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When it comes to accessorizing your car, you've got a lot of options. Whether you want car accessories for performance, appearance, entertainment, or convenience, the choices are seemingly endless (and you can get a lot of them right here at Toyota of Orlando). However, some drivers take it pretty far when it comes to accessorizing their rides. What's the coolest car accessory you've ever seen? Check out some of these interesting finds we've stumbled upon and decide if it's time to break out the credit card and take your car up a notch. 1) Rooftop tent If you're into camping but not so much into dirt, bugs, and creepy-crawlies, then check out a rooftop tent for your ride. These incredible tents can be fitted to almost any vehicle and you just need a ladder to climb up. Some come outfitted with a comfy mattress and you can add additional "living" space by hanging an annex below the roofline for changing, hanging out, and eating. 2) 3D DIY molding for the interior Sick of the so-so color scheme inside of your car? Check out 3D DIY automobile molding by Geekercity. You can trim out the interior of your car with pops of color of your choice and really take the style up a notch. However, you can also use it on the exterior if you want to add some excitement to your drive time. 3) Crystal embellishment ring for push button start If you like a little bling in your life, why not start with the interior of your car? You can add a crystal embellishment ring to your push button start so you have a little sparkle in your life every time you start your engine. 4) Portable jump starter There's nothing more inconvenient than a car that won't start... even if you carry jumper cables, you still have to wait around for another car to give you a jump and get you going. Why not take that element out of the equation? You can now purchase a portable jump starter that will give your car enough juice to get to a mechanic and you use it just like you would normal jumper cables. 5) Smart wheel steering wheel cover Everyone likes steering wheel covers - they protect your steering wheel from dirt, sunlight, and wear and tear. But this car accessory takes things up a notch by actually using intelligence to help prevent distracted driving. It fits any steering wheel and uses sensing technology to encourage drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and stay focused - it's a great buy for teen drivers. 6) ZipGripGo Have you ever found yourself stuck in sand, snow, or mud with nothing to give you traction in sight? Store ZipGripGo in your trunk - it's a car accessory that fastens around your car's tire to give it traction in slippery situations and get you out.   Want to shop car accessories for your ride? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 and ask for our parts department!

Are you a fan of taking matters into your own hands when it comes to car maintenance? Some people are confident with the workings under the hood and like to take a DIY approach when it comes to caring for your car. However, if you're going to get serious about maintaining your ride, you need to have the right tools to do it. We sat down with some of our Toyota certified techs here at Toyota of Orlando to find out exactly what you should be investing in for an exceptional DIY car maintenance experience. Toyota of Orlando's recommendations for DIY car care Tool #1: A headlamp and a work light You want the best possible lighting when you're doing DIY car maintenance. A good work light can illuminate your workspace, but you should also invest in a headlamp. This will keep you hands-free and lend light when you're trying to get down into the nooks and crannies of the engine. Tool #2: An air compressor If you're going to be using power tool, you definitely want to invest in an air compressor. It'll power the tools much more efficiently and make your DIY car maintenance that much easier. On top of that, an air compressor can be used to inflate tires. Tool #3: A stubby screwdriver Things can get tight under the hood and sometimes, normal tools just can't get the job done. Our Orlando auto service techs recommend investing in a set of stubby screwdrivers or at least one or two. It's shorter than a normal screwdriver but still gives you the control you need. Don't attempt your own car maintenance without these tools Tool #4: Extension bars for your socket wrenches You'll definitely make use of your socket wrenches when doing DIY car care but sometimes, it can be tricky to get them down into the engine where you need to use them. Invest in extension bars for these wrenches - they can give you length when you need it to get down into the engine, and socket swivels will ensure you have more flexibility. Tool #5: A quality jack stand If you're going to be working under your car then you'll need to jack it up. However, you need to do so safely because using just anything to prop your car up can end in serious injury. Buy a high-quality jack stand for ensured safety and avoid a hydraulic stand - they have higher failure rates and can be more dangerous. Tool #6: A multimeter A multimeter measures power, currents, and resistance of different parts of your car. Additionally, you can test the voltage of your battery with it to see if you're due for a replacement. Not sure where to shop for these tools? Call Toyota of Orlando's parts center! We can point you in the right direction and also answer car maintenance questions that you might have. You can reach us 7 days a week at (407) 298-0001. Our Orlando Toyota service center is conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Engine damage is a scary thought. It can mean expensive repairs, time in the shop (which means rental car fees) and an overall big inconvenience to your daily life. However, you don't need to stress - with the proper maintenance and precautions, engine damage is avoidable! Check out these tips straight from our Orlando Toyota service techs on how to prevent this situation from occurring under your hood. Use these 4 tips to prevent expensive auto repairs Tip #1: Never ignore your check engine light. Your check engine light comes on for a reason - it doesn't just light up for fun or to make your dash look brighter. When you see the light come on, your first step should be to check your gas cap. Sometimes if it's not tightened enough, the check engine light will be triggered. However, if it's screwed in tightly and you're still seeing the light glow, it's time to bring your car in for Orlando auto service. You may have an issue with your fuel injection system, your emissions system, your ignition, and more... and the longer you wait, the worse the damage can get! Tip #2: Don't turn up the radio to drown out off sounds. Don't try to ignore troublesome sounds by turning up the music (it's tempting, we know). Your car typically runs smoothly and quietly, and odd noises can mean something is going on under the hood. Rumbling, knocking, squealing, hissing, and rattling can all mean big issues in terms of engine damage and ignoring them isn't going to help the situation. Remember to periodically turn down the music and see how the car sounds so you can pinpoint anything that seems out of the ordinary immediately. Tip #3: Pay attention to smells inside the car. The interior of your car should smell good (especially if you're doing your due diligence and detailing it on a regular basis). If it smells like gasoline, hot oil, mildew, syrup, rotten eggs, or burning carpet, then you've got an issue with your auto service that should be addressed immediately to avoid engine damage. Tip #4: Handle smoke or steam immediately. Where there's smoke, there's fire. Don't ever ignore smoke or steam coming out of your engine bay. It can mean your car is overheating, oil or gasoline is leaking, or there's a problem with your emissions system. Bring your ride into Toyota of Orlando for service today. Let Toyota of Orlando get you on a routine car maintenance schedule On top of being vigilant about all of these things, keep your car on a routine Orlando car maintenance schedule to avoid engine damage. By keeping all the parts well-maintained and getting routine multi-point inspections, you're a lot less likely to have problems throughout ownership. Let our techs get you on a schedule based on your vehicle's needs. Have questions about engine damage or want to get your ride on a routine maintenance schedule! Call Toyota of Orlando's service department today. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 - don't forget to ask about our service specials to save money.

Have you ever slid into the driver's seat, cranked the engine, and then realized that something stinks? And we're not talking your smoothie that you accidentally left in the backseat cupholder or that wet dog smell left over from last weekend's visit to the dog park. We're talking a stench that can only mean one thing - trouble under the hood. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain 6 different car smells, what they mean, and why you should never ignore them. Smell #1: Rotten eggs If you get a whiff of rotten eggs when you start the car, it can mean that you have traces of sulfur in your gasoline, which can cause hydrogen sulfide in your exhaust. You shouldn't ignore it because you likely have a problem with your fuel injection system OR your catalytic converter. Long story short, you're going to need our Orlando auto service techs to get under the hood. Smell #2: Like you're parked at a gas station If you smell gas inside the car and you're not actually parked at a gas station, you have a problem. Typically, this smell can indicate a leak from a fuel injection line or a fuel tank vent hose. Either way, your car is leaking a flammable liquid (and one that's harmful to inhale, too). Bring it into Toyota of Orlando to have our auto service techs check it out. Smell #3: Sweet maple syrup If you're getting a sweet, syrupy smell inside the cabin of your car, it means you have ethylene glycol leaking, aka coolant. You may have a hose leak or a leak in the radiator itself (or even a leaky radiator cap). Regardless, you're losing the fluid that keeps your car running cool and you don't want your ride to overheat. Smell #4: A gym locker room If your ride smells like a humid gym locker room when you turn on your air-conditioning, then you probably have mildew or mold inside the A/C system - most likely in the A/C condenser. The system needs to be dried out and our auto service techs can help you do it. Smell #5: Burning carpet If you smell burning carpet, it means your brake pads are working overtime and are overheated. Make sure your handbrake (or foot parking brake) isn't engaged, and then bring your car to our Orlando auto service center because it could mean an issue with a brake caliper piston. Smell #6: Hot oil (and not the good, fried food, lots of calories type oil) If you smell hot oil - and not oil like the inside of a McDonald's - then you likely have an oil leak under the hood. You'll find that this often stems from a leaky valve or seal and requires expertise to put things right. Ready to schedule Orlando auto service? Just call us today - we're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001!

When it comes to putting the pedal to the metal, there's a very important part involved - your transmission. Your car's transmission is in charge of sending power from the engine to the wheels, and it allows you to both get moving in the first place AND shift through the gears to reach higher speeds. When it's not working properly, you're going nowhere fast - that's why it's so important to maintain it. Toyota of Orlando is here to talk to you about one of the key components of keeping your car's transmission in top shape - transmission fluid. Do you need more transmission fluid? Transmission fluid has two jobs - it keeps your engine cool, and it also keeps your entire transmission system lubricated so all of the parts can work together seamlessly. When the transmission fluid becomes dirty or runs low, it becomes nearly impossible for your car's transmission to work at full capacity. Best case scenario, you'll have a not-so-great performance on your hands. Worst case, your car won't go anywhere... at all. So, how do you know if your car's transmission fluid is starting to run low or get too dirty to function properly? Check out these giveaway signs straight from our Orlando auto service techs: 1) You can't shift gears. This is probably the most obvious sign that you're out of transmission fluid. Whether you drive a manual or an automatic, your car shifts gears in order to speed up and slow down. If it can't make these shifts, you're not going anywhere. Like, at all. You can refill the reservoir to get things moving again, but it's a good idea to bring your car into Toyota of Orlando to have our techs check your system out and ensure there aren't any leaks. 2) Your shifts seem off when it comes to timing. Does it feel like your shifts between gears are coming too soon or too late? This could mean your car is running low on transmission fluid and subsequently, can't get the timing right. Let our techs check things out and get your fluid topped off so you can get your timing right again. 3) Your transmission is slipping. When your transmission slips, it feels like your car just can't quite make it into that gear and slips back into the old one - it should be especially noticeable during acceleration. Other signs of a slipping transmission include spiking RPMs right before a gear shift, odd noises when the car is shifting, and choppiness when the car does manage to shift. All of these signs point to low transmission fluid level and if not handled, can lead to engine overheating and worse (we're talking expensive repairs). Let our Orlando Toyota techs take a look under the hood as soon as possible. Schedule service today at Toyota of Orlando 4) There's a delay when it's time for your car to engage the next gear. Does your car seem to have a few seconds' delay when it shifts? What about when you shift it into drive or park? It's only about 2-3 seconds, but it's noticeable enough. This indicates an issue with fluid levels, so visit Toyota of Orlando today! Need service? Schedule online or call us at (407) 298-0001.

We've all done it - you lose focus for a second or you swerve to avoid hitting something and you feel your car connect with the curb. Typically you just bounce off and drive away and after a moment of embarrassment and hoping no one saw you, you go about your day. However, hitting a curb can do more damage than you imagine and Toyota of Orlando's auto service experts are here to explain why it might be worth bringing your ride in for a quick inspection. What can hitting a curb actually do to your car? Your car may seem totally fine after you run into a curb, and it really could be. However, there are a host of auto service issues that can spring from this seemingly minor incident. Here are the most common ones our Toyota of Orlando techs see: Tire damage: Your tire hitting the curb may seem like no big deal - after all, they're made of rubber and are supposed to be resilient. However, running into a curb can damage your tires structurally, making them weaker... and you may not see the repercussions for hundreds of miles after the accident. Consider having your tires inspected at our Orlando auto service center to ensure they're still in it for the long haul. Control arms damage: Basically, the control arms on your vehicle allow the vehicle's suspension to move the car up and down (which means you stay comfortable on surfaces that are less than smooth). They also help to hold all of the suspension in place, so even jarring them on a curb can damage them and subsequently, damage your car's suspension. Tie rod damage: Your tie rods connect your car's steering system to your wheels... so if they get damaged, it's a big deal and can drastically affect performance. Hitting a curb can damage the tie rods and leave you with less-than-stellar steering capabilities, which can be especially dangerous if you're driving on wet or slippery roads. Steering knuckle damage: The wheel hub is contained within the steering knuckle and in turn, the steering knuckle connects with the steering elements of your car as well as the suspension. Hitting a curb can damage this component and affect your car's handling, steering, and comfort level on rougher roads. Let our Orlando auto service techs get you back on track So, what should you do after you hit a curb? The first thing to do is take note of your car's performance. Is the steering the same or are you experiencing difficulties getting your ride where you want it to go or is your car drifting to one side? How is your car riding - do you think the suspension could have been negatively affected? Next, schedule an appointment with Toyota of Orlando's auto service center. You'll want an alignment check at the very least, but while our techs are working they can also check your tires, suspension, steering system, tie rods, steering knuckles, and control arms. Want to make an appointment today? Call us - we're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001.

It's happened to so many of us - you're cruising down the highway, enjoying the lack of traffic and the fact that you may just make it to work on time when something flies up and hits your windshield. You may not even see it - you just hear a sharp popping noise and suddenly, you're staring at a crack in the windshield. While it may not be an emergency that you have to pull over and deal with that very second, it is an issue that needs to be fixed so it doesn't lead to bigger problems down the road. Toyota of Orlando's body shop is here to explain the ins and outs of cracked windshields and what to do about them. The ins and outs of a cracked windshield It's tempting to just ignore a cracked windshield, especially if the crack or chip is small and isn't right in the middle of your field of vision. Who has time to bring their car into a body shop for repairs and who wants to pay for them if the damage isn't large or noticeable? This is a bad idea. First of all, it's illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in the state of Florida. If a police officer pulls you over, you can be ticketed. If the damage is bad enough, your car can even be towed - all of this is explained in statute 316.610, where it states that it's illegal to operate a vehicle that's unsafe or a danger to other drivers. You'll save yourself time, money, and stress if you just deal with the crack yourself and get it fixed. Another reason you should never ignore a cracked windshield is that no matter how small the crack, it's still a crack. And that means that it's affecting your windshield's structural integrity. The chances of the crack or chip growing larger are high and then it becomes very dangerous for you to get behind the wheel. It's best to contact your local Orlando body shop and deal with the issue while it's still small and more manageable. Here's the good news - because there's a statute deeming it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield, there's also a Florida statute stating that auto insurance companies must repair or replace a cracked windshield with zero deductible... in other words, for FREE. Let our body shop help you get back out on the road So what should you do? Our Orlando Toyota body shop recommends that the moment you see a crack appear in your windshield, you call your insurance company and report the claim. You can work with them to schedule a time and place to have your windshield either repaired or replaced, depending on the severity and size of the crack. They can even send someone out to do it while you're at work! It's that simple and remember - it's 100% free through your auto insurance. If you have questions, call our body shop today! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, and you can reach us at (407) 298-6006.

Are you headed into the great white north for the holidays? Many people hit the road to reach their holiday destination and if you're driving out of Florida, you could hit some serious winter weather on your journey. It's important to know how cold weather can affect your car so you're prepared when you actually reach it, and our Orlando auto service experts are here with the knowledge you should have before you hit the road. Tires: Cold weather can make your tire pressure drop - when air gets colder, it gets denser. Low tire pressure may not seem like such a big deal but over time, the effects can add up. It can decrease your fuel efficiency and increase the wear and tear on your tires, as more of the tires' surface is touching the road. It also increases your chances of a tire blow out. When the temps drop, check your tire pressure and reinflate to the right PSI level (you can find it in your owner's manual). Battery: Cold weather can take a toll on your car's battery and reduce its starting capability if the battery is already not in the greatest shape. Being stuck with a dead car in winter weather can be a big problem, so have your battery inspected by one of our Orlando auto service techs before you leave for your road trip. Corrosion: Snowy and icy roads get treated with salt, which means that salt can get flung up onto your car as you drive. If left there, the salt can actually corrode the underside of your vehicle and your brakes as well as damage the paint. Make sure you hose your car down as often as you can to rinse away the salt and avoid costly corrosion damage. Fluids: Cold weather can cause fluids to thicken, which is why it's important to check with one of our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs regarding your car's fluids before you hit the road. These fluids are pumped throughout the engine to keep things running and if they're too thick to function, you're in for a big issue when you hit the highway. Our auto service techs can check and refill your fluids, as well as ensure you have the right ones for cold weather travels. Leaks: If you're traveling to an area where the temperature fluctuates a lot with severe cold bouts, then you may run into leaks. Have our techs give your engine a once over to ensure all of the seals are in top condition before you take on traveling. Feel like your car needs a little TLC before heading into the cold? Schedule winter auto service at Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. Call to schedule at (407) 298-4500!

Oil is an essential part of your car's performance. When the oil level gets too low or the oil gets too dirty to perform properly, you run the risk of doing serious permanent damage to your car's engine. That's why it's so important to schedule routine Orlando oil changes for your ride but also to check the oil in between oil changes - you need to be aware of what's going on under the hood and if your car is using too much oil, or if the oil is getting too dirty too fast. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Why is your car using too much oil? If your car is using too much oil in between oil changes, then chances are you have a problem within the system or engine. Oil consumption should be steady and you should be able to base your oil changes on mileage or calendar time (whichever our auto service techs deem best for your car). If your ride is using too much oil, you'll find that you're having to add oil to the system in between oil changes, maybe as often as every 600 miles. This is out of the ordinary - typically,  you should only have to change the oil every few thousand miles (depending on the type of motor oil you're using) and not add any in between. Why does your car use too much oil? Here are some of the reasons you may run into this auto service issue: You're using low-quality oil. This can reduce lubrication, increase heat, and cause you to run through oil more quickly. A cylinder piston is worn out. These regulate oil pressure and consumption in your vehicle so if they wear out, you'll likely use more oil than your car actually needs. Your valve stem seals are bad. You'll probably see a cloud of blue-black smoke behind your car in this case because the bad seal allows oil to leak into the combustion chamber of your car. You have an oil leak somewhere in the system. If you see oil under the car, this is a dead giveaway you have a leak. Your oil rings are sticking. This can also allow gasoline to leak into your oil, so you'll notice that odor. You have crankcase ventilation system defects. This can cause issues with the pressure inside your engine and subsequently, oil leaks. Use Toyota of Orlando for oil changes, auto repairs, and more Here's the good news - this issue isn't a common one and typically tends to occur in high mileage cars that have passed the 100K mark. And here's some more good news - Toyota of Orlando offers affordable auto repairs for your oil issues with our trained Toyota technicians! You can schedule your appointment today; our auto service center is open seven days a week whether you need repairs to your oil system or just a simple oil change. Call (407) 298-0001 to schedule or swing by and see us. We're centrally located in the heart of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

You unlock the door, slide into the driver's seat, and there it is - an unmistakable odor in your vehicle before you even turn the key. Whether the smell is from having animals in the car, cigarette smoke, or mildew, it can make your drive time extremely unpleasant. Toyota of Orlando is here to help - our car care techs have tips on how to deodorize your ride without breaking the bank and get things smelling fresh and clean again. How can you get your car smelling fresh and clean again? #1: Clean out your car - everywhere. There's a chance that the smell is coming from trash in the backseat, something unpleasant in the trunk, or a surprise that slid under one of your car's seats. Remove everything from your vehicle to try and locate the source of the smell, including seat covers and floor mats. Vacuum the car out and wipe down all surfaces and then check to see if the smell remains. #2: Clean any stains in the carpet or upholstery. Are their obvious stains in the carpet or upholstery that could be causing the smell? Our Orlando car care experts recommend scrubbing them ASAP to see if that improves the situation. Using a pet deodorizing cleaner can work wonders on tough stains and smells. #3: Check the cabin air filter. When was the last time you changed your cabin air filter? The smell could be coming from dirt and debris trapped in it, so swap it out (or come to Toyota of Orlando to have our car care techs swap it out for you). #4: Spray A/C cleaner into the A/C vents. Your air conditioning system can collect dirt, debris, or even mildew that can cause a nasty smell inside the cabin of your car. Try spraying the vents with the appropriate A/C cleaner (our Toyota parts store can help you find and purchase the right one for your ride). #5: Try treating your car with white vinegar. If you still smell an odor when you climb into the driver's seat, it's time to try vinegar. Use equal parts white vinegar and water and spritz the interior of your car. Let the solution sit for a while and then scrub the seats and carper - it should help improve the smell. #6: Put dryer sheets or coffee beans under the seat. It may also help to use odor-absorbing measures in your car. Try putting a stack of dryer sheets or an open (but secured) can of coffee beans under the seats. This can help absorb some of the odor in the car. #7: Schedule professional car detailing. If you've tried what feels like everything but the odor persists, then it's time to consider professional detailing to get rid of the smell. Toyota of Orlando can help - just set an appointment with our car care experts and let us get your car smelling like-new again. Let Toyota of Orlando help you get rid of unwanted odors today Want to schedule professional car detailing at Toyota of Orlando? Call us today - our car care center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Do you consider yourself to be pretty well-versed when it comes to car care? To be a responsible car owner and keep your ride in good shape, you should have a basic knowledge. Our Orlando auto service experts can take care of the complex or tricky issues, but when it comes to day-to-day auto care, can you handle it? We're here to tell you about five common car maintenance mistakes you may not even know you're making. Don't make these car maintenance mistakes Mistake #1: Not checking tire pressure. When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? Our auto care techs can definitely check it for you when they rotate and balance them or give you a wheel alignment, but you should check tire pressure on a routine basis in between service appointments. Weather changes or damage to the tire can cause pressure to drop and the last thing you want is to end up with a blowout. Mistake #2: Using the wrong cleaning products. What are you using to clean your car when it's time to detail it? Did you know that dish soap (which a lot of people use for washing the exterior) can actually strip protective elements off of your paint and make you more susceptible to paint damage and rust? And ammonia-based glass cleaners (like Windex) can prevent your windows from defrosting properly. Make sure you're using the right products for your car maintenance - our Orlando Toyota parts store is well-stocked and ready to help you find them. Our Orlando Toyota service techs are here to help Mistake #3: Not changing your wiper blades. You have to change your wiper blades on a routine basis - usually every 6-12 months depending on wear and tear. They wear out like any other part and when they do, they won't properly clear your windshield. This can make your drive time dangerous for you and everyone else out on the road, so be sure to replace the blades when you notice rubber breakdown, smearing, streaks, or hear squealing noises when you use them. Mistake #4: Ignoring brake noises. Do you hear squealing noises when you use your brakes? This is a surefire sign you need new brake pads. Your brakes have built-in indicators that will make this annoying noise when the brake pads are too thin. If you ignore the noise and don't replace the brake pads, you can damage your brake rotors, which is a costly car maintenance endeavor. Mistake #5: Not changing your cabin air filter. It may not seem like a big deal to skip changing your cabin air filter here and there. However, it can make a big difference. This filter prevents toxins, debris, dust, and other contaminants from getting into the cabin if your car. When it becomes clogged, it can no longer perform this task and it can also negatively impact your vehicle's air-conditioner and heater. Have questions about car maintenance? Not sure you're doing it right? Call us today - Toyota of Orlando's techs are ready and waiting to help at (407) 298-0001.

When it comes to keeping your car safe, you know the basics. Park in a well-lit and well-trafficked area; park near a parking lot attendant if you can. Lock your doors, roll up your windows, and don't store a spare key anywhere on the outside of the vehicle. Make sure you put all valuables out of sight to reduce temptation for thieves. Buy a vehicle with a car alarm installed. However, did you know there are other ways to prevent your car from being stolen? Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 car anti-theft devices that you can easily purchase through our parts store and use to keep your ride secure when you're not behind the wheel. What car anti-theft device is right for your car? #1: Electronic tracking system An electronic tracking system may not prevent your ride from being stolen, but it can help ensure you get it back. The system is installed in the vehicle in a secret spot that's not visible to the naked eye, and the system is then registered with the local police force. GPS will record your car's movements so the police can quickly and easily track it down if it's been taken. #2: Kill switch A kill switch most likely isn't something you can install on your own, as it works with the electrical components in the vehicle and not too many people are well-versed in electrical systems. A kill switch basically prevents electricity from flowing to your car's critical components, which means it won't start and thieves will be going nowhere fast. An alternate option is a kill switch that disables the fuel pump. Either way, this car anti-theft device will get the job done. #3: Steering wheel lock A steering wheel lock won't prevent thieves from getting inside your car, but it WILL prevent them from going anywhere with it. It keeps the steering wheel from turning so even if they're able to get your car started, they won't be able to steer enough to even get it out of its spot. Plus, it's a relatively inexpensive car anti-theft device that you can install yourself in your Orlando Toyota. #4: Baby monitor Did you know you can actually employ a baby monitor as a car anti-theft device? It can't stop a thief from getting into your car, but it can record video and audio to help police when they're looking for your vehicle after the fact. Also, if you place the monitor on the dash, thieves may be deterred by the sight of it from breaking into your car. #5: Tire lock or boot Have you ever gotten a tire boot on your car for parking in the wrong place? It's a pain then, but it's also a great way to keep thieves away from your vehicle. It prevents the wheel from turning, so your Orlando Toyota's not going anywhere. This car anti-theft device is especially useful if you're going out of town or aren't going to drive your car for a while and want to keep it safe. Learn how to protect your car with Toyota of Orlando Want more information about car anti-theft systems? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001!