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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Do you really get into the swing of things for the holidays? Some people go all out, decorating their house from top to bottom. If you’re the type of person to buy out Hobby Lobby the day after Thanksgiving to get prepped for the holiday season, then the thought of decorating your car has probably crossed your mind. However, there are rules when it comes to getting your car into the holiday spirit, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to explain the basics.

Put safety first when decking out your car for the holidays

When decorating your car for Christmas, safety should be your first priority. Here are some things to consider when decking our your ride:

• Everything should be securely fastened. You don’t want anything to be pulled off by wind resistance when you hit the road, as those Rudolph antlers you love can quickly become a hazard to other drivers and pedestrians.
• You should be able to see clearly out of your vehicle. Any interior or exterior decorations like window decals or tinsel that obscure your field of vision are a no-no – not only are they dangerous, they can also get you into trouble with law enforcement. Make sure that the decorations you choose leave you a clear field of vision at all times.
• Lights are a no-go, especially colored lights. Lights are distracting to other drivers and in some cases, colored lights can be confused with law enforcement vehicles. Save the lights for the house. If you’re participating in a parade or turning up the holiday cheer at a tailgate, then make sure you choose waterproof outdoor lights to decorate safely and don’t turn the lights on until you’ve arrived at your destination.
• Don’t cover up your license plates. It may seem like a great idea to hang a wreath on the back of your car, but don’t let it (or any other decorations) cover up your license plate. Law enforcement needs to be able to clearly see all numbers and letters or you may find yourself ticketed.
• Be careful with hanging decorations like lights and tinsel. If part of it comes loose, it could get tangled in your wheels and cause problems. If you use hanging decorations on the exterior of your car, ensure that they’re securely fastened every time you hit the road.
• Don’t use any decorations inside that interfere with safety. Remember, anything that’s not secured inside the cabin of your car can quickly become a projectile in the case of an accident, putting you and your passengers at risk. You should also avoid using any sort of decoration that will interfere with seatbelts and their ability to function properly!

Schedule holiday auto service at our Toyota service center

Have more questions about decorating your ride for the holidays or want to schedule auto service before your big Christmas road trip? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and our skills techs are here to help.

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A new year is coming – what resolutions will you be putting into play when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve? Losing weight, saving money, and learning a new skill or hobby rank at the top of the list of most common resolutions, but we have another suggestion. Why not make your life a little bit greener?

There’s a multitude of ways to make your life greener; you can use reusable grocery bags, get rid of single-use plastics in your house, and up your recycling game. However, a big way to make a big impact on the planet is to clean up your drive time by getting behind the wheel of a new Toyota hybrid.

Make 2020 your greenest year yet with an Orlando Toyota hybrid

Hybrid cars offer a much more eco-friendly drive time solution than gasoline-powered cars and not only that, include the same incredible technology, safety, and performance. Here are some highlights to consider when thinking about signing the dotted line on a new Toyota hybrid:

• These innovative new Toyotas have both an electric motor and a gasoline engine under the hood. Whenever it’s feasible, the car will switch from using the gasoline engine to using the electric motor (like when you’re moving at low speeds or sitting at a stoplight).
• This switch-off means fewer emissions and less fuel usage, which in turn means less natural resources used (and more money in your bank account). Fewer emissions and less fuel usage means less of an impact on the environment, so you can feel good every time you get behind the wheel.
• New Toyota hybrids also put the electric motor into play when the gasoline engine needs a little more power, like when accelerating or climbing a hill. That extra push from the electric motor means your gasoline engine doesn’t have to work as hard, which in turn means fewer emissions and less fuel used.

What options are available to you at Toyota of Orlando?

See what we mean? Just getting behind the wheel of an Orlando Toyota hybrid can make a big difference in how green your day-to-day life is… with minimum effort on your part. And we’ve got even more good news! Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular and more readily available, and we’ve got everything from compact hatchback cars to spacious, family-friendly SUVs waiting on our lot at Toyota of Orlando. Check out the options you can test drive today:

• Toyota Corolla Hybrid
• Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Avalon Hybrid
• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid
• Toyota Prius Prime

And they’re not just eco-friendly. Like we mentioned, when you get behind the wheel of one of these Orlando Toyota hybrids you can expect a super green performance. However, you can also expect the best of the best when it comes to safety and entertainment technology as well as performance capabilities – some of our hybrids even come with all-wheel drive options, for example.

Schedule your test drive today and make 2020 your greenest year yet! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and our sales specialists are happy to help you pick the perfect new Toyota hybrid for your drive time resolution.

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Getting pulled over – a.k.a. getting stopped by a police officer – can be a pretty nerve-racking experience. The last thing you want to do is get into trouble or wind up with a pricey ticket, but unfortunately, the day may come where you see those flashing lights behind you indicating that you need to pull to the side of the road. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here with tips to help you handle getting pulled over like a pro.

Orlando Toyota tips for getting pulled over

First of all, the best way to AVOID getting pulled over is to follow the rules of the road. Go the speed limit, come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, don’t drive aggressively, and use your turn signals. You should also ensure your car is always road-ready and in good condition (i.e. replace that burnt-out taillight, already). All pretty basic, right? However, if you find yourself getting pulled over here are some rules to follow.

• If you see the police car following you with flashing lights, pull to the right and bring your vehicle to a complete stop on the side of the road. Be sure to use your turn signal to indicate lane changes as you go. It’s also a good idea to turn on your emergency flashers when getting pulled over – this indicates to the officer that you’ve seen their lights and are in the process of pulling your vehicle off the road. Remember to slow your speed as you go, too.
• You should pull to the right as far as you safely can so the officer can come to your window to speak to you without worrying about passing cars. Keep in mind that traffic stops are extremely dangerous for police officers – according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, traffic stops are one of the leading causes of police deaths – so common courtesies are appreciated.
• Once your car is in park, turn the engine off. Roll down your window and if it’s dark out, turn on your interior lights so the officer can see you clearly. You should stay in your vehicle unless the officer directs you otherwise. Put your hands on the steering wheel and keep them there.
• Don’t dig around for your license, registration, and insurance until the officer directs you to. If you have to reach into the backseat, be sure to let the officer know. An Orlando Toyota tip? Keep your car’s glovebox organized so you can easily reach your registration and insurance information without having to dig around, and never drive without your license.
• Be polite, apologize, and stay calm. We know it’s an anxiety-provoking situation, but stay calm and be polite to the officer. This will work in your favor. Don’t give in to the temptation to argue about any wrongdoing; instead, take the ticket to court and contest it there. The side of the road is no place to try and prove your point.

And don’t forget to be careful when you’ve been told you’re free to go. Slowly and carefully merge back into traffic and again, use your turn signal to indicate your movements.

Keep your car road-ready at Toyota of Orlando

If you have questions about road safety and keeping your ride up to code, call us! Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Owning a car isn’t cheap. It’s a complex piece of machinery and an investment; it costs money both to maintain and operate it. However, owning a car doesn’t have to break the bank every month (especially if you shop one of our affordable Orlando Toyotas, just saying). We’re here with helpful tips on everything from maintenance to insurance to help you save a few bucks when it comes to owning a car. Keep that New Year’s resolution of tightening your budget – read on!

Cut the costs of owning a car with these tips from our experts

Maintenance

If you want to keep car ownership costs low, our Orlando Toyota service department recommends getting on a routine schedule for essential car care. If you’re not sure what you need, talk to one of our techs. They’ll get you set up on a schedule and send you helpful reminders when you’re due for your next appointment. Here are some routine auto services you’ll want to follow through on to save money:

• Oil changes
• Tire rotations and balances
• Battery checks
• Brake service
• Wheel alignments
• Tuneups
• Air and oil filter changes
• Coolant checks and flushes

Drive time habits 

Another way to cut costs when it comes to owning a car is to adjust your driving habits. Here are some helpful suggestions from our dealership:

• Carpool. Join a carpool and give your car a break a few times a week. Not only will it cut fuel costs, but you’ll also find that it puts fewer miles on your ride so you don’t have to service it as frequently.
• Empty out your car. Carrying around extra weight reduces your ride’s fuel efficiency, so take this opportunity to clean out the trunk and backseat of anything you don’t need.
• Accelerate gently (slamming on the gas pedal wastes fuel).
• Use cruise control in the appropriate situation to avoid speeding up and slowing down, which wastes fuel. (You should only use cruise control on the highway when it’s good weather outside and you’re not in heavy traffic.)
• Don’t let your car idle to warm it up. This wastes fuel over time.
• Plan your drive times before you leave the house to make them as efficient as possible. Take the route with the least traffic but also factor in mileage, and try to consolidate trips so you’re not constantly going out and coming back home.

Insurance You have to have car insurance to drive legally – period. There’s no getting around it, but there are ways to save a bit of money on car insurance. Check out these quick tips:

• Shop around. Look at different providers to see which offers the best coverage for the best price and take your time to find the right one.
• Consider bundling. If you have renter’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance, etc. some insurance companies will give you a discount if you bundle it with your car insurance.
• Ask about student discounts if you’re in high school or college.
• Follow road rules – getting tickets and fines can raise insurance costs.
• Make sure you tell your insurance company about all the safety features in your car; safer cars are generally less to insure.

Let our Orlando Toyota dealership get your car on a maintenance schedule

Have questions about owning a car or feel like it’s time to get your ride on a service schedule and start saving big bucks in the new year? Call our Orlando Toyota dealership today at (407) 298-4500!

 

 

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Here at Toyota of Orlando, things are busy. We’ve got 2020 models on the lot waiting to be test driven, our Payment Reduction Event has been continued into the month of February, and the new Toyota Supra is a fixed attraction on the floor. However, there’s a lot going on outside of our dealership in the world of Toyota. Check out some of the latest news stories – we’re breaking down the basics to make it a quick read for you.

The Toyota GR Yaris *MIGHT* come to the US

People have been pretty excited about the sporty new Toyota GR Yaris, which sports an inline-3 engine that gets 268 horsepower. This small-but-mighty hatchback has been available exclusively in Japan and Europe… up until now. Toyota recently retweeted a post from Jalopnik (a website that reviews all things automotive) that asked “Does the North American market need another hot hatch? Let us know what you think!” Does the retweet mean that Toyota is seriously considering importing the new GR Yaris to the US? We can dream…

Toyota works with Panasonic on a new battery 

Toyota is well-known in the realm of green cars for its innovative hybrid and electric vehicle technology. Now they’re upping the ante by pairing up with Panasonic to work on a new EV battery that can be utilized in both hybrid and electric cars. Said battery will be a prismatic lithium-ion battery, which is easier for automakers to connect in cars and also offers a safe and cost-effective option.

2020 Highlander saves the day at the Super Bowl 

The new 2020 Toyota Highlander is back and hotter than ever with a striking redesign, but it also got to play the hero in a dynamic ad with Cobie Smulders for this year’s Super Bowl. In the 60 second spot the Orlando Toyota Highlander rescues people left behind in several disastrous scenarios – you know, because it’s so roomy and comfortable inside.

Toyota’s flying cars are coming to fruition 

Flying cars are coming – you heard right. It may seem like an early April Fool’s Joke, but Toyota recently invested $394 million into Joby Aviation. The aerospace company will lend the automotive giant engineering expertise, specifically in the areas of commercial EV vertical take-off and landing vehicles (i.e., flying electric cars). Move over, Marty McFly.

A new accelerator safety feature is in the works

Just like it’s known for expertise in the world of green cars, Toyota is also renowned on a global scale for its innovative research into automotive safety for both drivers and pedestrians. A new feature is in the works – accelerator suppression function. This advanced safety tech will process data to determine whether or not the driver is purposefully pressing the accelerator. If the acceleration is deemed to be a mistake, the car will ignore the input and continue at its previous rate of speed.

 

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When it comes to pumping gas, it’s pretty self-explanatory. You pay, stick the nozzle into the gas tank, pump, and go. However, did you know there are potentially dangerous mistakes that you could be making when you’re at the gas pump? Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you more and make sure that you’re safe every time you fill up at the gas station. Read on!

Toyota of Orlando’s tips for when you’re at the gas pump

Mistake #1: Topping off the tank

Some people like to “top off the tank” to squeeze those last few drops in when they’re getting gas. This is a bad idea, though – the automatic shut-off valves are there for a reason. Gasoline needs room to expand inside the tank so when you fill past the automatic shut-off valve’s “click”, you’re potentially putting too much gas into the tank. This can lead to too much pressure inside the tank and subsequently, a leak as the gas expands. Fill until you hear the click, then stop.

Mistake #2: Smoking at the gas pump

This seems like a no-brainer, but we still see people smoking at the gas pump. Gasoline is EXTREMELY flammable and all it takes is one little hot ash or tiny ember to start a big, dangerous fire. Put out your cigarette or cigar until you’re well clear of the gas pump.

Mistake #3: Getting in and out of the car 

Did you know that every time you get in and out of your car, static electricity builds up a small charge on your body? This is especially true when it’s cold and dry out. If you go to grab the gas nozzle and that electricity sparks, you could cause a fire. It stinks to pump gas when it’s cold or wet outside, but resist the urge to get back into the driver’s seat while you wait for the tank to fill.

Mistake #4: Leaving your car running while you pump 

NEVER leave your car running while you fill the tank with gas. When you leave it on, it’s putting off heat and static electricity – both of which can cause a fire when combined with gasoline or even gas vapors. Turn your car off and make sure you have your keys in hand before you fill up.

Mistake #5: Using your cell phone

We’ve got some good news – cell phones can’t cause fires at the gas pump (contrary to what some believe). What they can do, however, is distract you to the point where you overfill your tank or even drive off with the nozzle still in the tank. Put your phone away while at the gas pump, period.

Mistake #6: Not locking your doors or rolling your windows up 

You should always close or at least crack your car windows at the gas pump as well as lock all of your doors. (Make sure you have your keys in hand!) Thieves find it easy to sneak into the opposite side of your car and steal your belongings while you’re distracted at the pump. Don’t be a victim – lock up!

Let our Orlando Toyota service techs answer your questions

Want more tips? Call Toyota of Orlando’s service center! We’re here seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and our Orlando Toyota service techs are happy to give you any advice they can.

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