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Is the exterior of your car looking a little worse for the wear? Whether a branch fell and scratched the hood or someone got a little too friendly with their shopping car in the parking lot, car paint damage happens. It can leave your car looking less-than-new and over time, actually lead to rust damage (which is expensive and time-consuming to fix). Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you combat car paint damage at home (unless you're not feeling confident, in which case our Toyota Collision Center has got you covered!). Toyota of Orlando's paint for getting rid of scratches First things first - before you actually get to work, you need to figure out how deep the scratch is and if you're capable of handling it from home. Your car paint has several layers that give it both durability and shine, including the base body panel coat, a primer coat, clay bar wax, the actual body paint coat, and then a clear coat to protect it and give it shine. Here's how to tell how deep that scratch actually is: Clear coat scratches are visible but fade when your car gets wet and then reappear when it dries. A body coat scratch won't fade but actually looks white inside the scratch. A base body panel or primer scratch (the deepest) is gray or black in color. Once you've determined what type of car paint damage you have and whether or not you feel comfortable fixing it, it's time to gather supplies. For this DIY auto repair, you'll need a few clean microfiber cloths, sandpaper, fine scratch polish, soapy water, and a power polisher. Repair your car paint damage like a pro Step 1: Clean the area where the car paint damage is with the soapy water and dry it with a microfiber cloth. This will help prevent you from polishing or rubbing sand or grit into the paint, damaging it further. Then, tape the area off. This will help you remember the exact area you should be working in. Step 2: Begin sanding. You'll want to be careful - our Orlando Toyota collision center recommends starting with a 3000 fine grit sandpaper (5000 will also be OK) and wrapping a dish sponge in the paper so you avoid pressure points from your fingertips showing up in your sanding. Apply soapy water to the area you're going to sand and get started. You should use medium pressure and sand until the area has a hazy look and you can no longer see the scratch. Step 3: Get polishing and waxing. If you can't see the scratch anymore, then it's time to move to the next step. Continue with a little bit of sanding - this time you want to sand around the scratch and existing sanded area to add a little feathering to the hazy area (this is what the 5000 fine grit sandpaper is for). Next, take some polish on a microfiber rag and apply it to the hazy area. This will help sand down the area further and restore shine. Finally, apply clay bar wax to the area to finish the process and get it looking like-new again. Need more tips or have major car paint damage that needs to be repaired? Call us - we're ready to help make it happen. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Do you have a clear idea of what's going on under your car's hood? Not a lot of drivers do, and that's OK - that's what our Orlando Toyota service experts are here for. However, it does help to have a basic knowledge of how things work so you can make more knowledgable decisions about your car care. Today, we're giving you the basics when it comes to your car's serpentine belt. Find out what it does, why it's important, what happens if it breaks, and how to tell if you need to service or replace it. What is the serpentine belt? First, what is the serpentine belt? Basically, it's one long, winding (that's why it's called serpentine) belt that sends power to your car's air conditioner, alternator, power steering pump, and in some cases even your water pump. Cars haven't always had them - believe it or not, they used to have individual belts to serve each individual part. This was inefficient, though, because the belts all wore down differently and had to be maintained and replaced at different times. (It caused a lot more maintenance than was necessary.) Thus, the introduction of the serpentine belt to replace all of the individual belts. Obviously, the serpentine belt plays an essential role in your car's performance. If it breaks, you're not going to be getting power to a good number of your car's accessories, and that can lead to serious performance problems. Additionally, when the belt breaks it can damage OTHER parts of the engine, leading to a ton of expensive repairs to get your Orlando Toyota up and running again. That's why it's important to maintain it and when necessary, replace it. Luckily, serpentine belts usually only need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They're made of thick, durable rubber and built to last. As long as you have it checked with a visual inspection once a year, you should be good to go. Signs it's time to schedule a replacement at Toyota of Orlando So, how do you know if the belt is about to wear out and is due for replacement? Here are some telltale signs you're going to need Orlando auto service soon: You spot cracks or tears in the belt The belt has a "glazed" look - it looks sort of shiny Pieces of rubber are flaking off You're having problems with your alternator and getting your car started Your check engine light comes on (we know this can mean a lot of things, but it's also a sign of problems with your serpentine belt, so it's worth bringing your car into Toyota of Orlando for an inspection) You hear squealing or chirping under the hood - this is caused when the belt slipping due to stretching, a leak in the engine, or the belt's pulley working improperly Your power steering stops working You notice issues with other accessories like your water pump or air conditioning Think you need auto maintenance for your serpentine belt? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 or schedule an appointment online. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road!

Summer is coming to the City Beautiful, which means temperatures are about to climb (they're already in the 90s and we foresee them creeping upward in the next month or so). This intense season can do a number on your car if you're not ready for it, but don't worry - Toyota of Orlando is here to get you prepped and ready with seasonal car maintenance for summer today. Even if you're spending your summer social distancing, you still need a reliable ride to get to the grocery store and other essential errands. Let us help you have a car that you can depend on, no matter how hot the weather! Schedule these four seasonal car maintenance appointments before summer arrives 1. Schedule an oil change. Oil will keep your engine cool and lubricated no matter how hot it gets outside, and without it you're running a big risk of serious damage and very expensive repairs. Schedule an Orlando oil change as part of your seasonal car maintenance to ensure your oil tank is full of clean oil. This way, your engine can stay cool when working hard and you have a reliable ride all summer long. 2. Have your tires rotated. Your tires take a beating in the summer. Not only is it hot out, the pavement is also extremely hot. You should schedule a tire rotation for your seasonal car maintenance so your tires wear evenly, but also have our techs inspect your tires. They can check to ensure they don't have any issues other than normal wear and tear and that they're inflated to the right PSI for safety and fuel efficiency. 3. Have our techs inspect your air conditioning. There's not much worse than riding around in a car with no air conditioning. Have our techs inspect your system NOW for any flaws or issues that might prevent you from staying cool this summer. They can get you on track to a much more comfortable drive time in no time! 4. Buy new wiper blades. Summer means rain in Central Florida (contrary to what tourists think). Make sure you're ready to complete your commute in bad weather - get a new set of wiper blades! Yours are probably worn out from the heat last summer, so get a fresh pair at our Orlando Toyota parts store. Our techs can even help you install them! Toyota of Orlando's DIY tips for summer car prep And here are a few DIY things you can tackle from the comfort of your garage (or just ask our techs - they're happy to help!): Check your coolant levels - make sure you take a peek at your coolant tank to ensure it's full and ready to handle the heat. Inspect under the hood - be on the lookout for any cracked or worn belts and hoses that could lead to issues when faced with summer heat Ask our techs to check your battery - you don't want to be stranded with a dead car if your battery isn't ready for summer And don't forget to wax your car! The summer sun is intense and can damage your car's paint over time. Get a quality wax from the Toyota of Orlando parts store and give your ride a coat of sunscreen. Have questions or need to schedule service? Call us at (407) 298-0001 today!

Do you think you do a good job taking care of your car tires? It's a pretty essential part of car care, after all - your tires play a crucial part in performance and if you're not taking care of them, you'll likely have to replace them more often AND face the possibility of flats and blowouts. Toyota of Orlando's auto service techs made a list of seven quick tips to help you care for your car tires like an expert - check it out! 7 car tire care tips Tip 1: Check your tire pressure on the regular. How often do you check your car tire pressure? We recommend performing this easy maintenance once a week - all you have to do is use a tire pressure gauge to quickly read the number. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the proper PSI (you can find it on the doorjamb of the driver's side door) and if they're low, add air to get them to the right level. Tip 2: Do the penny test. You should also check your tire tread on a regular basis, as that's what gives you traction. You can do the penny test - take a penny and stick it into your tire tread with Abe Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of his head, you don't have enough tread and it's time for new tires. Tip 3: Don't overload your ride. Overloading your ride with too much weight is bad for your car in general, but did you know it can also do a number on your tires? Too much weight causes your car tires to wear out faster, which means you have to replace them more often. Tip 4: Care for your spare. Don't forget about your spare! You never know when you'll need it, so take it out of the trunk once a month and check the PSI as well as the general condition to ensure you can use it should you ever be stuck in a pinch. Tip 5: Mix it up. Get tire rotations as scheduled! Our Orlando Toyota service techs can get you on a schedule for this essential car maintenance. They'll switch your tires from left to right and front to back to make sure they all wear evenly and last longer. Tip 6: Don't put off repairs. If you need repairs or maintenance, don't put it off. Driving on a damaged tire leaves you prone to blowouts (and accidents), and hitting a pothole or curb can actually damage your car's alignment. Schedule service at our Orlando auto service center as soon as you can. Tip 7: Be a mindful driver. Be mindful - try to avoid road debris and other hazards so you don't damage your tires, and don't drive around constructions sites (there are nails, screws, and other sharp objects everywhere!). Schedule car care with our Orlando Toyota experts Want more expert car care tips? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. You can also swing by and talk to our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

The rainy season is on its way - we're getting our fair share of wet weather this weekend in Central Florida. Are you ready for our notorious summer thunderstorms? It seems it rains nearly every day in the summer in the City Beautiful, and it can make your daily commute a little bit messier than usual if you're not prepared. Check out our car care tips for getting your ride ready for the rainy season, and visit our Orlando Toyota service center to make it happen! Don't skip these four car care appointments before rainy season starts TIRES Before rainy season arrives, take the time to check out your tires. How's the tread looking? You can do a simple tread check by inserting a penny into the tread of your car's tire with Abe Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of his hair, then your tread depth is too low and you need new tires. Tires without the proper amount of tread can't grip the road, especially in wet weather, which means you're at high risk of getting into an accident. You should also stay on top of car care like tire rotations, wheel alignments, and inflation. BRAKES Slick conditions may mean you need to come to a sudden or unexpected stop to avoid road hazards and other vehicles. Are your brakes in good enough shape to handle it? Make sure you stay on top of car care like brake service at our Orlando Toyota service center so you're ready for anything, no matter how wet the weather outside. WIPERS Are your wipers in good enough condition to tackle the rainy season? They should be able to clear your windshield with every pass. If your windshield wipers are smearing water around, leaving streaks, or making squealing or chittering noises, then you need to visit our car care center for a new set. We can help you pick them out AND install them on your car. HEADLIGHTS You'll also need to ensure your headlights are in good condition when the weather is wet. You should always turn on your headlights (but not your brights) when driving in the rain so other drivers can see you. Check your brake lights and turn signals, too, so other drivers know where you're going and when you're slowing down or stopping. And just a friendly reminder - you should NOT drive with your hazard lights on in heavy rain. These lights are only intended for use if you're pulled over on the side of the road and trying to alert other drivers of your car's whereabouts. Schedule your car care at Toyota of Orlando Have questions about car care for rainy season? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open and ready to help at (407) 298-0001. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall, and rest assured - we're taking every precaution in the wake of COVID-19 to protect our customers AND our employees.

Your car battery is an essential part of your car's performance. It produces a ton of power so that you can both start your car AND keep it running while it's out on the road. In fact, it produces so much power that without some assistance, it would drain pretty quickly. That's where your car alternator comes into play - this critical component actually recycles energy to charge your car battery AND help power the electrical system. Without it, you're going nowhere fast. That's why it's important to be able to recognize when you're having problems with your car alternator, and Toyota of Orlando's auto service techs are here to help. Check out their quick checklist and if any of these signs sound familiar, schedule car care with them today! Don't ignore these six signs of car alternator issues Sign #1: The warning light is on There's actually a warning light for your car alternator in some vehicles; it's shaped like a battery and may say ALT or GEN underneath. However, your battery warning light might also serve as a warning sign that you're due for some car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando. Don't ignore it! Sign #2: Your car battery is giving you trouble Does it seem like you're having trouble getting your car started, even when you know your battery should be good? This can be a sign that your car alternator isn't working. Remember, it recharges your battery when the engine is running because the battery has to produce so much power. If it's not working, the battery will start to drain fast. Sign #3: Your car's lights are dim When you start your vehicle, do you notice that your interior and exterior lights seem dimmer than normal? Or maybe they start out bright but as you drive, they start to dim. This is an indicator of a problem with your car alternator; it helps to power your electrical system, so your lights dimming means the system isn't getting enough power. Sign #4: You smell something burning when the car is running Sometimes you can have problems with this essential part because of the belts it's associated with. It works in conjunction with a system of belts and when they aren't working properly or turning as they should, they can create friction. In turn, this can create a weird burning smell (kind of like an electrical fire) when your car is in action. Luckily, our Orlando car maintenance techs can fix this by tightening or repairing the belts to get you back out on the road. Sign #5: You see a broken belt If you can actually see a broken belt under the hood, that's likely your issue! Bring your car to Toyota of Orlando to have our expert auto service techs get things up and running again. Sign #6: You hear grinding or whining noises from the engine bay Your car alternator has to utilize a lot of moving parts to be able to create all the necessary power. If one of those parts breaks or comes loose, it can create odd noises inside the engine bay. If you hear these alongside any of the above signs, it's time to visit our Toyota service center. Schedule auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando today Have questions? Come on in - we're open and ready to serve you at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can call to schedule an appointment ahead of time at (407) 298-0001!

Updated on April 1, 2026 Maybe it’s a fandom sticker that’s faded beyond recognition or the need to remove a parking decal from last semester. Whatever it is, we’ve all been in the situation where we need to know how get a sticker off a car. However, it’s not as simple as just peeling it off. Most stickers made for cars are made with a special adhesive that makes them difficult to remove. And with good reason… you don’t want someone stealing your parking decal! Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you remove stickers from your car without damaging the paint or glass. Check out our guide below! How to Safely Remove Stickers From Your Car Without Damaging the Paint Multiple safe methods to remove car stickers: The blog outlines five effective techniques: heat, Goo Gone, ice, rubbing alcohol, and white vinegar. Each  is designed to loosen adhesive and make removal easier without damaging your vehicle. Technique matters to protect your paint: Using proper tools (like microfiber cloths or plastic cards), avoiding sharp objects on paint, and peeling at a 45-degree angle can prevent scratches and residue issues. Stubborn stickers may require combined approaches: Older or baked-on decals often need a mix of heat and adhesive removers, along with patience to avoid leaving behind glue or damaging surfaces. Post-removal care is essential: Cleaning the area and applying wax helps restore shine, protect the clear coat, and maintain a consistent finish across your vehicle. Prevention tips can save time and effort: Avoid placing stickers on painted surfaces when possible. Opt for glass or removable clings to reduce the risk of damage and simplify future removal. How to get a sticker off a car: What to know beforehand Before you get started, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, patience is key. Trying to rush the process or aggressively scrape a sticker off can lead to scratches, chipped paint, or damaged tint. Second, always test any product you’re using on a small, inconspicuous area first. This is especially true if you’re working on painted surfaces. And finally, make sure your vehicle is clean and dry before attempting sticker removal. Dirt and debris can cause scratching if you start rubbing or scraping right away. A quick wash around the area can make a big difference in protecting your Orlando Toyota's finish. Toyota of Orlando's top 5 ways to remove a sticker from your car Option #1: Heat If you have a blow dryer on hand, plug it into an extension cord and take it outside. Our Orlando Toyota car care techs recommend heating the sticker you want to remove with the hand dryer for a minute or so. This will help warm up the adhesive, so you can peel back a corner. Just be careful not to overheat one small section for too long with the hair dryer. Also, keep the dryer moving so you don’t damage the clear coat. Once the sticker starts to lift, pull it slowly at a 45-degree angle rather than straight up. This can help prevent tearing and reduce leftover sticker residue. Use a rubber spatula or your finger to carefully peel the rest of the sticker away from the paint. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left over. Heat works well because adhesive on the sticker softens when warmed. If you don’t have a blow dryer, parking your car in direct Florida sunlight for a bit can also help loosen things up (especially here in Orlando where the sun is strong most of the year). Option #2: Goo Gone Goo Gone’s main purpose is to get rid of sticky stuff, so it can be extremely helpful in this aspect of car care. Liberally apply it to the sticker, wait a few minutes, and peel the sticker away from your Orlando Toyota. If you’re dealing with an older sticker that’s baked onto the surface, you may need to apply the Goo Gone more than once. Let it soak into the edges so it can penetrate the sticker fully. After removing the sticker, wipe the area clean with a microfiber cloth. You should also wash it with soap and water to remove any oily residue. This step is especially important if the sticker was on painted surfaces, as leftover product can attract dirt or dull your ride's shine over time. Option #3: Ice Quite the opposite from heat, ice can actually help remove a sticker from your car. It's a great trick if you’re working with a thinner decal or something that’s more brittle. The cold temperature hardens the adhesive, making it less stretchy and easier to chip away. Hold the ice against the sticker for a few minutes to break up the adhesive and then start to peel it away. You may need a bit of help from a credit card or a razor blade, but we don’t recommend using metal on anything but glass (you could damage your car’s paint if you use it on painted surfaces). If you use a credit card, hold it flat against the surface and gently push under the edge of the sticker until you can peel it up. And remember, when working on windows, always be careful if your vehicle has tinted glass . Scraping too aggressively can damage the tint film if you’re working on the interior. Option #4: Rubbing alcohol Smearing rubbing alcohol on a sticker can help break up the adhesive on the back so it’s easier to peel. On top of that, rubbing alcohol is easy to find and usually safe for glass and most painted surfaces if you use it properly. Apply it with a soft cloth and allow it to sit for a minute before attempting to peel the sticker. If there's still residue, gently rub in a circular motion until the adhesive dissolves. Follow up with a wash and a coat of wax if the sticker was on your car's paint. Waxing afterward helps protect your car's clear coat and keeps your Orlando Toyota looking shiny and clean. Option #5: White vinegar White vinegar is a simple household solution that can actually be effective. The mild acidity helps weaken the adhesive without being overly harsh on surfaces like paint. Soak a sponge in white vinegar and hold it over the sticker until it’s soaked through. Then peel the sticker slowly away and use vinegar to help rub off any leftover adhesive. If the sticker doesn’t come off easily the first time, reapply and let it sit a bit longer. After the sticker is gone, rinse the area thoroughly and dry it with a microfiber towel to prevent streaking, especially if you’re working on glass. Extra Toyota tips for stubborn stickers Sometimes you’ll run into a sticker that just doesn’t want to budge. In those cases, combining your methods can help. For example, you could apply heat first to lift the edges, and then use Goo Gone or rubbing alcohol to tackle leftover adhesive. The key is to go slowly and avoid forcing it. Peeling a sticker too quickly can leave behind layers of paper or glue that are harder to remove than the sticker itself. Another important factor is timing. The longer a sticker has been on your vehicle, the more likely it is to leave residue or cause uneven paint fading underneath. In sunny climates like Orlando, UV exposure can cause the surrounding paint to fade slightly. This can make the area under the sticker look newer once it’s removed. While this usually evens out over time, regular washing and waxing can help you maintain a consistent finish on your ride. Protecting your paint after sticker removal Once you’ve successfully removed the sticker and cleaned away the adhesive, it’s a good idea to give that area a little extra attention. Wash the spot with car-safe soap and water, dry it completely, and apply a coat of wax. This helps protect the clear coat and also blends the surface back in with the rest of your vehicle. Remember, proper car care doesn’t stop once the sticker is gone. Protecting your paint ensures your ride keeps looking its best for years to come. Let us help you with your car care supplies at Toyota of Orlando And for future reference, avoid putting stickers on the car’s paint. They’re harder to remove and you can easily damage your car’s paint while doing it. This can lead to needing a touchup or even a paint job. If you have to put a sticker on your ride, our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs recommend putting it on the glass. If you’re someone who loves decorating your car with decals, consider removable window clings instead of permanent adhesive stickers. They’re much easier to take off and won’t leave behind stubborn residue. It’s a small switch that can save you time and effort down the road. Get more tips from our Orlando Toyota experts Have more questions about how to remove a sticker from a car or need help finding supplies for a stubborn sticker? Call our car care experts at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall! Our team is always happy to help you keep your Orlando Toyota looking its best with professional car care advice and quality service you can count on. FAQs about Car Paint 1. Can you fix car paint damage at home? Yes, minor car paint damage like small scratches, swirl marks, or chips can often be fixed at home using touch-up paint, polishing compounds, or scratch repair kits. However, deeper scratches, peeling paint, or clear coat damage typically require professional repair to achieve a smooth, color-matched finish. 2. How do you get stains off your car paint? You can remove stains from car paint by washing the area first, then using products like bug and tar remover, white vinegar, or a clay bar to break down contaminants. For tougher stains like water spots or tree sap, a gentle polish or specialized cleaner may be needed, followed by waxing to protect the paint. 3. How can you protect your car's paint? You can protect your car’s paint by regularly washing and waxing it to shield the clear coat from dirt, UV rays, and contaminants. Parking in shaded areas, using a car cover, and applying paint protection products like sealants or ceramic coatings can also help maintain a glossy, long-lasting finish.

In the wake of COVID-19, the entire state of Florida has been put under a stay-at-home order until the end of April. That means 4 weeks of staying home unless you're an essential worker or on an essential errand. That also means 4 weeks of probably not driving your car much, which can be a big change if you regularly commute on a daily basis to school or work. But just because you're not driving your car often doesn't mean you can let maintenance slip - in fact, there are certain car care items you'll want to check off the list while your car sits in the driveway. Here's the info you need straight from our Orlando Toyota service techs. Don't skip this essential car care during quarantine Tip #1: Keep an eye on your tires. When your car sits in one spot for a long time, your tires can develop soft, flat spots. Obviously, when you're back to hitting the road these flat spots make you incredibly prone to a blowout. To avoid this car care issue, you can move your car a few feet every few days so it's not putting pressure on the same areas all the time, and check your tire pressure regularly to ensure they're not losing air. Tip #2: Go outside and start it every so often. You run the risk of your battery going bad if you let your car sit for 30 days, which means you'll have a hard time getting back up and running when you're free to do so. Go outside every few days and start your car to top off the battery, and consider taking your ride for a quick drive around the block. (It'll be a nice break from whoever you're quarantining with, anyway.) Tip #3: Don't skip oil changes. Just because you're sitting at home doesn't mean you don't need essential car care like oil changes. Oil can deteriorate with temperature fluctuations, so it's a good idea to get an oil change now and keep an eye on the condition of the oil by pulling the dipstick out of the engine every few weeks. Tip #4: Fill up your gas tank now. You should fill your gas tank before you stay home if you're not planning on going anywhere for the next 30 days. If the tank isn't full, you run the risk of condensation developing inside of it, which can spell big problems. You can even look into fuel-additives that help maintain the integrity of the fuel - ask our Orlando Toyota service center which is best for your car. Tip #5: Try to find covered parking. The sun is out in full force already in Florida, so try to find covered parking for your ride if possible to shield it from paint damage and fading. If nothing else, you may want to look for a car cover to keep it protected for the duration of your quarantine. A few other things to maintain when it comes to car care? Make sure you visually check your belts, hoses, transmission fluid, and coolant before you hit the road again to ensure all is in order. Toyota of Orlando is here for you Need more tips? Call Toyota of Orlando - our service center is open and ready to help. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

When was the last time you brought your car in for an oil change? If it's been a while, then you might be due for this essential auto service appointment. However, it's not always easy to tell if you're due for an Orlando oil change, especially if your oil light doesn't illuminate in the dash. We sat down with a few of our Orlando Toyota techs to pinpoint some signs that it might be time to give our Toyota service center a call and schedule an appointment. Read on! 6 signs you need to schedule an oil change Sign #1: Your oil is dark and dirty. If you take a peek at the motor oil on your dipstick and notice that it's dark in color (dark brown or black) or dirty, then you're due for an oil change. Your oil should be tan or caramel in color and clean for it to properly function inside of the engine. Dark or dirty oil prevents your engine from functioning properly and can ultimately lead to damage. Sign #2: Knocking sounds from inside the engine. Do you hear knocking sounds from inside the engine bay when you're out and about? Oil is responsible for lubricating the inside of the engine and keeping things cool. If you're hearing knocking or rumbling noises, it could be the inside of your engine deteriorating due to lack of clean oil. Sign #3: The smell of oil inside your vehicle. If you smell oil inside the car, you very may well have an oil leak and you should have our Orlando car maintenance techs take a peek at things to ensure your engine is functioning as it should. Sign #4: Racking up the miles. Have you been putting extra miles on your car due to a long commute or a road trip? It may be time to schedule an Orlando oil change - after all, depending on the type of motor oil you're using, you could be due for a change every 3,000 - 10,000 miles. Sign #5: Smoke from the exhaust. If you see smoke - not vapor - coming out of your car's exhaust tailpipe, it could be because of a problem with your car's oil. Give Toyota of Orlando a call to see if our techs can check things out for you. Sign #6: Doesn't hit the tic marks. When you pull the dipstick out of your car's engine, you should see the oil hitting in between the two tic marks on the stick. If it falls below the bottom tic mark, then you're low on oil and need to get an oil change to ensure your engine stays cool and lubricated no matter how hard your car works. Call Toyota of Orlando and schedule your car care today! See any of these signs and feel like you're due for a change? Call us! Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. Don't forget to check out service specials page to see our service coupons. We're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

When it comes to car tire care, you have to get routine maintenance taken care of or else you're going to run through tires quickly, have to pay to replace them more often, and probably deal with blowouts and flats during your drive time. There are three main services you should be scheduling for your car tires at our Orlando Toyota service center: tire rotations, wheel balancing, and wheel alignments. We know pretty much everyone knows what tire rotations are, but are you familiar with the differences between wheel balancing and wheel alignments? What's the main difference between wheel alignments and wheel balancing? While alignments and balancing are both essential to keeping your tires in good condition and your car performing well, they're two very different processes. Check out this quick guide on both of them from our Toyota of Orlando service experts. Wheel alignments The wheels on your car are aligned at certain angles by the factory to ensure that all four are parallel to each other, as well as to ensure that all four stand perfectly perpendicular to the ground. This ensures even wear and top-notch performance. However, over time your wheels can become misaligned due to wear and tear, hitting curbs, and car accidents. If you don't schedule a wheel alignment to correct the angles again, you'll face drive time problems including: Your car drifting to one side of the road Uneven wear on your tires, which means you'll have to replace them more frequently Your car pulling to one side even when the steering wheel is straightened out Obviously, this car tire care is an essential item to add to your checklist. You should schedule wheel alignments every two years or so unless you get into an accident or get new tires. Wheel balancing Wheel balancing is different than wheel alignments - instead of dealing with angles, this car tire care deals with weight. As you drive, your car tires are likely to face wear and tear that can cause imperfections or blemishes, as well as damage to the rim if you get into an accident or collision. This makes one section of the tire heavier than others, which in turn leads to wobbling and bouncing. You'll be able to feel it inside the car's cabin as vibration, as well as notice signs like: Vibration in the steering wheel Cupped or scalloped patterns on the wheel When you schedule wheel balancing at Toyota of Orlando's service center, our techs will apply weights to counterbalance the "heavy spots" in your car tires to ensure even wear and smooth performance. Your wheels should be balanced every time you get your tires repaired or rotated for maximum benefits. Schedule your car tire care at Toyota of Orlando Whether you need balancing, an alignment, or both, we've got you covered! Schedule an appointment at our Orlando Toyota service center today to get your car's performance up to par. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001, and you can swing by to talk to one of our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

When it comes to what goes on under the hood, a lot of drivers aren't too well-versed. However, here at Toyota of Orlando we believe that in order to be a responsible car owner (and save time and money), you should know the ins and outs of how your car works. Today, our auto service techs are bringing you a quick guide to spark plugs and how they get your car up and at 'em every single day. What is a spark plug and what does it do? What is a spark plug? Basically, it's a tiny electrical plug that plugs into the engine's cylinder head. It's job? To "spark" so it can ignite your car's fuel. Remember, gasoline by itself won't get your car running. Fuel is moved from the gas tank through the fuel lines into the fuel injectors, where it's mixed with oxygen that's been sucked into the engine via the air intake. This special mixture of fuel and oxygen is then pushed into cylinder, where the spark plug ignites it and sets things into motion. You'll probably need to replace your spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so, but it really depends on the condition of your car and how you drive and maintain it. But without working spark plugs, you're going nowhere fast. If  they're going bad or have conked out on you, you'll likely have problems getting your car started at all, as well as have to deal with misfiring during acceleration and poor fuel efficiency. Here are two of the main reasons you may see an issue: A bigger gap. Spark plugs have to jump a gap of space to ignite fuel and over time, wear and tear cause this gap to widen. This makes it harder for the plugs to do their job. Buildup. Deposits form on the plugs because of the fuel-air interaction, and over time this can lead to a buildup that in turn causes pre-ignition of the fuel (a jerky and unreliable performance). Luckily, these car parts are easy and relatively inexpensive to fix, especially if you bring your ride to our Orlando Toyota service center. How do you know if these important car parts aren't working? How do you know if you're due for a visit to our Toyota service center? Here are a few signs you may be in need of a new set of spark plugs: Your fuel efficiency drops without warning Your car is having trouble starting Your vehicle misfires or feels "jerky" during acceleration, or it feels sluggish when you hit the gas You hear rattling or knocking noises from under the hood (this is caused by the plugs firing at the wrong time) Our Orlando auto service center can get things up and running again under the hood in no time, so if you think you need new spark plugs just call. We're open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-0001, and we're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

OK, OK, we know - it never snows here. Like, ever. So why are we taking the time to tell you all about tire traction devices and how they make your ride a whole lot safer in the snow? Well, while we can use all-season tires all year long here in Orlando, we know the holiday travels sometimes take people out of town. And if you're heading up north where winter weather can be a lot harsher, it's to your benefit to know which tire traction options are available to you while driving in the snow. Check out the main types below! Type #1: Tire chains Tire chains are the most common AND the most readily available type of tire traction device for driving in the snow. They're actual chains that attach to your car's tires that help dig into the snow and give your vehicle extra traction on the road when conditions are slushy or snowy. Our Orlando Toyota parts center can help you choose the right ones for your ride - just ask. Type #2: Tire spikes Tire spikes are kind of like tire chains, but they're less bulky, easier to install than chains, and look a lot more streamlined when they're on your car's tires. These tire traction devices are just what they sound like - a row of spikes that are installed on the front face of the tire to cut through the snow and give you traction. Type #3: GoClaws GoClaws are similar to tire spikes, but they're installed differently. Instead of being one piece installed on the front of the tire, GoClaws are installed on the tires using straps that attach to the four "corners" of the tires. Type #4: Auto Socks Auto Socks are a relatively new type of tire traction technology that are supposed to be similar to tire chains. However, they're actually made from textiles specially designed to give you more grip on the road. And let's not forget about traction mats. While they won't do you much good when you're in motion, they're great if you find yourself stuck in snow, slush, or mud. These special mats are placed in front of a car's tires so the tires can get a grip on them and get moving instead of spinning out in slippery conditions. Like we said, you definitely won't need these tire traction devices just to hit the road in Orlando (or in Florida, really). But if you're heading north, they're a great alternative to switching out your tires for winter tires. They can be installed and removed whenever you need, making them convenient and more affordable. Need help shopping tire traction devices for your holiday travels? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road. We can help you choose the right ones for your ride today.