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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Toyota is a vehicle manufacturer with an impressive roster of diverse vehicles meant to suit the needs of any and all drivers. Everything from the Toyota 86 to the Tundra has features that are meant to service drivers with whatever their needs are. While Toyota’s lineup includes several great nameplates like the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, there used to be several more back in the day. This truck is known for its rugged toughness and extreme capability, and a Back to the Future cameo (that’s most likely where you know it from).

The Orlando Toyota Hilux is a truck that’s developed a reputation as a truly tough truck. Top Gear drowned one in the ocean, let it fall from atop a demolishing building, and set it on fire and repaired it using basic tools. The truck still ran and made history as one of the most durable vehicles out there. But, why is it not available in the states anymore and where can you find one today? Toyota of Orlando has the details on the Toyota Hilux, check it out!

The Story of the Toyota Hilux

The legendary Toyota Hilux was, at one point, a staple in the North American market. It was introduced with a 1.5L I4 engine and was available with regular cab and short bed modifications. For its second generation, the Hilux featured an upgraded engine and more comfortable interior.

The Orlando Toyota Hilux continued going strong and Toyota eventually reached an agreement with Winnebago Industries that allowed them to enter the SUV market. This lead to the development of the Hilux Surf, which eventually became the 4Runner.

It wasn’t until the fifth generation of the Orland Toyota Hilux that it was cancelled from the North American lineup. Oddly enough, Volkswagen manufactured the Hilux under their own nameplate, the Taro, from 1989 to 1997. The Hilux was replaced by the Toyota Tacoma in 1995 in North America but continued to be sold in South America. It was also cancelled in Japan in 2005.

Where’s the Toyota Hilux Now? 

While this iconic Orlando Toyota truck was cancelled in North America and Japan, the Toyota Hilux is still available in countries like South Africa, Thailand, and Australia. Recently, a GR racing edition of Hilux was made available in South Africa in very limited supply. There’s also talks of introducing an EV model by 2025.

This truck is available with engine sizes like 2.0, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 2.8, 3.0, and 4.0 liter sizes with inline-4 and V6 variants. For many drivers, the Orlando Toyota Hilux is a highly capable and customizable ride that can’t be stopped. It may be gone from the North American market, but we still have an iconic compact truck to lean on.

The Toyota Tacoma is a unique truck that features near-limitless combinations and accessories to customize it. It can be used as a regular commuting vehicle, an off-roading vehicle, or a working one. Whatever you need it for, this Toyota Hilux replacement is worth checking out. Make sure to stop by Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road and check out our Toyota Tacoma inventory!

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Sure, it’s fun to hit the highway and cruise city streets to find your dose of adventure. But if you had the chance to take things off the beaten path, would you? In order to get off the pavement you need the right ride and believe it or not, we have a solution that you may not consider when it comes to rough-and-ready vehicles – the Orlando Toyota Land Cruiser. We’re here to talk to you about this versatile SUV and give you the scoop on a recently noticed 1985 model that’s ready for anything. Check it out!

You’ll love this custom 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser

First of all, it’s important to keep in mind that while the new Toyota Land Cruiser is all about luxury, it’s also got major performance elements woven into it because it was originally designed to be an off-roading maverick. When it came to fruition in the 1940s, this Orlando Toyota was actually a military vehicle, and it’s never strayed too far from its roots when it comes to performance.

We recently scoped a 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser listed for sale by a private seller on the internet, and we were pretty impressed by the mods and capabilities that it has to offer its new owner. It’s truly ready for anything, and here’s what it’s packing to prove that point:

• A new suspension composed of Old Man Emu springs, Boss airbags, two extra lead springs in the rear, and a sway bar
• A newer 350 cubic-inch Ram Jet V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission for ultimate control
• A large roof basket with the ability to hold six fuel tanks AND an attached awning to give you some shade should you decide to pull over and take in the view
• Mud-terrain tires with two spares – one is hooked onto the back of this Toyota Land Cruiser and one is stored in the spacious roof basket
• A 40-gallon fuel tank to get you further (the original tank of this Orlando Toyota holds around 23 gallons)
• A snorkel to allow you to tackle water crossings without a problem
• TWO batteries used to power both the vehicle and all of its accessories, as well as a 100-watt solar panel to add a little more oomph to the equation
• A WagonGear storage system attached to the tow hitch for more cargo space, and extra cabin storage with custom dashboard drawers
• 360 degree flood lamp lighting, Hella H4 headlamps, and PIAA driving lights for the ultimate illumination

And while this Toyota Land Cruiser may have 305,000 miles listed on it, the new engine only accounts for around 55,000 of them. Obviously, this off-roading aficionado has a lot of life left in it.

See what this versatile Orlando Toyota can bring to your drive time today

And the good news? You can get the best of both worlds now – hit the road in a luxury vehicle that’s designed to keep you comfortable and connected, but take things off the pavement whenever you see fit thanks to all of the versatile performance features this Orlando Toyota has to offer.

Get behind the wheel today – call us at (407) 298-4500!

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Are you hitting the theme parks anytime soon? Summer can be a busy time to visit – it’s usually peak time, in fact, as tourists from all over the world flood Orlando and Central Florida to visit the Mouse and check out Harry Potter’s domain. However, that shouldn’t stop you from making your way out to the theme parks and putting your pass to use. Toyota of Orlando is here with theme park hacks to make your visit easy, seamless, and stress-free!

Make the most of your time with these theme park hacks

1. Start at the back. When the park opens, people tend to congregate around the front of it and explore what it has to offer. Head directly through the crowds to the back of the park where the crowds will be thinnest so you can take advantage of no lines before the crowd reaches you.

2. Hit the busy rides during shows and parades. Dying to ride Seven Dwarves Mine Train or Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure? Try to hit the most popular rides in the park when everyone else is watching shows, fireworks, and parades to save yourself the time and hassle.

3. Take a picture of where you parked. A long day at the parks can be exhausting and the last thing you want to do is wander the parking lots to find your Orlando Toyota. Take a picture of the spot and row where you parked BEFORE you go in so it’s easy to locate your vehicle at the end of the day.

4. Have a designated meeting point in case your group gets separated. If you’re going with a big group, it’s easy for people to wander off or get separated in crowds and lines. Theme park hack: have a designated meeting spot where you can all congregate should you get separated.

These Orlando Toyota tips can make your visits even more magical

5. Use mobile ordering. Some parks let you order food via their mobile app ahead of time, so when you get to the restaurant all you have to do is swing through and pick it up. This theme park hack can save you time, especially when restaurants are at their busiest.

6. Get there extra-early. The early bird gets the work, right? Head to the theme parks right when they open. If you can get there for “rope drop” (official opening time), you can sprint for the back and save yourself a ton of time by avoiding crowds.

7. Download park apps on your phone. As noted, you should download the park app to your phone. Not only can you use mobile ordering, but you can also check fast passes, show and parade times, and wait times to see when you should hit your favorite rides. It’ll make your visit much more efficient.

8. BYO everything. All parks have different rules, but BYO EVERYTHING if you can. You can rent a locker to store it in, and you’ll save money by bringing things like snacks, empty water bottles to fill, medicine, a basic first aid kit, and ponchos.

From our Orlando Toyota family to yours, have a great visit to the parks and we hope these theme park hacks make your visit even more magical!

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Everyone knows that Toyota is committed to the environment. In fact, they were the frontrunners for the hybrid car movement; the iconic Orlando Toyota Prius was the first vehicle that really allowed drivers to go green with the turn of a key. But a new initiative is on the horizon and Toyota is working harder than ever to do its part to save Mother Earth through sustainability. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop!

What is the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050?

The initiative is called Toyota’s Environmental Challenge 2050, and it has five steps built into its roadmap to help increase sustainability and keep our planet nice and green. It’s goals? To achieve the following:

• Eliminate CO2 emissions from Orlando Toyotas by 90% from 2010 levels
• Minimize/optimize water usage
• Help create a recycling-based society
• Support biodiversity and work in harmony with nature
• Eliminate CO2 emissions from Toyota operations

And here are the steps they plan to take to make it happen.

5 steps to make sustainability happen

Step #1: To preserve national parks with old car batteries. To do so, Toyota plans to repurpose old Toyota Camry batteries and use them to store power collected by solar panels for future use. This will allow parks to rely more on solar power rather than diesel or propane to run their backup generators.

Step #2: To establish recyclable water systems – Toyota plans to increase sustainability at its operations by eliminating water waste, establish systems that use 100% recycled or reused water, spread word about water conservation, and help their major suppliers take the same initiatives. In fact, Toyota’s headquarters in Plano, TX has already implemented a rainwater harvesting system.

Step #3: To teach a recycle-first mindset. Toyota wants to increase its use of sustainable materials AND increase the life of its vehicles’ parts, eliminate waste disposal via recycling, and share insights with the community. Not only do they encourage their employees to recycle, but they’re also reducing raw material usage to do away with waste.

Step #4: To promote biodiversity in North America. Toyota will work to protect species across the country, conserve natural habitats, and share insights to help others do the same. Did you know that Toyota is helping to preserve areas of the Galapagos Islands to prevent contamination of the islands? They’re also working right here in the U.S., sustaining 1,000+ acres of wilderness at 12 different sites.

Step #5: To partner for a sustainable future. Toyota wants to share its expertise and experiences in sustainability with its partners and the community to help other major players achieve the same goals. Right now, Toyota sponsors National Public Lands Day, where volunteers dedicate hours on a massive scale to keep public lands pristine and clean.

Want to learn more about Toyota’s sustainability initiatives, or want to integrate a little more green into your drive time? Call Toyota of Orlando today to set up a test drive in one of our new Toyota hybrids. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Are you shopping for a new SUV but not sure which make is going to suit you best? Why not make things easy and shop for a new Toyota? We have a wide variety of reliable, stylish, and performance-driven SUVs for sale so you can find the right ride for any need. Check out some of the selection below and get down to our Orlando Toyota dealership to shop options today!

Our Orlando Toyotas offer something for everyone

If you need something super family-friendly: 

If you’re in the market for a new SUV that’s exceptionally family-friendly, then you need to slide behind the wheel of the Toyota Highlander. This Orlando Toyota SUV is super spacious, offering three rows of seating for a total of 8 people, as well as a roomy cargo area, towing capabilities, and plenty of legroom. On top of that, it’s decked out with top safety technology like Toyota Safety Sense P, the Star Safety System, an Advanced Airbag System, and Safety Connect Services, just to name a few things. And you’ll love family-friendly convenience features like three-zone automatic climate conrol, a rear-seat Blu Ray Disc entertainment system, Bluetooth, and more!

If you’re taking things off-road: 

Want a spacious SUV for the workweek but trying to get things off the pavement on the weekend? Check out the 2019 Toyota 4Runner! This new Toyota SUV is decked out with performance-driven features designed to tackle any terrain. Get back in touch with nature with features like a 4.0L V6 engine, rear-wheel drive with automatic limited-slip differential, part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, active traction control, multi-terrain select, electronically-controlled locking rear differential, and reinforced body-on-frame construction.

If you want something compact and fuel-efficient: 

Want something a little more spacious than your standard sedan or crossover, but not wanting to shell out big bucks for gas or feel like your ride is bulky? Then check out the 2019 Toyota RAV4! This compact SUV is perfect for drivers who want fuel efficiency (26/35 mpg, to be exact, as well as a hybrid option) and something sporty but also want more interior room. This Toyota SUV seats five and has 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space so you’re ready for a road trip but won’t break the bank, no matter where your adventure takes you.

If you want luxury integrated into your daily drive time: 

Looking for luxury to take your drive time up a level? Check out the much-loved Toyota Land Cruiser. This Orlando Toyota SUV brings plush sophistication to your drive time with a soft leather interior, an Entune Premium JBL Audio System, the Smart Key System on on all doors as well as a push button start, and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system with two individual 11.6″ screens. You’ll also find multi-terrain select, a 5.7L V8 engine, and full-time four-wheel drive with active traction control.

Shop for a new Toyota SUV today!

As you can see, we’ve got something for everyone… so why not shop today? Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Summer in Florida isn’t all about sunshine – in fact, it’s probably one of our rainiest seasons. Without fail we get afternoon storms almost every day and hurricanes are always a possibility in the sunshine state. In order to make the most of the summer and not let the weather rain on your parade, you need to prep your car. Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Check out these 5 simple auto service tips to get your car ready for driving in the rain.

5 auto service tips for driving in the rain

Tip #1: Regularly inspect your tires. 

You want your tires to offer you the best traction possible when driving in the rain, so you should regularly inspect them to ensure they’re able to do it. To offer proper traction in wet weather your tires need to be in good physical condition (without damage like bubbles, blisters, sidewall separation, or punctures) and should be inflated to the proper PSI, which you can find in your owner’s manual. Also, check tires to ensure they have enough tread for proper grip and if they don’t, have them replaced at our Orlando Toyota service center.

Tip #2: Get brake service on a routine basis. 

You want your brakes to ALWAYS work, but especially when the road is wet and you may find yourself making sudden stops. Get routine brake service to ensure the entire system is working properly – our Orlando auto service techs can put you on a schedule so you always have full stopping power on your side.

Tip #3: Make sure your defroster works. 

Humidity +heat + rain = major visibility issues. Make sure your defroster works properly so you can see out of your front AND back windows when the rain makes the glass foggy. If you’re having problems with it, let our techs take a peek.

Get the supplies and maintenance you need for rainy weather at Toyota of Orlando

Tip #4: Swap out your wiper blades regularly. 

It’s essential that your wipers work properly when you’re driving in the rain and that they’re clearing your windshield of water with every swipe. If you notice them leaving streaks, making chattering or squealing noises, or that they have physical damage, it’s time for a replacement set. Our Orlando auto parts techs can help you choose and install the right ones.

Tip #5: Check your headlights, taillights, and turn signals. 

You need to turn on your headlights when driving in the rain for better visibility (both for you and other drivers). Make sure they’re shining brightly and that the bulbs are working – this applies to taillights and turn signals, too. If your headlights are looking a little worse for the wear, consider headlight restoration to get them nice and bright again.

Whether you need to schedule Orlando auto service or shop our parts department for supplies, we can help you prepare for driving in the rain. Stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, or call us for more information at (407) 298-4500.

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