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Do you love a good collectible item? Everyone has their thing - from coins to cars, most people enjoy collecting whether it's for monetary gain or just simple nostalgia. One collectible item that's taken an uptick in popularity recently is cars - believe it or not, collecting and restoring classic cars is becoming more and more common. And even more surprisingly, cars that were once considered common and run-of-the-mill are becoming hot ticket items to have in your garage! Are you on the hunt for a collectible Toyota vintage car? Whether you want to collect and restore vintage cars to turn a profit or just to hit the road on a lazy Sunday afternoon for a joy ride, here are some of the most collectible vintage Toyotas on the market right now (besides the ever-popular Toyota Supra). Toyota Land Cruiser The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a much-loved vehicle for decades, and they're popular cars to buy and sell across the board. However, several models in particular fetch a pretty high resale at the moment and might be worth considering, especially when it comes to the 1980s models. This particular era was boxier than the current models but excellent for off-roading and overlanding. The MSRP back in that time period was around $18,000, but these must-have Toyotas are currently closer to $40,000-$60,000 once restored. Toyota MR2 Spyder We never thought that this tiny two-seater Toyota would be considered a must-have collectible vintage car, but here we are. There's nothing wrong with the Toyota MR2 Spyder, but it wasn't at the top of the sports car game in its heyday. It's a mid-engine two-seater that had a fair amount of get-up-and-go but still offered an affordable price tag. Its MSRP around 2003 waS $22,000 - $24,000, and if you put a restored model in your garage today, you'd likely pay around the same. Toyota Celica The Toyota Celica is similar to the Toyota MR2 Spyder in that it was a popular, affordable option with a fun performance. However, some 1980s models are fetching upwards of $30,000 in the right condition in the current market, making this Toyota vintage car a highly-coveted collectible. Toyota Truck Remember the old Toyota Truck pickups - you know, the ones that were sold before the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra became national staples? It's back and more popular than ever before. Some models have sold upwards of $30,000 at auction even though it had an MSRP of $9,000 back in the 1990s. Let Toyota of Orlando help you with your search and restoration! No matter which Toyota vintage car you choose, they're all collectible in our minds. Ask how we can help you find the right preowned ride - call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

Do you love a good collectible item? Everyone has their thing - from coins to cars, most people enjoy collecting whether it's for monetary gain or just simple nostalgia. One collectible item that's taken an uptick in popularity recently is cars - believe it or not, collecting and restoring classic cars is becoming more and more common. And even more surprisingly, cars that were once considered common and run-of-the-mill are becoming hot ticket items to have in your garage! Are you on the hunt for a collectible Toyota vintage car? Whether you want to collect and restore vintage cars to turn a profit or just to hit the road on a lazy Sunday afternoon for a joy ride, here are some of the most collectible vintage Toyotas on the market right now (besides the ever-popular Toyota Supra). Toyota Land Cruiser The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a much-loved vehicle for decades, and they're popular cars to buy and sell across the board. However, several models in particular fetch a pretty high resale at the moment and might be worth considering, especially when it comes to the 1980s models. This particular era was boxier than the current models but excellent for off-roading and overlanding. The MSRP back in that time period was around $18,000, but these must-have Toyotas are currently closer to $40,000-$60,000 once restored. Toyota MR2 Spyder We never thought that this tiny two-seater Toyota would be considered a must-have collectible vintage car, but here we are. There's nothing wrong with the Toyota MR2 Spyder, but it wasn't at the top of the sports car game in its heyday. It's a mid-engine two-seater that had a fair amount of get-up-and-go but still offered an affordable price tag. Its MSRP around 2003 waS $22,000 - $24,000, and if you put a restored model in your garage today, you'd likely pay around the same. Toyota Celica The Toyota Celica is similar to the Toyota MR2 Spyder in that it was a popular, affordable option with a fun performance. However, some 1980s models are fetching upwards of $30,000 in the right condition in the current market, making this Toyota vintage car a highly-coveted collectible. Toyota Truck Remember the old Toyota Truck pickups - you know, the ones that were sold before the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra became national staples? It's back and more popular than ever before. Some models have sold upwards of $30,000 at auction even though it had an MSRP of $9,000 back in the 1990s. Let Toyota of Orlando help you with your search and restoration! No matter which Toyota vintage car you choose, they're all collectible in our minds. Ask how we can help you find the right preowned ride - call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

When it comes to DIY car care, how confident are you? We know some drivers are pretty adept at handling whatever goes on under the hood while others break out in a cold sweat even thinking about checking their oil. No matter where you stand on DIY car maintenance, it's always good to have basic knowledge of the main aspects of your vehicle just in case you get into a car emergency. That's why today, we're teaching you how to install a car battery all by your lonesome. We get it - it's not something you may choose to do on a regular basis and that's fine; that's why our Orlando auto service center is here. We can perform car battery maintenance AND replace the battery when necessary while you sip coffee and watch TV in our service waiting area. However, what happens if you're stuck without a mechanic nearby and need a replacement battery? Knowing how to drop the battery in can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Learn how to change your own car battery in an emergency Before you get started, here are a few things you should do: Find out which type of car battery your Orlando Toyota requires. Using the wrong one can cause expensive and even irreparable damage to your vehicle, so ask our Orlando Toyota parts store to give you a hand in choosing one. You can call for assistance seven days a week! Check your current car battery for corrosion. Corrosion can make it difficult to detach the cables from the terminals, so you may have to clean up a little first. Usually pouring a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals or cleaning them with a baking soda and water paste will do the trick. Gather supplies - you'll need the new battery, gloves, a socket wrench, and petroleum jelly. Protective eyewear doesn't hurt, either. Now let's get down to it - here are the steps to take to install your new battery DIY style. Remember, if you really get stuck, contact our Orlando Toyota service center! First, you'll turn your car off and pop the hood. Next, use your socket wrench to remove the clamps that are attached to the terminals. ALWAYS do the NEGATIVE (Black, -) FIRST, followed by the POSITIVE (Red, +) last. Pull the clamps off and set them aside. Pull the old battery out of its housing and set it aside. Remember, you can't just throw a car battery in the trash - you need to dispose of it appropriately. Slide the new battery into place and put petroleum jelly on the clamps. Not only will this be a great conductor, it'll also help prevent future corrosion on the cables and terminals. Next, you'll need to reattach the clamps to the terminals. You're going to do the OPPOSITE of what you did when you removed the cables. First, attach the POSITIVE (Red, +) , THEN attach the NEGATIVE (Black, -) to avoid doing damage to your car (or yourself). Finally, close the hood and start your car! If it starts up and runs normally, you're all set. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Call Toyota of Orlando with questions Still having issues or need some assistance? We're always here to help. Call Toyota of Orlando seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

When it comes to DIY car care, how confident are you? We know some drivers are pretty adept at handling whatever goes on under the hood while others break out in a cold sweat even thinking about checking their oil. No matter where you stand on DIY car maintenance, it's always good to have basic knowledge of the main aspects of your vehicle just in case you get into a car emergency. That's why today, we're teaching you how to install a car battery all by your lonesome. We get it - it's not something you may choose to do on a regular basis and that's fine; that's why our Orlando auto service center is here. We can perform car battery maintenance AND replace the battery when necessary while you sip coffee and watch TV in our service waiting area. However, what happens if you're stuck without a mechanic nearby and need a replacement battery? Knowing how to drop the battery in can save you a lot of time, money, and stress. Learn how to change your own car battery in an emergency Before you get started, here are a few things you should do: Find out which type of car battery your Orlando Toyota requires. Using the wrong one can cause expensive and even irreparable damage to your vehicle, so ask our Orlando Toyota parts store to give you a hand in choosing one. You can call for assistance seven days a week! Check your current car battery for corrosion. Corrosion can make it difficult to detach the cables from the terminals, so you may have to clean up a little first. Usually pouring a can of Coca-Cola over the terminals or cleaning them with a baking soda and water paste will do the trick. Gather supplies - you'll need the new battery, gloves, a socket wrench, and petroleum jelly. Protective eyewear doesn't hurt, either. Now let's get down to it - here are the steps to take to install your new battery DIY style. Remember, if you really get stuck, contact our Orlando Toyota service center! First, you'll turn your car off and pop the hood. Next, use your socket wrench to remove the clamps that are attached to the terminals. ALWAYS do the NEGATIVE (Black, -) FIRST, followed by the POSITIVE (Red, +) last. Pull the clamps off and set them aside. Pull the old battery out of its housing and set it aside. Remember, you can't just throw a car battery in the trash - you need to dispose of it appropriately. Slide the new battery into place and put petroleum jelly on the clamps. Not only will this be a great conductor, it'll also help prevent future corrosion on the cables and terminals. Next, you'll need to reattach the clamps to the terminals. You're going to do the OPPOSITE of what you did when you removed the cables. First, attach the POSITIVE (Red, +) , THEN attach the NEGATIVE (Black, -) to avoid doing damage to your car (or yourself). Finally, close the hood and start your car! If it starts up and runs normally, you're all set. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Call Toyota of Orlando with questions Still having issues or need some assistance? We're always here to help. Call Toyota of Orlando seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Independence Day is finally here, and we don't know about you, but we're ready to celebrate! Whether you want to go all out or stay low-key this July 4 weekend, there are tons of options for you to explore in the Central Florida area. Check out some of our faves below and remember - stay safe, and ALWAYS have a designated driver if you're going to indulge in adult beverages. Awe-Summer at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Red, White & BOOM This star-spangled event takes place at LEGOLAND Florida Resort from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4. Not only will there be Americana-themed LEGO displays all over the park, but there will also be a fireworks show at 9 pm each night during which you can don 3D glasses to see the fireworks turn into LEGO bricks in the sky. The event is included in park admission! Fireworks at the Fountain Don't miss the annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando! The event is from 5-10 pm on Sunday, July 4. There will be live bands and music, food trucks, drinks available for purchase, family activities, and a grand finale of fireworks that kick off over the lake at 9:15 pm. Admission is free, and you can bring your own picnic blanket and chairs as well as a cooler with nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. Plus, dogs are welcome - Mr. Toyota approves. Disney Fireworks Disney fireworks are back just in time to celebrate our nation's birthday! Fireworks will take place nightly this weekend at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, giving you a spectacular themed show to check out at the end of your day at the parks. On a budget and don't want to miss out? You can still see the show (albeit a little farther away)  if you head to the resorts! Star-Spangled Sanford Sanford is getting patriotic this weekend on Sunday, July 4 from 7-10 pm! You can spend the day walking downtown and trying different restaurants and bars, and the fireworks show will start just after sunset. Bring chairs and picnic blankets! Monumental 4th of July in Kissimmee This Independence Day event takes place at Kissimmee Lakefront Park from 5-9:30 pm - head out for family fun, fireworks, and more along the lake shore! Red, White, and Blue Americana in Downtown Winter Garden Live on the west side of town? Head to downtown Winter Garden this weekend! They're having live music on the plaza from 7-9 pm on Friday, July 2; a Farmer's Market celebration from 8 am - 1 pm on Saturday, July 3, and tons of activities on July 4, including an All-American Kids parade and a fireworks display on Lake Apopka at Newton Park at 9:15 pm. However you celebrate, do it safely, and have a happy July 4th!

Independence Day is finally here, and we don't know about you, but we're ready to celebrate! Whether you want to go all out or stay low-key this July 4 weekend, there are tons of options for you to explore in the Central Florida area. Check out some of our faves below and remember - stay safe, and ALWAYS have a designated driver if you're going to indulge in adult beverages. Awe-Summer at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Red, White & BOOM This star-spangled event takes place at LEGOLAND Florida Resort from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4. Not only will there be Americana-themed LEGO displays all over the park, but there will also be a fireworks show at 9 pm each night during which you can don 3D glasses to see the fireworks turn into LEGO bricks in the sky. The event is included in park admission! Fireworks at the Fountain Don't miss the annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando! The event is from 5-10 pm on Sunday, July 4. There will be live bands and music, food trucks, drinks available for purchase, family activities, and a grand finale of fireworks that kick off over the lake at 9:15 pm. Admission is free, and you can bring your own picnic blanket and chairs as well as a cooler with nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. Plus, dogs are welcome - Mr. Toyota approves. Disney Fireworks Disney fireworks are back just in time to celebrate our nation's birthday! Fireworks will take place nightly this weekend at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, giving you a spectacular themed show to check out at the end of your day at the parks. On a budget and don't want to miss out? You can still see the show (albeit a little farther away)  if you head to the resorts! Star-Spangled Sanford Sanford is getting patriotic this weekend on Sunday, July 4 from 7-10 pm! You can spend the day walking downtown and trying different restaurants and bars, and the fireworks show will start just after sunset. Bring chairs and picnic blankets! Monumental 4th of July in Kissimmee This Independence Day event takes place at Kissimmee Lakefront Park from 5-9:30 pm - head out for family fun, fireworks, and more along the lake shore! Red, White, and Blue Americana in Downtown Winter Garden Live on the west side of town? Head to downtown Winter Garden this weekend! They're having live music on the plaza from 7-9 pm on Friday, July 2; a Farmer's Market celebration from 8 am - 1 pm on Saturday, July 3, and tons of activities on July 4, including an All-American Kids parade and a fireworks display on Lake Apopka at Newton Park at 9:15 pm. However you celebrate, do it safely, and have a happy July 4th!

Yup, you read that headline correctly. In its latest ad, Toyota is literally launching a new 2021 Toyota GR Supra off a ramp, 100 feet through the air, into a pile of cardboard boxes. It's the culminating stunt in a five-minute ad that showcases the sports car's superior handling, maneuverability, and speed in different scenarios. (We're living for this spot - watch it below.) While we definitely don't recommend trying this at home, we thought it would be interesting to share that the Toyota GR Supra did, in fact, make that jump and land in a pile of cardboard boxes. Our Orlando Toyota dealership has the details! So... how did a Toyota Supra actually fly through the air? One of the sports cars featured in this fun new spot is built by Papadakis Racing. They're a California-based racing company that builds out custom race cars and also has a pretty intense YouTube channel if you like to see cars do the seemingly impossible. They produced the stunt in San Pedro, California, which is about 10 miles from Long Beach. And although the jump is just one scene in the video, it took a fair amount of planning, production, effort to make it happen. Andy Bell - a renowned stuntman for Nitro Circus - was behind the wheel of the Toyota for the big jump. The Toyota Supra chosen for the stunt was mostly stock (but don't get any ideas, y'all) besides a padded roll cage custom-fitted to the interior just in case the stunt went south. It was also a concern that the nose of the sports car would take a dive mid-air, so the production crew put around 270 lbs of free weights into the rear hatch to help balance things out. Additionally, the car was painted a hot orange color that's not available in regular production. Before they even tried a test run, the proper speed to make it happen was calculated carefully and then the car was tested driving next to the ramp to ensure it could meet the right speed in the right amount of time. So what happened? It was a success (obviously) and the Toyota GR Supra did catch air off the ramp to nosedive into the over 500 cardboard boxes waiting for it. However - and this is why we said don't get any ideas - when it landed it busted several of its tires AND its rear suspension. You can watch the behind-the-scenes video below. See this amazing sports car in person at Toyota of Orlando So here's the thing - we don't condone you trying ANY of the above at home whether you drive a new Orlando Toyota Supra or not, but we DO condone you making this new Toyota sports car have a permanent place in your driveway or garage. Why not see it in person today? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando. We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we're open seven days a week. Call us ahead of time at (407) 298-4500 to learn more and schedule your appointment!

Yup, you read that headline correctly. In its latest ad, Toyota is literally launching a new 2021 Toyota GR Supra off a ramp, 100 feet through the air, into a pile of cardboard boxes. It's the culminating stunt in a five-minute ad that showcases the sports car's superior handling, maneuverability, and speed in different scenarios. (We're living for this spot - watch it below.) While we definitely don't recommend trying this at home, we thought it would be interesting to share that the Toyota GR Supra did, in fact, make that jump and land in a pile of cardboard boxes. Our Orlando Toyota dealership has the details! So... how did a Toyota Supra actually fly through the air? One of the sports cars featured in this fun new spot is built by Papadakis Racing. They're a California-based racing company that builds out custom race cars and also has a pretty intense YouTube channel if you like to see cars do the seemingly impossible. They produced the stunt in San Pedro, California, which is about 10 miles from Long Beach. And although the jump is just one scene in the video, it took a fair amount of planning, production, effort to make it happen. Andy Bell - a renowned stuntman for Nitro Circus - was behind the wheel of the Toyota for the big jump. The Toyota Supra chosen for the stunt was mostly stock (but don't get any ideas, y'all) besides a padded roll cage custom-fitted to the interior just in case the stunt went south. It was also a concern that the nose of the sports car would take a dive mid-air, so the production crew put around 270 lbs of free weights into the rear hatch to help balance things out. Additionally, the car was painted a hot orange color that's not available in regular production. Before they even tried a test run, the proper speed to make it happen was calculated carefully and then the car was tested driving next to the ramp to ensure it could meet the right speed in the right amount of time. So what happened? It was a success (obviously) and the Toyota GR Supra did catch air off the ramp to nosedive into the over 500 cardboard boxes waiting for it. However - and this is why we said don't get any ideas - when it landed it busted several of its tires AND its rear suspension. You can watch the behind-the-scenes video below. See this amazing sports car in person at Toyota of Orlando So here's the thing - we don't condone you trying ANY of the above at home whether you drive a new Orlando Toyota Supra or not, but we DO condone you making this new Toyota sports car have a permanent place in your driveway or garage. Why not see it in person today? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando. We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we're open seven days a week. Call us ahead of time at (407) 298-4500 to learn more and schedule your appointment!

We all know (especially here in Orlando) that intense heat isn't the greatest for your car. It makes your engine work harder to keep cool, can cause your interior to fade and crack over time, and can fade and damage your exterior paint and finishes. However, if you own a hybrid car, the heat is hard on one part especially - the car battery. And believe it or not, this can actually affect your Orlando Toyota hybrid's fuel efficiency, too. We're here to explain. Toyota of Orlando explains Heat makes batteries work harder (similarly to how it makes your car engine work harder). In nickel-metal hydride batteries, excessive heat can actually cause bulging or bubbling. This leads to electrolytes inside of the hybrid car battery evaporating, which in turn means your battery loses its ability to recharge properly. Long story short, this shortens the length of your car battery's life and in a hybrid, this is especially bad - hybrid car batteries aren't cheap to replace. It could run you anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the make and model you're driving. On top of that, excessive heat + your car battery = lower fuel efficiency. If your battery isn't charging properly, it means it's working less efficiently and can't store as much energy. This, in turn, lowers your MPGs so you're not getting the fuel economy you deserve. Help your hybrid car battery stay cool this summer So what can you do to beat the heat for your hybrid car battery? Here are some easy tips from our Orlando Toyota service specialists: Get routine car maintenance. This will allow our Toyota of Orlando techs to do their multi-point inspection, during which they'll do a once-over of your hybrid car battery to ensure it's in good physical condition. The more often you check it, the more likely you are to nip any issues in the bud before they become too costly. Keep the interior of your car cool. Remember, in hybrid cars the battery is usually located under the back seats as opposed to under the hood of the car. If you keep the cabin of your car cooler by running the A/C when it's hot outside, you'll do your battery a favor. Tint your windows. Things heat up quickly inside of your car when you're not in it and the A/C isn't running. Getting your Orlando Toyota hybrid's windows tinted can help keep temperatures down inside the cabin; you can also throw up a sunshade in the windshield to block the rays and try to keep things cooler. Pick your parking wisely. Park in the shade when you're out and about if at all possible, or try to score a covered parking spot. Keeping your car in the garage at home (or at least under a carport) will help ward off the sun and keep things cooler for your car. Think you need hybrid car battery maintenance or want to have our techs take a look at your car? Call us! Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

We all know (especially here in Orlando) that intense heat isn't the greatest for your car. It makes your engine work harder to keep cool, can cause your interior to fade and crack over time, and can fade and damage your exterior paint and finishes. However, if you own a hybrid car, the heat is hard on one part especially - the car battery. And believe it or not, this can actually affect your Orlando Toyota hybrid's fuel efficiency, too. We're here to explain. Toyota of Orlando explains Heat makes batteries work harder (similarly to how it makes your car engine work harder). In nickel-metal hydride batteries, excessive heat can actually cause bulging or bubbling. This leads to electrolytes inside of the hybrid car battery evaporating, which in turn means your battery loses its ability to recharge properly. Long story short, this shortens the length of your car battery's life and in a hybrid, this is especially bad - hybrid car batteries aren't cheap to replace. It could run you anywhere between $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the make and model you're driving. On top of that, excessive heat + your car battery = lower fuel efficiency. If your battery isn't charging properly, it means it's working less efficiently and can't store as much energy. This, in turn, lowers your MPGs so you're not getting the fuel economy you deserve. Help your hybrid car battery stay cool this summer So what can you do to beat the heat for your hybrid car battery? Here are some easy tips from our Orlando Toyota service specialists: Get routine car maintenance. This will allow our Toyota of Orlando techs to do their multi-point inspection, during which they'll do a once-over of your hybrid car battery to ensure it's in good physical condition. The more often you check it, the more likely you are to nip any issues in the bud before they become too costly. Keep the interior of your car cool. Remember, in hybrid cars the battery is usually located under the back seats as opposed to under the hood of the car. If you keep the cabin of your car cooler by running the A/C when it's hot outside, you'll do your battery a favor. Tint your windows. Things heat up quickly inside of your car when you're not in it and the A/C isn't running. Getting your Orlando Toyota hybrid's windows tinted can help keep temperatures down inside the cabin; you can also throw up a sunshade in the windshield to block the rays and try to keep things cooler. Pick your parking wisely. Park in the shade when you're out and about if at all possible, or try to score a covered parking spot. Keeping your car in the garage at home (or at least under a carport) will help ward off the sun and keep things cooler for your car. Think you need hybrid car battery maintenance or want to have our techs take a look at your car? Call us! Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

When it comes to driving in different types of weather, you need to be prepared for anything. Here in Florida, we face everything from extreme heat, to heavy rains, to high winds. Driving in all of these conditions is challenging, but today we're focusing on driving in high winds. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips below! Five tips for driving in high winds Tip #1: Go the speed limit. The speed limit is there for a reason, and especially when driving in weather conditions that are less-than-favorable. When driving in high winds you'll want to stick to the speed limit (or even go a little bit slower if you feel the need) so you can have better control of your vehicle. Our Orlando Toyota dealership advises against using cruise control in windy weather, too - you want to have complete control over your car. Tip #2: Remove anything on the exterior of your car. Unless you absolutely need them, you should try to stow exterior accessories on your car when you're in situations with high winds. This means bike racks, luggage racks, etc. - anything that the wind can grab and possibly even rip off of your car (which means it then turns into a projectile). Stow your accessories until things die down! Tip #3: Avoid driving near large trucks. Large trucks like semis and dump trucks have a lot of surface area, which means more area for the wind to hit. This makes them more prone to being blown all over the road and in turn, being blown into your vehicle. Avoid driving next to them as much as possible when driving in high winds. Tip #4: Leave plenty of space. When driving in high winds, there's always a risk that you're going to be blown off course a bit. That's why our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends that you keep your distance from other vehicles - don't follow too closely if you can help it, and hang back if you find yourself driving into a "wolf pack" (a.k.a. a big clump of cars). You also want to give yourself plenty of time to react and get out of the way if the car in front of you or next to you is pushed into your path. Tip #5: Keep your hands on the wheel. You never know when you'll have to react or make a sudden movement, so keeping both hands on the wheel at all times is in your best interest (i.e. put down your phone). This will give you the ability to react quickly and efficiently and hopefully avoid an accident should another vehicle or debris be blown into your path. And remember, you want to be up-to-date on essential service like tires and brakes before driving in high winds. You want the maximum stopping power on your side and you also want to ensure that your tires have the best traction possible so they can properly grip the road, even when your car is being buffeted by wind. Get your car ready for any weather at Toyota of Orlando Need auto service or have questions? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

When it comes to driving in different types of weather, you need to be prepared for anything. Here in Florida, we face everything from extreme heat, to heavy rains, to high winds. Driving in all of these conditions is challenging, but today we're focusing on driving in high winds. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips below! Five tips for driving in high winds Tip #1: Go the speed limit. The speed limit is there for a reason, and especially when driving in weather conditions that are less-than-favorable. When driving in high winds you'll want to stick to the speed limit (or even go a little bit slower if you feel the need) so you can have better control of your vehicle. Our Orlando Toyota dealership advises against using cruise control in windy weather, too - you want to have complete control over your car. Tip #2: Remove anything on the exterior of your car. Unless you absolutely need them, you should try to stow exterior accessories on your car when you're in situations with high winds. This means bike racks, luggage racks, etc. - anything that the wind can grab and possibly even rip off of your car (which means it then turns into a projectile). Stow your accessories until things die down! Tip #3: Avoid driving near large trucks. Large trucks like semis and dump trucks have a lot of surface area, which means more area for the wind to hit. This makes them more prone to being blown all over the road and in turn, being blown into your vehicle. Avoid driving next to them as much as possible when driving in high winds. Tip #4: Leave plenty of space. When driving in high winds, there's always a risk that you're going to be blown off course a bit. That's why our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends that you keep your distance from other vehicles - don't follow too closely if you can help it, and hang back if you find yourself driving into a "wolf pack" (a.k.a. a big clump of cars). You also want to give yourself plenty of time to react and get out of the way if the car in front of you or next to you is pushed into your path. Tip #5: Keep your hands on the wheel. You never know when you'll have to react or make a sudden movement, so keeping both hands on the wheel at all times is in your best interest (i.e. put down your phone). This will give you the ability to react quickly and efficiently and hopefully avoid an accident should another vehicle or debris be blown into your path. And remember, you want to be up-to-date on essential service like tires and brakes before driving in high winds. You want the maximum stopping power on your side and you also want to ensure that your tires have the best traction possible so they can properly grip the road, even when your car is being buffeted by wind. Get your car ready for any weather at Toyota of Orlando Need auto service or have questions? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.