Have you heard that the all-new Toyota Prius will have all-wheel drive in the 2019 model year? It’s a first for this groundbreaking hybrid and quite a few drivers are excited about it. However, is all-wheel drive really a feature you need? Toyota of Orlando is here to break down the ins and outs of this unique features to help you decide if it’s something you should include next time you shop for a new ride.

What is all-wheel drive?

First of all, what is it? All-wheel drive is – to put it simply – the ability of a vehicle to send power to all four wheels, whether on demand or continuously. Most vehicles out on the road are front-wheel drive, which means power is only sent to the front two tires on the vehicle. This can be problematic, especially if you’re driving a heavier vehicle like an SUV or a truck and especially if you have a lot of heavy cargo in the rear of your ride.

What are the perks of all-wheel drive? The main benefit of this feature is that it provides your Orlando Toyota with much better traction. Since power is being sent to all four wheels, if one starts to slip, the other three can compensate for it and help you regain traction more efficiently and quickly. This is especially helpful if you’re driving in snow or other slick conditions, or if you’re taking things off the pavement and need a little extra grab for the terrain. This feature can even help in rainy conditions (which we see plenty of here in Orlando).

What are the possible drawbacks of this feature?

However, this feature isn’t for everyone. Here are some things to weigh out if you’re debating getting all-wheel drive on your next Orlando Toyota:

• • These vehicles tend to be more expensive – AWD cars can be up to a few thousand dollars more than FWD vehicles.
  • They’re also more expensive to maintain and repair. AWD systems are more complex than FWD systems because they’re sending power to four wheels, not just two. This means more parts to maintain and repair and subsequently, more costs.
  • They reduce gas mileage. This system means your vehicle is heavier so your engine has to work harder to get it going and this can eat into your fuel economy.
  • Front-wheel drive can sometimes do the job. Here in Orlando, for example, we don’t see snow. EVER. We do get our fair share of rain and we’ve even see frost warnings from time to time, but you’ll never see heavy snow or severe icy conditions in the City Beautiful. Front-wheel drive can handle rain just fine, especially with the advent of anti-lock brakes and traction control to give drivers better handling.
  • You can also opt for winter tires – they’re not as effective in bad winter weather, but they’re still better than winging it in a FWD car all winter long.

Still not sure if you need all-wheel drive? Call us – our Orlando Toyota sales specialists can walk you through the pros and cons again! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road and you can reach us at (407) 298-4500.

 

 

 

 

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The weekend is here, and the weather is warm! Summer is upon us and now is the perfect time to soak up the sun, sand, and sea. Which beach do you prefer to hit that’s close to Central Florida? Luckily for us, there are plenty of options depending on your mood and what you want to get out of the day. Toyota of Orlando is here to share the five best beaches within close driving distance of the city beautiful.

#1: Cocoa Beach 

 

Cocoa Beach is about an hour from Orlando and it’s a straight highway shot, making the drive easy. You’ll find a party atmosphere with plenty of bars and restaurants to start/end the fun at, as well as a ton of shops – including the iconic Ron Jons – to peruse for beach gear and souvenirs. There’s also a pier (check out the fishing spots), picnic pavilions, and views of Cape Canaveral if you happen to visit the day of a rocket launch.

#2: New Smyrna Beach 

 

New Smyrna Beach is also about an hour from Orlando. It’s a family-friendly option – you can drive your car onto the sand in certain spots for a fee, saving you from lugging endless beach toys and towels with you. There are lifeguard patrols to give you peace of mind, and you’ll find a boardwalk and a pier to explore as well as a small water park and plenty of local restaurants. Plus, you’re extremely close to Daytona International Speedway.

#3: Clearwater Beach 

 

Head to the west coast of Florida to check out the beach voted one of the best – Clearwater Beach. It’s about a two-hour drive but it’s worth the hike. You’ll find a fishing pier and a plethora of water sports that allow you to enjoy the Gulf, as well as endless restaurants, shops, and family attractions. There’s a marina, scenic cruises, and cabanas that you can rent for the day if you want to get out of the sun.

#4: Treasure Island 

 

Treasure Island is also on the west coast and around two hours when it comes to drive time. This beach has a very “Old Florida” vibe and is a calmer, more family-friendly and relaxing atmosphere if you want some peace and quiet. You’ll find deep sea fishing, calm beaches, and a convenient trolley to get you around town, including to the historic downtown district for food, drinks, and shopping.

#5: Port Canaveral 

 

Head up to Canaveral National Seashore this weekend – it’s about a 50-minute drive from Orlando and offers plenty of wildlife spotting. You’ll see fish, birds, sea turtles, and more. There are sand dunes to explore and you’ll love the fishing opportunities as well as quiet, secluded beaches to relax on.

Wherever your weekend takes you, we hope you enjoy your time at the beach. Remember, never drink and drive and be sure to operate your vehicle carefully, especially on the highway! And don’t forget to visit Toyota of Orlando is you need some quick auto service before you hit the road. Have a great weekend!

 

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When it comes to new Toyota minivans, the Orlando Toyota Sienna has pretty much everything you could want for a family-friendly vehicle. It’s spacious and versatile on the interior, boasts top-of-the-line entertainment and safety technology, offers exceptional performance, and even looks good while doing it. However, it hasn’t always been the go-to option on the market for the best minivan around – it actually replaced another great option, the Toyota Previa. Do you remember this unique Toyota minivan from back in the 1990’s?

 

What did the Toyota Previa have to offer?

The Toyota Previa was first introduced in 1990 and it definitely turned heads (whether good or bad). This Orlando Toyota minivan had an interesting shape that was different from most models out on the road at that time – it was best recognized by its rounded front and back ends and the pronounced curve on the top of the van. Additionally, it was a unique vehicle because it was a mid-engined platform, which meant the inline-4-cylinder engine was actually installed under the front seats of the van rather than in the traditional front engine bay or in the back of the vehicle. Why? Toyota wanted to create a vehicle that was more balanced for better handling and a more comfortable ride. Here are some other highlights from the life of the Toyota Previa.

• This new Toyota minivan was introduced in 1990 to replace the Toyota Van and was significantly more popular than its predecessor.
• It had a short lifespan in the US (1990-1999) but is actually still in production in other parts of the world – namely, Japan and Australia. There it’s known as the Toyota Estima. It’s actually even been produced as a hybrid model in these particular parts of the world.
• It was replaced in the US by the Toyota Sienna, which was first introduced to the market in 1997 as an alternative option that was front-wheel drive and produced in the US on a Camry base.
• There was a problem with the mid-engined design – it sounds like a cool concept, but it actually meant there was a space limitation and you couldn’t incorporate larger engine sizes (aka more horsepower and torque) into this Toyota minivan. Why was this an issue? Most of the competitors were putting V6 engines into their minivans and the Toyota Previa just couldn’t fit the larger option.
• Toyota actually tried to fix the above problem by putting a supercharger into the mix, which brought horsepower to 158 and increased fuel efficiency.
• Some other cool features up for grabs on this Toyota minivan included swivel second-row seats, a dual moonroof, and a small ice-maker and refrigerator that could double as a beverage heater. Additionally, all models offered an almost panoramic view from inside due to the large windows.

The Toyota Previa was officially retired in the US in 1999 to make way for the more practical Toyota Sienna… but we haven’t forgotten it!

Come see our selection of Orlando Toyota minivans today

 

Curious to see what the latest Toyota minivan can offer your drive time? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

 

 

 

 

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Summer is almost here! While the “official” start of summer is June 21, here in Florida we know that the season kicks off around Memorial Day Weekend when temperatures climb and beach weekends become part of the routine. However, hitting the road is different in every season, and summer is no exception. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of summer driving safety tips spanning lots of different areas. Check it out before you hit the highway this summer.

Don’t hit the highway this summer without these driving safety tips

Tip #1: Be ready for blowouts. Hot weather takes a toll on your tires – the pavement is a lot warmer and makes your tires work hard, and the hot air inside of your tires causes them to expand. If they’re not in the greatest shape already, you’re at risk for a blowout. Have our Orlando auto service techs inspect them to ensure they can handle summer driving, especially if you’re traveling long distances.

Tip #2: Watch out for teens. School is out during summer and there are a lot more teens on the road. Scarily enough, more teen driving deaths happen in the summer than any other time of year. Be sure to avoid distracted driving and pay close attention to your surroundings so you can prevent accidents rather than just react to them as they’re happening. If you have a teen hitting the road in your household, be sure that they’re schooled in driving safety and have had plenty of practice before you hand over the keys.

Tip #3: Prepare for traffic. There are more drivers on the road in the summer because school is out and lots of people tend to travel. Know how to safely handle congested roads and be sure to check your route before you head out – you may want to take an alternate way to avoid traffic and save time.

Tip #4: Be careful when towing. Summer is prime time to hitch up your boat, load up your bikes, and connect that new camping trailer to find some fun in the sun. However, if your vehicle isn’t equipped with the right equipment or you aren’t familiar with towing driving safety, you could be in a world of trouble. Make sure your ride is hitched up correctly and that you stay within your weight limits (our Toyota of Orlando techs can help you figure this all out), and study up on towing safety before you actually hit the highway.

Tip #5: Don’t let your car overheat, leaving you stranded. Make sure you’re up to date on routine auto service like oil changes and fluid checks so your car can handle the higher temps without batting an eye. Our Orlando Toyota service center can help you stay on a schedule so you’re ready for anything.

Toyota of Orlando can get your ride road-ready for summer

Call us today to schedule auto service or learn more about towing driving safety – we’re open seven days a week and ready to help! You can reach us all summer at (407) 298-4500.

 

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Do you drive a manual transmission car?

If so, you’re definitely in the minority. According to recent research, manual transmissions are becoming less and less popular when it comes to choosing your next drivetime solution. It could be because automatic transmissions are both easier to drive and more efficient, offering a simpler and more enjoyable drive time (for some drivers, at least – some still love the thrill of driving a stick shift). Because of this lack of interest, carmakers are slowly reducing their manual ranks and not offering the option anymore to trim down inventory and simplify production.

Where have all the manual transmissions gone?

Toyota conducted a study to see just how uncommon manual transmissions were actually becoming, and our Orlando Toyota dealership has skimmed the highlights for you. Check it out!

• As of this year, the Corolla, Tacoma, Yaris, and 86 are the only cars left in this drive time configuration. All other models – including the new Orlando Toyota Supra – are available in automatic only.
• In 2018, just 1% of all Toyota Corollas sold were manual – that’s around 2,800 vehicles total. And a lot of those were the new Corolla Hatchback, which is a car designed for driving enthusiasts who would likely choose this transmission type for a more exciting drive time.
• When it comes to the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Yaris, only 5% of all models sold were stick shift. In fact, so few Yaris models were sold in this transmission that it will no longer be available in 2020. Toyota will keep it as an option on the Tacoma because off-roaders tend to prefer it for more control.
• The 86 – our resident Orlando Toyota sports car – had a higher percentage of manual transmissions, clocking in a 33%. But conversely, that means that 67% of buyers preferred an automatic transmission with paddle shifters for more efficiency and a simpler drive time.

As you can see, it looks like this particular type of transmission may be on its way out. It’ll always have its place for sports car enthusiasts and truck drivers, but when it comes to the mainstream, it seems to be losing popularity. Ford no longer makes an F-150 pickup (surprisingly), and both Chevy and GMC did away with their manual transmissions for their best-selling trucks. You won’t find it on most Dodges or Cadillacs, nor will you be able to pick one up if you’re driving home a Ram 1500 or a Jeep Cherokee.

Should you choose this transmission for your next Orlando Toyota?

So, what’s the allure of this type of transmission, then? Here are some perks to keep in mind when you start car shopping:

• They’re typically easier to maintain – they’re simple systems than automatic, and usually the clutch is the only part that really needs to be repaired (and not for a long while)
• You can get better fuel economy with them because you’re in control of how your vehicle drives and how often it shifts, which gears it uses, etc.
• You have more control over your driving experience
• Your brakes don’t wear as quickly because you can downshift to slow your vehicle
• They’re typically cheaper than their automatic counterparts

The best way to tell if this type of transmission is for you? Test drive one today! Come down to Toyota of Orlando and get into the driver’s seat – we’re located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

 

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When it comes to auto repairs, you can find your self spending a good chunk of money getting your car back where it needs to be. Cars are investments and expensive ones at that – keeping them in top shape is definitely a financial investment. However, there are easy and effective ways to allay costs and keep your monthly budget where it needs to be! A lot of auto repairs can be avoided if you keep up with car maintenance and routine care, and Toyota of Orlando is here to help. We sat down with our Toyota service techs to talk about the most expensive auto repairs and how you can avoid them. Check it out!

What are some of the most expensive auto repairs out there?

#1: Brake Lines 

Your brake lines are essential for safe and effective stopping power – without them, your entire braking system can fall into non-working order. They’re a small part in the grand scheme of things, but replacing them can actually cost upwards of $1,000. The best way to prevent this auto repair is to consistently get brake service and have your braking system inspected so the issue can be caught early on.

#2: A/C Compressor 

No one wants to brave Florida without A/C in their car but if the compressor in the system fails, you’ll be doing just that OR shelling out big bucks to fix it ($500+). You can add freon to the system as a temporary solution but you’re just delaying the inevitable. The best way to avoid an A/C compressor replacement is to maintain the system and have it inspected routinely by our Orlando Toyota service techs – they’ll be able to spot anything that’s wrong and fix it early.

#3: Mass Airflow Sensor 

Your engine needs a steady flow of air to operate efficiently and to prevent mechanical problems, and both your air filters and mass airflow sensor are responsible for this. However, if you neglect your air filters, it can cause your mass airflow sensor to fail and cost you $400 or more to repair. The easiest way to avoid this auto repair is to routinely replace your air filters – it’s a lot cheaper than fixing a broken sensor.

#4: Head Gasket 

A blown head gasket means big trouble for your car – it can result in your car overheating, oil or coolant spray inside the engine bay, and white smoking flooding out of the vehicle. The really bad news? It can cost $2,000 or more to repair. However, you can avoid this issue by making sure you keep your coolant topped off and checking its condition regularly at our Toyota of Orlando service center.

Let Toyota of Orlando help protect your wallet

See? If you stick to a routine car maintenance schedule and let our Orlando auto service techs conduct the free multi-point inspection that we offer every time you come in, you’re set – you can keep expensive auto repairs at bay and also keep your car running like-new for years to come.

Schedule your appointment today – call (407) 298-0001 or come by and talk to one of our service advisors at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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Thinking of heading out to New Smyrna Beach this weekend and hitting the sand? Being able to drive on the beach makes things a lot easier – not only do you have a convenient spot to cool off if things really heat up, you also don’t have to hike down the beach with all of your gear in tow. However, driving on the beach isn’t quite as simple as it seems. For the best experience possible, use these Orlando Toyota tips for driving on the beach!

Driving on the beach is simple with these tips

Tip #1: Know the rules. You can’t just drive on ANY beach – it has to be a designated beach, like New Smyrna, and you often have to pay for entry. Plus, there are rules (like at New Smyrna, you must have your headlights on at all times, drive 10 mph, and have your driver’s side window open).

Tip #2: Pack light. Now is not the time to load up your Orlando Toyota with every single beach toy, accessory, and tool you own, nor is it the time to load up a jetski in the back of your truck. You don’t want your car to weigh too much when you’re driving on the beach or else it’ll be hard to retain traction.

Tip #3: Four-wheel drive is best. You don’t NEED four-wheel drive for driving on the beach, but it does help, especially if you hit a patch of soft sand. It can get you out of a sticky spot without your vehicle having to be towed out.

Tip #4: Check the tides. Typically, beach ramps will close when it’s high tide so vehicles can’t access the sand. However, if you’re already on the beach, keep an eye on the tides and park your car carefully. The last thing you want to do is find yourself bogged down in a foot of water when the tide rises.

Tip #5: Let some air out of your tires. This flattens them a little which means they have more surface area and subsequently, more traction on sand. Just remember to restore them to the right PSI when you leave the sand – driving with underinflated tires on pavement can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and even a blowout.

Hit the sand in an Orlando Toyota this summer

Tip #6: Follow the speed limit and avoid hard braking and sudden turns. The speed limit is there for a reason, and you should avoid hard braking and sharp turns. These abrupt, sudden movements can cause you to dig into the sand and consequently, get stuck.

Tip #7: Drive near the water (but not in it). The sand close to the water is packed down and easier to drive on, but make sure you stay out of the water so you don’t get stuck or damage your car.

Tip #8: Wash your car when you leave! Salt from the wind and water is extremely damaging to your vehicle and you want to get it clean as quickly as possible when you head off the sand.

Want more tips or want to shop the Orlando Toyotas that we think are perfect for driving on the beach? Call us today at (407) 298-4500!

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When it comes to car repairs, some people like a DIY approach. They get satisfaction out of fixing their vehicles with their own hands in the comfort of their garage, and we get it. However, some car repairs are just better left to the professionals for a multitude of reasons. Our Orlando auto service techs are here to explain in depth when you should seek expertise at our Toyota Service Center instead of tackling repairs at home.

Do your car repairs require expert knowledge?

Repair #1: Car computer issues. 

Car computers are getting more and more complex over time, and they control more and more aspects of your vehicle. These computerized systems run diagnostics, keep sensors operating, and more. Unfortunately, you’ll need special tools and expert knowledge to repair issues with your car computer and if you mess it up, it can mean an extremely expensive car repair bill after the fact. Leave these issues to the professionals at Toyota of Orlando.

Repair #2: Electrical repairs. 

It’s one thing to replace a burnt out fuse, bulb, or spark plug, but it’s entirely another to tackle your car’s electrical system for bigger issues. Trying to keep track of all the wires, harnesses, and assemblies can be extremely confusing, leaving you open to make mistakes. Schedule auto service for electrical car repairs.

Repair #3: Radiator replacement. 

The radiator is essential to keeping your car’s cooling system running and preventing your car from overheating. It may seem like a simple fix to just replace a part, but the cooling system is a lot more complicated than you think and it won’t be a quick fix. Plus, you run the risk of a $5,000+ bill if you end up with a blown engine… so maybe leave this one to our Orlando Toyota service experts.

Our Orlando Toyota service experts can get to the bottom of your drive time issues

Repair #4: Timing belt replacement. 

We know it’s tempting to try and tackle this car repair on your own because it can get pricey to replace your timing belt. However, that’s because it’s a very labor-intensive job – you have to disassemble a big chunk of your engine to even reach the timing belt. On top of that, the timing belt is responsible for a ton of different processes inside your engine so if you mess the repair up, you could be in for a very expensive future bill.

Repair #5: Transmission repairs. 

In order to perform repairs on your car’s transmission, you need special tools AND expert knowledge. The transmission is a large part of the undercarriage and responsible for your car properly shifting gears, so if you repair it improperly, you’re going nowhere fast. Leave this one to our car care experts for the best results!

Have questions or think you might need a little expert assistance for your car repairs? Don’t delay – call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we’re open seven days a week. You can call to schedule your appointment at (407) 298-0001.

 

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Summer is here – we’re well into the 100’s when you count the heat index and things are scorching hot in the City Beautiful. In extreme temps like this, it’s essential to care for your ride so it can still handle taking on the open road, whether you’re getting around town for your day-to-day commute or hitting the highway for a summer road trip. Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss 5 common car care mistakes that drivers make in the summer – avoid them so you can save yourself a headache AND a big repair bill. See what our auto service techs have to say below.

Don’t make these car care mistakes as things heat up

Mistake #1: Not checking your tires often. 

Summer takes a toll on your tires. The roads are hot and when you combine that with the friction caused by your wheels turning, you have a recipe for blowouts and flat tires. Schedule routine tire car care to keep them in good shape. You’ll want to inspect them weekly for any signs of damage, check the PSI to ensure they’re inflated enough, and get tire rotations on a regular basis so all four tires wear evenly and last longer.

Mistake #2: Forgetting about your wiper blades. 

Summer means sun, right? Yes, but in Orlando, it also means almost daily rainstorms. Neglecting your wiper blades can seriously impede your field of vision, so it’s essential to ensure that they’re in good shape. Look for signs of damage like squealing noises, damage to the rubber strips, or water being smeared around your windshield instead of cleared off. Our Orlando Toyota parts store can get you an affordable replacement set.

Mistake #3: Ignoring your cooling system. 

Summertime means soaring temperatures, which translates to your car working overtime to stay cool. Ignoring your cooling system can be a fatal car care mistake! You need to ensure that your vehicle always has enough coolant in the tank and that the cooling system is working properly to keep everything under the hood at the right temperature, no matter how far or fast you’re driving. Make sure you have our Orlando auto service techs check things out.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you keep your ride cool this summer

Mistake #4: Putting off your oil changes. 

Coolant is essential for keeping your ride at the right temps, but oil is right up there with it. Oil ensures that your car’s engine stays cool and doesn’t overheat (and subsequently meld together and be absolutely ruined). You need to stay on a schedule with this type of car care so your car can do what it needs to do without overheating.

Mistake #5: Not protecting your car from the sun. 

The strong summer sun can do a number on your ride, so be sure to protect it. Park in the shade whenever you can, use a sunshade to protect your dash, tint your windows, and apply wax regularly to shield your car’s paint from fading.

Need some assistance in NOT making these car care mistakes? Visit Toyota of Orlando to shop our parts store and talk to one of our techs in person. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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If you just bought your very first car… CONGRATS! Buying a vehicle is a huge step and something to be proud of. With car ownership, though, comes a lot of responsibility. A vehicle is a big investment, so you want to do everything you can to keep it in like-new condition – it’ll not only give you the best performance possible but also ensure you retain value so you can get more bang for your buck if you want to sell it in the future. Luckily for you, our Orlando auto service techs have put together a few car care tips for first-time car owners!

Learn how to care for your first car like a pro

Tip #1: Never ignore a warning light, weird smell, or odd noise. 

It’s tempting to pretend you don’t see that warning light in the dash or to turn up the radio to drown out that odd sound you keep hearing. After all, who knows how much it’ll cost to fix? Don’t give into the temptation! Delaying necessary car repairs can just make issues evolve into bigger, more expensive, and more serious issues down the road. If something is off with your ride, bring it into Toyota of Orlando so our techs can check things over for you.

Tip #2: Take a look at the owner’s manual as soon as you buy the car. 

The owner’s manual is basically a bible for your car. It’ll give you all the information you need to know to be a responsible owner, including things like what service schedule to follow, which oil to use, which gasoline you should put in the tank, and more. Skim through it so you have a basic idea of how to handle car care, and keep it close by (like in the glovebox) for your reference.

Tip #3: Get your vehicle on a car care schedule with a mechanic. 

The best way to take excellent care of your vehicle is to immediately put it on a car care schedule. This way, you never miss an important service like an oil change, tire rotation, or inspection. Toyota of Orlando’s service techs can help you set up the right schedule for your vehicle’s needs and keep you on it, sending you reminders when you’re due to come in for a visit.

Tip #4: Know how to handle car care emergencies. 

Knowing how to handle car care emergencies quickly and efficiently can save you a lot of time and money. Educate yourself on how to deal with common ones, like a flat tire, an overheated car, a dead batter, and collisions/accidents BEFORE you start hitting the road regularly.

Tip #5: Detail your car inside and out on a regular basis. 

A big part of car maintenance is keeping your car LOOKING like-new, too! This helps retain value and prevent problems like rust, mold, and mildew. Be sure to thoroughly detail the inside and outside of your car on a routine basis to protect it from the elements and keep it in the best shape possible.

Let Toyota of Orlando get you on a maintenance schedule today

Need help getting on a car care schedule? Call Toyota of Orlando today and talk to one of our techs at (407) 298-0001!

 

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