Just when you thought the iconic (and affordable) Toyota GR86 couldn’t get any better… it does. Believe it or not, this much-loved sports car is celebrating it’s tenth anniversary on the market in 2023 and Toyota is celebrating by putting out an all-new special edition… and wait until you see the color. Toyota of Orlando has the details!

What does this new special edition Toyota GR86 have to offer?

First things first – let’s talk colors. The 2023 Toyota GR86 anniversary special edition will sport an all-new hue on the exterior: Solar Shift. It’s a bright standout orange, and it’s perfectly accented with black exterior features and a dark interior with contrast stitching in the same color. You can’t (and don’t want to) miss it.

What else can you expect from this new Orlando Toyota GR86? For starters, we know that only 860 units will be produced so if you want to get your hands on one, you should act fast. (Toyota of Orlando will be regularly posting updates, so stay tuned and follow us on social media.) Here are some other details:

• It has a GR cat-back performance exhaust system with stainless steel pipes and black chrome tips
• It’s sporting Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and matte-black 18″ wheels with black center caps and lugnuts
• The Solar Shift exterior is also contrasted by a black GR c-pillar graphic and a matte black duckbill spoiler in the rear
• The interior is trimmed in dark ultrasuede and leather with Solar Shift contrast stitching on the door panels, armrests, shift boot, trunk mat, and floor mats
• Each new Toyota GR86 anniversary edition comes with a special limited production commemorative plaque

So now you know what it’ll look like… but more importantly, how will it drive? The 2023 Toyota GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition has all the performance capabilities that drivers know and love from the original models, including:

• A new 2.4L engine that delivers 11% more horsepower and 18% more torque than the first generation (228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque to be exact)
• 0-60 mph acceleration in just 6.1 seconds
• D-4S dual injection for enhanced power
• A low curb weight combined with an ultra-low center of gravity and a weight distribution of 53% in the front and 47% in the rear for sheer sport out on the road
• Electronic power steering system for reduced weight and sport-tuned MacPherson front struts/double-wishbone multilink rear suspension
• A six-speed manual transmission with track mode and vehicle stability control as well as steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters
• Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes for optimal performance no matter the conditions you’re in
• Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction while cornering at high speeds

Plus technology like the Smart Key System, Toyota Connected Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, and more. Drivers will also get a complimentary one-year membership to the National Auto Sport Association, including one free High Performance Driving Event and discounted admission to all NASA-sanctioned events.

Follow Toyota of Orlando on social media for updates on this special edition Toyota GR86

We don’t know the exact date that the new 2023 Toyota GR86 10th Anniversary Special Edition will be arriving at Toyota of Orlando, but we’ll keep you posted! Follow us on social media for updates, call us, or stop by in person. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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No matter what time of year it is in Florida, it seems like foggy windshields are consistently a thing. Summer or winter, you can pretty much count on having to use your wipers or defroster to get a clear field of vision before you leave the house. But why do windshields and windows fog in the first place, and how can you effectively get them clear again? Check out Toyota of Orlando’s guide on how to defog your windshield before you hit the road.

How to defog a windshield: Why does it fog in the first place?

First, let’s talk about why foggy windshields and windows happen in the first place. It all boils down to moisture either inside or outside of the car and temperature. Here’s the breakdown:

• When it’s hot and humid outside (so like 70% of the year in Orlando), there’s a lot of moisture outside of the car in the surrounding air. When this moisture hits the cool glass of your windshield and windows – especially if you have the A/C going – the temperature there causes fog to form on the glass. This temperature at which the fog forms is called the dew point. Driving in the rain can also lead to a foggy windshield.
• When it’s cold outside, the moisture inside of your car – from your breath, humid air trapped inside the cabin, wet shoes, etc. – touches the windshield (which is chilled from the cold temps outside) and hits the dew point, causing fog to form.

Foggy windshields and windows are dangerous because they impede you from being able to see clearly outside of your car, which can lead to a car accident or collision. That’s why it’s important to get rid of the fog before you leave the driveway.

Toyota of Orlando explains how to defog a windshield

So how do you do it? It depends on the temperature outside and why fog is forming. Here’s our quick guide on how to defog a windshield.

• If it’s cold outside, the fog is forming on the INSIDE of your glass (remember, it’s from the moisture inside the car). This means you’ll need to use your car’s defroster/heat/AC to dry things out inside the car and clear your windshield and back window.
  • First, crank the heat and turn on your defroster. This will temporarily clear things up, but the goal is to get the moisture out of the car to prevent any more fog from forming.
  • Next, turn on the A/C (cold air will help to pull out the moisture from the car).
  • You should also turn off your recirculating feature so your car doesn’t continue to circulate humid air through the car and instead, pulls in fresh, cold air from the outside.
  • Finally, open your windows to let the humidity out of your car and to let more cold air from the outside in.

• If it’s hot outside, the fog is on the outside of the glass (because the moisture is outside of the car). This one is an easy fix – turn your wipers on and roll your windows down and back up again to clear the fog away from the glass. You can also turn down your A/C to clear the glass faster.

And luckily, there are ways to prevent fog from happening in the first place. Here are some quick Orlando Toyota tips:

• Keep your car clean. Moisture is more likely to stick to dirt, so clean the inside and outside of your windshield routinely.
• If it’s cold outside, wipe your shoes off before you get in the car to remove some of the moisture.
• Use a defogging solution on the glass – our Orlando Toyota parts store can help you find the right products. You’ll want one formulated for the interior and one formulated for the exterior, and be sure that it won’t affect any tint that you have on the windshield.
• Try a home remedy. Some drivers swear by shaving cream; apparently, applying it to the glass on the interior of your windshield and then wiping it away will help prevent the glass from fogging.
• Stay on top of routine service for your air-conditioning system and let our Toyota of Orlando techs do maintenance and repairs as necessary.

Have questions or need to find defogging products? Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Call us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by our Service and Parts Center here in Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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A common question we hear at Toyota of Orlando from our customers – whether they’re here for service or to look at our new Toyota inventory – is “is it a good time to trade in my car?” It can be difficult to decide when the right time is to hand over your keys and climb behind the wheel of something new. You want to get the most bang for your buck both when you trade in and also when you purchase your new car, and Toyota of Orlando is here to help you decide.

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To be as succinct as possible: YES. Now is a good time to trade in your car! We don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the automotive world got turned on its head in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic, global shipping delays, and supply chain shortages all swirled into the perfect storm, resulting in a shortage of new and used cars. It doesn’t matter which make or model you’re shopping for; the inventory just isn’t there like it used to be, which means finding the perfect new car is a bit more challenging.

But what it also means is that your car is worth more money than ever. Now is a good time to trade in because used cars are in short supply but still in high demand. This means that regardless of whether you trade in your car at Toyota of Orlando or decide to sell it privately, you’re going to get a solid chunk of change for it. Someone out there wants your car, which means we want it, too.

Prep your car for trade-in at Toyota of Orlando

So what should you do to prep your car for trade-in at Toyota of Orlando? Here are a few tips from our sales experts:

• Make sure you have all of your car’s paperwork together. You’ll need the title if you own it, your license and registration, your insurance information, and any warranties you have on the car or its parts/accessories. It’s also a great idea to have service records on hand to show that the car has been routinely maintenanced throughout its life.
• Take care of small repairs and any routine maintenance that’s due. We don’t recommend replacing any major parts or doing big repairs before you trade in, but it’s worth it to get an oil change done or replace a burnt-out lightbulb.
• Decide what you want for your car. It’s not a bad idea to use our online trade-in tool to get an idea of how much your car is worth, and you can decide from there if you’re OK with that number and talk to our sales specialists when it’s time to hand over the keys.
• Clean your car out. You should give your car a basic detailing so it looks clean, as well as clear out clutter and get rid of junk in the backseat. If you know you’re definitely going to trade in that day, get rid of as much stuff as possible so it’s easy to transfer your belongings into your new Toyota.

Now IS a good time to trade in your car, so if you’re ready to start the process, call Toyota of Orlando today. Our used car director can set an appointment to conduct a quick inspection of your vehicle, and then he’ll make you a cash offer right then and there even if you decide you don’t want to buy your next vehicle from us. 15 minutes of your time is all it takes – schedule today! You can call us at (407) 298-4500 or just stop by. Toyota of Orlando is located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Considering making your next new Toyota an electric car? The 2023 Toyota bz4X is headed to a dealership near you this fall, and we can’t wait for it to arrive at Toyota of Orlando. However, it’s not the only electric car on the market so it’s critical that you do your research and decide which one will be the best fit for your needs. Today our Orlando Toyota dealership is comparing one of the Toyota bz4X’s closest competitors: the 2023 Subaru Solterra.

How does the 2023 Toyota bz4X stack up against the 2023 Subaru Solterra?

Let’s talk about performance first, as that’s usually one of the most significant items on the list for drivers who want to take home an electric car. The Toyota bz4X outranks the Subaru Solterra in one of the most critical aspects of an EV – range. It gets 252 miles out of one charge, while the Solterra falls short at just 222 miles on one charge. Here are some other details in regards to their performance:

• The Toyota bz4X comes in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Subaru Solterra comes in all-wheel drive.
• The Toyota bz4X gets 131 city and 107 highway MPGe. The Subaru Solterra gets 93 city and 111 highway MPGe.
• This new Orlando Toyota offers better handling thanks to a lower 50 series profile with a stiffer sidewall than the Subaru’s 60 series tires.
• This 2023 Toyota also pulls ahead in terms of interior space. It offers more cargo room, a wider cabin, and is taller.
• Both cars offer a fully electric system under the hood, which means they’re zero emissions and use no gasoline whatsoever. Instead, they both have to be plugged into special charging stations to be able to charge up and hit the road.

Now let’s talk about features. You know that all of the cars at Toyota of Orlando go above and beyond in terms of safety and connectivity, but here’s how our Toyota electric car stacks up against Subaru’s.

• Believe it or not, the 2023 Toyota bz4X and Subaru Solterra pretty much break even when it comes to safety features and technology. They both include key features like advanced airbag systems, blind spot monitors with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert, daytime running lights, backup cameras, and automatic braking.
• They also include similar convenience and entertainment features. However, this new 2023 Toyota includes wireless charging as a standard feature (Subaru adds an upcharge for it) as well as rain-sensing wipers, a feature not found on the Subaru Solterra. Additionally, the 2023 Toyota bz4X has a hands-free liftgate, which isn’t offered on the Solterra.

What about reliability, value, and warranties? Here are some points to consider:

Toyota offers no-cost scheduled maintenance on the 2023 Toyota bz4X for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Subaru doesn’t offer no-cost scheduled maintenance. There are also nearly twice as many Toyota dealerships in the U.S., making it easier to find a service location.

• J.D. Power and Associates 2022 Initial Quality Study provided data that Toyota vehicles are higher quality than Subaru vehicles – they’re rated above average, while Subaru cars are ranked below average. This is also the case in terms of long-term dependability.
• Toyota is also ranked second in reliability by Consumer Reports, while Subaru is in eighth place.

Get updates on the 2023 Toyota bz4X from Toyota of Orlando

All in all, the best way to decide if a new Toyota bz4X or Subaru Solterra is better is to see for yourself in person. Toyota of Orlando should be getting this 2023 Toyota in the next few months; you can follow us on social media for updates or call us and give us your information so we can contact you. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off the I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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If you own an electric car – or plan on buying one in the near future – it’s a good idea to have a plan for how you’re going to charge it. While there are car charging stations scattered through Orlando, they’re definitely not as numerous as gas stations and can take a bit of know-how to find. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to help. Check out this quick guide on charging stations near Orlando and how to find them so you can stay fully charged and beat the EV range anxiety that can sometimes come along with this type of car.

Ten car charging stations near Orlando to add to your list

There are two ways to charge your electric car: at home or on the go. Home charging stations can be installed by a qualified electrician and while they do require a bit of money up-front, they can save you time and stress as you know you can always charge your car when you’re home. Your other option is to find car charging stations near Orlando. Here’s a list of ten near you to get you started:

EVGo Charging Station 

• Address: Premium Outlet, 4951 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
• Hours: 24/7

Electrify American Charging Station 

Address: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809
Hours: 24/7

ChargePoint Charging Station 

• Address: 460 Boone Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
• Hours: 24/7

SemaConnect Charging Station 

• Address: 420 E Church St, Orlando, FL 32801
• Hours: 24/7

Tesla Destination Charger 

• Address: 325 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
• Hours: 24/7

ChargePoint Charging Station

• Address: 5151 Raleigh St, Orlando, FL 32811
• Hours: 24/7

EVGo Charging Station

• Address: 8200 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821
• Hours: 24/7

ChargePoint Charging Station

• Address: 3123 Arabian Nights Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747
• Hours: 24/7

ChargePoint Charging Station

• Address: 1 Grand Cypress Blvd, Orlando, FL 32836
• Hours: 24/7

ChargePoint Charging Station

• Address: 1800 S Kirkman Rd, Orlando, FL 32811
• Hours: 24/7

However, this is just a small selection of the many electric car charging stations near Orlando. We are lucky enough to have a multitude of charging options so if you live in the city beautiful and are thinking about buying an electric car, know that you’ll have plenty of places to plug in.

How can you find car charging stations near Orlando?

Wondering how you can find car charging stations near Orlando? Luckily, there are a ton of apps you can download right to your phone to help you locate your next charge. Here are some of the ones we recommend:

• ChargePoint
• EVGo
• ChargeMap
• PlugShare
• NextCharge
• Electrify America
• Open Charge Map
• ChargeHub

And keep in mind that your charge time depends on the type of charger you use, so be sure to check the app for the type of charging station you need. Slow charging is cheaper, but fast charging takes less time.

And here’s some even better news – all customers who purchase or lease a new 2023 Toyota bz4X will get one year of unlimited complimentary charging at EVGo charging stations across the nation. Road trip, here you come.

Whether you have questions about finding car charging stations near Orlando, the new Toyota bz4X, or electric cars in general, Toyota of Orlando has your back. Call us today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us. We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, which just happens to be near a public EVGo charging station on I-Drive. See you soon!

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How long does it take to charge an electric car? This is one of the most common questions we hear from customers at Toyota of Orlando who are interested in going green. Sure, electric cars are eco-friendly and cheaper to operate than your traditional gasoline-powered cars, but how long does it actually take to charge them? Toyota of Orlando is here with the breakdown on electric car charging time, the types of chargers, and the basics of what you need to know about EV charging.

The three types of electric car charging

Electric car charging time depends on the type of charger or charging station you’re using. Here’s the breakdown:

• Level one chargers are standard 120-volt chargers. Basically, this means you can plug your car into any outlet – even a household outlet – as long as it has three prongs. These charging cables are included with your Orlando Toyota and can go everywhere with you. However, this is the slowest type of electric car charging and while it’s the most convenient, it can take days to achieve a full charge. (You read that right. Days.) That’s why this type of charging is recommended for plug-in hybrids or drivers with short commutes.
• Level two chargers are more powerful at 240 volts. This is a typical setup for a home charging station and needs to be installed by a qualified and licensed electrician. They’re also the most typical types of electric car charging stations you’ll find out and about. If you want a full charge from this type of charger, you’ll likely need to leave your car plugged in overnight (it can take anywhere from 4-10 hours for a full charge). If you’re considering an electric Orlando Toyota, we highly recommend installing this type of charger at home for convenience.
• Level three chargers are also known as DC (direct current) Fast Chargers. You won’t be able to install this type of charging station at home – you can only find them at public stations – but they’re the fastest way to charge your electric Toyota. Charging time varies based on the vehicle, but electric car charging time at these types of stations typically takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes to get up to 80%.

And remember, it’s easy to beat EV range anxiety if you have the right tools. If you have an at-home electric car charging station or all the apps to locate charging stations near you (or both), you won’t have to worry about running out of charge. It’s easy to monitor the charge of your electric car, too. For example, the Orlando Toyota bz4X will show you your charge levels in your multi-information display as well as the Toyota app.

You can also enroll in the Clean Assist program through Toyota. When you charge, the Toyota app will calculate the amount of electricity you’re using as well as the net emissions produced by the charging process. Toyota will then generate or buy an equivalent amount of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), ensuring that all charging activity is matched with zero-carbon electricity. You’re doing your part for the planet by simply charging your car.

Get all of your electric car charging time questions answered at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about electric car charging time or the Orlando Toyota bz4X? Call us today. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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So you’ve got roaches in your car.

First of all, our deepest condolences. Although not dangerous, roaches are still creepy, crawly, unwelcome critters that you definitely don’t want making a home in your Toyota. However, bug infestations do happen (especially here in Central Florida, where roaches love the warm, humid weather and plentiful water sources). Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to get roaches out of a car should you find yourself with some new (unwelcome) carpool members.

The good news is, roaches typically won’t stay in a car for TOO long as there’s no water source there.

Tip#1: Know where they’re hanging out. The first stop in getting roaches out of a car is identifying where they might be hanging out, laying eggs, building nests, and basically just having a party. Here are the main spots to look:

• Under your seats (especially if you have crumbs and debris under there that they might like to eat)
• In the trunk (where it’s dark and there are lots of nooks and crannies to hide – don’t forget to check where your spare tire is)
• Under your floor mats (they like to lay eggs here… sorry.)

And don’t forget about your glovebox, cupholders, seat-back pockets, center console, and even your air-conditioning vents.

Tip #2: Clean out your car ASAP. Now is the time to break out that vacuum and give your car a thorough detailing. Be sure to get all the nooks and crannies, removing all dirt, crumbs, and other debris (and probably a few cockroaches while you’re at it, sorry). Also, wipe down all surfaces to make sure there’s nothing sticky that might be attracting roaches, too. Additionally, get all clutter out of your car. This will leave your Orlando Toyota with no food for them and very few places to hide and nest.

Tip #3: Put down traps. Now for the nitty-gritty of getting roaches out of your car – traps. You can lay down sticky traps under the seats, in the cupholders, in the trunk, etc., and see if that helps to trap and remove them.

Tip #4: Buy some bait. If the sticky traps don’t work or you’re just ready to pull the trigger and go big, it’s time to lay down roach bait in your car. You can use gel bait – this is a great solution as it entices the roaches to eat it and then spread the poison back to the entire colony. However, if you’d rather go non-toxic, you can also use borax or diatomaceous earth. All of the above will help wipe out the roach population in your vehicle.

Tip #5: Know how to prevent them from coming back. Once you’ve gotten the roaches out of your car, it’s time to prevent them from ever wanting to come back. Here are some tips:

• Keep your car as clean as possible and detail it often to prevent crumbs and other food sources for roaches
• Keep your car free of clutter where they might like to hide
• Keep your windows rolled up and your doors shut when you’re not in the vehicle
• Be very careful about where you’re going and what you’re transporting. If you’re camping or transporting things that roaches like to hide in (like shopping bags, mulch, cardboard boxes, old luggage, etc.) be sure to inspect your car carefully after you’re done and proactively deal with any possible roach infestations.

Need more advice on how to get roaches out of a car? Toyota of Orlando has got your back, even in a creepy-crawly situation like this one. Call us today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by! We’re just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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It seems like electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular options for drivers from all walks of life these days. These vehicles are packed with the latest and greatest technology, are stylishly futuristic, and despite their lack of internal combustion engine, are still as performance-driven as it gets. Not to mention, they cut down on emissions and are a green option for drivers who want to make a difference. But are electric cars really better for the environment?

The answer isn’t a clear-cut yes or no, unfortunately, and takes a little bit of a deep dive to answer. Here’s what the experts at Toyota of Orlando have to say about the environmental benefits of electric cars.

Are electric cars really better for the environment? Mostly yes.

Local emissions

When you’re talking about local emissions – aka the emissions that cars put out into the air as you’re driving – then yes, electric cars are really better for the environment.

• If you recall, true electric cars run on electricity alone and unlike an internal combustion engine, don’t put out emissions.
• Even plug-in hybrids and hybrids put out fewer emissions than internal combustion engines. For local air pollution, this is a big win.

Non-local emissions

However, when you scale back and look at the larger picture, electric cars do technically produce some emissions. They run on electricity, but that electricity has to come from somewhere.

• Where you live depends on how eco-friendly your electric car is.
  • If your electricity is powered by fossil fuels like coal or natural gas, then you’re still contributing to CO2 emissions that are bad for the planet.
  • If your electricity is powered by renewable energy like solar, hydroelectric, or wind, then your vehicle is a lot cleaner.
• Certain parts of the US – in particular, the Midwest – use a lot of fossil fuels to generate electricity, so driving electric cars in this region isn’t necessarily as eco-friendly as you think.

And don’t forget that hybrids and plug-in hybrids still have internal combustion abilities, meaning they can still put out emissions.

Batteries 

Another concern about the environmental benefits of electric cars stems from the batteries found in them. Electric cars like the Orlando Toyota bz4X use lithium-ion batteries, similar to the ones found in your phone and laptop.

• First is the issue of battery production. It takes a lot of electricity to generate one of these batteries, which means more emissions are produced in the process. And again, the type of resources used to generate said electricity deeply affects how green the vehicle is overall.
• Next is the issue of recyclability. Lithium-ion batteries need to be disposed of carefully because of the materials they contain – they can’t just be tossed into a landfill. Over time, this can lead to a costly environmental problem. Researchers are working to figure out how to both reuse and recycle these batteries into other roles so they can still serve a purpose when their lifespan ends.

Overall, are electric cars really better for the environment? When all is said and done, mostly yes. And as renewable energy sources become more utilized and there are better ways to reuse and recycle the batteries, they’ll become even better for the environment.

Explore the environmental benefits of electric cars in person at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions or want to check out an electric car in person? Come to Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can call to schedule a test drive at (407) 298-4500!

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Do you have an unwanted eight-legged passenger in your car? Florida is a beautiful place to live, but we also have tons – TONS – of spiders here. In fact, our state is known to have some of the largest and also most venomous spiders in North America. And when one gets into your car, it can be incredibly unnerving. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain how to get spiders out of your car AND how to keep them out long-term.

How do spiders get in your car? Basically, through any open crack or crevice. Spiders can come in through open windows and doors, through the cracks in your hood, and even through worn seals on your doors. They like to hide in your vehicle because it offers warm, dark, damp places for them to set up shop. However, they don’t like the vibrations that cars make when in motion, so this is why they usually make a surprise guest appearance at the worst possible moment.

Steps to take to get spiders out of your car

If you find that you have a spider – or multiple spiders – taking up residence in your car, you need to take action fast. After all, you don’t want them to lay eggs in your vehicle, which can lead to further infestation. Here are some quick tips on how to get rid of spiders in your car:

• Clean it out. You’ll want to thoroughly vacuum out your car and wipe it. When you have crumbs and debris in your car, it attracts bugs like roaches, beetles, and ants. These bugs, in turn, attract spiders, who are predators. The cleaner your car is, the less likely bugs – and subsequently, spiders – will want to call it home. Also, you want to get any eggs or egg sacs (we know, disgusting) that your new passengers may have left behind.
• Try spider traps. Just like when you have roaches in your car, you can use spider traps to trap and remove spiders from your Orlando Toyota. The traps are sticky and often emit pheromones that attract the spiders.
• You can also try spider repellant spray, spraying it into hiding spaces where they may be lurking.
• If all else fails, there are chlorine spider bombs that you can set off within your vehicle that will kill the spiders living in it.

If all else fails, contact professional exterminators to help you remove the spiders from your car. You don’t want to let the issue go – spiders can lay eggs and quickly grow their population, leading to a serious infestation.

How to prevent spiders in your car

Additionally, there are easy ways to keep spiders out of your car. Here are some more tips from the experts at our Toyota of Orlando service center:

• Keep your car clean. The less dirt and debris in it, the less likely you are to have issues with spiders and other bugs.
• Get rid of the clutter in your car. Clutter provides lots of hiding spots for insects so it’s in your best interest to keep the clutter out of your vehicle.
• Try essential oils. Spiders are naturally repelled by scents like citrus, cedar, peppermint, rosemary, garlic, and lavender. Mix 5-7 drops into a spray bottle of water and spritz your vehicle.
• Make sure all of your door and window seals are tight and in good condition.
• Keep your doors and windows closed when you’re not in the vehicle.
• Try not to park next to debris or heavily wooded areas.

Have more questions about getting spiders out of your car? Call us today – Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Mice are cute – we said what we said. Their cuteness factor, however, drops significantly when they’re living inside your Orlando Toyota. Mice, like any other pest in your car, can cause significant damage to your electrical system, your carpet and upholstery, and your vent system. That’s why the Toyota of Orlando service center experts are here with tips to help you figure out how to get mice out of a car.

Why do mice like to live inside cars?

First, let’s talk about signs that mice are living in your car:

• You’re having issues getting your car started or with anything electrical (mice may have chewed through the wires)
• You notice holes in your car seats or missing chunks from your insulation or foam (they’re chewing on it)
• You find mice droppings inside your Orlando Toyota
• You notice a bad smell (usually from droppings, urine, or a dead mouse – gag)
• You find a mouse nest inside your vehicle or under the hood

Mice love the inside of cars – not only is it dry, warm, and a great hiding spot from predators, but it also is a nice place to build a nest. Plus, a lot of new wiring systems are made with soy-based wiring insulation, which is extremely appealing (and tasty) to mice. Not to mention, if your car is less than clean, they can find a feast in terms of crumbs and trash inside of it, which won’t make them likely to leave any time soon.

How to get mice out of a car

Once you know that mice are in fact taking up residence in your car, it’s time to figure out how to get mice OUT of your car. Here are our top Toyota of Orlando tips:

• Turn on the heat and put your car out in the sun. Much like humans, mice don’t like extreme temps. You can basically force them out with this method.
• Honk your horn – loud noises are likely to startle them and encourage them to vacate the premises.
• Use mice repellant. You can buy it at a home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowes, and some people even say that mice are repelled by peppermint oil. You can try soaking some cotton balls in it and leaving them around your vehicle.
• Set mousetraps. It’s a last resort, but it is effective in getting mice out of your car. Again, you can find these at a home improvement store.

How to keep mice out of a car

Now that you know how to get mice out of a car, it’s time to discuss how to KEEP them out of your car in the future. Here are some easy tips:

• Park inside of a garage if you can. Also, avoid parking near food sources for mice, like dumpsters, trash cans, and bird feeders.
• Always close your doors, windows, and sunroof when you’re not in the car.
• Use your car regularly. The longer it sits without being driven, the more likely it is to have a mouse infestation.
• Keep your car clean. Vacuum and wipe it routinely, and be sure to take out any trash immediately and clean up spills as soon as possible.

If you do sustain damage from mice living inside your car, reach out to your car insurance company. Some comprehensive policies will cover this type of damage so you only have to pay the deductible. This is important because if mice start chewing up your Orlando Toyota’s wiring, it can easily cost you thousands of dollars to repair. And if a mouse gets inside your car’s vent system, your dash may have to be completely disassembled to be cleaned – mouse droppings can make you extremely sick.

Still having issues getting mice out of a car? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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