Are you headed into the great white north for the holidays? Many people hit the road to reach their holiday destination and if you’re driving out of Florida, you could hit some serious winter weather on your journey. It’s important to know how cold weather can affect your car so you’re prepared when you actually reach it, and our Orlando auto service experts are here with the knowledge you should have before you hit the road.

Tires:
Cold weather can make your tire pressure drop – when air gets colder, it gets denser. Low tire pressure may not seem like such a big deal but over time, the effects can add up. It can decrease your fuel efficiency and increase the wear and tear on your tires, as more of the tires’ surface is touching the road. It also increases your chances of a tire blow out. When the temps drop, check your tire pressure and reinflate to the right PSI level (you can find it in your owner’s manual).
Battery:
Cold weather can take a toll on your car’s battery and reduce its starting capability if the battery is already not in the greatest shape. Being stuck with a dead car in winter weather can be a big problem, so have your battery inspected by one of our Orlando auto service techs before you leave for your road trip.
Corrosion:
Snowy and icy roads get treated with salt, which means that salt can get flung up onto your car as you drive. If left there, the salt can actually corrode the underside of your vehicle and your brakes as well as damage the paint. Make sure you hose your car down as often as you can to rinse away the salt and avoid costly corrosion damage.
Fluids:
Cold weather can cause fluids to thicken, which is why it’s important to check with one of our Toyota of Orlando auto service techs regarding your car’s fluids before you hit the road. These fluids are pumped throughout the engine to keep things running and if they’re too thick to function, you’re in for a big issue when you hit the highway. Our auto service techs can check and refill your fluids, as well as ensure you have the right ones for cold weather travels.
Leaks:
If you’re traveling to an area where the temperature fluctuates a lot with severe cold bouts, then you may run into leaks. Have our techs give your engine a once over to ensure all of the seals are in top condition before you take on traveling.
Feel like your car needs a little TLC before heading into the cold? Schedule winter auto service at Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. Call to schedule at (407) 298-4500!
Could YOU live in a Toyota Tacoma truck?
Tiny homes have become quite the trend over the past few years, but it seems like people are taking the challenge to see just how tiny they can make their living space. One man in particular has risen to the occasion – Andy Cochrane can officially call his 2015 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab home, sweet home. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop and we want to know – could YOU live in a Toyota Tacoma truck?
Could you call the bed of a Toyota Tacoma home?
What made him decide to do it? Basically, Cochrane explained that the rental he was living in was sold, he totalled his car in an unfortunate accident, and he ended up leaving his job and moving back home… but it was liberating for him not to have any specific ties to any one place. This made him consider a nomadic lifestyle but a van or RV wasn’t going to cut it for the types of adventures he wanted to seek out.
Enter the 2015 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab. Cochrane threw on all-terrain tires and added a 3-inch lift to it to ensure it was adventure-ready and then began to customize his ride so he could actually live inside of it. Here are some of the modifications he added:
- A Leer 180 truck cap to create a “house” in the bed
- Reflectix insulation and a small fan to keep things the temp they need to be for comfort
- A custom-built drawer that runs the length of the bed and slides in and out – it serves as storage, a bookshelf, a kitchen, and more
- 4 custom-built cubbies over the wheel wells for additional storage
- 4 additional interior LED lights for lighting in the bed
- A roof rack for storage on top of the truck
- Fiberglass side windows in the bed that have the capability to open for circulation of air

Cochrane also removed the seats in the back of the cab to install a storage cubby for clothing and space for all of his dog’s gear, as well as a small refrigerator. The refrigerator is powered by a battery that’s also hooked up to three solar panels on the roof, and there’s room for a propane tank to power his portable stove. He’s also got water stored in the cab and put a foam mattress in the bed of the truck for sleeping so he’s comfortable no matter where adventure takes him.
This Orlando Toyota truck is ready for any adventure
Could you do it? The Orlando Toyota Tacoma is a pretty incredible truck and it’s ready for anything thanks to features like four-wheel drive, active traction control, rear-wheel drive with automatic limited-slip differential, sport-tuned and off-road suspension options, and Multi-Terrain Select with CRAWL Control. And it comes in Access and Double cabs so you can choose just how big you’d want your living space to be.
Whether you’re turning your Orlando Toyota truck into your home away from home or just looking for something that’s ready for adventure, we’ve got the options you need! Come check out ALL of our Toyota Tacoms in stock now at Toyota of Orlando – we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.
9 things you didn’t know about Jessica Reyes
Do you REALLY know Jessica Reyes?
Here at Toyota of Orlando, she’s our spokeswoman. She works hard every month to bring you messaging about the deals, specials, and sales events that we’re bringing to the Central Florida community. However, Jessica is a lot more than just our new spokesperson! Here are some quick facts about this talented young woman who’s a very important part of the Toyota of Orlando family.

#1: Jessica was born in New Jersey and has lived all over the place, including Puerto Rico, Philadelphia, and more. However, she considers Florida to be home (good news for us).
#2: She found the limelight pretty early. Her mother signed her up for pageants, acting, and singing as a young child – she went on her first audition when she was 8 years old. From there, she jumped right in and did weekly castings in New York City; she also took singing and acting classes there for some time. When she was a teenager, she was walking home from school and a casting agent stopped her on the sidewalk to talk to her. This pushed her even harder to break into the entertainment industry!

#3: Jessica knew she wanted to be an entertainer from childhood – she loved watching Shirley Temple movies and loved to imitate the young actress.
#4: She has actually been a part of the Toyota of Orlando family for almost ten years. She’s been our Spanish spokesperson for almost a decade and most recently stepped in to take over all of the videos and advertisements that we produce. “For almost a decade I watched our previous spokespeople while I waited to film in Spanish – it was so exciting. I still can’t believe I’m actually doing both Spanish AND English commercials now!”

#5: The transition from Spanish commercials to Spanish AND English commercials wasn’t too difficult for Jessica – the only real difference is that “I don’t have to roll my rrrrrr’s in English”. LOL!
#6: Jessica is extremely family-oriented. She loves to spend her free time with her 2-year-old son and the rest of her family; they’re extremely close.
#7: She may be in entertainment, but Jessica feels that helping others is another true calling of hers. She loves working with non-profits. She currently supports In Harmony With Nature and DreamCatchers Horse Rescue alongside Toyota of Orlando and Toyota of Clermont, but also supports other foundations in her spare time. These include the Sunshine Foundation, which helps children live their dreams of visiting local theme parks, as well as Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

#8: She’s also a co-host on a Spanish radio show called “El y Ella”… with her ex-husband! Yup, you heard right. She and her ex spend their mornings hosting a show about the Central Florida community, news, current topics and trends, and more. One of her favorite parts about the show is being able to show people that you CAN be friends with your ex.
#9: She’s grateful. “I am where I am because of God and my loving mother – she’s always pushed me when I need her to most.”

Want to get to know Jessica? Follow her on Instagram or Facebook, or swing by and see her at our dealership! Toyota of Orlando is located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.
When you get behind the wheel of your car, you want to feel confident that it’s going to get you where you need to go with as much reliability and safety as possible. After all, even if you’re an excellent driver who follows the rules of the road, there are other drivers who aren’t as attentive or careful as you are. That’s why it’s so important to choose a vehicle that provides you with the best safety measures possible.
Toyota is renowned globally for its safety research and technology. In fact, the Toyota Collaborative Safety Research Center is located right here in the US and researchers there spend countless hours developing and testing safety technology that’s seamlessly woven into each and every vehicle that comes off the production line. They work with partners like Virginia Tech, Wake Forest University, and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Toyota is committed to safety – you can rest easy when you climb into the driver’s seat.
However, don’t take our word for it – take this customer’s testimonial. Ranis Lamberte is a loyal Toyota customer who was in a serious collision in his new Toyota RAV4. His brother-in-law, wife, and 11-month-old daughter were all in the car with him… and all of them escaped with minor injuries.

Lamberte was driving home at night on December 27, 2018. A driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic and collided with Lamberte head-on, crushing the front of the RAV4 instantly. All airbags were deployed inside the cabin and the car was immediately totalled. Lamberte’s brother-in-law was in the front passenger seat while Lamberte’s wife and 11-month-old daughter were in the backseat. Despite the devastating collision, all of them are safe today – while the three adult passengers sustained minor injuries, the baby was not injured at all. Lamberte reached out to us personally at Toyota of Orlando to share his story, saying:
“I wanted to thank you for taking safety measures seriously at Toyota. We are thankful for our lives today and in large part to the RAV4’s safety features. We appreciate all you do at Toyota for making safety a priority. Thank you again.”
Learn more about the new Toyota RAV4’s safety features at Toyota of Orlando
We are so thankful that everyone was able to walk away from this devastating collision… and we’re thankful that if it did have to happen, it happened in a Toyota RAV4. This particular Orlando Toyota SUV offers exceptional safety technology; the 2019 model brings you options like Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, the Star Safety System, an Advanced Airbag System, and Safety Connect Services. You’ll also find three-point seatbelts with Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractors and the LATCH system for car seats.
Want to know more about Toyota’s safety tech or the Orlando Toyota RAV4? Call today – Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.
Off-roading: 4 tips for beginners
Have you been playing with the idea of taking your Orlando Toyota off the pavement to find some new adventures in the new year? It may seem as simple as finding a trail and following it, but there’s actually a lot more to off-roading than you think. Toyota of Orlando is here with 4 tips for beginners to help you tackle the trails with confidence in the new year.

Use these beginner tips to start your off-roading adventures
Tip #1: Make sure your vehicle can actually handle off-roading.
Do you have the right ride for taking things off the pavement? Not all Orlando Toyotas are created equally when it comes to new terrain. Cars like the Toyota Prius and Toyota Corolla are better suited for the pavement; after all, they’re designed to provide compact design, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable drive time. You’ll definitely want to ensure that you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle that is designed for a more versatile drive time. Features like off-road tires, locking differential, off-road suspension, four-wheel drive, and CRAWL control are all great attributes to have, so consider vehicles like the Orlando Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser.
Tip #2: Find a group to ride the trails with.
If you’re new to the trails, it can help to have some expertise on your side! Find a local group or organization that rides together and tag along with them. They can direct you to the best trails, help you get to know your way around, and can also help you learn how to navigate and execute technical maneuvers with confidence. Check your favorite social media platform to find a group.
Tip #3: Pack up the right supplies.
Regardless of how long you think you’re going to be traveling the trails, you should bring the right supplies with you. Here are some items you don’t want to leave at home:
- A spare tire, kit to change it, and a tire pressure gauge
- Fix-a-flat and a portable air pump for tire inflation
- A shovel
- Jumper cables
- A GPS tool and a backup paper map
- A flashlight
- Water, snacks, and any medicine you might need
- A basic first aid kit
- A phone charger
That way you’re ready for anything. And don’t forget, if you’re off-roading in the cold be sure to bring extra blankets.
Let Toyota of Orlando help upgrade your ride
Tip #4: Consider upgrading your ride.
If you discover that off-roading is your thing and you want to make it a serious hobby, then consider adding a few upgrades to your ride! You can swap your tires out for off-road tires, install new suspension, add mud flaps or body armor, and tack on more lighting for night riding. The options are endless and our Orlando Toyota parts store can help you find all of the off-roading parts and accessories that you need.

Want to customize your ride for off-roading or find the right vehicle to take on the trails? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. We can get you off the pavement in no time.
Introducing the 2020 Toyota Supra
This blog needs no introduction – the 2020 Toyota Supra has finally been unveiled, and we have all the details here at Toyota of Orlando. Let’s dive into this exciting new collaboration between Toyota and BMW.

The 2020 Toyota Supra will be released this summer (2019) and will come in two models – the Premium and Premium 3.0. There will also be a special Launch Edition, which is based on the 3.0 model and will offer a few extras.
Performance
We know everyone has been dying to find out the performance specifics that this Orlando Toyota icon will have to offer, so here they are:
- A 3.0L twin scroll turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 335 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque
- Ability to go from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds
- A short wheelbase, newly designed chassis, and rear-wheel drive
- A longer hood and an ultra-wide stance for a more aggressive look AND performance
- A special 50:50 weight balance and low center of gravity with front-to-rear aerodynamic balance
- Direct fuel injection and continuously variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts
- An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and a launch control function (in other words: vroom)
- Top speed of 155 mph
- Two driving modes – Normal and Sport. Sport allows track driving thanks to reduced traction and stability control and a sharper throttle response
- Active differential to control torque distribution between front and rear wheels (this helps to reduce over- and understeer.)
- A new adaptive variable double-joint spring strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension as well as major structural rigidity
- 19″ forged alloy wheels with performance Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that are wider in the back
Design and style
The design of the 2020 Toyota Supra was inspired by the popular Toyota FT-1 concept – check out what this Orlando Toyota sports car will have to offer:
- An exterior with pronounced lines and curves and a seriously muscular, low stance
- A two-seat cabin with sport seats available in both fabric and leather and a specially designed asymmetrical center console that also serves as bolsters
- A compact cargo area accessible by a hatchback design
- A new dash that’s low and narrow to allow more visibility for the driver
- Exterior paint colors like Renaissance Red, Downshift Blue, Nitro Yellow, Absolute Zero White, Turbulence Gray, Nocturnal Black, and Tungsten Silver

Technology
Tech is important no matter which Orlando Toyota you’re taking home and the 2020 Toyota Supra is no exception with features like:
- A high-definition 6.5″ color display in the dash that serves as the instrument panel
- A head-up display that projects information on the windshield for the driver
- Remote keyless entry and a garage door opener
- An 8.8″ touchscreen audio system with navigation, Apple Car Play, a premium JBL sound system, and Qi wireless charging
- Bluetooth wireless streaming
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Dual automatic climate control
- Active safety tech like forward collision warning, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, cruise control, a blind spot monitor, and more
The 2020 Toyota Supra will have a starting MSRP of $49,990 and should be arriving at Toyota of Orlando sometime this summer. We’ll keep you posted – for more information, call (407) 298-4500!
10 Toyotas drivers love to keep for 15 years or more
Are you a driver who likes to keep your car around for a long time? If so, then it’s in your best interest to shop Toyota – and we’re not just saying that because those are the cars that we sell. ISeeCars.com recently did a study on cars that people keep for 15+ years – there were 15 models on the list. They examined over 750,000 cars ranging in model year from 1981 – 2003. The thing that we’re most happy about? 10 of them were Orlando Toyotas, while Honda and Subaru made up the other five.

Toyota dominates the industry when it comes to longevity
Obviously, we’re not the only ones that can appreciate the longevity that you’ll get when you own an Orlando Toyota. Let’s check out the list so you can see which Toyota models are fan favorites for the long haul.
#15 Toyota Avalon: 10.8% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#12 Toyota Camry: 11.5% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#10 Toyota RAV4: 12.1% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#7 Toyota Tacoma: 13.4% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#6 Toyota Sequoia: 13.5% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#5 Toyota Tundra: 15.1% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#3 Toyota Sienna: 16.1% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#2 Toyota Prius: 16.2% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.
#1 Toyota Highlander: 18.5% of original owners kept the car for 15+ years.

As you can see, Toyota dominates the list with ease. The brand is renowned throughout the automotive industry for offering exceptional resale value; in 2018 they won one of the coveted “Best Brands” resale value award from KBB.com and also took the top three overall spots on the top ten list with the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. Not to mention, new Orlando Toyota cars make phenomenal used cars because of their ability to hold value and quality. In fact, over 5 million Toyota Certified Used Cars have been sold to date… and that’s not even counting the used Toyota cars that weren’t certified.
There are tons of other perks to owning an Orlando Toyota besides resale value. You’ll get incredible safety technology – the company has a research facility right here in the US that is constantly designing and testing new safety features to integrate into their vehicles to make drive times safer for everyone on the road. There’s also a wide variety of options for you to explore. You can choose a Toyota sedan, hatchback, minivan, truck, crossover, or SUV, not to mention have a great selection of both gasoline-powered AND hybrid models to explore.
Shop for an Orlando Toyota today
Curious as to what a Toyota could offer you? Whether it’s short-term or long-term, don’t miss your shot to put one of these exceptional vehicles in your driveway. Come down to Toyota of Orlando today to see all of our inventory in person! We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we’re open seven days a week. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to learn more and schedule your test drive!
Here in Orlando, we get pretty mild winter weather (thank goodness). We never have to deal with heavy snow and we rarely have ice on the roads. However, we get a handful of cold nights during the year and if the temps dip low enough and your car is parked in the shade, you could wake up to ice on your windshield. Not to mention, if you head out of town in the winter you’re more than likely to find yourself in need of some windshield de-icing. Toyota of Orlando is here with winter weather car care tips to help you de-ice your windshield like a pro and hit the road with a clear field of vision.

Tip #1: Don’t use hot water.
DO NOT EVER use hot water to try and melt the ice off of your windshield – it can end in disaster. Hot water hitting the icy cold surface of your windshield can actually cause the glass to crack or shatter from the temperature differences. If you have to use water, use lukewarm water to try and loosen the ice a little.
Tip #2: Avoid using vinegar.
Another common myth is that you can use vinegar to remove ice from your windshield. Our car care experts advise against this – vinegar can damage the plastic and paint on your vehicle, so you want to avoid pouring it on your vehicle at all (even the windshield).
Tip #3: Don’t try to clear ice with your windshield wipers.
Don’t use your wipers to try and scrape frost or ice off the windshield when you face winter weather. It’s not effective, first of all, and can easily damage or shred the rubber on the wiper blades. This means they’ll be ineffective from that point on and you’ll have to replace them ASAP.
Tip #4: Run your defroster for a few minutes.
Running the defroster in your car can help loosen up the ice a little bit, so climb into the driver’s seat and warm both yourself and the windshield up before you get to scraping out in the cold.
Tip #5: Avoid using a metal scraper – opt for plastic.
A metal scraper can damage the glass windshield, leaving scratches and scrapes that impeded your field of vision. Instead, opt for a plastic scraper – one with a brush on the other end is super handy because then you don’t have to use your hands to brush off the ice and frost. However, don’t scrape TOO hard – even hard plastic can scratch your windshield.

There are de-icer sprays on the market, but living here in Orlando, it’s not really that cost-effective to buy them since we see ice and harsh winter weather so infrequently. Your best bet is to buy a plastic scraper and just keep it in the trunk in case you need it!
Need more car care advice or want to grab a scraper? Ask our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando – they’re here 7 days a week with the info you need at (407) 298-0001!
9 tips for teen drivers
Is your teen driver about to hit the road solo for the first time? It’s pretty nerve-wracking for any parent, and here at Toyota of Orlando we get it. That’s why we’ve gathered up the top nine tips for teen drivers so you can prep your new driver for whatever may come their way when they climb into the driver’s seat.

What should you teach your teen driver before they hit the road?
Tip #1: Choose a safe (and practical) car.
It’s tempting fate to put your teen driver behind the wheel of a sports car or a fast truck – it’s a wiser option to put them into something practical and safe when you’re sending them out on the road solo. Consider Orlando Toyota cars like the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, RAV4, and Camry, for starters!
Tip #2: Teach them defensive driving.
It’s good to teach your teen to obey the rules of the road, but you should also teach them defensive driving skills so they can avoid an accident BEFORE it happens. This means doing away with distracted driving, for starters.
Tip #3: No texting. At all. Ever.
Make texting a no-no – you can even download apps that will lock their phones while the car is in motion so they’re not tempted to even look at incoming texts when behind the wheel.
Tip #4: Make seatbelts a non-negotiable.
Set a good example and always wear your seatbelt and teach your teens that driving without one is not allowed, period. The car shouldn’t leave the driveway until everyone in it is buckled up.
Tip #5: Review the rules of the road one more time.
Is your teen driver perfectly clear on the rules of the road? Make sure they know the basics and are competent enough to drive before you turn them loose.

Tip #6: Limit passengers.
It’s a good idea to limit the number of passengers that your teen has in the car with them at first – passengers can be big distractions. Driving solo is your best bet for the first few months, and then you can slowly increase the number of passengers allowed.
Tip #7: Teach them basic car maintenance.
Teach your teen how to care for your Orlando Toyota and the importance of oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, fluid checks, and letting you know if they hear or see something odd, or if a dashboard light comes on.
Tip #8: Go over common car emergencies.
Does your teen know what to do if they get a flat tire? What if they have a dead car battery? How about an overheated vehicle? Teach them the ins and outs of common car problems and what they should do.
Tip #9: Fill them in on what to do in an accident.
Make sure your teen driver knows what to do after a car accident – who to call, the steps to take, and how to react.
Shop safe new Orlando Toyotas today
Ready to turn your teen driver loose? Get them into a safe new Toyota today – shop Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.
Fans of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser, get excited – for the 2020 model year, Toyota is releasing an all-new, limited Heritage Edition. It’s got all of the performance features that you need from this much-loved SUV (luxury + versatility rolled into one) but has a bold new look that’s sure to turn heads. If you love the durable performance, plush interior, and unbeatable reliability that the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser offers, don’t miss this special edition.

Meet the all-new 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition
Why is it called the Heritage Edition, though? Toyota decided to take it all the way back to 1958 for their inspiration – that’s when the Toyota Land Cruiser officially joined the US lineup. This special edition model channels the versatility and off-road capabilities that the original 1950’s model is so renowned for; after all, it got its start as a 4WD military vehicle.
As mentioned, the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will offer performance specs very similar to the original model. Here’s what we’ve gleaned so far:
- It has a 5.7L DOHC V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft torque
- You’ll also find an 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission at your fingertips as well
- This SUV offers full-time 4WD with Torsen limited-slip locking center differential and optional low range driving
- You’ll find comfort and handling are a priority thanks to a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
- Tech is integrated to help improve performance, including Multi-terrain select, CRAWL Control, Off-Road Turn Assist, and more
And this new Toyota can also tow up to 8,100 lbs, meaning adventure is within your reach.
What about style? That’s where you’ll find the biggest deviations from the original model, and we can’t wait to lay eyes on the Heritage Edition for that very reason. Here are some of the stylistic updates it will showcase:
- Your choice of a Midnight Black Metallic or Blizzard Pearl exterior with black -accented grille
- Bronze-colored 18×8″ aluminum wheels with a Toyota centercap
- Darker headlight housings, fog light surrounds, and side mirrors as well as dark chrome exterior accents
And the running boards and lower side body moldings have been removed to make this model more overlanding-friendly. The interior has been revamped too, coming only with two rows of seats and details like:
- A black leather upholstery with bronze-colored accent stitching throughout the cabin
- All-weather floor mats and cargo mat to improve its versatility further
And you can expect the same superior level of entertainment, convenience, and safety technology as the original model.

Expect this model to arrive at Toyota of Orlando in summer 2019
The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition will make its way to Orlando in summer of 2019, but don’t miss it when it gets here. Only 1,200 models will be released so when we say it’s limited-edition, we mean it. You don’t want to miss your shot to get your hands on one!
For more information or to check out the 2019 model in person, call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.



