Is it time for you to apply your car detailing skills to your vehicle’s interior? Believe it or not, detailing your car has a lot of perks that extend past having it nice and clean again. It also keeps everything in good shape so it’s less likely to deteriorate and helps ensure your resale value stays high. It’s an important part of car ownership, and that’s why Toyota of Orlando has taken the time to gather up some car detailing tips specifically for the interior of your ride!

Keep your car’s interior like-new for higher resale value

Besides the typical steps – vacuuming the interior out, shampooing the seats and carpet, and wiping all surfaces down with a special cleaner, here are a few more car detailing tips to ensure your ride is spic and span by the time you’re done with it.

Tip #1: Get rid of pet hair before vacuuming. Our Orlando Toyota auto service techs recommend using a damp rubber glove or a pumice stone to achieve this – just rake the hair toward you and pull the clumps off. It makes vacuuming a lot easier and a lot less frustrating, as hair can sometimes “weave” its way into the fabric of the seats and floor.

Tip #2: Clean the windows. Your windows can look pretty gross from hand marks, pet nose marks, and other dirt and grime. Get them sparkling again, and don’t forget to wipe the insides, outsides, and the tops (roll them down a bit for a thorough wipe). Plus, be careful with what cleaner you use – you don’t want to damage anything if your windows are tinted.

Tip #3: Hit all the nooks and crannies. It may seem impossible to reach some of the out-of-the-way spots in your car’s interior, but you can make it happen. Our Orlando auto service techs recommend using a small paint brush to dust in air vents and cracks, as well as the slim vacuum attachment to clean out nooks and crannies. You can also use compressed air to blow dirt and debris out of those tough spots.

Toyota of Orlando’s car detailing tips are easy and affordable

Tip #4: Don’t forget the floor mats! You hit the carpet and the seats, but did you remember to clean the floor mats? Try “dry scrubbing” them with a stiff scrub brush first to loosen up dirt, and then vacuum and shampoo them. It’ll protect your carpet AND keep your car looking like new.

Tip #5: Get rid of unsightly scuff marks on plastic and vinyl. Sometimes no matter how hard you scrub, you can’t get rid of scuff marks. Use a little bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad to get rid of marks. You can also give a magic eraser a shot at tough spots!

And don’t forget, we offer affordable car detailing right here at Toyota of Orlando! You can call to schedule an appointment at (407) 298-4500. We’re open seven days a week and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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We all know that when it comes technology, Toyota is all about being the best of the best. Whether it’s safety, performance, connectivity, or entertainment features, they’re constantly researching new ways to bring innovation to your drive time. That’s why it was no surprise to us that they recently announced a $100 million venture capital unit called Toyota AI Ventures!

Toyota invests in AI research

This venture capital unit will revolve around research in the world of AI – artificial intelligence including robotics, data analytics, self-driving cars, and cloud computing technology. It will be a subsidiary of Toyota Research Institute; they’ll work with university greats like Stanford and MIT to take self-driving automobile technology to a whole new level. We’re excited to see how the venture capital unit improves your drive time, as the technology will undoubtedly make its way right to our Orlando Toyota dealership! However, we’re also excited about the robotics aspect – it may not play into the automotive world, but Toyota is interested in creating technology that will assist those with disabilities as well as the elderly population.

What Orlando Toyota technology do you want in your new ride?

So while we might have to wait a while to see this incredible new Toyota technology trickle down to our dealership, we’ve definitely got some pretty cool features already here. Check out some of the top Orlando Toyota technology available to you in our cars right now!

• Advanced voice recognition: Simply speak up to get your audio system to follow commands – it recognizes your voice and allows you to keep your hands on the wheel at all times.
• Bluetooth wireless streaming: Pair your phone up with your ride and stream both music and phone calls, hands-free. You can even bring your phone book up in your touchscreen interface for ease of access!
• Safety Connect Services: Feel at ease when you get behind the wheel thanks to this safety technology system, which integrates Stolen Vehicle Locator, Emergency Assistance, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification into your drive time.
• Qi wireless charging: Charge up your wireless devices sans cords with this handy technology – you simply place your device on the charging pad and hit the road.
• Toyota safety sense: This safety system includes Orlando Toyota technology features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and more.

And that’s just the beginning! If you want to learn more about our top technology, come on down and see us in person. We’re at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Did you know that 94% of all traffic accidents are caused by driver error? And even scarier, 33% of those accidents happen because of road rage behaviors on the part of one or both of the drivers. Obviously, road rage is a big hazard when it comes to your drive time. Whether you’re the one screaming behind the wheel or you’re the victim of someone else’s anger, everyone loses when it comes to road rage. That’s why Toyota of Orlando has come up with tips to help you deal!

Deal with your own road rage

Sometimes, driving home in traffic after a long day is the last thing you want to do, and it’s easy to become frustrated or angry when things don’t go your way. So how do you stop yourself from engaging in road rage behaviors? Here are some Orlando Toyota tips:

• Don’t rush – if you’re in a hurry, you’re more likely to get angry at delays. Give yourself extra time to get where you need to go and don’t stress about being late (we know it’s easier said than done but try).
• Try to calm yourself. Listen to your favorite music or a book on tape or talk on your phone via Bluetooth. Find ways to keep yourself occupied and distracted from other drivers’ bad habits.
• Get comfortable. If you’ve got a long commute, consider changing into comfy clothes before you hit the road. Also, bring snacks and a drink so you aren’t hungry or thirsty (which can cause you to get more easily annoyed). Set your climate control to a temperature you like, too.
• If you find yourself behaving rudely, try to make up for it – mouth “sorry” to the other driver, wave to them, etc.

Deal with other drivers’ road rage

However, how do you deal with drivers out on the road who are directing their rage toward you? Here are some Toyota of Orlando tips:

• Don’t take it personally. Try to stay polite and follow the rules of the road even if they aren’t to avoid conflict and a possible accident.
• Keep your doors locked. If you find yourself in conflict with a driver who has road rage, make sure you lock all of your doors and stay in your car. You never know if their anger will turn into aggression toward you and your passengers.
• Avoid aggressive drivers on the road – if you notice someone cutting people off and swerving in and out of lanes or driving recklessly, try to stay as far away from them as possible to avoid a confrontation or collision.
• Report aggressive drivers by calling 911, especially if you find yourself threatened by one. The police can help you defuse the situation and deal with the other driver.

And remember, there are consequences to road rage. Not only can it cause an accident, you can also be arrested, have to pay fines, or even face jail time. Keep your anger under control!

Want more safe driving tips from Toyota of Orlando? Call us today at (407) 298-4500!

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When you’re behind the wheel, it should be your top priority to drive safely. However, that’s sometimes easier said than done. With the rainy season kicking off here in Central Florida, we’re set to find wet roads clogged with traffic and fender benders. Those little afternoon thunderstorms can make a big impact on your drive time, so Toyota of Orlando is here to share tips on how to drive safely and make it to your destination as quickly and easily as possible.

Learn how to drive safely when the weather is wet

Tip #1: Prep your car. We know the rainy season is here, so make sure your car is ready for it. Toyota of Orlando’s auto service center can check your brakes, tires, headlights, and wipers for you before hit the road. We also conduct a free multi-point inspection whenever you bring your car in for service, so we can pinpoint anything else that might cause an issue when you’re driving in the rain. Schedule an appointment today!

Tip #2: Defensive driving is your friend. If you’re going to drive safely in the rain, you’re going to need to use defensive driving. This is basically just being super-aware of what’s going on so you can avoid accidents altogether instead of just reacting to them when they’re happening. To employ this technique, you’re going to need to do away with distractions, follow the rules of the road, leave plenty of distance between your car and other vehicles, and be sure take things slowly when the roads are wet.

Tip #3: Check the forecast AND traffic. A lot of our Orlando Toyota cars come decked out with technology that can help you find alternate routes if wet weather is impeding yours. We recommend checking the weather forecast AND traffic before you start out for your destination. It can save you a lot of time and frustration if you know off the bat that you need to find an alternate route, or you know that you’re going to have to travel a bit more slowly due to heavy rain.

Prepare for driving in the rain with Toyota of Orlando

Tip #4: Use your headlights. Lots of people forget to use their headlights when it’s raining during the day, but it should be a habit of yours. Using your headlights allows other drivers to see you more clearly, especially when the rain is heavy and impedes vision. Put yours to use to drive safely! Side note: You should never drive with your caution lights on, even in heavy rain. They’re only for use if you’re parked on the side of the road.

Tip #5: Avoid puddles. You never know how deep water is just by glancing at it, so our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends avoiding puddles if you can. Driving through suddenly deep water can damage your engine bay and the electrical components of your car. It’s better to be safe than sorry – drive around the puddle if possible and if need be, drive through it but stick to the sides.

Need to get your car prepped to drive safely in the rain? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

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Here at Toyota of Orlando, we have a great selection of new Toyota cars for you to choose from. Whether you want an award-winning hybrid hatchback, a tough truck, or a sleek, best-selling sedan, we’ve got you covered. However, despite the wide selection we’ve got going on in our inventory, there are still a few Toyota cars we’d love to bring back to life! Check out some of our favorite vintage Toyota, and tell us which one YOU’D get behind the wheel of if given the chance!

Toyota of Orlando talks favorite vintage Toyota cars

Toyota Supra: Who doesn’t love the Toyota Supra? At Toyota of Orlando, we still regularly get customers wanting to know when it’s coming back. This amazing sports car was renowned worldwide during its heyday – it had a turbocharged engine option that output 400+ horsepower, as well as a sleek and muscular exterior that’s instantly recognizable. Its big moment in the spotlight, however, was when it took center stage in the Fast and the Furious film series. Since then, it’s been rumored that Toyota and BMW are teaming up to bring this Goliath of speed back to life, so we’ll keep you posted!

Toyota 2000GT: The Toyota 2000GT was a frontrunner for sports cars, and actually serves as inspiration for both the Toyota Supra and the new Toyota 86 sports car. It came to inception in 1965 and was a front-engine rear-wheel drive two-seater with a hard-top. And get this – it was stylish enough for even James Bond, making a debut in You Only Live Twice as his getaway ride of choice.

Which of these rides would you bring back to life?

Toyota Corona: The first generation Toyota Corona dates all the way back to 1957; it was a four-door sedan that was a bit bigger than the best-selling Toyota Corolla. It actually remained in production all the way to 2003 (albeit not in the United States). It’s cycled through eleven generations since its inception, but our favorite will always be the original 1957 model. What do you think about this classically vintage Toyota car?

Toyota FJ40: The Toyota FJ40 served as inspiration for both the Toyota Land Cruiser AND the Toyota FJ Cruiser (RIP). It’s a series of the original Toyota Land Cruiser, which was built for rugged terrain and handling all the elements. It was launched in 1960, and was a two-door SUV that could have its top and two doors removed for an open-air experience; it also had two jump-seats in the rear and is still a major fan favorite when it comes to restoration today.

Toyota MR2: The Toyota MR2 – specifically, the MR2 Spyder – was a mid-engine rear-wheel drive two-seater sports car that was exceptionally popular for its style AND performance. It was much-loved because of its seamless blend of sports car performance and economical efficiency, and boasted a light curb weight, transverse-mounted inline-four engine, and fully independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions. Talk about handling capabilities!

While we may not have these vintage Toyota cars on our lot, we’ve got tons of other options! Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Halloween is just days away and whether you’re hitting the road to find the best trick-or-treating spots or heading to a spooky celebration, safe driving is important. Not only are the roads busy, there are also a lot of drivers who choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Toyota of Orlando is here with six spookily safe driving tips to keep you and your little monsters safe on Halloween night!

Read these safe driving tips before you scare up some fun this Halloween

Tip #1: Turn on your headlights. You should always use your headlights from dusk until dawn, but especially on Halloween night. Your headlights will allow you to see any little ghouls and ghosts that might cross your path better, allowing you to avoid an accident or a collision. Turn them on as soon as the sun starts to set.

Tip #2: Use defensive driving skills. These skills help you to avoid accidents rather than reacting to them as they happen. To use these safe driving skills, simply pay attention to the road. You should scan the road around you to keep an eye on other drivers, do away with distractions like phones, leave plenty of distance between you and other cars, and follow the rules of the road.

Tip #3: Double check crosswalks. Orlando is a busy city when it comes to trick-or-treating and scary celebrations, especially in suburban and urban areas like downtown. Always come to a complete stop at crosswalks and red lights and double check them before you pull through – pedestrian traffic will be a lot heavier on Halloween night and you need to be on the lookout for witches and werewolves in your path.

Tip #4: Report drunk drivers. If you see a drunk driver, don’t try to stop them or chase them yourself. Instead, make note of their vehicle’s make, model, color, any distinguishing characteristics (like stickers or accident damage), and the direction they’re headed. Then call 911 and report them so the police can handle this scary situation safely.

Keep your little ghouls and ghosts safe on Halloween night

Tip #5: Never wear a costume that impedes your vision. You may have an awesome mask to rock at your Halloween party, but leave it off until you arrive. You should never drive with a mask, dark glasses, or anything else that prevents you from seeing clearly when you’re behind the wheel. Similarly, make sure that you and your passengers can safely buckle your seatbelts around your costumes. If you can’t, take them off for safe driving until you’re ready to do the Monster Mash.

Tip #6: Let trick or treaters out in a safe spot. When you pull over to let your little monsters out for candy duty, be sure it’s in a safe spot. Turn your hazards on so other drivers can see you and make sure everyone exits the vehicle on the curb side rather than step out into the road. Also, make sure you double check the road before you let them cross the street.

From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have a safe and happy Halloween! We hope you scare up some spooktacular fun and don’t forget – we’ll be open all night with scary-good deals on new Toyotas!

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Hurricane season is officially here, and there are already two tropical storms swirling around out there – TS Cindy in the Gulf of Mexico, slated to hit the Gulf Coast states, and TS Bret, which petered into a tropical depression and is currently swamping Central America with copious amounts of rain. And the season just kicked off a mere 20 days ago! If this is any indication of what the year is going to be like, then it’s time to start working on hurricane preparedness NOW. Toyota of Orlando has tips so you’re ready when the weather turns!

Toyota of Orlando shares hurricane prep tips

Tip #1: Have two plans – one if you’re going to stay, and one if you’re going to evacuate. This is an element of hurricane preparedness that can save you a lot of time, stress, and money. Decide what parameters will precipitate an evacuation and if you’re going to get out of town, when you’re going to do it and where you’re going to go. If you have pets, ensure your final destination will let them in.

Tip #2: If you’re going to evacuate, plan your route ahead of time and have an alternate route just in case of bad traffic. Be sure to gas your car up before you leave, and pack your vehicle with the necessities – medicine, change of clothes, toiletries, cell phone chargers, snacks, bottled water, a paper map, and any important documents that you need to take with you. (Think birth certificates, social security cards, titles, deeds, etc.). Don’t forget supplies for your pets, too!

Tip #3: If you’re staying in town, still gas up your car before the storm arrives. You never know what’s going to happen with the power and if you’ll be able to gas up once the storm has passed. Pick a place to park – you’ll want to be on higher ground to avoid damage from flooding, and be away from trees and power lines. Parking in a garage or covered parking structure is your best option if you can make it happen, according to our Orlando Toyota specialists.

Hurricane preparedness can save you a lot of time and money

Tip #4: Before you park your Orlando Toyota, prepare your car for the storm. This includes removing any and all important documents from the vehicle, as well as any valuables. Also, take pictures of your car as part of your hurricane preparedness routine – this can make insurance claims move faster and be less stressful if your ride gets damaged. Consider covering it with a tarp to help ward off damage from small debris (just strap it down well), and also taping the windows – it won’t keep them from breaking, but it will make glass cleanup a little easier.

Tip #5: Keep your car well-maintenanced. The last thing you need when you’re trying to evacuate is a flat tire or an overheated engine. Staying on top of routine Orlando car maintenance will save you a lot of time and money when the storm is about to hit, so schedule those routine tire rotations, oil changes, coolant checks, battery service, and brake service. You’ll thank us!

We’re ready for hurricane season – are you? Schedule your auto service and get more hurricane preparedness tips by calling Toyota of Orlando today! (407) 298-4500

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Summer is here – technically it doesn’t start until June 21, but temperatures in Central Florida speak otherwise. If there was ever a horrible time to have your car’s air conditioning system fail you, it would be now. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! We have a list of signs that you may need auto A/C repair, as well as certified Toyota techs on deck who can get things handled for you if you find yourself identifying a lot of these signs in your own car. Let’s take a closer look!

Learn the signs you need to schedule auto A/C repair

What are some signs that you need to schedule Orlando auto A/C repair? Here are a few our auto service techs recommend you be on the lookout for:

• You don’t have air conditioning. If you go to turn your air on after starting your vehicle and don’t feel any air coming out of the vents,  you have a problem. You also have an issue if you feel warm or hot air coming out of your vents for more than a minute or two after you start your car. It may be something as simple as low refrigerant levels or a burnt out fan, but it still warrants scheduling auto A/C repair.
• You smell something funny when you turn on the air. This can indicate mold growing in the vents and in the A/C system, which you’ll need to have professionally cleaned. Luckily, the Toyota of Orlando service center can take care of it for you and get you back out on the road in no time!
•  You hear odd noises. If you hear rattling or banging noises when you turn on the A/C, you could have multiple problems. It’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause just from the noise, so you’ll want to schedule auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando to handle the problem.
• You’ve got leaks. Whether you find water inside your car (because it’s not draining out properly) or you find leaks under your car, it can indicate a problem with your car air conditioning system.  You’ll want to have it looked at to determine the source of the leak and put it to a stop!

However, you may not need major repairs (which means a break for your wallet), so don’t panic just yet. At our service center, we offer tons of affordable solutions to get you back out on the road with ice-cold air again!

Should you bring your car in for a routine A/C inspection at Toyota of Orlando?

Should you be scheduling an inspection routinely for your A/C like you do with your brakes? Not necessarily – after all, if you visit our Toyota service center, we’ll conduct a free multi-point inspection every time you come through the doors. However, the only other time you should need to schedule an inspection of your car’s air conditioning system is if any of the above signs present themselves. Otherwise, if you’re staying cool and everything is running normally, you’re good to go!

Need to schedule auto A/C repairs? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or swing by 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida!

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Turkey day is right around the corner and while the holiday is a great day to celebrate family, friends, and food, it can also be a source of stress – especially if you’re hosting. Toyota of Orlando is here with eight Thanksgiving hacks to make your holiday run as smoothly as possible this year. Check it out!

Use these hacks to keep Thanksgiving stress-free

Hack #1: Make a menu and shopping list well ahead of time. Before you even think about shopping, plot out your menu (and remember to delegate to family and friends, too). Stick to it and plan your shopping list around it to save time and stress. And don’t leave the shopping too late – the stores will be packed the week of!

Hack #2: Boil potatoes with the skin on for 15 minutes. Boiling potatoes for 15 minutes before you start your mashed potatoes makes for a much easier experience – the skin will slide right off so you don’t have to waste precious time peeling.

Hack #3: Grate the butter. If you have recipes that call for butter, freeze a stick of it and then grate it into the recipe rather than trying to warm or cut it.

Hack #4: Make your pies ahead of time and freeze them. Pumpkin, pecan, and sweet potato pies hold up surprisingly well in the freezer. You can make them up to a month ahead of time, seal them in an airtight Ziploc, and stick them in the freezer. Just don’t forget to thaw them out the night before!

Hack #5: Do your turkey calculations. Speaking of thawing, make sure you do your calculations for the turkey. You’ll have to figure out both thawing AND cooking times based on weight. If you’re thawing in a fridge, you’ll need 24 hours for every 5 lbs. If you’re thawing in cold water, you’ll need 30 minutes for every pound. As far as cooking goes, it’s generally 20 minutes in the oven for every pound.

Hack #6: Put your slow cooker to use. Make your slow cooker get to work to save time and space in the oven! Dishes like mashed potatoes and stuffing can be made early in the day and left in the slow cooker on warm – they won’t dry out and will be piping hot still when it’s time to serve.

Hack #7: Don’t baste. Basting your turkey doesn’t do much except make the temperature inside the oven fluctuate, which can cause issues with cooking. Consider brining the bird ahead of time if you’re worried about it being too dry.

Hack #8: Don’t do everything the day of. Don’t kill yourself doing everything the day of! Make dishes ahead of time and freeze them or store them in the fridge, delegate to other attendees, and make sure you leave time to get yourself cleaned up, dressed, and de-stressed before the main event.

Happy Thanksgiving from our Toyota family!

From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday! We’ll see you on Black Friday for the last weekend of our Black Friday Sales Event.

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Think you need a new car paint job to spruce up your ride? It’s a great way to breathe a little bit of life into a car that may have seen better days in terms of its appearance, and it’s a better option for some drivers who aren’t ready to stretch their budget for a new vehicle or retire their old one. Good news – you’re in luck. Toyota of Orlando has a state-of-the-art body shop onsite and our techs are ready to freshen up your ride and get you back on the road in no time.

But which car paint job should you choose to dial up your vehicle’s appearance? Not only will you have to choose the type of paint job best suited for your ride, you have to choose the right color. Our Orlando auto body shop techs are here to help!

Types of car paint jobs

There are three main types of car paint jobs – whole car painting, spot painting, and clear coat. We’re breaking them down below so you can choose which is best for you.

• Whole car painting is exactly what is sounds like – our Orlando Toyota Collision techs will paint your entire vehicle a new color. This service can transform your ride and give it a fresh new look, especially if you were dealing with faded, cracked, or peeling paint.
• Spot painting, on the other hand, is when our techs will only paint certain spots of your vehicle, matching the paint to what color the car currently is. This is well-suited for drivers who have had accident or collision damage and want to return their vehicle to like-new condition.
• Clear coat painting is when our Toyota auto body techs replace the clear coat on your vehicle. The clear coat is extremely important; not only does it keep your car’s paint looking nice and shiny, it also helps to protect your vehicle’s paint from the heat, sun, debris, and other elements that can do damage over time. If your car is lacking a clear coat or its existing one is peeling, then this is the car paint job for you.

Choosing the right paint color

If you decided that whole car painting is the right route, now it’s time to choose a color. Remember, painting your car can breathe a lot of fresh life into it, but you want to be careful about the hue that you choose. Typically, red, silver, black, or white are the best options because they’re the most popular colors and will offer the best resale value. If you want to go for orange, purple, blue, etc. we can definitely accommodate you, but just remember that these colors are a little less popular and you may get less bang for your buck when you sell or trade in.

Ready to schedule your car paint job or looking for a little advice when it comes to choosing the right one? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re ready and waiting at (407) 298-0001 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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