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We know that taking care of car maintenance can be a little bit of a hassle. Don't get us wrong - when you come to Toyota of Orlando, we'll get your car in and you out the door as quickly as we can, and we offer affordable prices on all of our auto repairs so your bank account doesn't have to take a big hit. However, we know it can be a chore when you have a million other things to take care of and don't need another to-do on your list. That's why our techs have come up with a list of a few at home auto repairs that you can take care of at your convenience and in the comfort of your own garage! Let's get started. Learn how to take care of auto repairs in your own garage! At-home auto repair #1: Change a tire. Do you know how to swap out a tire if you find yourself with a flat? It's not too complicated - make sure you're parked on a flat, even surface and then loosen the lug nuts on the tire that's got to go. Jack the car up (be sure to put the jack in the spot your owner's manual recommends so you don't damage your car), and then take the lug nuts off and remove the tire. Put the new tire on, put the lug nuts back on, and then jack the car back down to the ground. Give the lug nuts one more tightening and you can hit the road! At-home auto repair #2: Change your oil. We know that scheduling an oil change is just another item to cross off your to-do list, so if you think you can tackle the task at home, why not? You'll need the right tools to do it - these include an oil pan and a wrench to loosen the plug, as well as a fresh oil filter and clean oil. Make sure the car is off and cool before you place the pan underneath and loosen the oil plug to let the dirty oil out. Replace the oil filter, screw the plug back in, and add your fresh oil to the engine in the designated tank. At-home auto repair #3: Change windshield wipers Change your windshield wipers at home and save yourself from having to drive to a service center. Buy your new wipers at Toyota of Orlando and swap them out at home! All you have to do is lift your wipers away from your windshield, lift the tab to release the old blades, and pull them off. Slide the new blades on and push the tab down to secure them, and you're ready for anything Mother Nature has to throw at you. At-home auto repair #4: Replace a burnt out bulb. Have a headlight or taillight that's burnt out? Don't run the risk of getting a ticket - change the bulb yourself. All you have to do is go in through your engine compartment to access the headlight and take out the old bulb after you disconnect the power wires. Reconnect the power wires to the new bulb (be careful not to touch the glass of the bulb) and slide the new headlight into place. Voila! Toyota of Orlando offers affordable auto service and repairs Want answers to questions or just feel like having us take care of your auto repairs? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

A good car owner schedules routine tire care for their car as needed. It's essential to keep your car tires properly inflated to the right PSI, to inspect them for wear and tear, and to have them rotated and replaced on a regular basis. However, when caring for your car tires do you factor your spare into the equation? Most people don't - in fact, most people forget that it's even there until they have a flat and it's time to use it! Toyota of Orlando is here to give you tips on how to care for your spare so you're not stuck in a jam next time you have a flat tire. Tip #1: Make sure it's there with all the necessary tools. This is a big one, especially if you bought a used car. Make sure your spare car tire is in the bottom of the trunk, first of all, but also make sure you have all the tools you need to go along with it to change a flat tire. You'll need a jack to get your car off the ground as well as a lug wrench to be able to get the lug nuts off the tires and tighten them back on the spare. If you don't have these tools - or a spare - call Toyota of Orlando and we can get you situated. Tip #2: Check the PSI levels regularly. It's easy to forget about your spare car tire because it's hidden, but you do need to check the spare's inflation levels on a regular basis. The last thing you need is to replace a flat with a flat! Check it bi-weekly to make sure it doesn't have a leak and add air as needed. Tip #3: Inspect it for wear and tear. It's important to inspect your spare car tire for wear and tear, too. Look for signs of bubbles or blistering where the tire may be about to pop, and also be on the lookout for sidewall separation. Pay attention to the general condition of the tire, too, and look for signs of dry rot or deterioration. Tip #4: Pay special attention to spares mounted on the exterior of the car. If your spare is mounted on the back of your car, it's vulnerable to rain, snow, dirt, dust, and heat. You can also deal with corrosion. Take the tire off once or twice a month and check the condition of it; make sure it's easy to remove and that nothing is rusted or damaged. Want to make it simple? Schedule tire service at Toyota of Orlando and while you're here, ask our techs to check out your spare too! We're happy to help and if you have issues or need to replace anything, we can make it happen. Call today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall and you can reach our service center at (407) 298-0001.

When was the last time you brought your car in for brake service at our Orlando Toyota service center? If you can't remember, it may be time to let our techs take a peek under the hood. However, if you're already on a routine brake service schedule then you should be good to go unless something goes amiss. That's where we come in - Toyota of Orlando is here to give you 6 warnings signs that you should never ignore. Let's get started! When should you be worried about your brakes? Sign #1: You smell a weird smell, like burning carpet, when you brake. Any out-of-the-ordinary smells should never be ignored, but if you smell an odd odor that kind of reminds you of burning carpet when you hit the brakes, then it may mean your brakes are overheated (which is never good). If they can't cool off, you run the risk of brake failure. Bring your car in to have it checked! Sign #2: You hear your brakes screeching or squealing when you use them. Squealing or screeching noises are usually due to the fact that you need new brake pads - brakes have a set of indicators built into them and they emit this noise when your brake pads are too thin so you know it's time for brake service. Don't ignore it - your rotors can be damaged if your brake pads are too thin, and this can be costly to fix. Sign #3: You have to press harder than usual to come to a stop. Feel like you have to press harder than usual to bring your car to a stop? This can indicate a big problem and imminent brake failure (and it's also very unsafe when you're driving). Have our Orlando auto service techs check it out for you. Sign #4: You feel vibrations when you press the brakes. If you feel like your car is vibrating, shaking, or shuddering when you brake, then your rotors may be damaged due to brake pad issues. You'll need to have this fixed immediately so bring your car in. Know when it's time to schedule Orlando auto repairs for this very important part Sign #5: Your car is pulling to one side when you slow or stop. If your car seems to pull itself to one side when you brake then you may have an issue with a brake caliper malfunctioning or a leaky brake hose not getting brake fluid where it needs to go. Don't ignore this sensation. Sign #6: Your brake service light is on in the dashboard. This one is pretty obvious - if this light is illuminated in your dash, then you have a problem with something in your brake system! Don't ignore it and don't let it go too long - get your car in for Orlando auto service as soon as you can to avoid expensive and time-consuming repairs. Feel like you may have an issue on your hands? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando's auto service center! We're open seven days a week and you can drop by 3575 Vineland Road OR call (407) 298-0001 to schedule your appointment and learn more about our service specials today.

If you're shopping pre-owned cars in Orlando, then you're bound to run into more than a few hybrids. These cars have grown in popularity since their introduction to the market because they're extremely clean, green, and fuel-efficient. They also tend to have the latest and greatest technology both under the hood AND inside the cabin (and let's admit it - they're really stylish). However, are they a good investment if you buy them used? Should you invest in a used hybrid car? A lot of people hesitate when it comes to buying a used hybrid car because of one main concern - the battery. Did you know that hybrid batteries are more expensive than a traditional battery you'd find in a gasoline-powered car? Those typically run you around $100-150, but hybrid batteries are pricier; you'll find yourself shelling out closer to $2,000. HOWEVER - before you panic - let us point out that these batteries last a lot longer than your typical battery. They're a lot bigger, sturdier, and more powerful and they usually last 10 years at the MINIMUM. So, when should you worry about buying a used hybrid car? It's safe to say that if the car you're thinking about buying is 2-3 years old, you're in the clear. You've got plenty of time behind the wheel before you have to schedule a battery replacement. Even 4-5 years should be fine, honestly. The only time you may want to take the battery into consideration is if you're buying a late model used hybrid car. In that case, have a mechanic take a peek under the hood to see what kind of shape the battery is in. You may want to factor the cost of a battery into the overall price of the car if it looks like it's going to need to be replaced anytime soon. All in all, we think an Orlando used hybrid is a great investment! Here are some of the perks you'll enjoy when you get behind the wheel: MUCH better fuel efficiency. The 2018 Toyota Prius, for example, gets 54 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway. A cleaner performance so you can feel better about your time on the road. These cars are Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles so they put out fewer emissions than a traditional car. They also use less fuel, which means they're not using up as many natural resources. Top technology. You may think all of the innovation is under the hood, but it's also up for grabs inside the cabin. Depending on which year and model you land on, you'll find tons of entertainment and connectivity features like Entune Audio, an integrated backup camera, Bluetooth wireless streaming for calls and music, navigation, the Entune App Suite, voice-command controls, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and more! Modern and unique style. With features like alloy wheels, rear spoilers, SofTex interiors, fog lights, and an angular and edgy design, you're sure to turn heads when you're behind the wheel. Shop Toyota of Orlando's hybrid selection today! What's to lose? Get behind the wheel today - shop ALL of our used hybrid cars at Toyota of Orlando today!

Worried about your college student being able to cope with their car maintenance when they head off to school? It can easily fall to the wayside with all of the classes, labs, study groups, workouts, parties, and other events your student has going on. Your best bet to ensure that their car gets the maintenance it needs is to set them up with the basic knowledge and a simple checklist to follow. Here's Toyota of Orlando's car maintenance checklist for college kids! Toyota of Orlando's checklist for college car care #1: Check and refill all essential fluids. It's essential car maintenance to have oil and coolant checked and refilled, at the very least. These fluids are important to keep performance at its peak and prevent the engine from sustaining damage due to overheating. Show your college student how to check oil levels/color as well as how to check the coolant tank. It also helps if you show them how to add more of these fluids, or at least point them in the direction of a reliable mechanic (like our Orlando Toyota service center). #2: Check tire pressure and condition on all FIVE tires. Show your college student how to check tire pressure with a gauge and also how to inspect all five tires - including the spare - for things like bubbles, blisters, punctures, or any other physical damage. You'll also want to train them on how to check tread depth with a penny (stick the penny in the tread and if you see the top of honest Abe's head, you need new tires). Set up a schedule so they're checking their tires biweekly or at least monthly. #3: Check battery condition. It's important to pop the hood every few weeks to take a peek at the battery. Instruct your college students to check the battery for things like corrosion, rust, swelling, or leaking so they know when it's time to get a new one. You should also make sure they carry jumper cables in their trunk! #4: Have the car cleaned (or clean it DIY-style) regularly. As tedious as it may seem to a busy college student, it's important that they clean their car routinely. This means emptying it of trash to ensure they don't attract insects or other pests. It also means wiping down surfaces, washing the exterior, and applying a coat of wax. All of these simple DIY detailing tasks can help keep the car in good condition AND keep the resale value where it should be. Teach your college kids about emergency car maintenance, too A few more things to think about when it comes to sending your college student off for the semester: Equip them with a roadside emergency kit so they're prepared for anything - include items like jumper cables, fix-a-flat, a flashlight and batteries, a phone charger, a first aid kit, and some cash. Also ensure they have a spare tire AND a tire jack/lug wrench in case of a flat. Teach your college student basic emergency care like how to change a tire, how to jump start their car, and what to do if their car overheats. Set up a local mechanic near their school that they can trust in the case of an emergency. Ready to send them off for the semester? Get that first round of car maintenance taken care of at Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.

If you live anywhere in Central Florida, chances are you've gotten rained on in the past 24  hours. We've received several inches of precipitation as a huge front moves through and it's made the roads wet, car accidents happen all over the place, and car damage a big possibility. One of the big problems that incessant rain can lead to is a water leak inside your car - and a water leak can lead to huge issues if not addressed. Toyota of Orlando is here to walk you through this inconvenience! Why are car water leaks so important to address right away? First of all, let's talk about car water leaks and why they're such a big deal. When water gets inside of your car, it can ruin the upholstery, headliner, mats, vinyl, or leather. Not only that, you have to remember that your car is an enclosed space that's subjected to heat every day. This makes it the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew which are not only difficult to remove but also dangerous to be exposed to. Finally, long-term water exposure can cause metal inside of your car to rust (which translates to very expensive repairs). Your best bet is to identify where the leak is coming from as soon as possible. Here are some of the most common points of entry our Orlando auto service techs see: Around headlights and taillights Sunroofs Body seams Around the trunk Around doors or windows Around the windshield Around aftermarket parts - for example, where roof racks have been installed From mechanical parts like a clogged air conditioner drain or heater core Toyota of Orlando can help you figure out where the leak is coming from Unfortunately, it can be difficult to pinpoint where the water is coming from. The easiest way to do it is to bring your car to Toyota of Orlando's auto service, obviously. However, if you prefer to be more hands-on with your auto care then your best bet is to take a simple approach. Starting from a low point and moving to a high point, pour water over the car. Watch carefully and you should be able to see where the water is getting through. If the water is on the floorboards of the car and you know it's not dripping from above, it's time to pull up the carpet and take a look. Use a flashlight to look for standing water, rust, or swelling that can indicate the origin of the leak. Regardless of where the water leak originated, it's important to take care of it as soon as you possibly can to avoid further damage and expensive repairs. Your solution really depends on where the problem is. If it's something as simple as a clogged sunroof drain, you may be able to take care of it at  home. However, if it's something mechanical or you have physical damage to your car's body, it may be time to bring in the experts. Fixing those issues can be tricky and if you don't do it right, can lead to further or worse leaks. Need affordable auto repairs for water leaks? Call Toyota of Orlando's auto service team today at (407) 298-0001!

It's an extreme heat day today in Central Florida - with the heat index, temps are likely to climb up to 105. Local news stations are warning residents to limit their time outside and avoid the sun. It's not too difficult to protect yourself from the heat (just aim for air-conditioning whenever possible), but how do you protect your ride? Extreme heat can also be damaging to your vehicle and our Orlando Toyota service techs are here with 6 tips to help you protect your vehicle through the summer. Beat the heat with these Toyota service tips Tip #1: Buy a sunshade for the windshield and get your windows tinted. The best way to protect your car's interior from the heat and sun is to tint your windows and buy a good sunshade. (We can help you with both at our Orlando Toyota service center). Tint and a sunshade will prevent UV rays from fading your car's interior and will also help to keep the cabin cooler so when it's time for you to get behind the wheel, it's not unbearably hot. Tip #2: Crack your windows. Crack your windows when it's extremely hot outside! This lets heat escape the cabin so it's not quite as stifling. However, make sure that you're parked under the shade OR that you have window rain guards installed in case of those notorious summer thunderstorms we get here in Central Florida. Tip #3: Park in the shade whenever possible. Even if you have rain guards and tint and a sunshade, it's still best to park in the shade whenever you can. This will help protect the interior but also help to protect your paint from fading AND keep the interior cooler. Tip #4: Condition leather seats. You want to keep your leather well-conditioned so the heat doesn't dry it out and subsequently, cause it to crack or tear. Apply conditioner regularly and also consider seat covers; these will help protect your seats from the sun. Tip #5: Stay up to date on all auto service. It's essential to stay on top of routine Toyota service to keep everything under the hood cool. This means getting routine oil changes, checking your coolant, making sure your tires are in good condition, and inspecting your battery on a regular basis. Everything under the hood can be negatively affected by extreme heat, so ensure you stay on your Toyota service schedule and take note of anything out of the ordinary. Tip #6: Detail the exterior regularly. It's important to protect your paint from the heat, which can damage and fade it. Make sure you routinely wash your can and apply protective wax to prevent damage. Schedule Orlando car maintenance to keep things under the hood cool Need supplies or want to ensure you're up to date on routine car maintenance? Call Toyota of Orlando today! Our Toyota service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we're ready to help you beat the heat this summer!

We've all been there - you're cruising down the highway or making your way home on crowded city streets and you hear a weird noise. You turn down the radio to make sure it wasn't just in the song you're listening to, and you hear it again... cue the dread. Unknown noises can mean problems with your vehicle, and that's why they're so important to address immediately.  Maybe you're heading a high-pitched squeal from the car when you're moving, maybe you're hearing a buzzing noise under your car when it's off, maybe your car sounds like a vacuum (and you know it shouldn't). Whatever it is, Toyota of Orlando is here with 10 car noises you should NEVER ignore! Never ignore these meaningful car noises Flapping - Flapping noises can indicate that something is loose or hanging underneath or on the car. It can also mean a malfunctioning fan or broken belt. If you can't pinpoint where it's coming from, bring your ride to Toyota of Orlando. Squealing when you brake - Your brakes have sensors built into them and when your brake pads get too thin, the sensors go off when you brake - that's the squealing noise. Be sure to bring your car in for brake service if you hear this car noise before you damage your car's rotors. Knocking sounds under the hood - This car noise may indicate a problem with the type of fuel you're using, so let our Toyota service techs check it out for you before you fill up again. Also, be sure to use the fuel indicated in your owner's manual! Any sound when you're making a turn - If you hear anything when you're making a turn, then you should bring your car to Toyota of Orlando to have it checked. Sounds when turning can indicate a problem with your steering system, which can be dangerous. Hissing under the hood - This car noise may mean that you've got a car leak somewhere under the hood; when the liquid hits something hot, it makes a sizzling or hissing sound. Let our techs inspect. Other sounds to look out for when your car is off include buzzing noises. Grinding when shifting gears - If you drive a manual transmission car and hear grinding when you shift, you've most likely got an issue with your clutch. It's only going to get worse, so don't delay having it checked. Car making rattling noises when you're in motion - If your car is making rattling noises and you know it's not anything inside the cabin or trunk, it could be that something in your exhaust system is loose and rattling. Have it checked! You should also take note of weird noises when you're accelerating - your car making rattling noises at any point in your drive time is not normal. Clicking under the hood - This car noise can indicate low oil pressure, which can turn out to be a big mess if it's not remedied! Bring your car in for service as soon as you can. A loud bang - Also known as a backfire, this sound can mean that you've got problems with your catalytic converter or exhaust system. Bring it into our Toyota service center for an inspection. Conversely, if your car won't start and sounds like a vacuum, you'll also need to visit our auto service techs. High-pitched squeal from car when moving - If you hear a high-pitched squeal from your car when moving or when pushing the gas, you may have a problem with belts slipping or malfunctioning. It won't fix itself so don't ignore it! Schedule Orlando auto service today! There can be multiple reasons why you're hearing odd noises coming from your car. For example, if you're hearing a Toyota Camry Hybrid steering groan, it could mean a few different things. It could be a failing rack and pinion (something that happens more frequently on hybrid and electric cars), a damaged strut, or bad ball joints. Damaged tie rod ends can also cause a Camry hybrid steering groan - you really never know, so it's important to have the experts take a look. Concerned about car noises? Don't delay - schedule Orlando auto service today at our dealership! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

How confident do you feel when it comes to car transmissions? Most people have a basic knowledge when it comes to this important car part - there's a manual option and an automatic option. However, it goes a little bit deeper than that! Toyota of Orlando is here to arm you with knowledge so you can shop for the right type of transmission AND keep it in good shape once you're a car owner. Let's get started! What types of car transmissions exist? If you recall, manual transmissions require the driver to actually shift the gears themselves with a clutch and gear shift. Automatics, on the other hand, do this electronically and the driver only has to shift between park, neutral, drive, and reverse. However, there are more options than just these! Conventional automatic: This type uses gears and an electronically-controlled clutch pack to get things moving alongside a torque converter - no shifting on the driver's part. Automated manual: This is an automatic transmission that has the option of paddle shifters, but doesn't have a clutch pedal and is capable of shifting via a computer (rather than having the driver shift). Continuously variable: This type is automatic, but instead of using gears to shift, it uses pulleys and a computer and maximizes fuel efficiency. Dual-clutch automated manual: This automatic has two different gear shafts, and it electronically shifts between them. How do you care for this very important car part? So, once you've decided on a type of transmission and signed the dotted line, how do you take care of it? Here are some tips from our Orlando auto service techs: Check your transmission fluid regularly - if you're not sure how to check it, then have one of our techs take a look next time you bring your car in for routine maintenance. It also needs to be replaced on a routine basis! Replace the filter as needed to ensure the system stays clean and debris-free. Have the system flushed and cleaned regularly to keep it working at maximum capacity. Replace the pan gasket - it gets worn out over time, so you should have our Orlando auto service techs replace it when it's looking worse for the wear. And what are some warning signs your car may need a little attention? Bring it in to see us if you spot any of the following: The check engine light comes on in the dash You have fluid leaks under your car Your gears sound like they're grinding when they shift the car, especially in a manual Your car seems to hesitate before shifting You hear odd noises when the car shifts between gears You smell a sweet, burning smell coming from the engine bay If you notice any of the above, it's time to make an Orlando auto repairs appointment to get to the root of the problem so you can get back out on the road. Need to schedule service? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call us at (407) 298-4501 to get things rolling!

Do you think you need auto service for your A/C? Summer is here and temps are rising, so the last thing you want is for your car's air-conditioner to give out on you. Riding around without A/C in Central Florida is miserable in the summer, so if you're concerned about your A/C, it's time to bring it into Toyota of Orlando to have it checked out. We offer affordable auto service for this very important part, and we've got skilled techs to get you back out on the road - and cool - in no time. 5 signs your A/C is about to go How do you know if your car's A/C is about to go on the fritz? Here are 5 warning signs that you don't want to ignore! Sign #1: The A/C won't turn on at all. This is a pretty obvious sign that something is wrong with your air-conditioning system! It could be from bad wiring, or it could mean that one of the components of the system is no longer working. Regardless,  you're most likely going to need Orlando auto service to get things going again so schedule an appointment. Sign #2: Your system is only blowing warm air. Is your car's air-conditioning refusing to blow cold? This could mean you're out of refrigerant (which could also mean you have a leak). Have our techs at Toyota of Orlando check under the hood to see what's going on and repair leaks if necessary. Sign #3: Your system starts out blowing cold air, but then gradually warms up as you drive. Does your A/C start out nice and cold but then get warm as you go? It can be just as uncomfortable as driving without A/C. It's likely happening because there's a "freeze" somewhere inside the system - excess moisture builds, and then it freezes as the air-conditioner gets to work. This subsequently causes the A/C to stop blowing cold. Sign #4: You hear loud noises under the hood when you turn your A/C on. If you hear sounds coming from the engine bay when you turn on the air-conditioning - like clunks or bangs - it could signal a major issue. We're talking a big part breaking. Bring your car in for auto service immediately so it can be repaired before further damage is done. Sign #5: Something smells odd when you turn the A/C on. If you smell weird smells when your air-conditioner is running, it could mean bacteria is growing inside the system. This is definitely bad for the health of you and your passengers! Let Toyota of Orlando's techs take a look and get the system clean so you can breathe easy again. Schedule Orlando auto service to stay cool this summer! Need to schedule auto service for your A/C now? Don't let summer get into full swing before you make an appointment - call Toyota of Orlando today. We're open seven days a week until 10pm with the longest service hours in Central Florida! Don't forget to ask about our service specials.

Have you ever seen a puddle under your car and wondered where it's coming from? It can cause a brief moment of panic as you begin to imagine all the costs associated with the auto repairs that are sure to come out of it. However, there is a quick and easy way to put your mind at ease and identify where the leaks are coming from - and you can actually do it without training to be a mechanic. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Check out our tips for deciphering car leaks and what they mean. What kind of car leak are you experiencing? Gas leak Everyone knows what color gasoline is - a yellowish-brown hue. However, the best way for you to identify this type of leak is by using your nose. Gas has a very strong and distinctive odor that you're sure to recognize. Leaks could be coming from the lines, and this isn't something you want to ignore! Not only is it dangerous to drive around with a gas leak as gas is very flammable, you're also losing money every time you get behind the wheel. We all know how expensive it is to fill up at the fuel pump. Oil leak If your car has an engine oil leak, the first thing you'll probably notice is oil under the car. It won't be a large puddle, but it'll still be noticeable. It's anywhere from caramel to dark brown in color (depending on how clean it is) and is viscous and syrupy. You can also check your oil levels to see if they've dipped down, and use the fluid on the dipstick for comparison. If you have an oil leak it's important to bring your car to our Orlando Toyota service center so our techs can remedy the problem. It could be leaking from a lot of different places and since oil is what keeps your engine running properly, you don't want to run out. Let Toyota of Orlando fix your leak issues today Coolant leak Think your car has a coolant leak? You'll notice puddles of green or blue liquid under your car (it can even sometimes be reddish-orange, depending on which coolant you're using). It's a pretty common car leak and not TOO serious, but you don't want to delay in getting it fixed. Remember, your coolant keeps your engine from overheating so if it's leaking, the levels are going down and it won't be able to do its job properly. Brake fluid leak Brake fluid is similar in appearance to cooking oil and if you see it under your car, you need to get to your latest Orlando Toyota service center ASAP. When you're leaking brake fluid, you're slowly chipping away at your ability to safely bring your car to a stop. Have a car leak? Need it fixed? Whether or not you're able to tell what the leak is and where it's coming from, you probably need help fixing it. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001!

When the weather is warm - and let's face it, that's pretty much every day here in Central Florida - you have to take care to ensure your car can beat the heat and still maintain an efficient and reliable performance. One of the major problems that people face when it's hot is their car overheating, which is why we've gathered information from our Orlando auto service techs that explain what this issue is, what causes it, and what to do if you experience it. Why is your car overheating? Let's get started! Why is my car overheating? When you're wondering "why is my car overheating?", you're basically dealing with a car that has become too hot to function so it eventually shuts itself off. Something inside the cooling system in the engine is preventing it from doing its job, so the engine will eventually shut down in order to prevent major damage. Here are some of the main reasons you may have to deal with your car overheating: Your water pump is broken. This is the part of the cooling system that literally pumps coolant throughout, so if it's broken, the coolant can't get where it needs to go to keep the temperature reasonable inside the engine. You have a leak somewhere. This can be caused by broken or worn hoses and results in not enough coolant making its way through the cooling system, which in turn means the car overheats. You'll need to have the hose replaced. You have a hose blockage. Conversely, if your hose is blocked instead of leaking, you're still having issues with the coolant getting where it needs to go. Our Orlando Toyota service techs will have to go in and figure out which hose in blocked and remove the blockage or replace the hose. Your radiator isn't functioning properly. The radiator is the part of the cooling system that takes the old, heated up coolant that's been circling the engine block and cools it back down again. When it doesn't work, the fluid stays warm and can't cool the engine properly. And don't forget to check your coolant - if you're using the wrong type of there's not enough of it, you may risk your car overheating. What to do if you're asking why your car is overheating So, what should you do when faced with this situation? Here are tips from our Orlando Toyota techs: Pull over - driving with an overheated engine can lead to big-time issues and subsequently, costly repairs. Put the car in park and try revving the engine, which can force more coolant through the cooling system. Opening the hood will also help release some heat, as will running the heat inside the car's cabin. Check the coolant levels to see if they're low from not being topped off or from a leak. NEVER check the radiator (by removing the cap) - you can seriously burn yourself. If nothing seems to be cooling down, call a tow truck rather than risk driving your vehicle to an auto service center. Wondering why is my car overheating and need to schedule Orlando auto service for your engine? Call us today at (407) 298-0001!