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Your car headlights play an integral part in your car's performance, especially when you're driving in inclement weather (like rain or snow) and at night. They allow you to have visibility of your surroundings and also allow other drivers and pedestrians to see you on the road, so it's critical that they're working at all times. However, just like any other part they do wear out over time and need to be restored and have bulbs replaced. Toyota of Orlando's service team is here to share 4 signs you've got car headlight issues and need to pay our Toyota service center a visit. 4 signs you need headlight service at Toyota of Orlando Sign #1: Your low beams work, but your high beams don't. Can you turn on your headlights like you usually would but when it's time to use the high beams, you get no response from them? You may have a burnt out bulb, so try replacing that first. If that doesn't do the trick, you might have blown a fuse or have an issue with wiring. Have our Orlando auto service team take a look at it to troubleshoot. Sign #2: Your headlights seem dimmer than usual. You know how your car headlights should look and if they seem dimmer than usual, it's typically indicative of one of two problems. Your headlight bulb may be on its way out (which is an easy fix - just replace it) or you may have a corroded or damaged ground wire. If replacing the bulb doesn't fix the issues, schedule an appointment at Toyota of Orlando. Sign #3: The light coming from them is flickering. Is the light coming from your car headlights flickering and uneven? If so, it could mean your bulbs are going bad (remember, they wear out over time). Flickering means they're very close to not working at all. If the bulbs aren't the culprit, you could have issues with a problematic battery connection or even a bad harness. In these cases, it's best to let the experts take a look. Sign #4: You keep blowing fuses. If your headlights keep giving out on you and you find burnt out fuses under the hood constantly, you might have a larger wiring or electrical problem on your hands. Our Orlando Toyota car care team can help you pinpoint and repair the issue. Don't drive with burnt out lights or broken lenses Remember, we're here to help with everything from a simple bulb replacement to overall headlight restoration to replacing a smashed headlight (taping it up won't work long term, just FYI). It's illegal to drive without two working headlights and you can find yourself with a hefty ticket to pay if you get pulled over. Let us help you avoid the issue and fix all of your lighting issues at our Toyota service center and Toyota collision center today. Give us a call - we're here seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001! You can also stop by to see us and ask all of your lighting questions at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

The phrase "your car is due for maintenance" is enough to strike fear into the hearts of some drivers. If you don't have a trusted relationship with your mechanic, you likely start to worry about how much said maintenance will cost. Could a routine auto service appointment turn into major repairs once the mechanic pops the hood? You can rest easy (and even easier if you service at Toyota of Orlando). At our car care center, we think it's important for our customers to have a basic idea of what's going on under the hood so they can make educated decisions about their car care. Today we're giving you quick explanations of 10 commonly mentioned car parts. Check it out! 10 common car parts to know about 1. Camshaft: The camshaft's job is to open and close the valves in your engine. This ensures that air and fuel make it into the engine and exhaust gases make it out. They don't really need to be replaced regularly, but if you're having issues with low oil, they could be damaged and need to be replaced. 2. Heater core: This key car part is used to heat the inside of your Orlando Toyota's cabin (we know, not something we do often here in Central Florida). It's similar to a car radiator and is located behind your car's dashboard. 3. Power window switch: Most cars nowadays have power windows and this switch is responsible for ensuring they can go up and down. They can fail over time due to dust and debris or just heavy use in general. 4. Wiper motor: We're always harping on you about how important it is to use your windshield wipers. This car part is responsible for ensuring you can. If it stops working, so do your wipers. 5. Axle or CV shaft: These take power from your differential to your front or rear wheels (depending on whether you have front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive). They're encased in rubber boots which wear down over time so your mechanic may say you need new boots for them before you actually have to replace the shafts themselves. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> 6. Mass airflow sensor: This part reads how much air is being pulled into the engine so it can figure out how much fuel is needed to be added into the mixture, which will then be ignited to start your car. 7. Shock absorbers: These important car parts help to absorb the shock when your car is traveling over rough road so you're more comfortable inside the cabin. They do wear out and may need to be replaced over time. 8. Ignition coil: This car part sends voltage to your spark plugs to help them ignite, which in turn creates the combustion that gets your Orlando Toyota's engine up and running. They do wear out over time and need to be replaced to ensure your car doesn't misfire or refuse to start. 9. Muffler: The muffler quiets your car, essentially. It helps to dull the roar of your engine so it's quieter both inside your car's cabin AND to the people around you on the road. 10. A/C compressor: The compressor is responsible for ensuring your car A/C works, which is crucial here in Orlando. If your A/C isn't running properly, be sure to have this car part checked. Toyota of Orlando can help keep your car parts in working order Have questions or need help fixing or replacing car parts? Call Toyota of Orlando! Our Toyota service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Updated August 2026 Your car brakes are one of the most important safety systems on your Toyota. Every time you slow down for a stoplight, avoid an obstacle in the road, or come to a stop in Orlando's heavy traffic, you're relying on your braking system. It has to perform perfectly or you could end up in an accident or collision. That's why at Toyota of Orlando, routine brake maintenance isn't just recommended… we see it as essential! Executive Summary: Modern vehicles use four main braking systems: disc brakes, drum brakes, Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS), and parking (emergency) brakes, and each one plays an important role in keeping you safe on the road. Disc brakes offer the strongest, most consistent stopping power and are the standard on most new Toyota models, while drum brakes are still found on some rear wheels and require regular maintenance to perform their best. ABS helps you maintain steering control during emergency braking, and your parking brake prevents your vehicle from rolling while reducing stress on your transmission when parked. Warning signs like squealing, grinding, vibrations, a soft brake pedal, or longer stopping distances shouldn't be ignored. Regular brake inspections help catch worn pads, damaged rotors, sticking calipers, and old brake fluid before they become costly repairs. Orlando's stop-and-go traffic, summer heat, and frequent rainstorms can accelerate brake wear, making routine brake maintenance even more important for local drivers. Keeping your car brakes in the best condition helps protect you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. Our Toyota of Orlando service technicians recommend: Replacing worn brake components before they fail Maintaining proper brake fluid levels Regularly inspecting important parts like your brake rotors, brake calipers, and brake pads to ensure everything is working together efficiently Your braking system is made up of a lot of parts, and you don’t have to become a brake expert overnight. That’s where we come in! At Toyota of Orlando, our factory-trained techs handle everything from routine brake inspections to complete brake repairs using Genuine Toyota Parts whenever we can. And to help you better understand what's happening every time you press the brake pedal, check out this guide explaining the four main types of car brakes, how they work, and why regular brake maintenance is so important. We're Making It Simple®! What are the four main types of car brakes? Modern cars use a few different braking technologies, but the two main mechanical braking systems are disc brakes and drum brakes.Our modern Orlando Toyotas are also equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and an emergency (parking) brake that add another layer of safety. 1. Disc brakes: The most common type of car brakes Disc brakes are the standard on pretty much every new Toyota because they're powerful, reliable, and can easily handle a variety of driving conditions. This type of car brakes system includes: Brake pads Brake rotors Brake calipers Hydraulic brake fluid Here's how everything works together - let our Orlando Toyota brake techs break it down for you. When you press the brake pedal, brake fluid travels through hydraulic brake lines. The pressure activates the brake calipers. The calipers squeeze the brake pads against the brake rotors. The friction created slows the wheels until your car comes to a complete stop. Simple, right?One reason disc car brakes are so popular is because they can handle heat. The brake rotors are exposed to open air, so they cool much faster than enclosed systems. That helps reduce brake fade during repeated braking, like when you’re driving in stop-and-go Orlando traffic or down long hills. Disc brakes are also exceptional in wet weather. As an Orlando driver, you know how fast afternoon thunderstorms can appear. Disc brakes shed water faster than drum brakes, which gives you full braking performance sooner after driving through heavy rain. Our new Toyota models typically have disc brakes on all four wheels, which means excellent stopping performance, durability, and consistency. 2. Drum brakes: A traditional type of car brakes Drum brakes are still found on some cars, but they’re a lot less common today. They’re usually on the rear wheels of smaller or more budget-friendly models. Instead of using a brake rotor and brake pads, drum car brakes work differently. They have curved brake shoes inside a metal drum. When you apply the brakes: Hydraulic pressure forces the brake shoes outward. The shoes press against the inside surface of the spinning drum. Friction slows the wheel and brings the car to a stop. While drum brakes work, they have some disadvantages compared to disc brakes. They retain heat longer. They're more susceptible to brake fade during repeated stopping. Water can become trapped inside the drum, increasing the risk of corrosion. They're generally more difficult to inspect and service. That being said, drum brakes are perfectly safe if you maintain and adjust them. Many manufacturers still use them on rear wheels because they're cheaper and integrate well with parking brake systems. If your Orlando Toyota has drum brakes, routine inspections are especially important so we can make sure they're wearing evenly and operating correctly. 3. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Car brakes for emergency situations Anti-lock Braking Systems (commonly known as ABS) aren’t actually a separate type of car brakes. They're an advanced safety feature that works alongside your primary braking system. ABS is designed to prevent your wheels from locking when you have to hit the brakes hard. Without ABS, slamming on the brakes could cause your tires to skid across the pavement, making it difficult to steer and avoid collisions. Here's how ABS works: Wheel speed sensors constantly monitor each wheel. If one wheel begins locking up during braking, the ABS computer detects it immediately. The system rapidly reduces and reapplies brake pressure several times per second. This allows the wheels to continue rotating while still slowing your car. The result? Better steering control during emergency stops. You’ll probably notice the brake pedal vibrating or shaking during ABS activation. That's completely normal and means the system is working like it should. ABS can be especially important during: Heavy Orlando rainstorms Wet roads Loose gravel Emergency highway stops Sudden obstacle avoidance And remember - ABS is great, but you should still use a safe following distance and keep up with your tires to ensure you can stop safely. 4. Emergency brakes (parking brakes) Your emergency brake - which is also called the parking brake - is another important part of your car’s overall braking system. Depending on your Orlando Toyota model, it will be: A traditional hand lever A foot pedal An electronic parking brake switch Unlike your main car brakes, the parking brake doesn't rely on hydraulic pressure. Instead, it uses a mechanical cable or electronic actuator to keep your ride from rolling when it’s parked. You should use your parking brake regularly because it: Helps prevent your car from rolling on hills Reduces stress on your transmission when your car is parked Provides an additional layer of safety Keeps your parking brake parts from sticking due to lack of use It’s not meant to stop your car during everyday driving, but the emergency brake can help gradually slow your ride if your primary braking system fails. If that ever happens, apply the parking brake slowly and steadily. Don’t yank it suddenly at highway speeds! What are the signs your car brakes need service? Your car brakes usually give you warning signs before they have a major issue. Paying attention to these symptoms can help prevent big repairs and also keep you and yours safer.Some common signs that your car brakes need service include: Squealing or squeaking when braking Grinding noises Vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel A soft or spongy brake pedal Your vehicle pulling to one side while braking Increased stopping distance Brake warning light illuminated Burning smells after heavy braking If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your car to Toyota of Orlando ASAP for a brake inspection! Why regular brake maintenance matters Your braking system is made up of parts that naturally wear over time just like anything else. Regular brake maintenance helps catch problems early before they become bigger and more expensive.Here's what our Toyota of Orlando technicians inspect during brake service. Brake pads Brake pads are designed to wear gradually as they create friction against the brake rotors. Most brake pads last anywhere from 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits, traffic conditions, and car type. Ignoring worn brake pads can damage your car’s rotors, which are significantly more expensive to replace. Brake rotors Brake rotors are the smooth metal surface your brake pads squeeze against. Over time they can become: Warped Scored Cracked Excessively worn Damaged rotors usually cause vibrations while you’re braking and should be resurfaced or replaced if they’re in poor shape. Brake calipers Brake calipers hold the brake pads and apply the hydraulic pressure during braking. If a caliper sticks or leaks, it can cause: Uneven brake pad wear Pulling while braking Reduced stopping performance Premature rotor damage Routine inspections help catch these issues early, so schedule yours at Toyota of Orlando. Brake fluid Brake fluid transfers hydraulic pressure through your braking system. Over time, it naturally absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture contamination lowers its boiling point and can reduce your brakes’ effectiveness, especially during heavy braking. That's why manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid at regular service intervals. Our Toyota of Orlando techs can get you on a schedule! Orlando driving can be harder on car brakes Living in Orlando means your car brakes often work harder than drivers in other parts of the country. Some local driving conditions that increase brake wear include: Heavy stop-and-go Orlando traffic Frequent tourist congestion near attractions Summer heat that increases brake temperatures Daily commuting on I-4 Sudden afternoon thunderstorms requiring additional braking Regular brake inspections help ensure your braking system is prepared for whatever Orlando roads throw your way. Trust Toyota of Orlando with your brake service Whether your vehicle needs new brake pads, rotor replacement, brake fluid service, or a complete brake inspection, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Schedule brake service with us at (407) 298-0001 or online, and don’t forget to ask about our money-saving brake service specials today!

Are you in the market for new car tires? It can be confusing trying to wade through the options and choose the right one for your car and your drive time needs. That's where our Orlando Toyota service center comes in! Not only do we have a great selection of all types of tires at affordable prices (and deals on top of deals), we also have knowledgeable techs on board. We sat down with them to learn more about the main types of car tires, and here's the quick guide we compiled from their input. The five main types of car tires Type 1: All Season All season tires are good for... well, all seasons. But this is only true if your seasons aren't crazily intense - if you live in an area with heavy snow and ice, these tires may not cut it. All season tires can handle wet and dry roads as well as light snow and they come in two types (Touring and Passenger). Touring tires are quieter and have better handling, while passenger tires provide a smoother ride and tend to last longer. Type 2: Summer Summer tires are similar to all season tires; they're great for wet and dry conditions in climates that usually don't go below 45 degrees every year (i.e. they're a good bet for Orlando). Summer tires tend to have detailed tread patterns with orbital grooves, which allows for great handling in dry summer conditions. Type 3: Winter or Snow If you live in an area of the country that gets heavy snow and often has icy conditions, winter or snow tires may be a good investment for your Orlando Toyota. They're made of a special rubber that stays pliable and soft even when it's below freezing, which means you have better handling capabilities. They're also more durable than all-season car tires and their tread is designed with deep grooves and lots of small fissures and channels to help move through slush and snow and still provide superior traction. Type 4: Performance Do you like to hit the track? Performance tires are a great option if you love the feel of driving fast and want something with excellent handling and cornering capabilities, even if it's just for your sedan. These tires are usually wider than normal for more contact with the road and have shallow treads and a low profile look. They typically come in four subtypes - performance, high performance, ultra-high performance, and competition. Type 5: Truck If you drive a truck and like to make the most of its performance capabilities, you may want to look into specially crafted truck tires for your next ride. There are several main types. Highway truck tires are great for a smooth ride no matter the road, while performance truck tires are designed to withstand higher speeds and more aggressive driving. All-terrain truck tires are good for driving in sand, light mud, and gravel, while off-road tires are perfect for taking on challenging off-road conditions like deep sand, heavy mud, and snow. Toyota of Orlando can get you the tires you need Have questions about your car tires? Let Toyota of Orlando help. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and you can stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

When you hit the road, a lot of moving parts make it happen. Your car's engine and the inner workings are more complicated than you might think and it's good to have a basic understanding of how it all comes together so you can better prepare for and comprehend your auto repair and maintenance needs. Today we're talking about your car's transmission and giving you the basics on what it does so you can understand why it's important to performance. Your car transmission, explained Did you know there are two main types of car transmissions? Here's the breakdown. Manual transmissions are the OG - back in the day, most cars had this type of transmission. In this configuration, shifting is done manually by the driver with a clutch and a shifter. The driver has to move up and down between gears as the vehicle accelerates and slows, which means you have to be paying close attention while you're behind the wheel. Automatic transmissions are newer and nowadays, the more common of the two types. Shifting is done automatically by your Orlando Toyota, requiring no shifting from you as the driver. This type of transmission usually allows for smoother shifting but at the same time, decreases fuel efficiency a bit due to a slight lag in gear shifting. What types of automatic transmissions are there? To break it down even further, there are actually 4 different types of automatic transmissions. Here are the basics: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): This type of transmission is one you'll find used a lot in our Orlando Toyotas. It sounds odd, but this one actually doesn't shift. CVTs use pulleys instead of gears to make your transition between speeds and RPMs as smooth as possible. They don't have the typical shifting "feel" of other vehicles, but they can be louder and usually can't produce a ton of power for your performance. Conventional automatic: This type of transmission uses a torque converter and electronically-controlled clutch pack to do all the shifting for you - all you have to do as a driver is accelerate with the gas pedal and hit the brakes to slow. Automated Manual: This type of transmission is a mix of automatic and manual. It doesn't use a manual clutch, instead using a computer-automated clutch. If you buy an Orlando Toyota with this type of car transmission, you'll usually find that it comes with paddle shifters or a manual sport mode. Dual-clutch automated manual: This is a particularly unique type of car transmission and you won't find it on too many vehicles. It uses two different gear shafts with one numbered for odd gears and one numbered for even gears, all in all numbering 1-7. Your car's computer pre-selects the gears and automatically shifts, disengaging the first gear to move to the next and taking care of all of the shifting for you as the car speeds up and slows. Have questions about your car transmission? Give us a call - Toyota of Orlando's auto service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

Your car is a big investment - huge, really. For some people, it's the next biggest investment they'll make next to their home. That's why it's critical to maintain and service your vehicle on a routine basis and take good care of it. Not only will it get you where you need to go for a long time, but it'll also retain its value and protect your investment. Routine car care is pretty simple to complete (especially if you let our Orlando auto service techs get you on a schedule and send you reminders), but you COULD be engaging in bad car care habits that can cost you money down the road. Here are some of the most common bad habits we see and why you should break them! Don't make these 5 car care mistakes Bad habit #1: Trying to run on empty. Are you in the bad car care habit of letting your gas tank run dry pretty often? If you're the type of person stops at the pump often to put in a few dollars at a time, stop. Keeping your tank full has benefits - like preserving your fuel pump and keeping it running cooler, which can save you big time repair costs. Filling your tank completely can also enhance your fuel efficiency because you're making fewer trips to the gas station. Bad habit #2: Shifting from reverse to drive too quickly. Some drivers get into the bad habit of shifting from reverse into drive too quickly, and this is bad for your transmission. You should wait until your car has come to a complete stop and THEN shift from reverse into drive, and vice versa. Bad habit #3: Keeping the trunk full. Are you guilty of keeping all of your junk in the trunk? It's time to clear things out. Keeping too much stuff in your trunk weighs your car down, which in turn can cause your fuel efficiency to take a dip. Additionally, too much weight in the back of your car can damage your suspension and brakes over time because your vehicle has to work harder to support the weight and bring you to a safe stop.  Make cleaning out your trunk part of your routine car care. Bad habit #4: Hitting the gas too hard. If you have a tendency to put the pedal to the metal, you may want to curb it. Not only does this burn excessive amounts of fuel (and in turn, bring down your fuel efficiency and make you spend more on gas), it also puts your drivetrain through the wringer. It also makes your brakes work harder to bring you to a safe stop, which means more frequent brake pads replacement and brake service. Bad habit #5: Not using your parking brake consistently. Most people think you only need to use your parking brake if you're going to be parked on a hill. This is definitely not the case; using your parking brake every time you park can actually help save your brakes by better distributing the weight in your car. Toyota of Orlando can help you build better car care habits Have questions or need car care help? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001.

Do you routinely use your car parking brake? This small but essential part plays an important role in your car's day-to-day life and Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you how and why. Here are 5 things you should know about your parking brake before you hit the road so you can safely and effectively put it to work when you get behind the wheel. What you should know about your car parking brake #1: Your car parking brake can be a pedal OR a hand brake, depending on your car's make and model. Be sure to locate and test it during your test drive. If it's a hand brake, it'll be located in between the driver and passenger seats, near your gear shifter. You operate it by pulling it up until it locks into place, and you release it by pushing the button on the end and pushing it back down. If it's a foot brake, it'll be on the driver's side near the accelerator and brakes. You operate it by pushing it down until it sticks, and you release it by pushing down on the pedal and then letting go to release the brake. #2: You should NEVER drive with the parking brake engaged. If you try it, you'll immediately notice the resistance and remember to turn it off. However, don't try to drive with it engaged for any reason - it can cause major issues with your braking system. It can wear down your brake pads quickly AND cause temperatures to rise quickly, resulting in you wearing down the linings in your brakes. #3: It needs to be maintained. You won't have to do much for it - really, you can just ask our Orlando auto service techs to check it when you bring your car in for service - but it is necessary to have it routinely checked and cared for, especially if you use it a lot OR if your car has been sitting idle for a while. #4: You should engage your parking brake BEFORE you put your car in park. Many drivers put their vehicle in park and then engage the parking brake, but this actually causes the car to rock back slightly, putting weight on the transmission. Instead, once you're in your parking spot you should keep your right foot on the brake pedal (and leave your car running) and engage the parking brake, and THEN shift the car into park. #5: Your car parking brake will need to be adjusted. Just like you need your car brakes serviced (replacing brake lines, resurfacing rotors, etc.) you'll need to ensure that your car parking brake routinely serviced to replace bad lines or get rid of any corrosion that accumulates. Service this important part at Toyota of Orlando today Have more questions? Want to schedule car parking brake service at Toyota of Orlando? We've got you covered. Call Toyota of Orlando's service center seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

You want your car brakes to be in the best condition possible at all times - after all, they're the car part that brings you to a safe stop when you need it most. That's why it's critical that you stay on top of brake service at Toyota of Orlando AND be able to realize when your braking system is having issues. The good news is our techs are here to help - today we're talking some of the most common car brake issues and what they mean. Read on! 5 common car brake issues Issue: Your car shudders or shakes when you brake. If you hit the brakes and your Orlando Toyota shudders or shakes, it means there's an issue with your rotors. It could be that they're damaged from excessive heat (like when your brake pads get too thin), or that they have buildup on the surface that's giving them a warped shape. Either way, our auto service techs can either resurface or clean them so it's smooth sailing when you use your car brakes. Issue: Your pedal "sinks" to the floor when you're holding it. Does your pedal seem to sink down to the floor when you're holding it at a stoplight? This car brake issue can indicate that your brake pressure is low and you have an issue with your master cylinder. It could be something as small as a seal that needs to be replaced or a leak somewhere, but it's worth letting our Orlando auto service techs take a look under the hood. Issue: Your brake pedal feels soft. Does it feel like your brakes are soft or squishy when you press them? This can be indicative of several different issues, including a brake fluid leak, a problem with the master cylinder, a blown brake line, a bad wheel bearing, and more. Let our Orlando car brake specialists pinpoint the issue to save you time and money and get you back out on the road as quickly as possible. Issue: Your brake pedal is harder to push than usual. If you feel like you have to press the brake pedal much harder than you usually do to get your car to slow or stop, then you have a problem. Typically this issue stems from things like overworn brake pads, a problem with a vacuum hose, a seized up caliper, or a bad power booster. None of these are things you can usually fix DIY style, so visit Toyota of Orlando's service center. Issue: Your brake pedal won't stop braking. Does it feel like your brake pedal is still braking even after you release it? If your brakes aren't disengaging, it means you might have a problem with your calipers seizing, a clog in the master cylinder, a pinched brake line, or a problem with the parking brake cable. Let Toyota of Orlando get you back on the road today Regardless of what car brake issues you're having, we've got you covered. Come visit us! Toyota of Orlando's auto service center is open seven days a week for your convenience at 3575 Vineland Road. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your appointment!

Are you trying to get your ride back into like-new condition but on a budget when it comes to car detailing supplies? We're here to help! We offer affordable car supplies at our Orlando Toyota parts store, but we're also here to share budget-friendly car cleaning hacks to get your ride into the best shape possible without having to break the bank. Check it out! Easy hacks for car cleaning Washing your car We know that when you're on a budget, the last thing you want to spend money on is car cleaning supplies like expensive auto soap. However, resist the temptation to use regular dish soap on your vehicle. The harsh chemicals in it can actually do more harm than good to your paint, so it's best to instead mix some hair conditioner with water if you're washing your car on the cheap. It'll actually help your car repel water and give it a nice, shiny finish. Win-win! Cleaning the interior Sprays formulated for the interior of your car are nice, but not absolutely necessary to get things clean. A little bit of olive oil on a soft cloth can work wonders for plastics, vinyl, and SofTex inside the car. If you have fabric seats that you want to freshen up, you can use regular soap, water, and a sponge - just scrub, rinse with clean water, and let dry. If there's a particularly tough stain in your car's upholstery or carpet, our Orlando Toyota car care experts recommend using club soda or a baking soda/water mixture (1/4 cup baking soda and one cup warm water) to scrub it out. Cleaning the windows It's essential to clean your windows and windshield so you have a clear field of vision at all times. However, using ammonia-based cleaners like Windex can damage the glass and your tint job that you shelled out hard-earned bucks for. Instead, use white vinegar mixed with water as a cleaner, and use crumbled newspapers instead of paper towels (newspaper is stronger and doesn't leave those little weird white things all over the window as you clean). Removing stuck-on debris from the exterior Bird poop and sap are notoriously hard to get off of car paint, but it's an essential part of car cleaning if you want to avoid paint damage in the long run. Our Orlando auto service techs recommend spraying a little WD40 on the spot to remove the offending debris - the grease will help loosen it up so you can wipe it away. Getting rid of bad smells Does the interior of your Orlando Toyota smell like it's seen better days? Get rid of offensive, lingering odors with baking soda. You can sprinkle it on the seats and carper, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum out. A small bag of charcoal under one of the seats is also a great odor absorber. Let Toyota of Orlando help you get your car looking like-new again Have more questions about budget-friendly car cleaning hacks? Call us today - Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Have you scheduled brake service for your car lately? Most people don't put this particular type of Orlando auto service at the top of their to-do list when it comes to caring for their car. Brake service, however, is just as essential as an oil change or tire rotation. After all, your brakes are what bring you and your vehicle to a safe stop when it matters most. Toyota of Orlando offers affordable brake service to keep you safe out on the road, and we're here to tell you what to expect when you schedule this important car maintenance. Toyota of Orlando explains your car brake system Before we can explain what brake service actually consists of, it's probably best if we refresh your memory in terms of what's actually in your car braking system. Here are the main components that will be inspected, serviced, and repaired if necessary: Brake pads: Your brake pads are held in place against your rotors. When you press the brake pedal, they create the friction necessary to bring your vehicle to a stop. Calipers: Your calipers are metal pieces that actually hold your brake pads in place against the rotors and when you press the brake pedal, they push the brake pads firmly against the rotors to create the aforementioned necessary friction. Rotors: Your rotors are metal discs that work with the brake pads to make friction and slow/stop your car. Brake lines + fluid: Your brake lines connect your brake pedal to the rest of your brake system, and brake fluid keeps the entire system up and running when it matters most. What happens during brake service? So, what exactly happens when you schedule brake service at our Orlando Toyota service center? Here's what you can expect after you drop your car off. First, our Orlando car care techs will do a thorough inspection of your entire brake system to look for any existing OR developing issues that could cause trouble. Next, they'll check your brake pads. If they're in good shape, they get checked off the list. If they're too thin or worn down, they'll be replaced with a fresh set. Next up are the calipers. Our Orlando brake service techs will check then for rust and debris and if necessary, sand them down. If they're good to go, our techs will lubricate them and call it a day. Then they'll check your rotors to ensure they're in good condition and haven't been worn down due to bad brake pads. Finally, our techs will check your brake lines to ensure they aren't worn or leaking, and make sure you have enough clean brake fluid. If there's an issue, they may do a brake fluid flush. And then you're back on the road and ready to go. Have questions? Want to schedule brake service at our Orlando auto service center? You can call us today at (407) 298-4500 or schedule online. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

If you live in Orlando - or even if you're just visiting - you know exactly how hot it can get in your car in a matter of minutes. Opening the door after a day at work can feel like opening an oven, and the last thing you want to do is sit in the heat during your long drive home. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! We've got quick car care tips from our auto service techs to help keep your car's interior AND you cooler, all season long. Orlando Toyota car care tips to keep you cool Tip #1: Crank the windows down The heat builds up in your car all day, making it oven-like when you finally open it after work. To prevent this unfortunate scenario, you can leave your windows cracked during the day to help let the hot air escape (just be mindful of the forecast - if it rains, you could be in trouble!).  When you finally do get to your car at the end of the day, open all the doors for a minute or two to let the air circulate and push some of the hot air out. It also helps to roll down your windows when you hit the road and turn your A/C up to force the hot air out and get cooler air quickly circulating; once things are more tolerable, roll up your windows to trap the cool air. Tip #2: Keep your steering wheel cool Your steering wheel can actually feel like a hot stove when you get in the car and it's not pleasant to try and drive while simultaneously blowing on your hands. An easy fix is to use a sunshade in your windshield (this will also help keep your car cooler and protect your entire interior from UV rays that lead to fading and cracking). You can also turn your wheel 180 degrees when you park, so when it's time to hit the road you flip it back and use the cool part to steer. A final tip? Throw a hand towel over the wheel to protect it from the sun. Tip #3: Choose your parking spot carefully Your parking spot can play a big role in how cool your car stays during the day. Obviously, parking in a garage is best, but covered parking like a carport or even a spot that's shady from trees can help prevent heat from building up inside the cabin. Tip #4: Cope with a broken A/C A broken A/C can make your drive time absolutely miserable. Until you can get your ride to our Orlando auto service center for repairs, there are ways to cope. A battery-powered or solar-powered fan can help circulate air and cool you off, and placing a cold, wet cloth over your A/C vent can blow some cooler air your way (just make sure your car is nice and dry before you park for the day). Schedule summer car care at Toyota of Orlando Want more tips, or need car care for your A/C system? Toyota of Orlando can help! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your Orlando summer car care and make the season a bearable one!

When you think about it, your auto glass does a lot for your drive time. It keeps cold (or warm) air in, rain and bugs out, and lets you safely navigate the road without debris and dirt getting into the cabin of your Orlando Toyota. When it gets damaged, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can quickly spiral into expensive auto repairs if you're not careful. Toyota of Orlando's body shop is here to give you the ins and outs of auto glass and the repairs that may come along with it. What causes you to need auto glass repair? Unfortunately, it's pretty easy to get cracks, chips, and dings in your auto glass (especially if you drive on I-4). All it takes is one piece of debris flying up and that gut-wrenching popping noise, and you've got damage to your windshield or windows that means either repairs or replacement. The most common types of damage are chips and cracks. Basically, chips damage the top layer of the glass and cause imperfections in it, which weakens its structure. From there on out, cracks can occur and spiderweb out from the center with the right pressure and motion. This majorly weakens your auto glass, putting you and your passengers at risk. How do you know if you need a repair or replacement? The general rule of thumb is that if the ding is smaller than a quarter and doesn't have cracks extending from it, you can opt for a repair. However, if it's larger than that or has cracking extending from its edges, you may need a windshield replacement (or if you just don't want to deal with a cosmetic imperfection in the glass). Luckily for us, in the state of Florida you're entitled to auto glass replacement FOR FREE under your car insurance policy. You should make a claim immediately and report the damage to your insurance company; they can set it up to where you get your auto glass repaired or replaced so you can hit the road safely again. Never put off making the claim - the damage will just likely get worse as you continue to drive and can put you and everyone in your car in danger. Our Orlando Toyota Certified Collision Center can also help with auto glass repair - our trained techs are ready to get you back on the road in no time with minimal time spent in the shop (and minimal cost if your state's insurance doesn't cover it for some reason). If it doesn't, make sure you check your policy before scheduling repairs so there are no surprises. It can cost upwards of $100 to repair a chip and $400 to repair a crack. Call Toyota of Orlando with all of your auto glass needs Have questions? Need more information? Call us today at (407) 298-6006. Our Orlando body shop techs are here and ready to help. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.