Blog

All Toyota of Orlando's Tips Toyota of Orlando News New Toyota Toyota Service Orlando Toyota Service Used Cars Toyota of Orlando Service Toyota of Orlando Body Shop
best family cars

Find a Toyota SUV for any need

Are you shopping for a new SUV but not sure which make is going to suit you best? Why not make things easy and shop for a new Toyota? We have a wide variety of reliable, stylish, and performance-driven SUVs for sale so you can find the right ride for any need. Check out some of the selection below and get down to our Orlando Toyota dealership to shop options today! Our Orlando Toyotas offer something for everyone If you need something super family-friendly: If you're in the market for a new SUV that's exceptionally family-friendly, then you need to slide behind the wheel of the Toyota Highlander. This Orlando Toyota SUV is super spacious, offering three rows of seating for a total of 8 people, as well as a roomy cargo area, towing capabilities, and plenty of legroom. On top of that, it's decked out with top safety technology like Toyota Safety Sense P, the Star Safety System, an Advanced Airbag System, and Safety Connect Services, just to name a few things. And you'll love family-friendly convenience features like three-zone automatic climate conrol, a rear-seat Blu Ray Disc entertainment system, Bluetooth, and more! If you're taking things off-road: Want a spacious SUV for the workweek but trying to get things off the pavement on the weekend? Check out the 2019 Toyota 4Runner! This new Toyota SUV is decked out with performance-driven features designed to tackle any terrain. Get back in touch with nature with features like a 4.0L V6 engine, rear-wheel drive with automatic limited-slip differential, part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, active traction control, multi-terrain select, electronically-controlled locking rear differential, and reinforced body-on-frame construction. If you want something compact and fuel-efficient: Want something a little more spacious than your standard sedan or crossover, but not wanting to shell out big bucks for gas or feel like your ride is bulky? Then check out the 2019 Toyota RAV4! This compact SUV is perfect for drivers who want fuel efficiency (26/35 mpg, to be exact, as well as a hybrid option) and something sporty but also want more interior room. This Toyota SUV seats five and has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space so you're ready for a road trip but won't break the bank, no matter where your adventure takes you. If you want luxury integrated into your daily drive time: Looking for luxury to take your drive time up a level? Check out the much-loved Toyota Land Cruiser. This Orlando Toyota SUV brings plush sophistication to your drive time with a soft leather interior, an Entune Premium JBL Audio System, the Smart Key System on on all doors as well as a push button start, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with two individual 11.6" screens. You'll also find multi-terrain select, a 5.7L V8 engine, and full-time four-wheel drive with active traction control. Shop for a new Toyota SUV today! As you can see, we've got something for everyone... so why not shop today? Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Orlando Toyota tips

8 driving hacks to make your life that much easier

Driving can be a hassle, even when you're behind the wheel of a reliable new Toyota. We get it! Orlando is jam-packed with traffic, it's hot most of the year, and realistically, most of us would rather be sitting on the beach or parked in front of Netflix instead of battling I-4. However, Toyota of Orlando is here to make the situation a little more tolerable. Check out these 10 driving hacks to make your day-to-day commute that much easier! Use these driving hacks to simplify your commute #1: Drop a pin where you park your car. There's nothing more annoying than not being able to remember where you parked, especially when it's hot and you're in a rush. When you park your Orlando Toyota, drop a pin on your iPhone and you'll have no trouble finding your way back to it. #2: Get the hot air out of your ride fast. Sliding into a stifling hot car after a long day of work is miserable. Get the hot air out fast - use this driving hack! Simply unroll the passenger side front window and then open and close your driver's side door repeatedly - it'll push the hot air out the window. #3: Know what exit sign positions mean. Unsure as to which side of the highway your exit is on? Just look at the signs. If the sign is on the right, the exit is on the right. If it's on the left, the exit is on the left. #4: Learn how to gauge unfamiliar mechanics. If you get stuck with a roadside emergency and can't make it to Toyota of Orlando, chances are you'll be visiting a mechanic you're unfamiliar with. Make sure they aren't scamming you - choose a part of your car that you know is in good condition and ask them if there's anything wrong with it. #5: Stay in your lane. When you're stuck in a traffic jam, just stay in your lane (as frustrating as it may be). Studies show that constantly changing lanes in a traffic jam won't really get you anywhere faster. #6: Keep your hands cool. Sick of burning your hands on a hot steering wheel every afternoon? Turn your wheel 180 degrees after you park so only the bottom gets heated by the sun - the top will be nice and cool when you turn it back. #7: Download the right apps. Phone apps can be a lifesaver (as long as you don't use them WHILE you're driving). We suggest apps like Waze, which can serve as navigation and also alert you to accidents, as well as music and podcast apps for entertainment, weather apps to check the weather on your route, and a gas station finder app for convenience. #8: Clean up after your four-legged friends. This driving hack is Mr. Toyota approved! Use a rubber squeegee to quickly and efficiently get pet hair off your seats (instead of taking the time to vacuum) so you're not sneezing your way to work. Shop driving hack supplies at Toyota of Orlando! Want more tips or need to shop for supplies to make your drive time simple and efficient? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

go green

5 ways Toyota is working to save the planet through sustainability

Everyone knows that Toyota is committed to the environment. In fact, they were the frontrunners for the hybrid car movement; the iconic Orlando Toyota Prius was the first vehicle that really allowed drivers to go green with the turn of a key. But a new initiative is on the horizon and Toyota is working harder than ever to do its part to save Mother Earth through sustainability. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop! What is the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050? The initiative is called Toyota's Environmental Challenge 2050, and it has five steps built into its roadmap to help increase sustainability and keep our planet nice and green. It's goals? To achieve the following: Eliminate CO2 emissions from Orlando Toyotas by 90% from 2010 levels Minimize/optimize water usage Help create a recycling-based society Support biodiversity and work in harmony with nature Eliminate CO2 emissions from Toyota operations And here are the steps they plan to take to make it happen. 5 steps to make sustainability happen Step #1: To preserve national parks with old car batteries. To do so, Toyota plans to repurpose old Toyota Camry batteries and use them to store power collected by solar panels for future use. This will allow parks to rely more on solar power rather than diesel or propane to run their backup generators. Step #2: To establish recyclable water systems - Toyota plans to increase sustainability at its operations by eliminating water waste, establish systems that use 100% recycled or reused water, spread word about water conservation, and help their major suppliers take the same initiatives. In fact, Toyota's headquarters in Plano, TX has already implemented a rainwater harvesting system. Step #3: To teach a recycle-first mindset. Toyota wants to increase its use of sustainable materials AND increase the life of its vehicles' parts, eliminate waste disposal via recycling, and share insights with the community. Not only do they encourage their employees to recycle, but they're also reducing raw material usage to do away with waste. Step #4: To promote biodiversity in North America. Toyota will work to protect species across the country, conserve natural habitats, and share insights to help others do the same. Did you know that Toyota is helping to preserve areas of the Galapagos Islands to prevent contamination of the islands? They're also working right here in the U.S., sustaining 1,000+ acres of wilderness at 12 different sites. Step #5: To partner for a sustainable future. Toyota wants to share its expertise and experiences in sustainability with its partners and the community to help other major players achieve the same goals. Right now, Toyota sponsors National Public Lands Day, where volunteers dedicate hours on a massive scale to keep public lands pristine and clean. Want to learn more about Toyota's sustainability initiatives, or want to integrate a little more green into your drive time? Call Toyota of Orlando today to set up a test drive in one of our new Toyota hybrids. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Toyota of Orlando's theme park hacks

Are you hitting the theme parks anytime soon? Summer can be a busy time to visit - it's usually peak time, in fact, as tourists from all over the world flood Orlando and Central Florida to visit the Mouse and check out Harry Potter's domain. However, that shouldn't stop you from making your way out to the theme parks and putting your pass to use. Toyota of Orlando is here with theme park hacks to make your visit easy, seamless, and stress-free! Make the most of your time with these theme park hacks 1. Start at the back. When the park opens, people tend to congregate around the front of it and explore what it has to offer. Head directly through the crowds to the back of the park where the crowds will be thinnest so you can take advantage of no lines before the crowd reaches you. 2. Hit the busy rides during shows and parades. Dying to ride Seven Dwarves Mine Train or Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? Try to hit the most popular rides in the park when everyone else is watching shows, fireworks, and parades to save yourself the time and hassle. 3. Take a picture of where you parked. A long day at the parks can be exhausting and the last thing you want to do is wander the parking lots to find your Orlando Toyota. Take a picture of the spot and row where you parked BEFORE you go in so it's easy to locate your vehicle at the end of the day. 4. Have a designated meeting point in case your group gets separated. If you're going with a big group, it's easy for people to wander off or get separated in crowds and lines. Theme park hack: have a designated meeting spot where you can all congregate should you get separated. These Orlando Toyota tips can make your visits even more magical 5. Use mobile ordering. Some parks let you order food via their mobile app ahead of time, so when you get to the restaurant all you have to do is swing through and pick it up. This theme park hack can save you time, especially when restaurants are at their busiest. 6. Get there extra-early. The early bird gets the work, right? Head to the theme parks right when they open. If you can get there for "rope drop" (official opening time), you can sprint for the back and save yourself a ton of time by avoiding crowds. 7. Download park apps on your phone. As noted, you should download the park app to your phone. Not only can you use mobile ordering, but you can also check fast passes, show and parade times, and wait times to see when you should hit your favorite rides. It'll make your visit much more efficient. 8. BYO everything. All parks have different rules, but BYO EVERYTHING if you can. You can rent a locker to store it in, and you'll save money by bringing things like snacks, empty water bottles to fill, medicine, a basic first aid kit, and ponchos. From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have a great visit to the parks and we hope these theme park hacks make your visit even more magical!

vehicle depreciation tips

What is vehicle depreciation, and why does it matter?

If you've ever made a big purchase - a car, a motorcycle, a boat, etc. - you've probably heard the term "vehicle depreciation" bandied about. But what does it mean, and more specifically, what does it mean for your investment? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain vehicle depreciation and how you can counteract it to hold onto the resale value in your next ride. Why should you worry about vehicle depreciation? Here's the bottom line: when you buy a car, it depreciates. Simply put, this means that it loses value over time because of the wear and tear you put it through. Most cars lose 15-35% of their value in the first year (!!) and then up to 50% or more in the next three. This affects your car's resale value and in turn, affects how much money you'll get when you sell or trade it in down the line. Some vehicles depreciate less quickly than others; for example, Toyotas are renowned in the automotive world for holding their value well and getting you more bang for your buck as they age in comparison to other makes and models. How can you keep your Orlando Toyota's value high? So, how can you combat vehicle depreciation? Here are some quick Orlando Toyota tips to help you retain the existing value in your vehicle and get the money you deserve when you sell or trade in down the line. Tip #1: Do your research. Find out which makes and models hold value the best and base your final purchase on that data. Tip #2: Stay on top of auto service. Keep your car on a routine car maintenance schedule at Toyota of Orlando for things like oil changes, tires rotations, etc., and be sure to take care of repairs as quickly as possible. A well-maintained car will hold its value and depreciate less than one that misses maintenance appointments on the regular. Tip #3: Watch your mileage. You bought the car to drive it, sure. But cars with more miles on them depreciate faster! Keep your mileage at a reasonable number to try and retain some of the resale value already built into your ride. Tip #4: Consider elements like size, paint color, and fuel efficiency. These elements may or may not be important to you, but they definitely affect vehicle depreciation. Larger cars that cost more upfront tend to lose their value than smaller, more affordable models. Additionally, you should choose neutral paint colors when shopping because those are more desirable to future shoppers down the road. And finally, choose something fuel-efficient - the more economical a car is with fuel, the more desirable it'll be to a future buyer. Tip #5: Buy for your climate. All-wheel drives are popular in climates with lots of snow and ice, but they aren't as in-demand in climates like Florida where we don't see much besides rain. Think about where you live and where you might sell or trade-in before you buy. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Want a trade-in appraisal or need to get on a routine car care schedule? Call Toyota of Orlando today - we're open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-4500.

Orlando tire replacement

Are you due for a tire replacement?

Are you due for a tire replacement? We know - those are probably the last two words you want to hear. Tires aren't inexpensive and replacing one means you'll have to invest a little bit of money into your ride. However, having reliable and safe tires is imperative for your drive time for your safety, performance, and efficiency. Toyota of Orlando is here with 4 surefire signs you're due for a tire replacement - see what our Orlando auto service techs have to say about it. Do you REALLY need a tire replacement? Sign #1: You're losing tire pressure regularly. Do you find yourself having to add air to your tires on a constant basis because they're losing pressure? This isn't normal, just FYI. Your tires do lose a little pressure over time just because of wear and tear or when the weather fluctuates from hot to cold, but you shouldn't have to regularly fill just one tire due to low pressure levels. If you find yourself in this situation, you're likely due for a tire replacement. Sign #2: There's significant physical damage to the tire. Have you gotten into a collision, run into a curb, ran over something sharp, or otherwise seriously damaged your tire? Sometimes you can fix a flat by plugging a nail hole or slapping a patch on, but tears, large punctures, bubbles or blisters, or sidewall separation usually call for a replacement so you don't have a blowout on your hands in the near future. Sign #3: Your car is vibrating while in motion. Do you feel your vehicle vibrating when you hit the road? Vibrations can be caused by a number of issues, but tires are a top culprit to this drive time problem. If there's something wrong with the tire then it throws the rest of them out of balance, and this can cause uncomfortable vibrations. Bring your car to our Orlando Toyota service center to have our techs check it out and see if a tire replacement will solve the issue. Sign #4: The tread is too low. There's no fixing low tread - you can't patch it or plug it to make it grow back. Tread is essential for traction and when your tire's tread gets too low, you lose control over your vehicle. The best way to check if the tread is too low is to do the penny test. Stick a penny into the tread with Abe Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is way too low and it's time for a tire replacement. Bring your ride to Toyota of Orlando for any and all tire-related services Luckily for you, our Toyota of Orlando service techs can help you quickly spot and take care of a tire replacement, AND we offer exceptional service specials and price matching on tires. Don't wait - bring your car into our state-of-the-art service center today! We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

2019 Toyota

Find the ultimate adventures in the Toyota Land Cruiser

Sure, it's fun to hit the highway and cruise city streets to find your dose of adventure. But if you had the chance to take things off the beaten path, would you? In order to get off the pavement you need the right ride and believe it or not, we have a solution that you may not consider when it comes to rough-and-ready vehicles - the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser. We're here to talk to you about this versatile SUV and give you the scoop on a recently noticed 1985 model that's ready for anything. Check it out! You'll love this custom 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser First of all, it's important to keep in mind that while the new Toyota Land Cruiser is all about luxury, it's also got major performance elements woven into it because it was originally designed to be an off-roading maverick. When it came to fruition in the 1940s, this Orlando Toyota was actually a military vehicle, and it's never strayed too far from its roots when it comes to performance.   We recently scoped a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser listed for sale by a private seller on the internet, and we were pretty impressed by the mods and capabilities that it has to offer its new owner. It's truly ready for anything, and here's what it's packing to prove that point: A new suspension composed of Old Man Emu springs, Boss airbags, two extra lead springs in the rear, and a sway bar A newer 350 cubic-inch Ram Jet V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission for ultimate control A large roof basket with the ability to hold six fuel tanks AND an attached awning to give you some shade should you decide to pull over and take in the view Mud-terrain tires with two spares - one is hooked onto the back of this Toyota Land Cruiser and one is stored in the spacious roof basket A 40-gallon fuel tank to get you further (the original tank of this Orlando Toyota holds around 23 gallons) A snorkel to allow you to tackle water crossings without a problem TWO batteries used to power both the vehicle and all of its accessories, as well as a 100-watt solar panel to add a little more oomph to the equation A WagonGear storage system attached to the tow hitch for more cargo space, and extra cabin storage with custom dashboard drawers 360 degree flood lamp lighting, Hella H4 headlamps, and PIAA driving lights for the ultimate illumination And while this Toyota Land Cruiser may have 305,000 miles listed on it, the new engine only accounts for around 55,000 of them. Obviously, this off-roading aficionado has a lot of life left in it. See what this versatile Orlando Toyota can bring to your drive time today And the good news? You can get the best of both worlds now - hit the road in a luxury vehicle that's designed to keep you comfortable and connected, but take things off the pavement whenever you see fit thanks to all of the versatile performance features this Orlando Toyota has to offer. Get behind the wheel today - call us at (407) 298-4500!

What Ever Happened to the Toyota Hilux?

Toyota is a vehicle manufacturer with an impressive roster of diverse vehicles meant to suit the needs of any and all drivers. Everything from the Toyota 86 to the Tundra has features that are meant to service drivers with whatever their needs are. While Toyota's lineup includes several great nameplates like the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, there used to be several more back in the day. This truck is known for its rugged toughness and extreme capability, and a Back to the Future cameo (that's most likely where you know it from).   The Orlando Toyota Hilux is a truck that's developed a reputation as a truly tough truck. Top Gear drowned one in the ocean, let it fall from atop a demolishing building, and set it on fire and repaired it using basic tools. The truck still ran and made history as one of the most durable vehicles out there. But, why is it not available in the states anymore and where can you find one today? Toyota of Orlando has the details on the Toyota Hilux, check it out! The Story of the Toyota Hilux The legendary Toyota Hilux was, at one point, a staple in the North American market. It was introduced with a 1.5L I4 engine and was available with regular cab and short bed modifications. For its second generation, the Hilux featured an upgraded engine and more comfortable interior. The Orlando Toyota Hilux continued going strong and Toyota eventually reached an agreement with Winnebago Industries that allowed them to enter the SUV market. This lead to the development of the Hilux Surf, which eventually became the 4Runner. It wasn't until the fifth generation of the Orland Toyota Hilux that it was cancelled from the North American lineup. Oddly enough, Volkswagen manufactured the Hilux under their own nameplate, the Taro, from 1989 to 1997. The Hilux was replaced by the Toyota Tacoma in 1995 in North America but continued to be sold in South America. It was also cancelled in Japan in 2005. Where's the Toyota Hilux Now? While this iconic Orlando Toyota truck was cancelled in North America and Japan, the Toyota Hilux is still available in countries like South Africa, Thailand, and Australia. Recently, a GR racing edition of Hilux was made available in South Africa in very limited supply. There's also talks of introducing an EV model by 2025. This truck is available with engine sizes like 2.0, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.0, and 4.0 liter sizes with inline-4 and V6 variants. For many drivers, the Orlando Toyota Hilux is a highly capable and customizable ride that can't be stopped. It may be gone from the North American market, but we still have an iconic compact truck to lean on. The Toyota Tacoma is a unique truck that features near-limitless combinations and accessories to customize it. It can be used as a regular commuting vehicle, an off-roading vehicle, or a working one. Whatever you need it for, this Toyota Hilux replacement is worth checking out. Make sure to stop by Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road and check out our Toyota Tacoma inventory!

car maintenance tips

Car maintenance tips you’ll need to increase your vehicle’s lifespan

One of the most frequently asked questions in “I’m buying a new car” history is wondering how long your vehicle is going to last. Should you use premium gas? Higher-grade oil? No one is really sure. Thankfully, our Toyota of Clermont auto service team has come up with and gathered some of the best tips you’ll need to pocket in order to increase your vehicle’s lifespan. Follow these easy tips to increase your Toyota of Clermont vehicle’s lifespan Tip #1: Buy gas at a reputable gas station. It’s important to make sure you’re fueling your vehicle with gas that isn’t going to cause damage. Ask if the gas pump filters have been changed recently and what their policy is on their filters. Some gas stations don’t have filters at all which can increase your chances of filling your vehicle with dirty or watered down gas, which will significantly decrease your Clermont Toyota’s vehicle lifespan. Plus, good gas can help increase fuel efficiency. Tip #2: Make sure your vehicle has enough brake fluid. Make sure to check your brake fluid monthly. If you need more fluid, add the recommended type (this can be found inside your owner’s manual). Make sure to not use brake fluid that has already been opened. Once the fluid is exposed to air, brake fluid absorbs moisture and will accumulate contaminants easily. Make sure to replace your fluids in a timely manner to create optimal vehicle lifespan. Tip #3: Lighten up your keychain. Is your keychain weighing down your pocket? Chances are it’s weighing down your ignition too! The weight of your keys can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and lead to switch failure. A lightweight keychain will help increase your Clermont Toyota’s lifespan by keeping your ignition intact. If your ignition key sticks when you turn on the car, it’s trying to tell you that your switch is about to fail. Tip #4: Fix small windshield chips right away. One minute, you’re driving by construction and the next you have a small spider crack in your windshield. It’s important to bring your vehicle in to our Toyota of Clermont body shop for a replacement. The repair will not only stop your cracked windshield from cracking even more, but it will save you a citation for driving an unsafe vehicle and create a longer vehicle lifespan. Tip #5: Inspect your splash guards. These guards are necessary to keeping your engine in good working condition. Your splash guards help keep water and other debris from getting into the engine compartment where there can be damage done to the electrical components located inside. Replace cracked or broken guards to ensure your engine will not be bothered by water, debris, and mud. Need to schedule a car maintenance appointment? Contact Toyota of Clermont auto service center today! If you’re wanting to maintain your Clermont Toyota and increase its vehicle lifespan, contact our Toyota of Clermont auto service team to schedule a car maintenance check! Call us at (352)404-7001 or come to our dealership located at 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida Turnpike.

Why is my steering wheel shaking

Why is my steering wheel shaking: 6 warning signs of steering wheel problems

When your steering wheel is going to need some car maintenance, it’s going to tell you right away. Opposite to some of the other car issues you might experience with your vehicle, it isn’t safe to put off an issue with your steering wheel - given that your wheel handles your vehicle. Regardless of what the main cause of your steering wheel issue is - whether it’s your tires or a fluid leak - Toyota of Orlando has picked up some of the warning signs you need to make note of when your steering wheel isn’t functioning properly and to help you answer the question of "Why is my steering wheel shaking?". Why is my steering wheel shaking? You should include your steering wheel in your regularly scheduled car maintenance checks even when you’re not noticing anything out of the ordinary. Luckily for you, if your wheel begins to report some issues, they are usually quick and easy to fix. Here are some of the warning signs you should look for so you’ll know when to bring in your vehicle for car maintenance repairs - it's time to answer the question of "why is my steering wheel shaking?". Warning sign #1: Trouble turning the wheel in any direction. If your wheel has gotten stuck and doesn’t want to move, or you’re just having some difficulty turning, you might want to check and see if the fluid canister is empty. If it is, you’re going to want to fill it up as soon as possible. Check under your Orlando Toyota periodically to make sure your vehicle isn’t experiencing a fluid leak. Contact one of our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs to run diagnostics and perform some car maintenance checks. Warning sign #2: A vibrating wheel. If your steering wheel is starting to tremor, and it’s not due to some off-roading, stop and pull over as soon as possible. While it can be annoying to drive with a shaky steering wheel, it can actually mean that there’s an issue with your car’s wheel alignment or power steering. Due to the influx of contaminants in the steering system, you’re going to need to purchase a flush to unlodge the buildup. For some help, schedule car maintenance right away. Warning sign #3: Excess play when you steer. Are you making a 90 degree turn but your vehicle seems to be going nowhere? This probably means that there is a lack of response and movement in the wheel which can make it difficult to steer accurately and control how far the car is going. This can be caused by a loose steering gear, worn ball joints, or a loose wheel bearing. This can be extremely dangerous, especially when you’re out driving on the road. Make sure to bring your car in to our Orlando service center right away. Warning sign #4: The wheel shakes/bounces at high speeds or when you engage your brakes. This sign is one of the more tricky ones because it can be the result of a number of issues. Most of the time, however, it’s caused by your tires. It’s very possible that your wheels might be out of balance, unevenly worn out, or not inflated correctly. It’s also possible that your tires have some loose bolts or there’s an issue with your Orlando Toyota’s brakes. It’s time to schedule a car maintenance appointment as soon as you can. Warning sign #5: Your vehicle pulls to one side when driving. This is a sign that there is an issue with a worn out steering gear. The wear and tear of this gear can be caused by a lack of lubrication from the power steering fluid in the car. You should pull over right away and check under the car for leaks and contact a Toyota of Orlando auto service tech for some help. Warning sign #6: Grinding or screeching noises when moving the wheel. These headache-inducing sounds are often caused by a loose or worn-out steering belt. This part connects the power steering pump to the engine and this noise is indicative of a low amount of power steering fluid. Wondering why your steering wheel is shaking? Call Toyota of Orlando today! If you’re experiencing any of the issues listed above or any other signs and need an answer as to why your steering wheel is shaking, call Toyota of Orlando today to schedule some car maintenance at (407)298-0001 or visit our dealership located at 3575 Vineland Rd just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Orlando auto service tips

Car care tips for first-time car owners

If you just bought your very first car... CONGRATS! Buying a vehicle is a huge step and something to be proud of. With car ownership, though, comes a lot of responsibility. A vehicle is a big investment, so you want to do everything you can to keep it in like-new condition - it'll not only give you the best performance possible but also ensure you retain value so you can get more bang for your buck if you want to sell it in the future. Luckily for you, our Orlando auto service techs have put together a few car care tips for first-time car owners! Learn how to care for your first car like a pro Tip #1: Never ignore a warning light, weird smell, or odd noise. It's tempting to pretend you don't see that warning light in the dash or to turn up the radio to drown out that odd sound you keep hearing. After all, who knows how much it'll cost to fix? Don't give into the temptation! Delaying necessary car repairs can just make issues evolve into bigger, more expensive, and more serious issues down the road. If something is off with your ride, bring it into Toyota of Orlando so our techs can check things over for you. Tip #2: Take a look at the owner's manual as soon as you buy the car. The owner's manual is basically a bible for your car. It'll give you all the information you need to know to be a responsible owner, including things like what service schedule to follow, which oil to use, which gasoline you should put in the tank, and more. Skim through it so you have a basic idea of how to handle car care, and keep it close by (like in the glovebox) for your reference. Tip #3: Get your vehicle on a car care schedule with a mechanic. The best way to take excellent care of your vehicle is to immediately put it on a car care schedule. This way, you never miss an important service like an oil change, tire rotation, or inspection. Toyota of Orlando's service techs can help you set up the right schedule for your vehicle's needs and keep you on it, sending you reminders when you're due to come in for a visit. Tip #4: Know how to handle car care emergencies. Knowing how to handle car care emergencies quickly and efficiently can save you a lot of time and money. Educate yourself on how to deal with common ones, like a flat tire, an overheated car, a dead batter, and collisions/accidents BEFORE you start hitting the road regularly. Tip #5: Detail your car inside and out on a regular basis. A big part of car maintenance is keeping your car LOOKING like-new, too! This helps retain value and prevent problems like rust, mold, and mildew. Be sure to thoroughly detail the inside and outside of your car on a routine basis to protect it from the elements and keep it in the best shape possible. Let Toyota of Orlando get you on a maintenance schedule today Need help getting on a car care schedule? Call Toyota of Orlando today and talk to one of our techs at (407) 298-0001!

Orlando Toyota TRD

What is TRD, and what does it mean for your drive time?

What exactly is Toyota TRD? Plenty of people have seen the badging on vehicles when they're out and about on the roads and realize that it's something out of the ordinary, but most people aren't familiar with TRD beyond that. We're here to break the brand down for you so you have a better understanding of what this facet of Toyota has to offer you and your drive time and you're ready next time you shop at Toyota of Orlando. What does TRD stand for? TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development. This facet of the Toyota brand was developed for racing, but since vehicles intended for racing share so many characteristics with those built for off-roading, it naturally evolved into what it is now - a type of vehicle that's perfect for tackling different terrain because of its special suspension. Additionally, there are three grades of TRD packages - Sport, Off-Road, and Pro. The higher you go (with Pro being the highest), the more off-road-ready you are. What do these special Orlando Toyota TRD packages have to offer? What does each grade or TRD package have to offer? Here's the breakdown from our Orlando Toyota dealership. Sport: This TRD package focuses mostly on appearance - making your Toyota truck look a whole lot sportier without really changing much of the performance or engineering. It includes features like a non-functional hood scoop, fog lights, 17" alloy wheels, TRD graphics inside and out, and a sport-tuned suspension. You can find it most often on the Toyota Tacoma but it's sometimes up for grabs on the Sequoia and Tundra. Off-Road: The Off-Road TRD package is most often available on the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tundra, and Toyota Sequoia; however, it was most recently added to the Toyota RAV4.  It includes features that make your vehicle look different AND enhance its off-roading capabilities. You'll be able to take things up a notch with a special off-road tuned suspension system, multi-terrain select, CRAWL control, electronically-locking rear differential, and Bilstein shocks. On top of that, the appearance is upgraded with wide-angle fog lights, 16" alloy wheels, special Off-Road graphics, and an inclinometer with roll/pitch displays. Additionally, this package allows for a greater approach angle - 32 degrees instead of 29 degrees. Pro: The Pro TRD package is the top dog when it comes to all things TRD. Not only does it include premium off-roading features, it also adds convenience and comfort features that you'd typically find in a high-end model. It includes elements like a power moonroof, a black leather interior with leather shift knob, Pro graphics, a heritage-inspired "Toyota" front grille, and 16" black alloy wheels. Additionally, it ups your performance capabilities by adding features like TRD Pro Cat-back exhaust, Fox Internal Bypass coil-over springs and rear remote reservoir shocks, a thicker front skid plate, an a suspension system with a 1" lift. Additionally, the approach angle has been increased to 35 degrees and you'll even find features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert thrown in. This TRD package is typically available on the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sequoia, and Toyota Tundra models. However, did you know that you can also find TRD packages on other Toyotas that aren't designed to enhance performance for off-roading? The new Toyota Camry offers a TRD package that takes it up a notch in terms of appearance. People often ask if there's a TRD Corolla, too - unfortunately, the answer is not right now (as much as we'd love it). They're in their right to wonder, though. Back in 2000, there actually was a TRD Corolla. It was extremely rare (if you ask most Toyota people about it, they'll say they've never heard of it) and is a road-going version of the AE101 Corolla that raced in the Japanese Touring Car Championship. Obviously, this TRD Corolla isn't in the lineup today. However, if you really need to get your hands on something similar, the new GR Corolla is headed our way and offers a super-sporty, track-ready performance that you'd find in the TRD Corolla of days past. So, which one suits you and your drive time needs best? We've got good news - you can test drive any and all of them today at Toyota of Orlando. Just give us a call at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your appointment today!

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields