covered or garage parking. You should also try to park away from telephone poles or trees, or anything else that might be blown over onto your car. Schedule your auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando However, if you do find yourself getting into one of these car accidents, we can help! Call us today about auto repairs - our Toyota of Orlando body shop is open and ready to help. We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, and you can reach us at (407) 298-6006.

Football season is here, which means it's time to break out your tailgating gear and hit the road! Cooler weather, exciting games, and friends and family all make for the perfect tailgating weekend whether it's in town or out of town, but don't forget - you need the right ride AND the right accessories to make the most of it. Not only do we have a great selection of new Toyotas that are perfect for tailgating - we're looking at you, Toyota Tundra - but we also have some suggestions as to car accessories that will help you make the most of the big game. Check it out! Six car accessories to take tailgating this fall #1: Cargo area organizer. You're going to have A LOT of gear with you during tailgating season, especially if you're the type of loyal fan who will even get out of town to support your team. Invest in a cargo area organizer - or at least a net - to keep everything in its place and prevent it from rolling around the back of your Orlando Toyota while you're on the way to the field. This car accessory will also ensure it's easy to find everything you need when it's time to break out the party supplies. #2: Wireless speakers. You can play music in your car for the tailgate, but then you're also at risk of draining your car battery AND you have to leave your car open all day. Instead, invest in some wireless speakers to pump up the jams and keep the music flowing until it's time to head into the stadium. #3: A bed extender. If you have a lot of gear but your cab is full of passengers, you may want to invest in a bed extender for your Orlando Toyota truck. This cool car accessory will allow you to leave the tailgate down but still keep all of your gear in the bed when you're on the go, giving you a good deal of extra space back there. Ask our Toyota of Orlando parts store which one works best for your truck! #4: Tonneau cover. Whether you drive a Toyota truck or an SUV, this car accessory really comes in handy when it comes to privacy and security. It covers anything that's in the bed of the truck or the cargo area of the SUV, keeping it away from prying eyes who may want to break into your vehicle while you're instead of the stadium. Plus, if you drive a truck, it'll keep everything dry and in the shade while you're busy cheering on your team. #5: A power inverter. Taking a bunch of appliances with you to make your tailgating site a home away from home? Consider a power inverter - this will allow you to run and charge things off of your car battery. Just make sure you're clear on how it works, how you should use it, and have our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs inspect your battery before you put the inverter to use. #6: Hitch. If you're REALLY swamped when it comes to tailgating gear (or you just want to bring your smoker along for the ride), you may need to tow behind your vehicle. In this case, you'll need a hitch and a towing setup. Our parts store can get you everything you need and our Toyota service center can install it - just call and set up an appointment! Shop for them all at Toyota of Orlando Shopping car accessories for tailgating season? Look no further than Toyota of Orlando. Our parts store (and all of our tailgate-ready new Toyotas) are waiting for you at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. We're open seven days a week and you can reach us ahead of time at (407) 298-4500.