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Are you shopping for a new Toyota with your family in mind? Whether you have a large family or just one child, it's essential that you find the perfect new car with the right family elements for your drivetime needs. Driving with kids in the car is a whole different ballgame and our Orlando Toyota dealership wants to ensure that you have the right vehicle and right features to make things as easy, convenient, and stress-free as possible. That's why we've compiled this quick guide to what we think the best family cars have - check it out. The best new Toyotas for families Let's start with a quick breakdown of the new Toyotas on our lot that we think are BEST for families. Toyota Highlander/Toyota Highlander Hybrid: This spacious SUV has seating for up to 8 and has the best of the best when it comes to convenience and safety technology. Toyota Sienna: This Orlando Toyota minivan offers dual sliding doors and a versatile interior that seats up to 8. Toyota 4Runner: This Toyota SUV is spacious inside, offers optional third-row seating, and is also up for anything on or off the road. Toyota RAV4/Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: This Orlando Toyota is compact and fuel-efficient but still spacious enough for a small family and their gear. Toyota Sequoia: If you want luxury for your family, the Toyota Sequoia is a safe and spacious way to go about getting it. And the upcoming 2021 Toyota Venza, which is a hybrid crossover that should arrive at our dealership anytime. Which features best suit your family's needs? Now let's talk about which features, in particular, make new Toyotas family-friendly so you know what to add to your must-have list when you start shopping. A spacious interior (some of our options seat up to 8) that's also versatile - we're talking fold-flat and removable seats, captain's chairs, etc. A large cargo area for all of your family's belongings, and features like tie-down hooks and tonneau covers don't hurt, either The BEST safety technology, including features like Toyota Safety Sense, the Star Safety System, Advanced Airbag Systems, and technology like Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a blind spot monitor, a backup camera, and Safety Connect Services Convenience technology like power liftgates, dual sliding power doors, automatic climate control with different zones, HomeLink, second-row sunshades, Driver Easy Speak, and multiple USB ports for easy charging Entertainment technology like a Blu-Ray player system with wireless headphones, a JBL sound system, Sirius XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming for music, AppleCar Play, and Android Auto Connectivity technology like hands-free calls, voice recognition, the Head-Up display, steering wheel controls, and a large multi-information display Plus features like easy-clean fabric, seatbelt alerts, power windows with jam protection, Qi-wireless charging for your devices, and heated power front seats. Ready to start shopping for your family's new Toyota? Get started today - call Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can stop by and view all of our new AND used inventory at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Are you shopping for a new Toyota with your family in mind? Whether you have a large family or just one child, it's essential that you find the perfect new car with the right family elements for your drivetime needs. Driving with kids in the car is a whole different ballgame and our Orlando Toyota dealership wants to ensure that you have the right vehicle and right features to make things as easy, convenient, and stress-free as possible. That's why we've compiled this quick guide to what we think the best family cars have - check it out. The best new Toyotas for families Let's start with a quick breakdown of the new Toyotas on our lot that we think are BEST for families. Toyota Highlander/Toyota Highlander Hybrid: This spacious SUV has seating for up to 8 and has the best of the best when it comes to convenience and safety technology. Toyota Sienna: This Orlando Toyota minivan offers dual sliding doors and a versatile interior that seats up to 8. Toyota 4Runner: This Toyota SUV is spacious inside, offers optional third-row seating, and is also up for anything on or off the road. Toyota RAV4/Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: This Orlando Toyota is compact and fuel-efficient but still spacious enough for a small family and their gear. Toyota Sequoia: If you want luxury for your family, the Toyota Sequoia is a safe and spacious way to go about getting it. And the upcoming 2021 Toyota Venza, which is a hybrid crossover that should arrive at our dealership anytime. Which features best suit your family's needs? Now let's talk about which features, in particular, make new Toyotas family-friendly so you know what to add to your must-have list when you start shopping. A spacious interior (some of our options seat up to 8) that's also versatile - we're talking fold-flat and removable seats, captain's chairs, etc. A large cargo area for all of your family's belongings, and features like tie-down hooks and tonneau covers don't hurt, either The BEST safety technology, including features like Toyota Safety Sense, the Star Safety System, Advanced Airbag Systems, and technology like Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, a blind spot monitor, a backup camera, and Safety Connect Services Convenience technology like power liftgates, dual sliding power doors, automatic climate control with different zones, HomeLink, second-row sunshades, Driver Easy Speak, and multiple USB ports for easy charging Entertainment technology like a Blu-Ray player system with wireless headphones, a JBL sound system, Sirius XM Satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming for music, AppleCar Play, and Android Auto Connectivity technology like hands-free calls, voice recognition, the Head-Up display, steering wheel controls, and a large multi-information display Plus features like easy-clean fabric, seatbelt alerts, power windows with jam protection, Qi-wireless charging for your devices, and heated power front seats. Ready to start shopping for your family's new Toyota? Get started today - call Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can stop by and view all of our new AND used inventory at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Back to school is just around the corner and while things definitely aren't typical, there are still some students heading back to campus. This means traffic may be a bit heavier during your daily commute and school buses will be out and about once more. Now is the perfect time to brush up on your safe driving skills for back to school driving, specifically for when it comes to school buses. Do you know which safe driving habits to use around school buses? There are specific laws you have to follow when you're driving around a school bus, even when you're not inside of a school zone. Plus, there are certain safe driving practices that you'll want to put into play to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Toyota of Orlando has all the tips you need - read on! Tip #1: Don't follow a school bus too closely. You want to ensure you have plenty of space to bring your car to a stop since school buses make frequent stops to pick up and unload passengers. You should follow the two-second rule - once the bus passes a landmark (like a street sign or tree) you should pass it no sooner than two seconds later. Additionally, when the bus stops you should leave about 10 feet of space in between the front of your car and the back of the bus. That way kids have space to pass between if they need to. Tip #2: Be ready to stop. School buses make frequent stops so you should keep your eyes on the road and be ready to come to a stop at a moment's notice. This means doing away with all distractions and focusing on safe driving and your surroundings. Tip #3: Stay out of their blind spot. Stay out of the driver's blind spot - buses are big and in turn, have big blind spots. If you can't see their mirrors, they can't see you and you should wait to pass. Always pass on the left and never try to pass when the yellow lights are flashing, indicating a stop. Tip #4: Know when you have to stop for the bus. Did you know it's against the law to pass the school bus when it's stopped? If you see the lights flashing, it's about to stop and you should also bring your Orlando Toyota to a stop even if you're not in the same lane as the bus. The only time you don't have to stop is if you're driving in the opposite direction and there's a double line in the middle of the road. If you're driving in the opposite direction and there's a raised barrier OR a paved median at least 5 feet wide in the middle of the road, you still have to stop when the bus stops. Tip #5: Never pass on the right. You shouldn't pass on the right - this is where passengers load and unload. Always pass the bus on the left. Toyota of Orlando has all the safe driving tips you need for back to school Want more safe driving tips for back to school? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

Back to school is just around the corner and while things definitely aren't typical, there are still some students heading back to campus. This means traffic may be a bit heavier during your daily commute and school buses will be out and about once more. Now is the perfect time to brush up on your safe driving skills for back to school driving, specifically for when it comes to school buses. Do you know which safe driving habits to use around school buses? There are specific laws you have to follow when you're driving around a school bus, even when you're not inside of a school zone. Plus, there are certain safe driving practices that you'll want to put into play to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Toyota of Orlando has all the tips you need - read on! Tip #1: Don't follow a school bus too closely. You want to ensure you have plenty of space to bring your car to a stop since school buses make frequent stops to pick up and unload passengers. You should follow the two-second rule - once the bus passes a landmark (like a street sign or tree) you should pass it no sooner than two seconds later. Additionally, when the bus stops you should leave about 10 feet of space in between the front of your car and the back of the bus. That way kids have space to pass between if they need to. Tip #2: Be ready to stop. School buses make frequent stops so you should keep your eyes on the road and be ready to come to a stop at a moment's notice. This means doing away with all distractions and focusing on safe driving and your surroundings. Tip #3: Stay out of their blind spot. Stay out of the driver's blind spot - buses are big and in turn, have big blind spots. If you can't see their mirrors, they can't see you and you should wait to pass. Always pass on the left and never try to pass when the yellow lights are flashing, indicating a stop. Tip #4: Know when you have to stop for the bus. Did you know it's against the law to pass the school bus when it's stopped? If you see the lights flashing, it's about to stop and you should also bring your Orlando Toyota to a stop even if you're not in the same lane as the bus. The only time you don't have to stop is if you're driving in the opposite direction and there's a double line in the middle of the road. If you're driving in the opposite direction and there's a raised barrier OR a paved median at least 5 feet wide in the middle of the road, you still have to stop when the bus stops. Tip #5: Never pass on the right. You shouldn't pass on the right - this is where passengers load and unload. Always pass the bus on the left. Toyota of Orlando has all the safe driving tips you need for back to school Want more safe driving tips for back to school? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we're all about innovation. We love it when Toyota announces a new model or even a new concept because we know even if it doesn't necessarily make it to our dealership, it'll influence the vehicles in upcoming generations in a big way. However, sometimes the models and concepts released by Toyota can be a little... weird, to put it bluntly. Today we're talking five of the weirdest models and concepts we've seen in the past few decades - check it out. 5 of the weirdest Toyota models ever debuted Toyota Mega Cruiser: The Toyota Mega Cruiser - believe it or not - actually made it into production and was on the market from 1996 to 2002 in Japan only. It was designed to mirror the (once) popular Hummer vehicles and ended up being used primarily by the military in Japan as a transport vehicle, as well as by police, firefighters, and other first responders. This Toyota model was a 4-door SUV with a 4.1L turbo diesel inline-4 engine and an automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer case that sent power to all four wheels. It was also huge and weird and while well-suited for military purposes, looked seriously off on suburban streets. Toyota Tundrasine: This one is as weird as it gets. Back in 2015, Toyota thought - for whatever reason - that it would be a cool idea to introduce a new Toyota Tundra concept model at SEMA known as the Tundrasine. (We're cringing.) It's a mix of a 1794 Edition Toyota Tundra truck and a limousine (cringing even harder), was 26 feet long, and offered eight doors that led to an interior inspired by Lear jets - it was bedecked in brown leather and luxury features. And it still had a bed for cargo. Weird. Toyota Previa: The Toyota Previa was another Toyota model that made it to production; this minivan was actually a popular option back in the 1990's. It was produced in America from 1990-1997 and was then discontinued, but continued to be produced on a worldwide basis until 2019 (why? We don't know.). This minivan was actually a mid-engine model and important components could only be accessed by basically disassembling the interior. The first gen was also available in manual transmission, which is pretty odd for a minivan. Toyota Sera: When we think of this three-door hatchback coupe, we think of Back to the Future. Why? The doors say it all - instead of opening out like a normal Toyota model, they actually open up a la Delorian. It was manufactured from 1990-1995 and sold exclusively in Japan, and offered features like three models, a 1.5L inline-4 engine, automatic and manual transmissions, and oddly enough, a pretty spacious trunk area under the hatchback door. Toyota FC-V: The Toyota FC-V Plus was a concept car developed and debuted in 2015 and its vibe is extremely futuristic. It's a fuel cell vehicle that also produced its own electricity that you could tap into. Other than that... well, just look at it. Find a normal Toyota today at Toyota of Orlando Ready to get your hands on a more normal new Toyota model? Call us today - Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we're all about innovation. We love it when Toyota announces a new model or even a new concept because we know even if it doesn't necessarily make it to our dealership, it'll influence the vehicles in upcoming generations in a big way. However, sometimes the models and concepts released by Toyota can be a little... weird, to put it bluntly. Today we're talking five of the weirdest models and concepts we've seen in the past few decades - check it out. 5 of the weirdest Toyota models ever debuted Toyota Mega Cruiser: The Toyota Mega Cruiser - believe it or not - actually made it into production and was on the market from 1996 to 2002 in Japan only. It was designed to mirror the (once) popular Hummer vehicles and ended up being used primarily by the military in Japan as a transport vehicle, as well as by police, firefighters, and other first responders. This Toyota model was a 4-door SUV with a 4.1L turbo diesel inline-4 engine and an automatic transmission with a two-speed transfer case that sent power to all four wheels. It was also huge and weird and while well-suited for military purposes, looked seriously off on suburban streets. Toyota Tundrasine: This one is as weird as it gets. Back in 2015, Toyota thought - for whatever reason - that it would be a cool idea to introduce a new Toyota Tundra concept model at SEMA known as the Tundrasine. (We're cringing.) It's a mix of a 1794 Edition Toyota Tundra truck and a limousine (cringing even harder), was 26 feet long, and offered eight doors that led to an interior inspired by Lear jets - it was bedecked in brown leather and luxury features. And it still had a bed for cargo. Weird. Toyota Previa: The Toyota Previa was another Toyota model that made it to production; this minivan was actually a popular option back in the 1990's. It was produced in America from 1990-1997 and was then discontinued, but continued to be produced on a worldwide basis until 2019 (why? We don't know.). This minivan was actually a mid-engine model and important components could only be accessed by basically disassembling the interior. The first gen was also available in manual transmission, which is pretty odd for a minivan. Toyota Sera: When we think of this three-door hatchback coupe, we think of Back to the Future. Why? The doors say it all - instead of opening out like a normal Toyota model, they actually open up a la Delorian. It was manufactured from 1990-1995 and sold exclusively in Japan, and offered features like three models, a 1.5L inline-4 engine, automatic and manual transmissions, and oddly enough, a pretty spacious trunk area under the hatchback door. Toyota FC-V: The Toyota FC-V Plus was a concept car developed and debuted in 2015 and its vibe is extremely futuristic. It's a fuel cell vehicle that also produced its own electricity that you could tap into. Other than that... well, just look at it. Find a normal Toyota today at Toyota of Orlando Ready to get your hands on a more normal new Toyota model? Call us today - Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

If you're in the market for a new truck, you've probably encountered the decision of a gasoline or diesel engine. It can be confusing to decide which is better for your drivetime needs, so our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to break down the main differences and explain both gasoline and diesel engines for you so you can make an educated decision when it comes time to sign the dotted line. Check it out! Gasoline engines vs diesel engines First, let's talk about how things work under the hood. Gasoline engines use spark plugs to create a spark and start an internal combustion process that ignites the fuel to get your car up and running. Diesel engines, on the other hand, use extreme compression to generate enough heat to cause the necessary spark for combustion - these types of engines actually don't even have spark plugs. Diesel engines also have fewer parts in them, which means they're usually a bit more reliable and don't require as many repairs as a gasoline engine, which has a lot of moving parts in it to keep things running. Diesel engines have the capacity to be a bit more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines because of their higher compression rates and different parts. This is good because diesel fuel tends to be more expensive than regular gasoline, and you'll only have one grade to choose from (where if you're pumping gasoline, you'll typically find 3-4 grades to choose from that vary in price). So you may pay a bit more for diesel, but the engine uses it more efficiently than you're used to. If you're worried about how green your drive time won't be when you drive a diesel truck, don't. True, these trucks were traditionally seen as loud and bad for the environment because of all of the emissions they released. However, as technology keeps evolving, they get cleaner and quieter with every passing iteration. They're also a lot lighter in weight than they used to be, which means even better fuel efficiency. You'll also have access to more power when you drive a diesel vehicle. These engines can generate more horsepower and torque than traditional gasoline engines, and they don't have to be huge to do so because of their high compression rates. Which of these engine options is better for you? So how do you decide between the two? Here are some pointers to help guide your decision. If fuel costs concern you, diesel engines may cost a bit more to fill (as diesel fuel can be more expensive) but they're extremely efficient and in the long run, will likely cost less to run. If repair and maintenance costs are a concern, remember that diesel engines tend to be a bit more durable because they have fewer parts that need care. Diesel vehicles are especially efficient on the highway, so if you put a lot of highway miles on your ride this may be the way to go. Gasoline-powered vehicles are usually a bit less expensive than diesel vehicles when you shop. Have questions or want to shop our Orlando Toyota trucks and SUVs? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

If you're in the market for a new truck, you've probably encountered the decision of a gasoline or diesel engine. It can be confusing to decide which is better for your drivetime needs, so our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to break down the main differences and explain both gasoline and diesel engines for you so you can make an educated decision when it comes time to sign the dotted line. Check it out! Gasoline engines vs diesel engines First, let's talk about how things work under the hood. Gasoline engines use spark plugs to create a spark and start an internal combustion process that ignites the fuel to get your car up and running. Diesel engines, on the other hand, use extreme compression to generate enough heat to cause the necessary spark for combustion - these types of engines actually don't even have spark plugs. Diesel engines also have fewer parts in them, which means they're usually a bit more reliable and don't require as many repairs as a gasoline engine, which has a lot of moving parts in it to keep things running. Diesel engines have the capacity to be a bit more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines because of their higher compression rates and different parts. This is good because diesel fuel tends to be more expensive than regular gasoline, and you'll only have one grade to choose from (where if you're pumping gasoline, you'll typically find 3-4 grades to choose from that vary in price). So you may pay a bit more for diesel, but the engine uses it more efficiently than you're used to. If you're worried about how green your drive time won't be when you drive a diesel truck, don't. True, these trucks were traditionally seen as loud and bad for the environment because of all of the emissions they released. However, as technology keeps evolving, they get cleaner and quieter with every passing iteration. They're also a lot lighter in weight than they used to be, which means even better fuel efficiency. You'll also have access to more power when you drive a diesel vehicle. These engines can generate more horsepower and torque than traditional gasoline engines, and they don't have to be huge to do so because of their high compression rates. Which of these engine options is better for you? So how do you decide between the two? Here are some pointers to help guide your decision. If fuel costs concern you, diesel engines may cost a bit more to fill (as diesel fuel can be more expensive) but they're extremely efficient and in the long run, will likely cost less to run. If repair and maintenance costs are a concern, remember that diesel engines tend to be a bit more durable because they have fewer parts that need care. Diesel vehicles are especially efficient on the highway, so if you put a lot of highway miles on your ride this may be the way to go. Gasoline-powered vehicles are usually a bit less expensive than diesel vehicles when you shop. Have questions or want to shop our Orlando Toyota trucks and SUVs? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Are you thinking about putting yourself in the driver's seat of a new truck in the next few months? If so, we've got great news - the 2021 Toyota Tundra will soon be arriving at dealerships across the nation and bringing with it new special editions, new features, and new colors... but the same incredible performance. Toyota of Orlando has the info you need surrounding these updates, and we can't wait to set you up for a test drive. When the 2021 Toyota Tundra arrives at Toyota of Orlando, it'll be showcasing a 5.7L i-FORCE V8 under the hood. This means you can easily tow up to 10,200 lbs and have a maximum payload of 1,730 lbs; it also means you'll get the same powerful performance you've become accustomed to in prior models. On top of that, the new Orlando Toyota Tundra will be available in Double Cab or CrewMax trim-levels, both of which are four-door models. 2021 Toyota Tundra will offer two new special edition models The 2021 Toyota Tundra will bring two new special edition models to the lineup - the Trail Special Edition and the Nightshade Special Edition. Here's the breakdown. Trail Special Edition: This new model is designed for drivers who love the great outdoors - it's built with camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and more in mind. It's based on the SR5 CrewMax model and comes in both 2WD and 4WD, but offers a larger fuel tank, an anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer, and front bucket seats. Here are a few more details: It's available in Army Green, Super White, Cement, and Midnight Black and has all-black exterior badging, as well as black seating on the interior with tan stitching accents. All-weather floor-liners are standard. The exterior boasts a chrome grille and special edition wheels. It also offers lockable bed storage that has insulation and a drain plug so you can use it as a cooler when you hit the open road. Nightshade Special Edition: This new special edition model will be based on the Limited trim-level and showcases a black leather interior, as well as an exterior with a darkened chrome grille, black mirror caps, black door handles, black wheels, and even a black exhaust tip. It comes in Midnight Black Metallic, Winchill Pearl, Super White, or Magnetic Gray Metallic paint, and offers the choice of 2WD or 4WD. And on top of those two special edition models, you can take the Orlando Toyota Tundra TRD Pro home in a brand-new color - Lunar Rock. Test drive a new Toyota truck today at Toyota of Orlando This new Toyota hasn't officially hit the market yet, but we'll be sure to inform you when it does. In the meantime, why don't you test drive the 2020 Toyota Tundra at Toyota of Orlando? Our store is open and ready to help, and you can either visit us in person OR explore our truck selection online. Thanks to our digital retailing tools, you can explore your options, ask questions, build your custom deal, and even find out how much you can get for your current car if you trade in! Shop today - or call us with questions. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Are you thinking about putting yourself in the driver's seat of a new truck in the next few months? If so, we've got great news - the 2021 Toyota Tundra will soon be arriving at dealerships across the nation and bringing with it new special editions, new features, and new colors... but the same incredible performance. Toyota of Orlando has the info you need surrounding these updates, and we can't wait to set you up for a test drive. When the 2021 Toyota Tundra arrives at Toyota of Orlando, it'll be showcasing a 5.7L i-FORCE V8 under the hood. This means you can easily tow up to 10,200 lbs and have a maximum payload of 1,730 lbs; it also means you'll get the same powerful performance you've become accustomed to in prior models. On top of that, the new Orlando Toyota Tundra will be available in Double Cab or CrewMax trim-levels, both of which are four-door models. 2021 Toyota Tundra will offer two new special edition models The 2021 Toyota Tundra will bring two new special edition models to the lineup - the Trail Special Edition and the Nightshade Special Edition. Here's the breakdown. Trail Special Edition: This new model is designed for drivers who love the great outdoors - it's built with camping, fishing, hiking, biking, and more in mind. It's based on the SR5 CrewMax model and comes in both 2WD and 4WD, but offers a larger fuel tank, an anti-theft system with alarm and engine immobilizer, and front bucket seats. Here are a few more details: It's available in Army Green, Super White, Cement, and Midnight Black and has all-black exterior badging, as well as black seating on the interior with tan stitching accents. All-weather floor-liners are standard. The exterior boasts a chrome grille and special edition wheels. It also offers lockable bed storage that has insulation and a drain plug so you can use it as a cooler when you hit the open road. Nightshade Special Edition: This new special edition model will be based on the Limited trim-level and showcases a black leather interior, as well as an exterior with a darkened chrome grille, black mirror caps, black door handles, black wheels, and even a black exhaust tip. It comes in Midnight Black Metallic, Winchill Pearl, Super White, or Magnetic Gray Metallic paint, and offers the choice of 2WD or 4WD. And on top of those two special edition models, you can take the Orlando Toyota Tundra TRD Pro home in a brand-new color - Lunar Rock. Test drive a new Toyota truck today at Toyota of Orlando This new Toyota hasn't officially hit the market yet, but we'll be sure to inform you when it does. In the meantime, why don't you test drive the 2020 Toyota Tundra at Toyota of Orlando? Our store is open and ready to help, and you can either visit us in person OR explore our truck selection online. Thanks to our digital retailing tools, you can explore your options, ask questions, build your custom deal, and even find out how much you can get for your current car if you trade in! Shop today - or call us with questions. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Central Florida got lucky this weekend - the forecasters were predicting a Saturday night and Sunday full of nothing but wet weather. Isaias, however, had other things in mind and decided to skirt the coast, which means we did get some rain but also saw our fair share of sunshine. Even if you did hit the road, the rain wasn't heavy enough to warrant bad driving conditions. What is hydroplaning? However, hurricane season is far from over (we've got until the end of November!) and we do live in Central Florida, which means daily afternoon thunderstorms with downpours, lightning, and wind gusts are pretty much par for the course. And one of the big risks of driving in the rain is hydroplaning, or when your car starts to slide because it can't grip the road anymore due to water. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain hydroplaning and what to do if you find yourself in this hazardous situation. To be more technical, hydroplaning is when your Orlando Toyota loses its traction when you're driving in the rain. Your tire treads displace water so your tires can properly grip the road and get you where you need to go. However, sometimes when you're traveling at higher speeds and there's a lot of water on the road (or it's just freshly rained and the water is mixing with oil on the road), the water actually starts to push your front tires up a bit, off the ground. This causes a thin film of water to form in between the road and your tires and subsequently, you hydroplane, and your car starts to slide because it can no longer grip the road. How to deal if you hydroplane while driving in the rain So how should you react if you find yourself in this dangerous situation while driving in the rain? Here are some tips from our Orlando Toyota experts: Avoid the urge to slam on the brakes (because that will be your natural reaction). Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal to let your car slow on its own. If you're still moving fast with no slowing in sight, you can gently push on the brakes (if you have anti-lock brakes - otherwise, you'll want to slowly pump the brakes to avoid them locking up and you spinning out more). Turn your steering wheel in the direction of your slide. It seems weird, we know, but turning it in the opposite direction can actually cause overcorrection and cause you to spin. Steer into the slide (the direction that your back wheels are going) with small adjustments - don't jerk the wheel. And take a moment to collect yourself when you've finally come to a stop. Hydroplaning can be extremely scary and nerve-wracking and you should give yourself a change to calm down before you hit the road again. And don't forget, an easy way to avoid hydroplaning while driving in the rain is to keep your tires in great shape. Schedule service at our Orlando Toyota auto service center today! Call us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Central Florida got lucky this weekend - the forecasters were predicting a Saturday night and Sunday full of nothing but wet weather. Isaias, however, had other things in mind and decided to skirt the coast, which means we did get some rain but also saw our fair share of sunshine. Even if you did hit the road, the rain wasn't heavy enough to warrant bad driving conditions. What is hydroplaning? However, hurricane season is far from over (we've got until the end of November!) and we do live in Central Florida, which means daily afternoon thunderstorms with downpours, lightning, and wind gusts are pretty much par for the course. And one of the big risks of driving in the rain is hydroplaning, or when your car starts to slide because it can't grip the road anymore due to water. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain hydroplaning and what to do if you find yourself in this hazardous situation. To be more technical, hydroplaning is when your Orlando Toyota loses its traction when you're driving in the rain. Your tire treads displace water so your tires can properly grip the road and get you where you need to go. However, sometimes when you're traveling at higher speeds and there's a lot of water on the road (or it's just freshly rained and the water is mixing with oil on the road), the water actually starts to push your front tires up a bit, off the ground. This causes a thin film of water to form in between the road and your tires and subsequently, you hydroplane, and your car starts to slide because it can no longer grip the road. How to deal if you hydroplane while driving in the rain So how should you react if you find yourself in this dangerous situation while driving in the rain? Here are some tips from our Orlando Toyota experts: Avoid the urge to slam on the brakes (because that will be your natural reaction). Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal to let your car slow on its own. If you're still moving fast with no slowing in sight, you can gently push on the brakes (if you have anti-lock brakes - otherwise, you'll want to slowly pump the brakes to avoid them locking up and you spinning out more). Turn your steering wheel in the direction of your slide. It seems weird, we know, but turning it in the opposite direction can actually cause overcorrection and cause you to spin. Steer into the slide (the direction that your back wheels are going) with small adjustments - don't jerk the wheel. And take a moment to collect yourself when you've finally come to a stop. Hydroplaning can be extremely scary and nerve-wracking and you should give yourself a change to calm down before you hit the road again. And don't forget, an easy way to avoid hydroplaning while driving in the rain is to keep your tires in great shape. Schedule service at our Orlando Toyota auto service center today! Call us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.