Whether it’s a fandom sticker that’s faded beyond recognition or the need to remove a parking decal from last semester, we’ve all been in the situation where we need to get a sticker off of our car. However, it’s not as simple as just peeling it off; most stickers made for cars are made with a special adhesive that makes them difficult to remove (and with good reason – you don’t want someone stealing your parking decal!). Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you remove stickers from your car without damaging the paint or glass. Check out our car care tips below!

Toyota of Orlando’s top 5 ways to remove a sticker from your car

If you have a blow dryer on hand, plug it into an extension cord and take it outside. Our Orlando Toyota car care techs recommend heating the sticker you want to remove with the hand dryer for a minute or so. This will help warm up the adhesive, so you can peel back a corner. Use a rubber spatula or your finger to carefully peel the rest of the sticker away from the paint. You can use rubbing alcohol to remove any residue left over.

Option #2: Goo Gone

Goo Gone’s main purpose is to get rid of sticky stuff, so it can be extremely helpful in this aspect of car care. Liberally apply it to the sticker, wait a few minutes, and peel the sticker away from your Orlando Toyota.

Option #3: Ice 

Quite the opposite from heat, ice can actually help remove a sticker from your car. Hold it against the sticker for a few minutes to break up the adhesive and them peel away. You may need a bit of help from a credit card or a razor blade, but we don’t recommend using a razor blade on anything but glass (you could damage your car’s paint). Be sure to use a dull blade and hold it at an angle to slowly peel the sticker away.

Option #4: Rubbing alcohol 

Smearing rubbing alcohol on a sticker can help break up the adhesive on the back so it’s easier to peel. Again, you may need a razor blade, so this isn’t your best option if the sticker is located on a painted part of your vehicle.

Option #5: White vinegar

Soak a sponge in white vinegar and hold it over the sticker until it’s soaked through. Then peel the sticker slowly away and use vinegar to help rub off any leftover adhesive.

Let us help you with your car care supplies

And for future reference (if you’re putting stickers on your car anytime in the near future), avoid putting stickers on the car’s paint. They’re harder to remove and you can easily damage your car’s paint while doing it, requiring a touchup or even a paint job. If you have to put a sticker on your ride, our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs recommend putting it on glass.

Have questions or need help finding supplies for a stubborn sticker? Call our car care experts at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall!

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The Toyota RAV4 is a best-seller – there’s no denying it. This recently redesigned SUV is a seamless blend of fuel efficiency, versatility, and sleek style; it’s offered a reliable and adaptable way for drivers to get around town for decades. In fact, over 10 million Toyota RAV4s have been sold to date. That’s nearly as many as the Ford Model-T, which sold 15 million models in its lifetime, and about half as many as the Volkswagen Beetle, which sold 20 million. And this much-loved Toyota is still going strong.

But why? What makes this new Orlando Toyota such a popular drive time solution? We’re here to hit some of the highlights and tell you what we love best about the 2020 Toyota RAV4 so you can see if it’s something you might want to put in your driveway today.

6 reasons we love the new 2020 Toyota RAV4

#1. You can go green if you choose. The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is available in both traditional gasoline-powered models as well as new hybrid models that give you a go-green solution (and improved fuel efficiency).

#2. It comes in 10 different models. You’ll be able to choose from four hybrid models, four traditional models, and two models geared toward off-road adventures – the TRD Off-Road and Adventure models.

#3. The exterior has been completely redesigned. It’s boasting a brand-new silhouette that’s edgier and more muscular than ever before, as well as design upgrades like flared fenders, LED lighting, 17-19″ alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust, and a rear spoiler. Plus, you can take this Orlando Toyota home in 17 different paint colors, including eight all-new two-toned paint schemes.

#4. The interior is showcasing major updates, too. You’ll love the panoramic glass roof, available SofTex seating with orange, red, or blue accent stitching, ambient lighting, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The dash comes trimmed with stylish soft-touch materials, and the interior is available in multiple colors including ash, black, and dark brown.

#5. The technology is tops. You’ll be able to stay safe, connected, and entertained each and every time you get behind the wheel. This new Toyota SUV features tech like a 7-8″ touchscreen audio system, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, JBL audio elements, navigation, an integrated backup camera, and more. Plus, safety features like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, an Advanced Airbag System, and Star Safety System are woven into every single model to give you the peace of mind your deserve.

#6. The performance is as versatile as it gets. As mentioned, the 2020 model of this Toyota SUV is also available in a hybrid model. Plus, you’ll be able to choose from features like all-wheel drive, active cornering assist, multi-terrain select, Hill Start Assist Control, and Sport, Eco, and Normal driving modes. It’s never been easier to customize your drive time!

Shop this best-selling SUV at Toyota of Orlando

Get behind the wheel today – take the new 2020 Toyota RAV4 for a test drive at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall, and you can call us at (407) 298-4500 to learn more and schedule your appointment!

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Do you think you do a good job taking care of your car tires? It’s a pretty essential part of car care, after all – your tires play a crucial part in performance and if you’re not taking care of them, you’ll likely have to replace them more often AND face the possibility of flats and blowouts. Toyota of Orlando’s auto service techs made a list of seven quick tips to help you care for your car tires like an expert – check it out!

7 car tire care tips

Tip 1: Check your tire pressure on the regular. How often do you check your car tire pressure? We recommend performing this easy maintenance once a week – all you have to do is use a tire pressure gauge to quickly read the number. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to the proper PSI (you can find it on the doorjamb of the driver’s side door) and if they’re low, add air to get them to the right level.

Tip 2: Do the penny test. You should also check your tire tread on a regular basis, as that’s what gives you traction. You can do the penny test – take a penny and stick it into your tire tread with Abe Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, you don’t have enough tread and it’s time for new tires.Tip 3: Don’t overload your ride. Overloading your ride with too much weight is bad for your car in general, but did you know it can also do a number on your tires? Too much weight causes your car tires to wear out faster, which means you have to replace them more often.

Tip 4: Care for your spare. Don’t forget about your spare! You never know when you’ll need it, so take it out of the trunk once a month and check the PSI as well as the general condition to ensure you can use it should you ever be stuck in a pinch.

Tip 5: Mix it up. Get tire rotations as scheduled! Our Orlando Toyota service techs can get you on a schedule for this essential car maintenance. They’ll switch your tires from left to right and front to back to make sure they all wear evenly and last longer.

Tip 6: Don’t put off repairs. If you need repairs or maintenance, don’t put it off. Driving on a damaged tire leaves you prone to blowouts (and accidents), and hitting a pothole or curb can actually damage your car’s alignment. Schedule service at our Orlando auto service center as soon as you can.

Tip 7: Be a mindful driver. Be mindful – try to avoid road debris and other hazards so you don’t damage your tires, and don’t drive around constructions sites (there are nails, screws, and other sharp objects everywhere!).

Schedule car care with our Orlando Toyota experts

Want more expert car care tips? Call Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. You can also swing by and talk to our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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At a loss as to what you should do this weekend? We’ve got a suggestion – why not get to that DIY car care you’ve been meaning to do but keep putting off because you’re too busy? At-home car maintenance doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money to complete, and it can get your car running, looking, and even smelling like new again. Check these easy items off of your to-do list and make the most of your weekend at home!

Get to work on this easy DIY car care list

1. Check your tire pressure 

When was the last time you made sure your tires were inflated to the right level? Check the PSI with a tire gauge – the number should match the number on the panel inside the driver’s side door (or the number listed in your owner’s manual). If it’s low, head to the gas station to reinflate your tires to the right level. Proper inflation means better traction, better fuel efficiency, and tires that last longer!

2. Apply a good coat of wax

Wax is essential to protecting your car’s paint, especially here in Orlando where we get intense sun, lots of rain, and right now, lovebugs (gross). Wash your car, dry it, and then apply a good coat of car wax to protect it from the elements. This will keep your paint looking shiny and new as well as protect it from moisture (which we know can lead to rust). Our Orlando Toyota parts store can help you find the right wax for your car.

3. Get the interior smelling fresh and clean again 

An easy DIY car care item to check off your list is to vacuum out your car, wipe the dust, and then stick dryer sheets under seats. They’ll make it smell like fresh laundry and cost a lot less than expensive air fresheners. You’ll love sliding into the driver’s seat even more when your car smells clean.

4. Inspect the battery

Take a look under the hood at your car’s battery – is there corrosion around the terminals? If so, take a stiff brush and a baking soda/water paste and get scrubbing. This combination will have them clean again in no time; just make sure you rinse thoroughly.

Get your Orlando Toyota looking like-new again

5. Clean the windows 

Whether you have kids, pets, or it’s just you in the car, you’re sure to have smears and marks all over your windows and windshield over time. Clean them up, but be sure to use a cleaner formulated for car windows so you don’t damage your tint. Our Orlando Toyota car care experts can help you find the right one.

6. Touch up damaged paint 

Have some scratches or chips in your paint due to wear and tear? If they’re shallow and small, you can make fixing them part of your DIY car care. Head over to Toyota of Orlando for a paint pen (we’ll match your paint exactly) and get to work getting your car back in like-new condition.

Have questions or need supplies? Come visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road – we’re just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Do you have a clear idea of what’s going on under your car’s hood? Not a lot of drivers do, and that’s OK – that’s what our Orlando Toyota service experts are here for. However, it does help to have a basic knowledge of how things work so you can make more knowledgable decisions about your car care. Today, we’re giving you the basics when it comes to your car’s serpentine belt. Find out what it does, why it’s important, what happens if it breaks, and how to tell if you need to service or replace it.

What is the serpentine belt?

First, what is the serpentine belt? Basically, it’s one long, winding (that’s why it’s called serpentine) belt that sends power to your car’s air conditioner, alternator, power steering pump, and in some cases even your water pump. Cars haven’t always had them – believe it or not, they used to have individual belts to serve each individual part. This was inefficient, though, because the belts all wore down differently and had to be maintained and replaced at different times. (It caused a lot more maintenance than was necessary.) Thus, the introduction of the serpentine belt to replace all of the individual belts.

Obviously, the serpentine belt plays an essential role in your car’s performance. If it breaks, you’re not going to be getting power to a good number of your car’s accessories, and that can lead to serious performance problems. Additionally, when the belt breaks it can damage OTHER parts of the engine, leading to a ton of expensive repairs to get your Orlando Toyota up and running again. That’s why it’s important to maintain it and when necessary, replace it. Luckily, serpentine belts usually only need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. They’re made of thick, durable rubber and built to last. As long as you have it checked with a visual inspection once a year, you should be good to go.

Signs it’s time to schedule a replacement at Toyota of Orlando

So, how do you know if the belt is about to wear out and is due for replacement? Here are some telltale signs you’re going to need Orlando auto service soon:

• You spot cracks or tears in the belt
• The belt has a “glazed” look – it looks sort of shiny
• Pieces of rubber are flaking off
• You’re having problems with your alternator and getting your car started
• Your check engine light comes on (we know this can mean a lot of things, but it’s also a sign of problems with your serpentine belt, so it’s worth bringing your car into Toyota of Orlando for an inspection)
• You hear squealing or chirping under the hood – this is caused when the belt slipping due to stretching, a leak in the engine, or the belt’s pulley working improperly
• Your power steering stops working
• You notice issues with other accessories like your water pump or air conditioning

Think you need auto maintenance for your serpentine belt? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001 or schedule an appointment online. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road!

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We’ve all seen it – the inconsiderate person who parks across two spots, the person who dings your car and leaves without giving you their contact information, the person who holds up traffic in the car parking lot because they have to back into their spot no matter how many people are behind them. Some drivers just aren’t good at car parking, but you don’t have to be one of them. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for becoming a better parker!

5 tips to help you park your car more efficiently

Tip #1: Park in one spot. 

There’s nothing worse than trying to pull into a car parking spot only to realize someone has parked over the lines of their spot and effectively taken up TWO parking spots. When you pull into your parking spot, be sure that you’re centered evenly between the lines on the left and right. You want enough space on both sides of the vehicle to enter and exit the car. Not only is this being considerate of other drivers, but it can also prevent damage to your car from people opening their car doors and dinging your vehicle.

Tip #2: If the parking lot is busy, avoid fancy maneuvers. 

If there are a ton of cars in the parking lot and a line of drivers behind you, pull forward into your spot of choice. Sure, it can be fun to back into your spot but if you’re not practiced at it,  it requires extra maneuvers that take time to execute. This makes traffic worse and is inconsiderate of the other drivers in the car parking lot.

Tip #3: Use your turn signal. 

You should always use your turn signal in car parking lots, especially to indicate that you’re about to turn into a spot. This can prevent the driver behind you from rear-ending your car, and it also lets other drivers know of your intentions (and if they’re good drivers like you, they won’t try to sneak in and take the spot you want).

Tip #4: Park near the back of the lot. 

OK, hear us out. We know it’s farther to walk (you’re welcome for the extra cardio, though), but parking at the back of the lot has its benefits. In addition to logging extra steps, fewer drivers choose to park in the back. Most people are fighting for the closest spot they can get, so the spots in the back are relatively empty and you’re less likely to have someone ding or damage your car.

Tip #5: Be considerate of other people’s property. 

Accidents happen, we get it. The wind catches your door and before you know it, it’s dinged the car next to you. It’s tempting to just drive off, but be a good human and leave a note on their windshield with your contact information so you can fix the damage.

Call Toyota of Orlando with questions today!

Have questions or want to test drive any of our Orlando Toyotas? Call us – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by our  dealership at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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We know a lot of drivers take immense pride in their cars. They spend hours detailing, washing, and waxing to keep their vehicles looking brand new. However, normal day-to-day wear and tear can take a toll on your vehicle no matter how many times you wax it. That’s where the option of ceramic coating comes into play, and Toyota of Orlando is here to explain this unique product and the benefits it can offer your car. But what is ceramic coating for cars, exactly? Check out this information straight from our Toyota Certified Collision Center.

What is ceramic coating for cars?

What is ceramic coating for cars? Basically, it’s sort of like a prime version of car wax. Basically, it’s a liquid polymer that’s applied to your car like a coat of wax – our techs apply it by hand for even results. It then chemically bonds with the factory paint on your car and gives it an additional layer of protection. However, unlike wax, car ceramic coating can’t be removed by washing – it’s there to stay, which means you won’t have to reapply it every few months. It’s a permanent or semi-permanent bond, so it doesn’t break down easily and will stick around a lot longer than even a high-quality wax.

What types of ceramic coating are available to you?

There are basically two types of ceramic coating available for your Orlando Toyota – DIY and professional. You can go either route, but buyer beware – you get what you pay for. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Professional-grade ceramic coating is thick and almost super-glue-like. They require multiple steps to cure them properly and form that protective coat.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating (DIY products) doesn’t require as much of a process to apply and is cheaper. These products are usually single-application products. They don’t cure as hard as professional-grade products, which can result in less of a shine and less durability.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating typically comes in two forms: sprayable, and sprayable nano-polymer.
  • The nano-polymer spray is polymer based (instead of SI02 based) and offers enhanced protection and shine.
• When you DIY your ceramic coating, you run the risk of imperfections. It requires a lot of prep work to get the car ready for ceramic coating including washing, clay bar, and waxing. If you skip these steps or aren’t thorough enough with them, it can result in sealing in paint imperfections or dulling the shine of your car’s paint (like, forever).
• Professional ceramic coating places usually require the installer to be professionally trained and have access to the proper type of facility for the job, as well as have insurance and the right tools, like infrared curing lamps.

There are also different areas where ceramic coating can be applied to your Orlando Toyota. You can apply it to protect your car’s paint (the most common use), as well as the glass, wheels, and trim.

How long does it take to ceramic coat a car?

How long does it take to ceramic coat a car? That circles back around to whether you choose professional-grade products or try to DIY the job yourself.

• Professional-grade ceramic coating requires multiple steps and lots of curing. That means they can take 3-4 days to complete for the best outcome.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating is a simpler process and thus, takes less time. Typically, you can get it done in 1-2 days.

How much is it to ceramic coat a car?

Next big question – how much is it to ceramic coat a car? Obviously, it’s going to be cheaper to DIY it as you’re not paying for labor, and you’re paying for a cheaper product.

• Professional-grade ceramic coating can range anywhere from $1,000 and up. This type of ceramic coating typically lasts from 5-10 years.
• Consumer-grade ceramic coating can range anywhere from $150 and up. This type of ceramic coating typically lasts from 1-3 years.

Costs will vary depending on which type you’re getting, where you’re applying it, where you live, and the type of car you drive. Long story short, your best bet is to call Toyota of Orlando for more information.

What’s the benefit of car ceramic coating?

There are two main benefits to putting a car ceramic coating on your car paint.

• First, it’s easier to clean. It’s hydrophobic and repels water, so water can bead up and slide off a lot more easily than if you just had your paint or even a coat of wax. This means mud and dirty water won’t be able to stick to your car as easy and even if they do, they’ll be a lot easier to rinse off. You won’t have to scrub as hard when detailing your car, nor will you have to apply another coat of ceramic coating every few months like you would with car wax.
• The other main benefit of using a car ceramic coating for vehicles is the protection it affords your Orlando Toyota. As mentioned, it repels moisture (so buh-bye, rust) and is more durable and longer-lasting than wax. It offers an additional layer of protection between the world and your car’s paint, which means it keeps things like UV rays and oxidization (and subsequent paint fading), chemical staining and etching (we’re looking at you, lovebugs), and even some small chips and scratches.

Another side benefit? Ceramic coating for vehicles keeps your car nice and glossy, so you’ll always have that fresh-off-the-lot shine going on.

However, don’t be fooled – using this product won’t prevent your car from getting scratches and paint chips altogether and it certainly doesn’t mean you can stop washing your car.

Schedule ceramic coating for cars at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions or need to schedule an appointment to get ceramic coating for vehicles? Call us today – we’re open and waiting at (407) 298-6006! You can also stop by Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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When you think about it, your auto glass does a lot for your drive time. It keeps cold (or warm) air in, rain and bugs out, and lets you safely navigate the road without debris and dirt getting into the cabin of your Orlando Toyota. When it gets damaged, it may not seem like that big of a deal, but it can quickly spiral into expensive auto repairs if you’re not careful. Toyota of Orlando’s body shop is here to give you the ins and outs of auto glass and the repairs that may come along with it.

What causes you to need auto glass repair?

Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to get cracks, chips, and dings in your auto glass (especially if you drive on I-4). All it takes is one piece of debris flying up and that gut-wrenching popping noise, and you’ve got damage to your windshield or windows that means either repairs or replacement. The most common types of damage are chips and cracks. Basically, chips damage the top layer of the glass and cause imperfections in it, which weakens its structure. From there on out, cracks can occur and spiderweb out from the center with the right pressure and motion. This majorly weakens your auto glass, putting you and your passengers at risk.

How do you know if you need a repair or replacement? The general rule of thumb is that if the ding is smaller than a quarter and doesn’t have cracks extending from it, you can opt for a repair. However, if it’s larger than that or has cracking extending from its edges, you may need a windshield replacement (or if you just don’t want to deal with a cosmetic imperfection in the glass).

Luckily for us, in the state of Florida you’re entitled to auto glass replacement FOR FREE under your car insurance policy. You should make a claim immediately and report the damage to your insurance company; they can set it up to where you get your auto glass repaired or replaced so you can hit the road safely again. Never put off making the claim – the damage will just likely get worse as you continue to drive and can put you and everyone in your car in danger.

Our Orlando Toyota Certified Collision Center can also help with auto glass repair – our trained techs are ready to get you back on the road in no time with minimal time spent in the shop (and minimal cost if your state’s insurance doesn’t cover it for some reason). If it doesn’t, make sure you check your policy before scheduling repairs so there are no surprises. It can cost upwards of $100 to repair a chip and $400 to repair a crack.

Call Toyota of Orlando with all of your auto glass needs

Have questions? Need more information? Call us today at (407) 298-6006. Our Orlando body shop techs are here and ready to help. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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The Orlando Toyota Highlander is pretty much the epitome of family-friendly. It’s got a spacious and versatile interior, top convenience technology, and safety features that other makes and models just can’t compete with. However, we just got word that it’s about to get even better – the 2021 model is reported to features brand-new additions to the Toyota Safety Sense suite.

Explore this safety suite at Toyota of Orlando

Before we talk about the upgrades, let’s talk about the existing Toyota Safety Sense features. You’ll find this suite of safety technology on multiple vehicles in our Orlando Toyota lineup, the Toyota Highlander being one of them. It includes high-tech safety elements like:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. This feature is an integrated camera and radar system that helps prevent collisions as well as accidents with pedestrians.
• Lane departure alert. A small camera on your windshield prevents you from weaving out of your lane, alerting you if your tires cross over the lines on the road.
• Automatic high beams. These high beam lights turn on automatically when the situation calls for it and they’re safe to employ.
• Dynamic radar cruise control. This special cruise control system uses radar and a camera to up your cruise control game – it automatically adjusts your speed according to the vehicle in front of you.
• Road sign assist. This Toyota safety feature uses an intelligent camera to detect signs like stop signs, yield signs, do not enter signs, and speed limit signs to then display them on your multi-information display and make you aware of them.
• Lane tracing assist. This feature helps your car to stay centered between the lines on the road when you’re using the dynamic radar cruise control.

 What upgrades come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5?

It sounds like a pretty comprehensive set of safety features, right? We think so too, but Toyota is renowned globally for their advancements in safety research and they’re adding a few upgrades to the 2021 version of Toyota Safety Sense. Here’s what you can count on:

• New support to the pre-collision system to help you more safely navigate making left-hand turns
• Curve speed management to assist you in handling curves while using cruise control (since you should slow your car when making a curve)
• A smarter lane-keep assist feature to more effectively read road lines
• A new feature called “Risk Avoidance Emergency Steering”

And the new system will be called Toyota Safety Sense 2.5.

We can’t wait to see this new safety tech in person when the 2021 Toyota Highlander arrives at Toyota of Orlando later on this year. However, if you want to take a test drive in the meantime, call us! You can experience the current Toyota Safety Sense system in person on a multitude of our Orlando Toyotas now. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule your test drive, or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall and we’re open seven days a week for your convenience!

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Does car maintenance seem like a big mystery to you? We understand – there are so many moving (literally) parts on a vehicle that it can be hard to keep track of all of them and how they work in the big picture. However, knowing the basics can not only help you care for your car better but also feel more confident when you bring it in for routine car maintenance. That’s why our Orlando car care techs have come up with a list of some of the most common car maintenance terms and their explanation. Check it out below!

The most common car maintenance terms you should be familiar with

Air filter: Has your Orlando car maintenance tech ever told you it’s time to replace your air filter? This important car part is part of the air intake system (that pulls air into the engine) and prevents dirt and debris from getting pulled into the engine where it can negatively impact your performance and even damage your car’s engine. It needs to be replaced every so often to function properly.

Alternator: If your car won’t start but your battery isn’t the issue, it could mean you have issues with your alternator. This part is in charge of both charging your car’s battery and powering the ignition and electrical system when your car is turned on.

Catalytic converter: This car part is actually for the good of the planet – it’s an emissions control device that helps convert the toxic gases within the engine into less harmful gases before they’re released into the air.

Coolant: Coolant is the liquid that runs throughout the engine to help keep it cool while it’s up and running – without it, your car will overheat pretty quickly. It’s usually a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

Dipstick: When you check the level and color of your car’s oil, you do it via the dipstick. This long, thin piece of metal with a handle on the end actually reaches into your engine and lets you pull out a small sample of the oil so you can make sure it’s clean and full.

Fuel pump: This essential car part sends fuel from the gas tank to the engine – without it, you’re going nowhere fast.

Head gasket: The head gasket in your car serves as a seal between the cylinder head and engine block. It helps to seal in the internal combustion AND keep coolant and oil from mixing in your engine.

OEM: OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer – if you see this associated with a car part, it means the part was actually made by the manufacturer who made your car and it’s not an aftermarket part.

Oil filter: The oil filter helps prevent dirt and debris – basically anything abrasive – from the oil before it goes into the engine and does damage.

Radiator: Your car’s radiator is the most critical part of its cooling system. When it’s in action, it basically absorbs heat from the coolant (which has been circulating through the engine) to keep your engine at an optimal temperature.

Spark plug: Your car needs a spark to create the internal combustion that gets your engine up and running. Your spark plugs create that spark, which is why they’re so essential to your vehicle’s performance.

Timing belt: The timing belt basically ensures that critical moving parts under the engine are synchronized so that valves open and close at the right times.

Schedule car maintenance today at Toyota of Orlando

Now that you’re well-versed with the basics, get your car maintenance on the books! Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 or stop by our Toyota car maintenance center at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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