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Car Tire Safety

How to Troubleshoot Your Car Tires

Your car tires are essential to your daily commute. Making sure that you have a good set of tires should be one of your top priorities when maintaining your vehicle! Without functional tires, you’ll find it hard to get to and from your destination without a bit of a struggle. Not only is not keeping up to date on your tires dangerous, it could be more expensive in the long run as well! Toyota of Orlando wants to make sure that you have a safe time on the road. That’s why our experts have put together a list of what you should look for when checking your tires, and what to do if they need to be replaced. Watch out for these warning signs on your car tires Warning Sign #1: Tread wear and tear – The most common wear and tear patterns on your car tires tend to be center wear (caused by overinflation) and shoulder wear (caused by underinflation.) Make sure you keep your tires at a proper inflation so you can avoid this wear and tear from occurring. Warning Sign #2: Bulges and blisters – When the outer surface of your tires begin to weaken, bulges and blisters can appear. These could signify that your tire might be at risk for a blow out! If you see a bulge or blister on one of your car tires, be sure to get it checked out at our Orlando service center! Warning Sign #3: Irregular loss of tire pressure – Tires deflating at a rate of one pound per square inch every month can be normal. But if you experience more PSI loss than that, you’ll need to get your tires checked for a leak. You wouldn’t want to get a flat on the highway! These, along with other warning signs could mean that your car tires are at their breaking point and need to be replaced soon. Information on how to replace your car tires in Orlando If it’s time to replace your tires, there are a few things that Toyota of Orlando recommends. It might seem more expensive at first, but buying a set of four tires as opposed to just replacing one makes it easier to keep track of the overall wear and tear on all of them. And the good news is there are usually more Orlando auto service specials when you buy a set of four tires! As you make your selection, you want to make sure you know exactly what you’ll need. There are tons of car tires out there, and the best choice can depend on a variety of factors. These include the terrain you’ll be driving on, how much you’ll be driving and the average temperature of your location. Be sure to ask one of our Orlando tire experts if you need any help! If you feel like it’s time for some car tire maintenance, visit Toyota of Orlando! Our service techs are experts in keeping your tires in great shape or recommending a new set to hit the road with in Orlando. You can schedule an appointment with us for auto service by calling (40) 298-4500.

how to get spiders out of your car

Does Your Ride's Interior Need Car Detailing?

Is it time for you to apply your car detailing skills to your vehicle's interior? Believe it or not, detailing your car has a lot of perks that extend past having it nice and clean again. It also keeps everything in good shape so it's less likely to deteriorate and helps ensure your resale value stays high. It's an important part of car ownership, and that's why Toyota of Orlando has taken the time to gather up some car detailing tips specifically for the interior of your ride! Keep your car's interior like-new for higher resale value Besides the typical steps - vacuuming the interior out, shampooing the seats and carpet, and wiping all surfaces down with a special cleaner, here are a few more car detailing tips to ensure your ride is spic and span by the time you're done with it. Tip #1: Get rid of pet hair before vacuuming. Our Orlando Toyota auto service techs recommend using a damp rubber glove or a pumice stone to achieve this - just rake the hair toward you and pull the clumps off. It makes vacuuming a lot easier and a lot less frustrating, as hair can sometimes "weave" its way into the fabric of the seats and floor. Tip #2: Clean the windows. Your windows can look pretty gross from hand marks, pet nose marks, and other dirt and grime. Get them sparkling again, and don't forget to wipe the insides, outsides, and the tops (roll them down a bit for a thorough wipe). Plus, be careful with what cleaner you use - you don't want to damage anything if your windows are tinted. Tip #3: Hit all the nooks and crannies. It may seem impossible to reach some of the out-of-the-way spots in your car's interior, but you can make it happen. Our Orlando auto service techs recommend using a small paint brush to dust in air vents and cracks, as well as the slim vacuum attachment to clean out nooks and crannies. You can also use compressed air to blow dirt and debris out of those tough spots. Toyota of Orlando's car detailing tips are easy and affordable Tip #4: Don't forget the floor mats! You hit the carpet and the seats, but did you remember to clean the floor mats? Try "dry scrubbing" them with a stiff scrub brush first to loosen up dirt, and then vacuum and shampoo them. It'll protect your carpet AND keep your car looking like new. Tip #5: Get rid of unsightly scuff marks on plastic and vinyl. Sometimes no matter how hard you scrub, you can't get rid of scuff marks. Use a little bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to get rid of marks. You can also give a magic eraser a shot at tough spots! And don't forget, we offer affordable car detailing right here at Toyota of Orlando! You can call to schedule an appointment at (407) 298-4500. We're open seven days a week and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

auto service tips

Practice Hurricane Preparedness With Toyota of Orlando

Hurricane season is officially here, and there are already two tropical storms swirling around out there - TS Cindy in the Gulf of Mexico, slated to hit the Gulf Coast states, and TS Bret, which petered into a tropical depression and is currently swamping Central America with copious amounts of rain. And the season just kicked off a mere 20 days ago! If this is any indication of what the year is going to be like, then it's time to start working on hurricane preparedness NOW. Toyota of Orlando has tips so you're ready when the weather turns! Toyota of Orlando shares hurricane prep tips Tip #1: Have two plans - one if you're going to stay, and one if you're going to evacuate. This is an element of hurricane preparedness that can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Decide what parameters will precipitate an evacuation and if you're going to get out of town, when you're going to do it and where you're going to go. If you have pets, ensure your final destination will let them in. Tip #2: If you're going to evacuate, plan your route ahead of time and have an alternate route just in case of bad traffic. Be sure to gas your car up before you leave, and pack your vehicle with the necessities - medicine, change of clothes, toiletries, cell phone chargers, snacks, bottled water, a paper map, and any important documents that you need to take with you. (Think birth certificates, social security cards, titles, deeds, etc.). Don't forget supplies for your pets, too! Tip #3: If you're staying in town, still gas up your car before the storm arrives. You never know what's going to happen with the power and if you'll be able to gas up once the storm has passed. Pick a place to park - you'll want to be on higher ground to avoid damage from flooding, and be away from trees and power lines. Parking in a garage or covered parking structure is your best option if you can make it happen, according to our Orlando Toyota specialists. Hurricane preparedness can save you a lot of time and money Tip #4: Before you park your Orlando Toyota, prepare your car for the storm. This includes removing any and all important documents from the vehicle, as well as any valuables. Also, take pictures of your car as part of your hurricane preparedness routine - this can make insurance claims move faster and be less stressful if your ride gets damaged. Consider covering it with a tarp to help ward off damage from small debris (just strap it down well), and also taping the windows - it won't keep them from breaking, but it will make glass cleanup a little easier. Tip #5: Keep your car well-maintenanced. The last thing you need when you're trying to evacuate is a flat tire or an overheated engine. Staying on top of routine Orlando car maintenance will save you a lot of time and money when the storm is about to hit, so schedule those routine tire rotations, oil changes, coolant checks, battery service, and brake service. You'll thank us! We're ready for hurricane season - are you? Schedule your auto service and get more hurricane preparedness tips by calling Toyota of Orlando today! (407) 298-4500

is it time to trade in my car

What Really Happens When You Trade in Your Car?

Are you thinking about trading in your old ride to get yourself a new set of wheels? Here at Toyota of Orlando, we'll offer you top dollar cash for your car, since we're always in need of used cars for our lot. However, what actually happens when you trade in your car? We're here to fill you in on the process, as well as give you tips on how to prepare for it. Let's get started! Are you ready to trade in your old ride? When you get to our dealership, the first thing you'll do is tell the salesperson who greets you that you're there to trade in your car. They'll take your information to get everything in the system, and also to pull a vehicle history report on your car to check for accidents, etc. Our used car director will then take your keys and perform a bumper-to-bumper visual inspection of your vehicle. They'll check over the general condition, as well as take a peek under the hood. Additionally, our Orlando Toyota specialist will turn your car on to ensure it's running smoothly, the gadgets are working, and the air-conditioning is running (a must-have here in Central Florida). Finally, depending on the vehicle, our team will take your car for a short test drive to check its handling. After that, our team will pull up information regarding the trade in value of your car and decide what condition it's in... from there, they'll settle on an offer to make you. And we offer cash on the spot if you're happy with the offer, even if you decide you're not going to buy your next car from us! Toyota of Orlando makes trading in and trading up easier than ever So how can you prepare to trade in your car? Here are some steps to take before you arrive at Toyota of Orlando: Look up the trade-in value of your car before you arrive - this will help you decide if you're comfortable with the offer that our team makes you. Wash and wax your car, and vacuum the inside. You'll be surprised at what a little elbow grease can do to a car's appearance! A good coat of wax can bring a paint job back to life, and a vacuumed interior can make a car a whole lot more appealing. Fill in small paint scratches and fix little dings. It doesn't take a lot of time or money on your part, but it definitely makes a difference in your car's appearance. Also, consider shampooing the carpets and upholstery to do away with any stains. Take care of small fixes - we're talking a burnt out headlight bulb or a blown fuse. They're inexpensive to fix, but the less work the buyer has to do, the better. Gather up your paperwork! You'll want to provide service records (this proves the car has been well-maintained), and the car's title. And don't forget to bring extra key fobs with you to hand over, too! <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Ready to trade in your car? Call us today to schedule an appointment - we're open seven days a week until 10pm at (407) 298-4500!

manual transmission

Which Vintage Toyota Would You Drive?

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we have a great selection of new Toyota cars for you to choose from. Whether you want an award-winning hybrid hatchback, a tough truck, or a sleek, best-selling sedan, we've got you covered. However, despite the wide selection we've got going on in our inventory, there are still a few Toyota cars we'd love to bring back to life! Check out some of our favorite vintage Toyota, and tell us which one YOU'D get behind the wheel of if given the chance! Toyota of Orlando talks favorite vintage Toyota cars Toyota Supra: Who doesn't love the Toyota Supra? At Toyota of Orlando, we still regularly get customers wanting to know when it's coming back. This amazing sports car was renowned worldwide during its heyday - it had a turbocharged engine option that output 400+ horsepower, as well as a sleek and muscular exterior that's instantly recognizable. Its big moment in the spotlight, however, was when it took center stage in the Fast and the Furious film series. Since then, it's been rumored that Toyota and BMW are teaming up to bring this Goliath of speed back to life, so we'll keep you posted! Toyota 2000GT: The Toyota 2000GT was a frontrunner for sports cars, and actually serves as inspiration for both the Toyota Supra and the new Toyota 86 sports car. It came to inception in 1965 and was a front-engine rear-wheel drive two-seater with a hard-top. And get this - it was stylish enough for even James Bond, making a debut in You Only Live Twice as his getaway ride of choice. Which of these rides would you bring back to life? Toyota Corona: The first generation Toyota Corona dates all the way back to 1957; it was a four-door sedan that was a bit bigger than the best-selling Toyota Corolla. It actually remained in production all the way to 2003 (albeit not in the United States). It's cycled through eleven generations since its inception, but our favorite will always be the original 1957 model. What do you think about this classically vintage Toyota car? Toyota FJ40: The Toyota FJ40 served as inspiration for both the Toyota Land Cruiser AND the Toyota FJ Cruiser (RIP). It's a series of the original Toyota Land Cruiser, which was built for rugged terrain and handling all the elements. It was launched in 1960, and was a two-door SUV that could have its top and two doors removed for an open-air experience; it also had two jump-seats in the rear and is still a major fan favorite when it comes to restoration today. Toyota MR2: The Toyota MR2 - specifically, the MR2 Spyder - was a mid-engine rear-wheel drive two-seater sports car that was exceptionally popular for its style AND performance. It was much-loved because of its seamless blend of sports car performance and economical efficiency, and boasted a light curb weight, transverse-mounted inline-four engine, and fully independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions. Talk about handling capabilities!   While we may not have these vintage Toyota cars on our lot, we've got tons of other options! Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

car care for rain

The Rainy Season Is Here - Drive Safely With Toyota of Orlando

When you're behind the wheel, it should be your top priority to drive safely. However, that's sometimes easier said than done. With the rainy season kicking off here in Central Florida, we're set to find wet roads clogged with traffic and fender benders. Those little afternoon thunderstorms can make a big impact on your drive time, so Toyota of Orlando is here to share tips on how to drive safely and make it to your destination as quickly and easily as possible. Learn how to drive safely when the weather is wet Tip #1: Prep your car. We know the rainy season is here, so make sure your car is ready for it. Toyota of Orlando's auto service center can check your brakes, tires, headlights, and wipers for you before hit the road. We also conduct a free multi-point inspection whenever you bring your car in for service, so we can pinpoint anything else that might cause an issue when you're driving in the rain. Schedule an appointment today! Tip #2: Defensive driving is your friend. If you're going to drive safely in the rain, you're going to need to use defensive driving. This is basically just being super-aware of what's going on so you can avoid accidents altogether instead of just reacting to them when they're happening. To employ this technique, you're going to need to do away with distractions, follow the rules of the road, leave plenty of distance between your car and other vehicles, and be sure take things slowly when the roads are wet. Tip #3: Check the forecast AND traffic. A lot of our Orlando Toyota cars come decked out with technology that can help you find alternate routes if wet weather is impeding yours. We recommend checking the weather forecast AND traffic before you start out for your destination. It can save you a lot of time and frustration if you know off the bat that you need to find an alternate route, or you know that you're going to have to travel a bit more slowly due to heavy rain. Prepare for driving in the rain with Toyota of Orlando Tip #4: Use your headlights. Lots of people forget to use their headlights when it's raining during the day, but it should be a habit of yours. Using your headlights allows other drivers to see you more clearly, especially when the rain is heavy and impedes vision. Put yours to use to drive safely! Side note: You should never drive with your caution lights on, even in heavy rain. They're only for use if you're parked on the side of the road. Tip #5: Avoid puddles. You never know how deep water is just by glancing at it, so our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends avoiding puddles if you can. Driving through suddenly deep water can damage your engine bay and the electrical components of your car. It's better to be safe than sorry - drive around the puddle if possible and if need be, drive through it but stick to the sides. Need to get your car prepped to drive safely in the rain? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

Affordable Car Repair

Do You Need Auto A/C Repair to Stay Cool This Summer?

Summer is here - technically it doesn't start until June 21, but temperatures in Central Florida speak otherwise. If there was ever a horrible time to have your car's air conditioning system fail you, it would be now. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! We have a list of signs that you may need auto A/C repair, as well as certified Toyota techs on deck who can get things handled for you if you find yourself identifying a lot of these signs in your own car. Let's take a closer look! Learn the signs you need to schedule auto A/C repair What are some signs that you need to schedule Orlando auto A/C repair? Here are a few our auto service techs recommend you be on the lookout for: You don't have air conditioning. If you go to turn your air on after starting your vehicle and don't feel any air coming out of the vents,  you have a problem. You also have an issue if you feel warm or hot air coming out of your vents for more than a minute or two after you start your car. It may be something as simple as low refrigerant levels or a burnt out fan, but it still warrants scheduling auto A/C repair. You smell something funny when you turn on the air. This can indicate mold growing in the vents and in the A/C system, which you'll need to have professionally cleaned. Luckily, the Toyota of Orlando service center can take care of it for you and get you back out on the road in no time! You hear odd noises. If you hear rattling or banging noises when you turn on the A/C, you could have multiple problems. It's hard to pinpoint the exact cause just from the noise, so you'll want to schedule auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando to handle the problem. You've got leaks. Whether you find water inside your car (because it's not draining out properly) or you find leaks under your car, it can indicate a problem with your car air conditioning system.  You'll want to have it looked at to determine the source of the leak and put it to a stop! However, you may not need major repairs (which means a break for your wallet), so don't panic just yet. At our service center, we offer tons of affordable solutions to get you back out on the road with ice-cold air again! Should you bring your car in for a routine A/C inspection at Toyota of Orlando? Should you be scheduling an inspection routinely for your A/C like you do with your brakes? Not necessarily - after all, if you visit our Toyota service center, we'll conduct a free multi-point inspection every time you come through the doors. However, the only other time you should need to schedule an inspection of your car's air conditioning system is if any of the above signs present themselves. Otherwise, if you're staying cool and everything is running normally, you're good to go! Need to schedule auto A/C repairs? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or swing by 3575 Vineland Road. We're open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida!

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