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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Did you know that two years ago, Akio Toyoda went on the record to say that Toyota needed to stop building boring cars? He basically said that he wants his company to make cars that people TRULY love, not just drive time solutions that are efficient and affordable. Toyota took him seriously, because in addition to their lineup of reliable and economical street-ready cars (for drivers like you and me), they’re now building a hypercar to hit the track. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop!

What will this new hypercar have to offer?

First, let’s delve a little into what a hypercar is. This type of vehicle is similar to a supercar (like a Porsche 911) but take the driving experience to an entirely new level (and the price tag). These types of vehicles typically have certain characteristics exclusive to them, including:

• They go over 200 mph… well over 200 mph. The 200 miles per hour mark is simply the cut-off but typically, hypercars can go much faster than this.
• They are extremely lightweight – we’re talking stripped down. Most of them won’t even have amenities like air conditioning or a stereo system in order to keep weight down and subsequently make them faster.
• They’re exclusive. Hypercars aren’t mass produced like Corollas or Camrys; typically only a hundred or so of each model are made and offered for sale to a very exclusive market. Your best bet at laying eyes on one is to visit a car show.

Now let’s talk about Toyota’s new hypercar, which they’ve been planning for two years. It’s going to be based on the Toyota Supra GR Super Sport Concept Car and was designed and built by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Division. It will likely feature a new version of the 2.4L twin turbo V6 engine that was previously found in the TS050 LMP1 Hybrid race car. And the most exciting part? Gazoo Racing is planning on racing it in the FIA World Endurance Championship for the 2020-2021 year. That also means this new vehicle will be competing against the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

But the best news yet? Le Mans hypercars have to be closely related to actual road-going versions of vehicles, which means road-going versions will have to be built before this supercar hits the track… so keep your eyes peeled, as new models and versions of the Toyota Supra may be headed our way in the future.

Stay tuned for the Orlando Toyota Supra

We’ll keep you posted as to the progress of this special hypercar AND its road-ready inspiration, and don’t forget – the new Toyota Supra arrives at Toyota of Orlando this summer! Come down and check it out in person when it arrives. We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road and we’re open seven days a week. Call us to get details at (407) 298-4500!

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Do you think you need auto service for your A/C?

Summer is here and temps are rising, so the last thing you want is for your car’s air-conditioner to give out on you. Riding around without A/C in Central Florida is miserable in the summer, so if you’re concerned about your A/C, it’s time to bring it into Toyota of Orlando to have it checked out. We offer affordable auto service for this very important part, and we’ve got skilled techs to get you back out on the road – and cool – in no time.

5 signs your A/C is about to go

How do you know if your car’s A/C is about to go on the fritz? Here are 5 warning signs that you don’t want to ignore!

Sign #1: The A/C won’t turn on at all. 

This is a pretty obvious sign that something is wrong with your air-conditioning system! It could be from bad wiring, or it could mean that one of the components of the system is no longer working. Regardless,  you’re most likely going to need Orlando auto service to get things going again so schedule an appointment.

Sign #2: Your system is only blowing warm air. 

Is your car’s air-conditioning refusing to blow cold? This could mean you’re out of refrigerant (which could also mean you have a leak). Have our techs at Toyota of Orlando check under the hood to see what’s going on and repair leaks if necessary.

Sign #3: Your system starts out blowing cold air, but then gradually warms up as you drive. 

Does your A/C start out nice and cold but then get warm as you go? It can be just as uncomfortable as driving without A/C. It’s likely happening because there’s a “freeze” somewhere inside the system – excess moisture builds, and then it freezes as the air-conditioner gets to work. This subsequently causes the A/C to stop blowing cold.

Sign #4: You hear loud noises under the hood when you turn your A/C on. 

If you hear sounds coming from the engine bay when you turn on the air-conditioning – like clunks or bangs – it could signal a major issue. We’re talking a big part breaking. Bring your car in for auto service immediately so it can be repaired before further damage is done.

Sign #5: Something smells odd when you turn the A/C on. 

If you smell weird smells when your air-conditioner is running, it could mean bacteria is growing inside the system. This is definitely bad for the health of you and your passengers! Let Toyota of Orlando’s techs take a look and get the system clean so you can breathe easy again.

Schedule Orlando auto service to stay cool this summer!

Need to schedule auto service for your A/C now? Don’t let summer get into full swing before you make an appointment – call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week until 10pm with the longest service hours in Central Florida! Don’t forget to ask about our service specials.

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Electric cars are becoming more and more popular as people make an effort to do their part for the planet. These vehicles not only use fewer natural resources, but they also put fewer emissions out into the air and cut down on pollution and smog. Toyota has two electric – aka EV – models on the market right now, as well as a whole slew of hybrid cars that use both electric power and internal combustion (a gasoline engine) to get drivers where they need to go. But what is owning an electric car REALLY like? Toyota of Orlando is here to give you the scoop on what’s entailed when it comes to maintenance, warranties, and keeping your ride charged up and ready to hit the road.

Toyota of Orlando explains the ins and outs of EVs

CAR MAINTENANCE

Let’s talk about upkeep first. Some drivers are reticent to sink their money into electric cars because they think it’ll cost more to maintain these eco-friendly vehicles. Guess what? It’s actually the opposite. Internal combustion engines – ones that use gasoline to stay powered – have hundreds of hoses, electrical components, and other moving parts that are prone to fail over time and have to maintained on a regular basis. Electric cars, on the other hand, are composed of maybe a dozen parts with the largest being the lithium-ion battery that keeps everything going. This means they’re cheaper to maintain on a routine service schedule at Toyota of Orlando.

With that in mind, it’s important to stick to a schedule and regularly have the car’s battery inspected. Lithium-ion batteries are notoriously expensive to replace when something goes wrong; we’re talking between $5,000 and $6,000. It’s not the $15,000 that it used to be, but it’s still a hefty repair bill. That’s why it’s key to check your battery regularly to ensure it’s in good condition and there are no leaks or defects.

WARRANTIES 

Here’s some more good news – you don’t necessarily have to stress over battery replacements because Toyota electric cars come with extensive warranties to give you peace of mind. Most EV cars come with an 8 year/10,000 mile warranty so you don’t have to stress over mechanical failures when you’re investing in such an eco-friendly ride. Additionally, you can purchase extended warranties to stretch out coverage if you’re so inclined.

FUELING UP

It’s also quick and easy to keep your car charged up so you’re ready to hit the road whenever. You’ll find charging stations throughout Orlando if you need to charge on the go, and when you’re at home it’s as simple as using the provided charging cord to hook your vehicle up to an electrical outlet and then go relax. The only drawback is that charging stations in the city usually take 30 minutes to 2 hours to fully charge your ride, while charging at home can take up to 12 hours. It’s not as fast as gassing up at 7-11, but it IS a lot cheaper and a lot more friendly to the environment.

Take one for a test drive today

Are you ready to take the plunge and become the owner of an electric car? Visit Toyota of Orlando today – we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Have you ever gotten in your car and hit the road only to discover that your phone’s battery is about to die and you forgot to bring along a charging cord? It’s a sinking feeling, especially if you’re going to be relying on your phone for navigation assistance. However, a lot of our new Toyota cars have a solution – Qi wireless charging. This innovative feature helps make your life easier (and cord-free) when you’re behind the wheel, and we’re here to give you the ins and outs of it. Check out these 4 things to know about Qi wireless charging!

What is Qi wireless charging, and how does it work?

1. Qi wireless charging is just what it sounds like – wireless. To use this technology, you just have to lay your device on the charging pad. This method of charging uses magnetic conduction coils to get the job done via inductive and resonant charging. Long story short, your phone gets charged by induction – or the coils passing the charge right to the phone – when you lay it on the charging mat. No cords needed to get back to 100%!
2. You don’t need a special case to use this tech. Believe it or not, you DON’T need a special case to use this method of charging – you can just place your phone on the mat and let it get to work. However, if you have a metal case or metal parts on your case, it might interfere with the induction process (blocking the charge, basically). If you don’t have metal in your case, you’re good to get charging!
3. It’s conveniently located in many of our new Toyota cars. You can buy Qi wireless charging phones to have in your home, but now you can have it in your Orlando Toyota, too! In some models, there’s a charging pad conveniently located just under the dash near the gear shift and USB ports. Simply lay your phone on it and hit the road.
4. You can charge more than just your phone. Have an Apple watch? You can charge that right alongside your phone in your Orlando Toyota! Also, depending on the charger installed in your car, you can use it to charge multiple devices (like a watch and a phone or two phones) at once for major convenience. Another perk? It doesn’t take longer than a cord charger to get your devices juiced up again; it’s just as fast.

Get all the cool tech  you need in our Orlando Toyotas

What other cool technology can integrate with your phone in our Orlando Toyota cars? Here are some of the options up for grabs:

• Bluetooth wireless streaming, so you can stream music and phone calls and still access your contacts
• Voice command, so you can keep your hands on the wheel at all times
• Apple Car Play, which integrates with your phone to give you access to all of your apps and music
• Navigation, to give you turn-by-turn instructions to your final destination (as well as alternate routes)
• Real-time and even predictive traffic and weather

Ready to shop for your next new Toyota? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

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Traffic is awful. There’s no other way to spin it – it’s a frustrating situation to be in regardless of where you’re headed or what you’re doing. Toyota of Orlando is here to help; we have 8 tips to help you keep your cool and retain your sanity when you’re hitting the road and it’s all taillights (we’re looking at you, I-4). Let’s get started!

Toyota of Orlando’s top tips for beating traffic

Tip #1: Accept it. Our first Orlando Toyota tip is pretty simple, right? Traffic is awful; we’ve established this. But it’s difficult to do anything about it unless you have an alternate route (and we’ll get to that). Control your annoyance and try to accept that you’re stuck in traffic and you’ll eventually get to where you need to go… but until then, you need to keep your cool.

Tip #2: Know your way around or use navigation. Tons of our Orlando Toyota cars come with navigation technology in them, and they can help you find an alternate route to your final destination that may help you save time. Familiarize yourself with that route if it’s one that could help speed up your daily commute. It’s also smart to check traffic before you leave the house – if it’s bad, you know to head straight to your alternate route.

Tip #3: Get comfortable. If you know you’re going to be heading home in rush hour, be prepared. Make sure you’re wearing something relatively comfortable and get your car cool inside before you hit the highway. You might also want to bring snacks and a drink, and be sure to use the bathroom before you get into the driver’s seat.

Tip #4: Don’t think about the traffic. Make playlists with calming music, learn a new language, or invest in an audiobook. Distracting yourself from the situation at hand can help quell your frustration quickly. You can also use the hands-free Bluetooth tools in so many of our Orlando Toyota cars to make a call and catch up with an old friend.

Tip #5: Be polite. Driving like a maniac isn’t going to make traffic better – in fact, you’re really just gearing yourself up to get in a collision and cause even more traffic and delays. Follow the rules of the road and avoid aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and cutting people off.

Make sure your car is fueled up and ready to hit the road

Tip #6: Fuel up beforehand. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a traffic jam watching the gas needle edge closer and closer to empty. Make sure you always have at least 1/4 tank of gas in your car for emergencies.

Tip #7: Stay focused. Yes, you should listen to soothing music or a good book to keep your mind off the traffic, but don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road and other drivers so you can react BEFORE a collision occurs instead of as it’s happening.

Tip #8: Plan ahead. Need to get off at the next exit? In heavy traffic, it’s best to start getting over sooner rather than later. That way you don’t need to cut people off and you don’t miss your exit because you just couldn’t get to it.

Want more tips, or want to check out the convenient technology in so many of our Orlando Toyota cars? Call us today at (407) 298-0001!

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Did you know that there are 8 SUV options in the Toyota lineup alone? That’s not even considering other makes and models. The options are seemingly endless when it comes to getting behind the wheel of one of these vehicles, but it hasn’t always been like this. SUVs have been growing massively in popularity and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to figure out why.

Why are drivers choosing SUVs over cars lately?

Performance capabilities. 

You used to have to buy a sports car to get any sort of performance – that was the only way you’d be able to turn up the volume if you wanted something with solid horsepower and torque coming out of the engine bay. The Toyota 4Runner, for example, used to only offer a 4-cylinder engine with 116 horsepower! Automakers have upped the ante when it comes to SUV performance in the past decade – the 2019 Toyota 4Runner now offers a 4.0L V6 engine with 270 horsepower. Other models have followed suit, offering far more performance capabilities than their predecessors and giving drivers the power and versatility they need.

Fuel efficiency. 

SUVs also used to be gas guzzlers, even our Orlando Toyotas. Your budget took a hit whenever it was time to fill up at the pump and with gas prices high, drivers turned to cars to meet their drive time needs. However, gas prices have evened out and automakers have infused major fuel efficiency into their current models! Not only can you get vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Highlander in fuel-efficient hybrid models, you’ll also find that even traditional gasoline-powered models offer you major savings at the pump. The 2019 Toyota RAV4 gets 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, for example.

See what these versatile rides have to offer at Toyota of Orlando

Interior space. 

It used to be hard to justify the additional interior space for the high gas costs and lack of performance capabilities. However, now that those two issues are no longer issues, drivers are finding that the versatility and spacious interiors of our Orlando Toyota SUVs can be put to good use for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re moving to new digs or hauling half the soccer team around town, you’ve got the space to make it happen (without the negative trade-offs).

Affordability. 

Our Orlando Toyota SUVs are also more affordable than ever now. You can take home a Toyota C-HR with a starting MSRP of just $21,145, and the Toyota RAV4 isn’t far behind with a starting MSRP of $25,650. The days of having to bust your budget to get behind the wheel of a bigger vehicle are gone!

Why not see what all the buzz is about? Check out our selection of Orlando Toyota SUVs AND the amazing deals that go along with them today. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, or just call to schedule a test drive at (407) 298-4500. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience!

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Are you leasing a vehicle? If so, then you know that at a certain point you’re going to have to turn it back into the dealership (unless you choose to purchase at lease end – in that case, it’s all yours). However, if you’re not planning on purchasing, what should you do BEFORE you return a lease to the dealership? Toyota of Orlando has Toyota lease end tips to help you prepare your car and yourself to end your new car lease.

How do you end a new Toyota lease? 

Tip #1: Do a thorough inspection. 

You’ll want to inspect the car for damage when you turn in your Toyota lease, as you may be penalized if there’s a lot to fix. We suggest doing a thorough inspection both of the interior and of the exterior and looking for excessive wear and tear that you may need to remedy before you bring your car back in. Remember, if there’s collision damage, scratches or dings bigger than 2″ in length, or excessive stains or damage to the interior, you may be charged.

Also, consider bringing your ride by our Orlando Toyota service center to have them conduct a multi-point inspection – this will ensure that you’re aware of any auto repairs that are needed before your lease is up.

Tip #2: Clean your car, inside and out. 

Detailing your car helps it to look and smell like-new again, and that’s exactly how you want to present the vehicle to the dealership (it helps lessen your chance of being penalized). Detail the inside making sure to wipe down all surfaces, shampoo carpets and upholstery if necessary, and dust out cracks and crevices. Finish things off by vacuuming. And don’t forget about the exterior; it’s always smart to give your car a wash and apply a fresh coat of wax to get it nice and shiny before you hand over the keys.

Save money when ending a car lease with our Orlando Toyota tips

Tip #3: Take care of minor auto repairs. 

Need an oil change? Headlight burnt out? Have accident damage? These are things you may want to consider handling before ending your Toyota lease. Get an estimate on any service and repairs and compare it to the penalties you’ll have to pay at lease end to see which route is the most cost-effective for you. Be sure to check your tires; according to most lease terms, your tires must have at least 1/8″ tread left on them when you turn it in. And don’t forget to remove any aftermarket parts or accessories you may have added that violate lease terms.

Tip #4: Check your mileage and gather your belongings. 

All leases have a mileage agreement – most of them require that you keep it under 12,000 miles a year. Check your mileage to ensure you haven’t gone over (you may be penalized financially if you have). Also, gather up things that go with the car like spare keys, etc. You could be charged if your Toyota lease is missing keys, parts, or accessories when you turn it back in.

Ready to end your Orlando Toyota lease? Come by the dealership today. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Are you having problems with your car’s suspension? You may not even know if you are – unless you’re well-versed in car maintenance, it can be tricky to tell what’s wrong with your car besides the immediate symptoms. Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you a bit more about this very important car part and also teach you how to troubleshoot it. Check out these tips straight from our auto service specialists!

Why is suspension so important to performance?

First, let’s talk about what your car’s suspension actually is. Suspension is a system in your vehicle that allows you to have a smooth and comfortable ride. It also enables you to steer your wheels and maneuver your car, and plays a heavy hand when it comes to braking. Obviously, it’s an integral part of your car’s performance and when it’s not working as it should, it can have some pretty serious effects.

There are five main types of suspension – MacPherson Strut, Double Wishbone, Trailing Arm, Leading Arm, and Swing Axle. The most common is MacPherson Strut, followed closely by Double Wishbone. There are also high performance suspensions available if you own a car that’s decked out for the track or a truck that has to do some heavy lifting.

Let our Orlando auto service techs help you maintain this important part

How do you maintain your car’s suspension? Easy – just bring it in for routine car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando. Our techs will alert you when you’re due for maintenance for this part, but they’ll also conduct a multi-point inspection whenever you visit us so if they see any problems developing, they can quickly nip them in the bud before they get costly or complex.

Now let’s talk troubleshooting. Here are some common signs you may be facing a suspension problem in your ride:

• Your car is pulling to one side – if you take your hands off the wheel, your car drifts to one side of the road of its own volition.
• You notice that steering your car is more difficult than it usually is.
• You feel less comfortable in your car – it seems to be riding rougher than usual. You may notice bumps and holes more if there’s a problem with your suspension, too.
• You notice the steering wheel vibrating or shuddering when your car is in motion.
• You hear noises when you make a turn. These noises may be knocking, clunking, or squealing, and all can indicate an issue.
• You feel like your steering is “looser” than normal – you have to turn the wheel further to achieve the same turn as before.

Think you may need to have your car inspected? We can help. Our Toyota Service Center is open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida – and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. Call to set up an appointment today, and don’t forget about about our money-saving service specials! We’re waiting at (407) 298-0001.

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