Whether carpool is about to kick things into gear or you’re sending your college student out on the road for freshman year, you need to ensure that the car you’re commandeering is up for the job. After all, things get busy in the fall with back to school and the impending holidays, and the last thing you need to add to your plate is auto repairs. Toyota of Orlando is here with 5 auto service appointments you’ll want to make to get back to school with confidence and tackle fall semester like a pro.

Tip #1: Make sure your tires are inflated to the right PSI. 

You always want your tires to be inflated to the correct PSI. This will not only help them grip the road properly and give you the traction you need, but it will also ensure you get the fuel efficiency you deserve. Underinflated or overinflated tires are a safety hazard and they also negatively affect your fuel efficiency so you don’t get the MPGs you’re counting on.

Tip #2: Get an oil change. 

Get an oil change before the back to school hustle starts – it’s important to stay on top of this routine Orlando auto service because it keeps your engine cool and lubricated (and keeps those nasty auto repair bills at bay). Take the time to get your oil changed and be sure to get on a schedule AND check it routinely to ensure the tank is clean and full.

Tip #3: Detail your car inside and out. 

No one wants to ride in a dirty car – period. Detail your car inside and out, paying attention to things like:

• Vacuuming the entire interior, including the floor mats and under the seats
• Wiping down all surfaces
• Cleaning the windows and windshield with appropriate cleaner
• Wash and dry the exterior
• Wax the exterior for added protection

And get rid of all the clutter so you’ll have plenty of room for bookbags and extracurricular gear.

Tip #4: Have a multi-point inspection conducted for things like brakes, batteries, and tires. 

It’s smart to have your ride looked over by our Orlando auto service experts before you hit back to school traffic. They’ll be able to check out things like your car battery and its condition and voltage, your brake system, and the general condition of your tires. This way you’re prepped and ready for anything the school year has to throw at you, and our techs can also give you a heads up if they notice any issues that are starting to crop up so you can nip them in the bud.

Tip #5: Check coolant levels. 

School may be back in session and fall officially just a month away, but it’s still blazing hot in Orlando. Combine that with more traffic from back to school AND more miles on your odometer now that class is back in session, and your car really needs to keep its cool. Check the coolant levels and top the off if they’re low.

Ready to schedule back to school auto service? Call us today – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

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Happy Friday the 13th! In honor of the occasion, Toyota of Orlando is talking superstitions – specifically, driving superstitions. There are more out there than you’d think, and today we’re discussing some of the most common ones and where they originated from.

We’ve all heard of the typical superstitions – don’t walk under a ladder, don’t let a black cat cross your path, don’t break a mirror, avoid the number 13. But what about when it comes to your ride? Here are some of the most interesting superstitions we’ve heard from drivers.

#1: Holding your breath when you pass a graveyard 

It’s a common driving superstition that whenever you pass a graveyard in your car, you should hold your breath. Why? Some people believe it’s to avoid making the ghosts jealous (you know, because you’re alive and can still breathe) while others do it to avoid breathing in any spirits.

#2: Touching the ceiling when you go through a yellow light 

Have you ever heard the superstition of touching the roof of your car when you pass through a yellow light? (By the way, we don’t recommend – keep your hands on the wheel.) Some people also kiss their fingers before touching the ceiling. Either way, it’s a silent way of saying thank you that you got through the light without being hit or pulled over.

#3: Picking your feet up when you cross a bridge or railroad 

Again, we don’t recommend – it’s not smart to take your feet off the pedals when you’re driving. But some drivers believe that you have to lift your feet off the floor of the car when you go over a bridge or railroad tracks. Apparently, it’s believed that if you don’t, you’ll never meet your true love or get married. Some people even believe that if you don’t, you’ll die young.

#4: Holding your breath in a tunnel 

Supposedly, it’s good luck to hold your breath while driving through a tunnel. If you can make it through the entire tunnel without breathing, then you can make a wish at the end and your wish will come true. (Not super smart, though – holding your breath can lead to passing out, which isn’t ideal behind the wheel of a car.)

#5: Putting change under the seat of a new car 

Some drivers throw some loose change under the seat of their new car for good luck (and it’s handy in case your E-Pass stops working, we guess).

Think those are weird? Check out some of the most common NASCAR driving superstitions. A lot of drivers refuse to drive green cars because they see the color green as an unlucky omen. A driver racing way back in 1920 was killed while driving a green car, and that’s where the superstition originated from. Additionally, many NASCAR drivers have an aversion to shelled peanuts, even going so far as to ban them from the pits and garages. Why? For some reason, there was a rash of accidents before the first World War where unshelled peanuts were found in the car.

What’s your #1 driving superstition? Leave a comment and let us know… and have a safe and happy Friday the 13th!

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It’s Child Passenger Safety Week and here at Toyota of Orlando, we want to share some of our best child safety tips regarding car seats for your precious cargo. Driving with kids in the car is a whole different ballgame and brings into play all-new aspects of safety that you may have never even considered before. Let’s get started!

What is Child Passenger Safety Week?

Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by the NHTSA and focuses mainly on car seats and their installation. Did you know that almost half of all car seats are installed incorrectly? And when car seats are installed incorrectly, they can’t function properly to keep your small passengers safe in the event of an accident or collision. So, how can you ensure that you’re following the best child safety rules when you’re carting the kids around town? Here are a few tips.

Use these child safety tips from Toyota of Orlando to choose the right car seat

Tip #1: Choose the right type of car seat. 

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to car seats – infants, toddlers, and larger children all need different types of seats to best keep them safe. Additionally, you need to consider rear-facing versus front-facing seats. Infants should always ride in an infant seat until they outgrow the weight/height limits, and should always be facing rear. Toddlers should also remain in a car seat fitted to them until they outgrow it, and it’s recommended that you keep them rear-facing as long as you possibly can for safety reasons. When your child finally outgrows the car seat, our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends fitting them for a booster seat to ensure that the car’s seatbelts fit them properly. And remember, children should be in the back seat until the age of 13.

Tip #2: Register your car seat. 

When you buy a new car seat, you’ll receive paperwork that comes along with it. There should be an included registration card that you can send in free of charge to the manufacturer. This will sign you up for any news about the car seat when it comes to recalls or problems and you’ll be notified right away. Don’t skip this child safety measure!

Tip #3: Make sure you know HOW to install the seat. 

So you’ve chosen the right seat and registered it… now it’s time to install it. As mentioned, many people install their seats incorrectly, which is a big safety hazard. Your best bet is to install according to the directions that come with the seat and then take your vehicle to a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to have them check it. Typically you can find them at your local police station or fire station and the inspection is free (and absolutely worth it). Our Orlando Toyota dealership highly recommends you take this extra step to ensure the safety of your family!

Want more child safety tips, or looking for a ride that’s designed to be both family-friendly and exceptionally safe? Visit Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can scope our entire inventory of family-oriented new Toyotas!

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Fall is here! OK, so it dropped a few degrees and all the tropical activity out in the Atlantic is sucking the humidity out of the air. Still, temps in the 80s and low humidity call for some outdoor time after a long, hot, humid summer! What will you do in the City Beautiful to get your fair share of fresh air? Toyota of Orlando has some suggestions to get you out and about enjoying the weather (before it’s gone – we all know it never lasts). Check it out!

Food, wine, and fall fun are all within your reach this weekend

Epcot Food and Wine Festival: This renowned Orlando festival runs from August 29 – November 23 and it’s your best shot to enjoy Walt Disney World AND taste an amazing array of food and drinks (adult and non-adult). There are 30 Global Marketplaces from which you can sample food and drinks as well as a special concert series that brings the likes of Boyce Avenue, Hanson, Sugar Ray, Plain White T’s, and more. You can even participate in chef demonstrations and hands-on workshops, as well as activities designed especially for kids.

Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights: Looking for a few scares to get yourself into the spirit of Halloween? Head over to Universal Orlando for Halloween Horror Nights! This special spooky event runs from September 6 – November 2 and it’s your prime opportunity to scare yourself silly. Not only can you check out the numerous themed haunted houses and scare zones (think Stranger Things, House of 1,000 Corpses, Universal Monsters, and more), you can also hit all the rides while you’re there if you prefer more of a roller-coaster thrill.  FYI – this event isn’t suitable for kids.

Scare up some fun at the parks

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party: Looking for something less about scares and more about a whole lot of candy? Round up the family and head to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom. This event is ticketed separately and considered to be after hours, so the park is a lot less crowded and you and the fam will likely be able to hit all the rides. Additionally, there’s trick-or-treating throughout the park (and it’s the GOOD candy), a special Halloween fireworks show and parade, Disney Villains castle show, and the entire park is decorated for the party. We highly recommend it, even if you’re a childless millenial. This event runs from August 16 – November 1.

Magical Dining Month: Want to skip the parks and hang locally? You’re in luck – Magical Dining Month runs from August 23 – October 7 and spans the City Beautiful, offering you delicious and seemingly endless options. How does it work? Basically, 125 participating restaurants offer a special three-course prix-fixe menu for customers to try for just $35. You’ll get an appetizer, entree, and dessert for a fixed price (even at the fancy restaurants). Magical Dining also spans a huge variety of cuisines so there’s something for everyone and plenty of options – get adventurous!

And don’t forget, the best way to enjoy fall is from behind the wheel of a fresh new ride. Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 to learn more about our deals and enjoy your weekend!

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When the season changes from fall to winter, you’re probably wondering what all needs to be done in preparation for colder temperatures. One of the things you’ll need to prep is your car! With a change in temperature, your car is going to start reacting differently. That’s why it’s important to know what to look out for! Our Toyota auto service team is here to explain how the cold weather, even in Orlando, can affect your car.

Orlando cold weather can mean car trouble

There are plenty of things you need to look out for when the temperatures drop in Orlando. That’s why our Toyota auto service team is here to give you the 411 on what to look out for in regard to your car.

Battery life

Before it starts to get cold, we recommend getting your battery tested during some routine Toyota auto service. A typical battery can last around three years, but extreme colds under 30°F can pull the voltage from the battery. That’ll make that overall lifetime shrink.

Auto fluids

Like other types of liquids, auto fluids are affected by a change in temperature. When it starts to get cold, the fluids in your car will start to thicken. You’ll want to keep an eye out for your oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids. You’ll especially want to make sure your transmission fluid isn’t having issues flowing. It’ll start to thicken below 35°F and won’t run at a normal pace. That can cause issues with your car’s functionality.

Tire pressure

This bit of knowledge is a bit more common. When it starts to get colder out, your car tires will lose their tire pressure. For every 10°F drop, your tires will lose one psi. So even if you recently filled your tires with air, you might have to check them again after temperatures have dropped. You don’t want to find yourself driving with tires with low pressure, or worse, a flat when you’re on the road.

Spark plugs

Make sure to get your spark plugs checked before driving in Orlando in colder temperatures. The reliability of your spark plug goes weakens in the winter, so you’ll want to make sure to have on that’s in good shape before it gets cold. This is because as it gets colder, you’ll have to hard start your vehicle to turn it on and a bad spark plug can affect whether or not you can turn on the car.

Get Toyota auto service this winter

If you feel like our previous cold snaps might have already taken a toll or you want to make sure your car is prepared, be sure to come to our Toyota auto service center. Our Orlando Toyota service team will get your car back in great condition in no time! We’re located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Are you at a crossroads with your car, trying to decide whether you should shell out more money for vital auto repairs or just wash your hands of it and cash out? We get it – it’s a tough spot to be, and it can be hard to decide which route is the most responsible and efficient one to take. Luckily, our Orlando auto repair techs are here to help you figure out the best path for you and your vehicle.

4 signs it’s time to trade in

Here are four major signs it’s time to trade in, trade up, and stop putting money into auto repairs:

1) Your car is dangerous or unreliable. ‘

If your car has become dangerous – we’re talking consistent problems with braking, accelerating, etc. – or is just incredibly unreliable, then it’s time to cash out and move on. You don’t want to put others or yourself in danger when you hit the road, nor do you want to be constantly waiting for a tow truck. If this is the case with your car, we recommend skipping the auto repairs and saving that money for a down payment on a new ride.

2) You’re making repeated trips to the mechanic. 

Find yourself spending a lot of time at the body shop getting auto repairs? If you feel like it’s quickly becoming your second home and your car’s issues just can’t seem to be resolved, do yourself a big favor and move on. Trade your ride in and get behind the wheel of something that’s reliable AND affordable, and enjoy your newly freed up weekends and afternoons.

3) You’ve been wanting an upgrade in terms of technology. 

Feel like your current car just doesn’t cut it when it comes to safety tech, connectivity, or both? If it’s also experiencing problems that require big auto repairs, now’s your opportunity to trade in for something more advanced. Get the features you need… this is an excellent time to do it!

4) Your car’s value is less than the cost of repairs. 

Here at Toyota of Orlando, our used cars director can quickly and efficiently appraise your car to tell you how much it’s worth. We also have a handy trade-in value tool on our site for you to utilize. If the value of your car is less than the estimated cost of repairs, it’s not worth putting more money into the vehicle. Instead, put that money into something newer and more dependable.

What’s the Toyota of Orlando Vehicle Exchange Program?

And we can help you do it! The Vehicle Exchange Program at Toyota of Orlando was designed especially for people like you. Our specialists can pull a CarFax, do an in-person appraisal of your car, talk to your mechanic, and help you find a new vehicle that has comparable or even lower payments. And they’re here seven days a week until 10 pm to serve you!

Come on down to Toyota of Orlando. We’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and you can call us at (407) 298-0001 to get the process started!

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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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