Summer is on its way! Spring has definitely sprung here in Central Florida – the weather is warming up, the skies are blue, and it’s time to hit the road and head to the beach, the trails, the springs, and more. However, you want to ensure that your car is not only prepped and ready, but also that it looks good for the drive. If you’re a DIY type of driver who likes to tackle car care in their own driveway, check it out – here are 5 car wash tips to help you get your ride like-new in a matter of minutes.

Car wash like a pro in your own driveway

Tip #1: Use the right products. 

It’s essential to use the right products when you’re conducting a car wash. Using the wrong soap – like dish soap – can actually strip the wax off of your car AND dull the shine and paint. On top of that, the wrong product can even damage your clear coat or paint and leave you susceptible to rust. Pick the right products, and if you’re not sure which is best for your car, ask our Orlando Toyota parts store. We keep plenty of car wash products in stock and can point you in the right direction.

Tip #2: Don’t wash in the sun. 

It’s tempting to work on your tan while you wash, but don’t do it. The key to a clean car is keeping it thoroughly wet while you’re washing, soaping, and rinsing. If you wash in the direct sunlight, it’s likely that water will dry quickly in certain areas and leave you with annoying water spots. Wash in the shade or try to wash your car in the early morning or early evening when the sun isn’t so harsh. If all else fails, just make sure to keep the entire car wet while you wash.

Tip #3: If you drop something on the ground, don’t use it again. 

If you drop your sponge, don’t pick it up and use it again. Chances are that even if you rinse it off, sand or dirt particles will still be stuck on it. If you proceed to use it, the sand or dirt can actually cause tiny scratches in the clearcoat or paint. Keep an extra sponge and cloth handy!

Tip #4: Dry with microfiber. 

When drying your car – which you’ll want to do by hand so you don’t get water spots – opt for a microfiber towel. Other fabrics can be abrasive on your car’s paint and they’re not as good when it comes to absorption. Shop our Orlando Toyota parts store for microfiber options.

Tip #5: Top it off with a coat of wax. 

Finish off your car wash with a fresh coat of wax 3-4 times a year. Wax will protect your paint and keep it shiny, saving you time and money in the long run. Just remember not to wax your car in direct sunlight, either.

Shop Toyota of Orlando’s parts store for supplies

Want more car wash tips or need supplies? Call Toyota of Orlando today! You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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It’s happened to so many of us – you’re cruising down the highway, enjoying the lack of traffic and the fact that you may just make it to work on time when something flies up and hits your windshield. You may not even see it – you just hear a sharp popping noise and suddenly, you’re staring at a crack in the windshield. While it may not be an emergency that you have to pull over and deal with that very second, it is an issue that needs to be fixed so it doesn’t lead to bigger problems down the road. Toyota of Orlando’s body shop is here to explain the ins and outs of cracked windshields and what to do about them.

The ins and outs of a cracked windshield

It’s tempting to just ignore a cracked windshield, especially if the crack or chip is small and isn’t right in the middle of your field of vision. Who has time to bring their car into a body shop for repairs and who wants to pay for them if the damage isn’t large or noticeable?

This is a bad idea.

First of all, it’s illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in the state of Florida. If a police officer pulls you over, you can be ticketed. If the damage is bad enough, your car can even be towed – all of this is explained in statute 316.610, where it states that it’s illegal to operate a vehicle that’s unsafe or a danger to other drivers. You’ll save yourself time, money, and stress if you just deal with the crack yourself and get it fixed.

Another reason you should never ignore a cracked windshield is that no matter how small the crack, it’s still a crack. And that means that it’s affecting your windshield’s structural integrity. The chances of the crack or chip growing larger are high and then it becomes very dangerous for you to get behind the wheel. It’s best to contact your local Orlando body shop and deal with the issue while it’s still small and more manageable.

Here’s the good news – because there’s a statute deeming it illegal to drive with a cracked windshield, there’s also a Florida statute stating that auto insurance companies must repair or replace a cracked windshield with zero deductible… in other words, for FREE.

Let our body shop help you get back out on the road

So what should you do? Our Orlando Toyota body shop recommends that the moment you see a crack appear in your windshield, you call your insurance company and report the claim. You can work with them to schedule a time and place to have your windshield either repaired or replaced, depending on the severity and size of the crack. They can even send someone out to do it while you’re at work! It’s that simple and remember – it’s 100% free through your auto insurance.

If you have questions, call our body shop today! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, and you can reach us at (407) 298-6006.

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The New York Auto Show is set to kick off this Friday – April 19 will unveil a host of new vehicles, both production and concept. We can’t wait to see what this iconic show brings to the forefront of the auto industry, especially since Toyota will be revealing two all-new models to the public. Here are the two new Toyotas you should be on the lookout for during this exciting automotive show.

Which new Toyotas will be unveiled at the end of this week?

#1: 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback

The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is taking things to a new level in the hatchback world. This new Toyota promises a new 1.5L 4-cylinder engine with direct and high compression fuel injection as well as a Sport driving mode and new MacPherson Strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension. You’ll also love the new look it’s bringing to the table. It has a “cab rearward” focus, which means it sits lower and has a sportier and more aggressive stance. It’s also showcasing a new lower front grille and new LED headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lights, as well as 16″ alloy wheels and a chrome tailpipe. This Orlando Toyota will further bring brand new paint colors to complement its refreshed design and turn heads with a sleek new interior that mixes sportiness with sophistication. And did we mention that thanks to its new design, this Orlando Toyota is more spacious than ever?

#2: 2020 Toyota Highlander

We don’t know much about this new Toyota SUV. Last week Toyota introduced a pretty amazing concept video that showcased what it could look like through “augmented reality”. The Orlando Toyota Highlander hasn’t been redesigned since 2014, so it’s definitely due for a refresh and we can’t wait to see what Toyota has in mind. From what we can tell, the new design looks similar to the old one but has a more aggressive rear and looks to be a little more sculpted in terms of exterior lines and curves. We also can guess that it’ll still offer a 3.5L V6 engine under the hood as well as a go-green hybrid model for drivers who are eco-conscious. Additionally, we know it’ll still be a 3-seater that’s dedicated to a seamless blend of style AND family-friendliness, and that it’ll be out in the end of this year for you to drive home.

The New York Auto Show is a big deal, and not just because these exciting new Toyotas are going to be unveiled. More than 1,000 new cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans will be debuted at the show from automakers all over the world. Both up-and-coming production models AND futuristic concept models are featured, and the show will run for nearly 10 days to give everyone a glimpse of the wide variety of vehicles. And the best part? It’s open to the public – which means YOU can check out these new Toyotas in person.

Follow Toyota of Orlando to learn more about these 2020 models

For more information on the 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback and 2020 Toyota Highlander, follow Toyota of Orlando on social media! You’ll get our latest breaking news and updates at our Instagram and Facebook, or you can call (407) 298-4500 for more information.

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When it comes to taking care of what’s under the hood of your car, sometimes it can be like speaking another language. And if you’re not well-versed in that language, it’s stressful to even visit the mechanic and routine service! We like to educate our customers so not only do they know how to keep their car in tip-top shape, they also feel comfortable when they come to see us for routine car care or to repair something that’s on the fritz. Check out these five common car care questions that we often hear and the answers to them to make yourself feel a bit more at home when it comes to what goes on under the hood.

What car care questions do you have for us?

#1: Can I switch from conventional oil to synthetic and vice versa? 

Most of the time, yes. But not all of the time. Some drivers prefer synthetic oil in their engines because it’s cleaner, lasts longer than conventional oil, and some even claim it improves performance. Other drivers prefer conventional oil because it’s what they’re used to and is also more affordable than synthetic oil (although it doesn’t last as long). You can really use either type as long as your car doesn’t require a specific type of oil. Ask our Orlando Toyota car care experts what’s best for your ride.

#2: Should I listen to my instrument panel, my owner’s manual, or my mechanic when it comes to routine car care? 

Always defer to the instrument panel first – those warning lights come on for a reason. After that, you should listen to your car care technician. When they’re under the hood they may spot issues that need to be taken care of (like an oil leak or overuse of coolant) that could call for a change in your routine schedule. However, you can use your owner’s manual for a backup when it comes to figuring out about how often you should be making an appointment at our Orlando Toyota service center.

#3: Do I need to use premium gasoline to get the best fuel mileage? 

No. This is a pretty common myth – in fact, using premium fuel will do nothing but jack up your fuel costs when you stop to fill up. You only need to use premium fuel if your car requires it, which you can figure out by looking in the owner’s manual.

#4: Do I REALLY have to change my timing belt? 

YES. We know – it’s expensive because there’s so much labor involved in it. But your timing belt is crucial to your car’s performance. If it breaks while you’re out on the road, it can cause serious damage to the other components of your engine. It also ensures that everything is running smoothly under the hood. Never skip out on this important car care appointment – your wallet will thank you in the long run.

#5: Should I worry about changing out all-weather tires for winter tires? 

Possibly. All-weather tires are perfect for drivers here in Orlando and in the south in general; they can handle everything from the heat of summer to the icy roads we sometimes see in the winter. However, if you live in a climate where you see heavy snowfall, lots of ice, and extreme cold temperatures, then you need to schedule a car care appointment to make the switch. Winter tires are more pliable and provide more traction in extreme temperatures.

Let our Orlando Toyota service techs put your mind at ease

Have more car care questions? Call Toyota of Orlando’s service center today at (407) 298-0001 or swing by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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The holidays are here! Are you going to be hitting the road to visit family and friends and celebrate the season? If you’re planning on heading to the highway and bringing your four-legged friends along for the ride, then it’s time to prep. Believe it or not, taking a road trip with a pet isn’t as simple as just sticking them in the back seat and taking to the open road. Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 tips for taking pets on road trips this holiday season!

Toyota of Orlando’s tips for traveling with pets over the holidays

Tip #1: Get identification for your pets

What would happen if your pets were to get separated from you on your road trip? Would you be able to be easily reunited with them? The best way to ensure this is to make sure they’re identifiable. Always keep your pets collared with tags that have their name, your name, and your contact number on them. You should also think about microchipping – this is a surefire way to identify pets who have slipped or pulled off their collars and tags.

Tip #2: Plan your trip from finish to start 

Is your final destination pet-friendly? What about any places you’re planning on stopping on the way there? Toyota of Orlando recommends making sure you iron out these details before you hit the road – check hotel policy or give them a call for confirmation. Also, make sure you leave enough time in your drive to stop and let your pets stretch their legs and use the restroom.

Tip #3: Pay attention to what you pack

Pack for your pets as you’d pack for yourself. Bring plenty of water and snacks for them as well as toys to keep them occupied and any medications they need during your trip. If you’re headed north for a white and wintery road trip, bring blankets to keep them warm and any coats or jackets they might wear in the cold.

Tip #4: Secure your pets before you leave the driveway

You wear a seatbelt every time you get in a vehicle, and your pets should be no different. They should always be secured in your Orlando Toyota so they don’t get injured in an accident or injure you as a projectile. You can crate your animals if they’re comfortable with it, or invest in pet harnesses that attach to the seatbelts to keep them secured when the car is in motion.

Tip #5: Be responsible when out on the road 

Is your pet a nervous traveler? If so, consider talking to your vet about ways to ease their anxiety when you’re out on the road. And remember, you should never leave your pets unattended in the car. Cold can quickly become dangerous and even fatal for your pet so be a responsible pet owner and take your pet with you when you leave your Orlando Toyota.

Get ready for your road trip with us!

From our Toyota of Orlando family to yours, happy holidays! Enjoy your road trip and don’t forget – our auto service techs can prep your vehicle for the road before you go. Just call (407) 298-0001 to make your appointment!

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Lovebug season… two words that strike dread into the hearts of Floridians. These pesky bugs may only show up for a few months a year throughout the Southeast, but a few months is more than enough for them to do major damage to your car. Toyota of Orlando is here with auto service hacks to help you battle lovebug season with no damage to your vehicle (or your sanity). Let’s get started!

How can such a small bug do so much damage to your ride?

First, let’s talk about lovebugs themselves. There’s a big myth that the University of Florida created them and then released them by accident, but these annoying insects actually hail from South and Central America. They don’t bite or sting, and they don’t do damage to plants or crops during their brief appearances. They tend to swarm in the Southeastern states but we see the worst of them in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Alabama. They even have their uses – their larvae feed on decomposing plant and animal matter, so they help when it comes to natural recycling. However, they’re a nuisance and because they’re very acidic and hard to wash off, they can do major damage to the paint on your car.

Toyota of Orlando’s tips for handling lovebug season

So, how do you protect your ride? Check out some of our Orlando Toyota service suggestions to protect your vehicle from lovebug damage.

• Apply a good coat of wax, and then apply another. This creates a barrier between your car and the bugs, so they’re less likely to eat away at the paint after they splatter onto it.
• Try spraying your car with cooking oil or baby oil before you hit the road. This makes your vehicle slick so it’s easier to spray the dead bugs off. But be careful and be sure to check with our Orlando Toyota service techs before you try this method – some oils don’t play well with some paints, and you don’t want to damage your ride further. Additionally, using oil means you’ll have to use a little elbow grease to get it off so you don’t leave streaks on your car.
• Wash your car every day as soon as you get home. The longer you leave the dead lovebugs on there, the more apt they are to do damage to your car’s paint (and they’re way harder to scrub off if you’ve left them on for a while).
• Try using a dryer sheet. If you rinse the front of your car and gently scrub it with a dryer sheet, the bug corpses should come right off.
• Invest in a car mask, grille filter, or even a windscreen to prevent the bugs from ever reaching your car’s paint.
• Plan long-distance trips after sundown – they’re a lot less likely to swarm after this point in the day.

Need a little help in the paint department already? Call us at Toyota of Orlando! Our body shop techs can get your car looking like new in no time. You can reach us today at (407) 298-0001.

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Summer in Florida means plenty of sunshine and (overly) warm temperatures, sure. But what lots of out-of-towners don’t realize is that it’s also the time of year where we see daily thunderstorms! These patches of rain, lighting and wind tend to roll through in the afternoons and blow over quickly, but being out on the road during them is certainly less than pleasant. That’s why you need to ensure that your car can handle it, and you should start with your car wiper blades. Do you know when to replace your windshield wipers? Toyota of Orlando is here to give you the basics of this very important part.

Kick off rainy season with these Orlando Toyota tips: When to replace your windshield wipers

When the rain starts, you want to ensure you have a clear field of vision out of your windshield. (Oh, and don’t forget to turn on your headlights, too.) This keeps you safe and helps you avoid accidents but to achieve a clear field of vision, you need car wiper blades that are in good condition. However, much like the other parts on your car the car wiper blades don’t last forever and will need to be replaced from time to time. Toyota of Orlando is here to help you troubleshoot your wipers and figure out when to replace your windshield wipers. Check out signs from our auto service experts below!

Sign #1: You see streaks on your windshield when you use them. 

If you turn on your wipers but just see water smearing around on the windshield or have noticeable streaks left after each swipe, then it’s time to replace your windshield wipers. Your wipers should completely clear the glass every time they pass over it.

Sign #2: They make a groaning or chattering noise on the wet windshield. 

Ugh, that noise – it’s the worst. If your car wiper blades are making a chattering or groaning noise every time they run over the glass then it’s time to replace them. This noise indicates that the blades aren’t hitting the glass correctly.

Sign #3: They’re not hitting certain parts of the windshield. 

Speaking of not hitting the glass, if you notice spots on your windshield where the blades suddenly aren’t quite reaching (like the corners or a random spot in the middle), it’s time to both replace the rubber part and take a look at the arms to ensure they’re not damaged.

Sign #4: You can see visible damage to the blades. 

The rubber on the blades will wear out over time just like any other part. You’ll notice deterioration in the form of cracks, splitting, tearing, and other imperfections. When the blades get into this state, they can’t properly clean your windshield anymore and if not replaced, could scratch the glass.

Sign #5: The arms are bent or damaged. 

If you find that the arms of even the metal parts of the blades are damaged due to mishandling, etc. then they definitely need to be replaced so they don’t damage the glass on your windshield.

You may also need to change car wiper blades coming into a new season, especially if you’re heading into winter weather. Regular wipers aren’t meant to withstand the harshness of snow and ice and will deteriorate quickly.

Let our Orlando Toyota service center replace your car wiper blades today

Is it time to replace your windshield wipers? Call Toyota of Orlando – we can help! You can reach our parts and service center at (407) 298-0001.

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It’s Memorial Day Weekend! Are you thinking about getting out of town for a short-distance road trip just to mix things up? Luckily, there are tons of destinations that seem far but don’t require too much time behind the wheel. Check out some of Toyota of Orlando’s favorite short-distance road trip destinations and get packing – the long weekend is here!

#1: St. Augustine 

Get your fix of history AND the beach – pack up and plan a road trip to St. Augustine this weekend. This city is renowned for its rich history and incredible food. You’ll be able to visit Castillo de San Marcos (dating back to the 17th century), the St. Augustine lighthouse, the National Historic Landmark District, the Lightner Museum, and historical Flagler College. And don’t forget, you can park your car and leave it. St. Augustine has plenty of trolleys to get you around town and the beach is just miles from downtown.

#2: Port Canaveral 

If you’re a space fan, hit the road and head for Port Canaveral this weekend. You can visit the Kennedy Space Center and check out things like rocket exhibits, astronaut encounters, and 3D IMAX movies. You’ll also be able to check out Canaveral National Seashore and the Everglades Airboat Safari if you want to get out in the fresh air, and the beach is minutes away.

#3: Crystal Springs 

Swim with the manatees and get back to nature in Crystal Springs, which is just a few hours from Orlando. You can hike, fish, swim in Crystal River, have a manatee encounter, birdwatch, and even take an airboat tour of the area to get your fix of Mother Nature. On top of that, the area is surrounded by quiet, quaint towns where you can relax and get some piece before getting back to the grind next week.

#4: New Smyrna Beach 

Hit the beach and find fun in the sun! Some beaches in New Smyrna even allow you to drive on them, cutting down on the whole dragging your gear down the sand part of your day. New Smyrna also boasts the Marine Discovery Center for boating and kayaking tours where you can spot dolphins, as well as walk the beach at night to spot baby sea turtles hatching.

#5: Vero Beach 

Head south to Vero Beach – it’s a beautiful beach town that also boasts quality outlet shopping, tons of restaurants, and more water sports than you’ll have time to enjoy! You’ll also love the ghost and walking tours available, as well as several museums to wander if you want to cool off.

#6: Clearwater Beach 

Clearwater is one of Florida’s most iconic beach towns – enough said. There are miles of wide sandy beaches, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, tons of shopping, dining, bars, and more. Plus, the fishing is incredible whether you’re fishing off the beach or heading out into the Gulf.

No matter where you’re headed, be sure to use your best defensive driving skills and be safe on the highway – there will be more traffic than usual. Happy Memorial Day Weekend from Toyota of Orlando!

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When it comes to your commute, are things really as convenient as they should be? If you’re spending a lot of time behind the wheel then you want your drive time to be effortless, especially if you’re covering long distances or fighting heavy traffic. You can buy the plushest of new Toyotas on our lot, but there are still ways to enhance the convenience of your car (and do it affordably). Check out some of Toyota of Orlando’s favorite car accessories designed to improve your drive time to the max!

Which of these car accessories will make its way into your ride?

Car cooler/warmer: Sure, you can bring a lunch box with an ice pack, but will it REALLY stay cool in your car all day (especially in the Orlando heat)? Probably not. Investing in a small car cooler/heater, like the Cooluli Car Cooler/Heater, can save you from a nasty dance with food poisoning. It’s big enough to hold six cans of soda so you can keep drinks and lunch cool all day long, and it also has a pretty awesome warming function if you want to keep your hot lunch hot. Plus, it conveniently plugs into the cigarette lighter for power.

Seatback organizers: If you have kids, you have a ton of junk in your car – there’s no getting around it. However, keeping things organized so you can easily locate the iPad or the wipes will make your drive time much more convenient. When it comes to car accessories for kids, seatback organizers are gold. There are a ton of them on the market (you can shop them at our Orlando Toyota parts store, too) but we recommend looking for one with an iPad holder and cord organizer, as well as cupholders and pockets for snacks, wipes, diapers, crayons, and anything else you need along for the ride.

First aid kit: You never know when bumps and bruises will enter your drive time and the last thing you want to do is pull into a Walgreens and spend a bunch of money to deal with a simple papercut. Keeping a first aid kit in your car is a great way to handle minor injuries and stay on the go. You can find great options up for grabs at the Toyota of Orlando parts store!

Air purifier: Have allergies? Invest in a car air purifier that can sit in your cupholder. Your drive time experience will stay fresh and clean even when pollen is at its worst outside. Best news yet – it keeps your car smelling like-new at all times, too.

Shop convenience accessories at Toyota of Orlando

Vehicle desk: Working on the go? Our caveat: you should always pull over BEFORE working on anything, no exceptions. However, if your job keeps you on the move then it’s definitely worth investing in car accessories like a vehicle desk. These car accessories usually attach to your steering wheel so you can send emails without even leaving the driver’s seat (and they’re also convenient for eating on the go, let’s be real.)

Want to make your drive time more convenient with car accessories? Visit Toyota of Orlando’s parts store today. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!

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Do you have a roadside emergency kit in your car? You should – you never know what life is going to throw your way and the best way to save yourself time, money, and frustration is to try and be prepared for the unknown. While you can certainly buy a roadside emergency kit off of Amazon or from an auto parts store, sometimes it’s better to build your own so you can be sure you’ve got everything you need when the time comes to use it. Here are the main components our Orlando Toyota service experts suggest having for your roadside emergency kit – check it out.

Build your own roadside emergency kit

• A fully inflated spare tire, a tire jack, and a lug wrench. (It’s important to routinely check the condition of your spare tire to ensure it’s in good shape and is inflated to the proper PSI – that way, you’re always prepared for a flat tire or blowout.)
• A can of Fix-A-Flat as a backup to the spare tire
• A first aid kit – nothing fancy, but enough to deal with minor injuries on the go
• A flashlight for dealing with emergencies at night (and don’t forget extra batteries for it)
• A phone charger to keep your devices powered up no matter where you are
• A small tool kit, or at least a multi-purpose tool in case you need to make a quick fix. Make sure you throw in a roll of duct tape.
• Roadside reflective triangles so you can draw attention to your car and avoid being hit should you need to pull over at night
• A compass (hey, you never know when you’ll find yourself off the beaten path)
• Jumper cables to put to use in the case of a dead battery
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks, like nuts or granola bars
• A paper road map in case your phone navigation cuts out on you
• Paper towels or rags for quick cleanup (baby wipes are also great)

Those are the basics and should keep you covered whatever life hands you. However, if you want to REALLY be prepared, you can also add these items to your roadside emergency kit:

• An extra quart of motor oil
• Extra washer fluid
• Spare car fuses and lightbulbs in case something goes bad while you’re out and about
• A portable air pump to reinflate a flat tire
• A towing strap or rope
• A car escape tool (a seatbelt cutter and window breaker tool – keep this in your glovebox so it’s easy to access)

And don’t forget your seasonal gear! If you live in an area where winter weather is harsh, you’ll want to throw in things like an ice scraper, kitty litter (for traction), a small foldable shovel, an extra set of winter gloves and a hat, and blankets.  In Florida, you might consider throwing in an umbrella and a rain poncho.

Shop supplies at the Toyota of Orlando parts store

Need help assembling a roadside emergency kit? Call us today – our Orlando auto service experts can lend some advice. Additionally, you can shop for a lot of the supplies at our Toyota of Orlando parts store. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.

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