Have you ever experienced a tire blowout? It’s a pretty frightening experience. Blowouts occur when your tire suddenly bursts and loses all of its air pressure rapidly. When this happens, your tire can no longer support the weight of your car and collapses. Blowouts are dangerous because when they occur, you lose control of your vehicle for a few moments (not to mention, the loud noise they make can easily startle you or the cars around you). If you’re moving at a high speed or driving on a slick surface, your chances of an accident or collision are high. Rear tire blowouts are exceptionally dangerous because they can cause your car to fishtail.

How can you prevent a tire blowout?

Luckily, your chances of experiencing a blowout are slimmer if you keep up with the right car tire care. Here’s what our Orlando auto service techs recommend to keep your car tires in top shape and prevent flat tires and blowouts!

Keep your tires inflated to the right PSI. Underinflated tires can’t properly carry the weight of your car because that air pressure is what keeps things supported. When your PSI is too low, it puts major stress on the tire and causes it to overflex, eventually leading to a blowout because the tire simply can’t flex any further. You can find the right level PSI in your owner’s manual or on a small placard on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Avoid potholes. Potholes can do a number on your car, resulting in alignment, suspension, and tire issues (and a big dent in your bank account). Hitting a pothole, curb or any other road hazard can damage your tire and its internal components. This makes it weaker and more likely to blow out under pressure.

Don’t overload your car. Your car has a weight limit, believe it or not, and if you exceed that limit it puts a lot of stress on your car tires when you’re out on the road. This can damage them, especially if they’re underinflated. Be sure to check your Gross Vehicular Weight Rating (you can find it in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side doorjamb next to the PSI recommendations).

Keep up with maintenance. You should be inspecting your tires routinely, checking the PSI, and having them rotated on a schedule. This is especially true if you find yourself driving on the highway a lot; driving at high speeds takes its toll on tires. If you don’t keep up with basic car tire care, then your tires will wear out faster and be prone to blowouts if you don’t replace them.

Keep a special eye on your car tires during the spring and summer. Blowouts are more likely to happen when the pavement is at its hottest.

Schedule car care today at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions? Think you need to schedule car tire care with our Orlando Toyota service techs? Call us today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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The Orlando Toyota RAV4 is a much-loved SUV for many reasons. It was recently redesigned for a seriously sleek and sporty look, offers great fuel efficiency combined with a spacious interior, and even comes in a hybrid drivetrain to save you money and cut down on emissions. However, it’s about to get even cooler – as of 2021, things are getting electric.

Meet the latest and greatest Toyota RAV4

The Los Angeles Auto Show took place last week and Toyota unveiled the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in to the world for the first time. This majorly green version of the ever-popular SUV is packing a punch when it comes to… well, just about everything, and Toyota of Orlando is here with the details! Check out the highlights below.

• This new Toyota SUV will have a 2.5L Atkinson cycle inline four engine from the current Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for 176 horsepower. However, it’s also boasting two electric motors, which boosts things up to 302 horsepower total.
• This model will also showcase on-demand all-wheel drive, where the rear wheels will be powered as needed by the electric motors. This all-wheel drive system additionally features a trail mode so give you some flexibility when it comes to taking things off the pavement.
• This Orlando Toyota will be able to get from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, making it the second-fastest vehicle in Toyota’s lineup after the Supra. Talk about speed!
• The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-In will be able to go 39 miles on electric power alone before switching over to the engine, making it an exceptionally green SUV.
• Two models will be available – the SE and XSE.
• The SE model will showcase features like an 8″ touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers will also love a power liftgate and heated front seats, as well as a sleek exterior decked out with 18″ wheels and black trim. This model also offers a power driver’s seat and a 7″ display in the instrument gauge cluster.
• The XSE model takes things up a notch with features like 19″ wheels, limited-edition two-tone paint colors, and vertical LED daytime running lights. The interior offers incredible highlights like synthetic leather upholstery (it’s more eco-friendly), new paddle shifters that also control regenerative braking, Qi wireless charging, and a 9″ touchscreen audio interface.
• Additionally, there’s an optional “premium” package up for grabs. This special package will add on features like heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a JBL audio system, and dynamic navigation. The dynamic navigation is one of the coolest features yet – it reads the road and learns the driver’s routine to keep your drive time fast, efficient, and stress-free.

Electrify your drive time this summer at Toyota of Orlando

When will we see it at Toyota of Orlando? Possibly by summer of 2020 – we’ll keep you posted on its arrival as we get more information. However, if you’re in the market for a clean green ride NOW, come down and see us! We can get you behind the wheel of a new Toyota Prius Prime AND get you a test drive in the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall!

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If you want to make your drive time more eco-friendly, there are a number of ways to do it. You can take public transportation, join a carpool, condense your trips, and consider riding a bike when the weather is nice. However, another easy and effective way to make your day-to-day a whole lot greener is to take home one of our green Orlando Toyotas.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars: As green as it gets

There are a ton of options when it comes to green cars here at Toyota of Orlando. We’ve got a large range of hybrids, including everything from compact hatchbacks to spacious family SUVs. You’ll also be able to explore electric car options like the Toyota Prius Prime. However, one vehicle that we’re eagerly awaiting is the Toyota Mirai – an innovative hydrogen fuel car that offers the cleanest, greenest performance yet, putting out only water vapor as emissions.

Hydrogen fuel cell cars like the Toyota Mirai are picking up in popularity, but a lot of people still don’t quite understand how they work or why they’re such a great pick for a green ride. Toyota of Orlando is here to break it down – check out the basics on hydrogen fuel cars below!

Toyota of Orlando’s answers to hydrogen car FAQs

• Fueling a hydrogen fuel car: Fueling one of these Orlando Toyotas isn’t that different than fueling your gasoline-powered car or hybrid. You pull up to a fueling station that looks remarkably similar to the ones you’re already used to – you’ll see a terminal with a hose and nozzle, as well as a screen payment and other information. There may also be a cooling fan or two, a fuel reservoir, and a compressor onsite. You’ll pay up, put the nozzle into your vehicle, and fuel!
• Costs of hydrogen fuel: Believe it or not, hydrogen fuel isn’t that much more expensive than gasoline. In fact, one of the only reasons it’s a tad bit pricier right now is because it’s a relatively new fuel source and not readily available in a lot of places (you’ll only find fueling stations in California and Hawaii right now). However, as it becomes more popular and widespread, the cost should drop even further.
• Dangers of hydrogen fuel: But what about the compressed fuel and leaks? Are they more dangerous with this type of Orlando Toyota? No, believe it or not, because the fuel tends to dissipate quickly before it has a chance to ignite (unlike gasoline), lowering the chances of fire spreading to other parts of the car. Additionally, hydrogen fuel cell cars come with several fail-safe measures to prevent leaks or other problems with the fuel.

Have questions about these innovative new Toyotas? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We can give you the scoop on the new Toyota Mirai or get you behind the wheel of a new Toyota hybrid. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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OK, OK, we know – it never snows here. Like, ever. So why are we taking the time to tell you all about tire traction devices and how they make your ride a whole lot safer in the snow? Well, while we can use all-season tires all year long here in Orlando, we know the holiday travels sometimes take people out of town. And if you’re heading up north where winter weather can be a lot harsher, it’s to your benefit to know which tire traction options are available to you while driving in the snow. Check out the main types below!

Type #1: Tire chains 

Tire chains are the most common AND the most readily available type of tire traction device for driving in the snow. They’re actual chains that attach to your car’s tires that help dig into the snow and give your vehicle extra traction on the road when conditions are slushy or snowy. Our Orlando Toyota parts center can help you choose the right ones for your ride – just ask.

Type #2: Tire spikes 

Tire spikes are kind of like tire chains, but they’re less bulky, easier to install than chains, and look a lot more streamlined when they’re on your car’s tires. These tire traction devices are just what they sound like – a row of spikes that are installed on the front face of the tire to cut through the snow and give you traction.

Type #3: GoClaws

GoClaws are similar to tire spikes, but they’re installed differently. Instead of being one piece installed on the front of the tire, GoClaws are installed on the tires using straps that attach to the four “corners” of the tires.

Type #4: Auto Socks 

Auto Socks are a relatively new type of tire traction technology that are supposed to be similar to tire chains. However, they’re actually made from textiles specially designed to give you more grip on the road.

And let’s not forget about traction mats. While they won’t do you much good when you’re in motion, they’re great if you find yourself stuck in snow, slush, or mud. These special mats are placed in front of a car’s tires so the tires can get a grip on them and get moving instead of spinning out in slippery conditions.

Like we said, you definitely won’t need these tire traction devices just to hit the road in Orlando (or in Florida, really). But if you’re heading north, they’re a great alternative to switching out your tires for winter tires. They can be installed and removed whenever you need, making them convenient and more affordable.

Need help shopping tire traction devices for your holiday travels? Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road. We can help you choose the right ones for your ride today.

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When it comes to what goes on under the hood, a lot of drivers aren’t too well-versed. However, here at Toyota of Orlando we believe that in order to be a responsible car owner (and save time and money), you should know the ins and outs of how your car works. Today, our auto service techs are bringing you a quick guide to spark plugs and how they get your car up and at ’em every single day.

What is a spark plug and what does it do?

What is a spark plug? Basically, it’s a tiny electrical plug that plugs into the engine’s cylinder head. It’s job? To “spark” so it can ignite your car’s fuel. Remember, gasoline by itself won’t get your car running. Fuel is moved from the gas tank through the fuel lines into the fuel injectors, where it’s mixed with oxygen that’s been sucked into the engine via the air intake. This special mixture of fuel and oxygen is then pushed into cylinder, where the spark plug ignites it and sets things into motion.

You’ll probably need to replace your spark plugs every 30,000 miles or so, but it really depends on the condition of your car and how you drive and maintain it. But without working spark plugs, you’re going nowhere fast. If  they’re going bad or have conked out on you, you’ll likely have problems getting your car started at all, as well as have to deal with misfiring during acceleration and poor fuel efficiency. Here are two of the main reasons you may see an issue:

• A bigger gap. Spark plugs have to jump a gap of space to ignite fuel and over time, wear and tear cause this gap to widen. This makes it harder for the plugs to do their job.
• Buildup. Deposits form on the plugs because of the fuel-air interaction, and over time this can lead to a buildup that in turn causes pre-ignition of the fuel (a jerky and unreliable performance).

Luckily, these car parts are easy and relatively inexpensive to fix, especially if you bring your ride to our Orlando Toyota service center.

How do you know if these important car parts aren’t working?

How do you know if you’re due for a visit to our Toyota service center? Here are a few signs you may be in need of a new set of spark plugs:

• Your fuel efficiency drops without warning
• Your car is having trouble starting
• Your vehicle misfires or feels “jerky” during acceleration, or it feels sluggish when you hit the gas
• You hear rattling or knocking noises from under the hood (this is caused by the plugs firing at the wrong time)

Our Orlando auto service center can get things up and running again under the hood in no time, so if you think you need new spark plugs just call. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-0001, and we’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

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When it comes to car tire care, you have to get routine maintenance taken care of or else you’re going to run through tires quickly, have to pay to replace them more often, and probably deal with blowouts and flats during your drive time. There are three main services you should be scheduling for your car tires at our Orlando Toyota service center: tire rotations, wheel balancing, and wheel alignments. We know pretty much everyone knows what tire rotations are, but are you familiar with the differences between wheel balancing and wheel alignments?

What’s the main difference between wheel alignments and wheel balancing?

While alignments and balancing are both essential to keeping your tires in good condition and your car performing well, they’re two very different processes. Check out this quick guide on both of them from our Toyota of Orlando service experts.

Wheel alignments 

The wheels on your car are aligned at certain angles by the factory to ensure that all four are parallel to each other, as well as to ensure that all four stand perfectly perpendicular to the ground. This ensures even wear and top-notch performance. However, over time your wheels can become misaligned due to wear and tear, hitting curbs, and car accidents. If you don’t schedule a wheel alignment to correct the angles again, you’ll face drive time problems including:

• Your car drifting to one side of the road
• Uneven wear on your tires, which means you’ll have to replace them more frequently
• Your car pulling to one side even when the steering wheel is straightened out

Obviously, this car tire care is an essential item to add to your checklist. You should schedule wheel alignments every two years or so unless you get into an accident or get new tires.

Wheel balancing 

Wheel balancing is different than wheel alignments – instead of dealing with angles, this car tire care deals with weight. As you drive, your car tires are likely to face wear and tear that can cause imperfections or blemishes, as well as damage to the rim if you get into an accident or collision. This makes one section of the tire heavier than others, which in turn leads to wobbling and bouncing. You’ll be able to feel it inside the car’s cabin as vibration, as well as notice signs like:

• Vibration in the steering wheel
• Cupped or scalloped patterns on the wheel

When you schedule wheel balancing at Toyota of Orlando’s service center, our techs will apply weights to counterbalance the “heavy spots” in your car tires to ensure even wear and smooth performance. Your wheels should be balanced every time you get your tires repaired or rotated for maximum benefits.

Schedule your car tire care at Toyota of Orlando

Whether you need balancing, an alignment, or both, we’ve got you covered! Schedule an appointment at our Orlando Toyota service center today to get your car’s performance up to par. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001, and you can swing by to talk to one of our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

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Do you have an excited teen driver waiting to get behind the wheel? While it’s exciting for them, it can definitely be a nerve-wracking time for parents. However, teaching your teen how to drive doesn’t have to be stressful for either of you, believe it or not. Prep yourself for the experience with these simple tips from Toyota of Orlando before you hit the road… in the passenger’s seat.

9 tips for teaching your teen how to drive

1. Make sure your teen is READY to drive. If your teen driver has expressed an interest, then get the ball rolling. However, if they’re reticent to get behind the wheel then don’t push it – the last thing you want is an anxious new driver behind the wheel.

2. Prep them accordingly. Does their high school offer driver’s education courses? Can you sign them up for a defensive driving course in your city? Giving them knowledge of the basics will help them feel more comfortable when they’re in control of your Orlando Toyota.

3. Start in the right place. You should start teaching your teen how to drive in an empty parking lot and let them get comfortable there before moving to a quiet residential area. Once they’ve mastered that, you can move to busier streets with traffic and finally, work your way up to the highway.

4. Pick a good time. You want it to be daytime and sunny when teaching your teen how to drive. Save the rainy weather, snow days, and nighttime excursions for when they have more experience.

5. Be a good coach. Instead of yelling, scolding, or getting upset, stay calm and speak carefully. Also, be sure to praise positive aspects of their driving performance.

6. Don’t lecture; instead, ask questions. Lecturing your teen when teaching them how to drive will likely just make them feel defensive and nervous. Instead of saying “You’re going too fast”, ask a question like “What’s the speed limit here?” to allow them to correct their mistakes without feeling criticized.

7. Give them lots of directions and be careful about how you give them. Instead of saying “Turn left here” right before the turn, say “We’re going to make a left turn in one block, so be ready”. This lets them mentally prepare and execute the maneuver slowly and carefully instead of hurrying through it at the last minute.

8. Be aware FOR them. They’re going to be concentrating on the road and you should teach them to be aware of their surroundings, but when they’re starting out you need to serve as another set of eyes for them. Be aware of all four sides of the car and share your observations calmly to help them start to adjust to this mindset.

9. Set a good example. If you have a habit of tailgating or slamming on the gas to make it through yellow lights, cut it out. Teens will imitate your driving behaviors so you want to set a good example by wearing your seatbelt, using defensive driving skills, following road rules, and avoiding distractions.

Get your teen a safe new ride at Toyota of Orlando

Looking for more tips or want a safe and affordable ride for your new teen driver? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. Happy teaching!

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It used to be that when you got behind the wheel of your car, there was one “mode” – driving. You hit the gas and got where you needed to go, and that was that. However, as our Orlando Toyota vehicles evolve, new technology gets woven into every aspect of them including performance. Now many of our new Toyotas come with different drive modes, and we’re here to explain what they are and how to use them to your benefit. Read on!

What are Toyota drive modes?

Driving modes are basically just modes that you can engage on your Orlando Toyota that will alter your driving dynamics and tailor performance to your preferences. The most common ones among our new Toyotas are Eco, Normal, and Sport. Some models also include a Snow mode for taking on tough winter weather. Hybrids typically have one additional mode – EV mode.

How can you use Orlando Toyota drive modes to your advantage?

Normal mode: This mode is just what it sounds like – normal. Your ride will operate in this mode unless you dictate otherwise, and it’ll deliver what’s been promised in terms of horsepower, torque, comfort, and fuel efficiency.

Sport mode: When you engage Sport mode on your Orlando Toyota, it modifies the way your transmission, shifting, throttle response, and electronic power steering assist work. The gas pedal will be easier to press down, your handling will improve, and acceleration and shifting (on an automatic) will happen a lot faster. Overall, it’ll be a sportier driving experience, although your fuel efficiency will likely drop. Not all of our new Toyotas have this mode – you’ll find it on some of them, like the Toyota 86, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Toyota RAV4, and a few others. Ask your sales specialist which models offer the option.

Eco mode: Eco mode is all about efficiency – namely, fuel efficiency. When you use this mode on your Orlando Toyota, your vehicle will slow throttle response, adjust climate controls (like A/C and heated seats), and reduce engine power so the engine doesn’t have to work as hard and thus, can save fuel. If you’re trying to accelerate quickly or climb a hill, this mode isn’t ideal, but it’s fine to use otherwise, especially in traffic.

Snow mode: When you engage Snow mode, your Toyota will actually start out in second gear rather than first. This means less torque and in turn, less chance of your wheels spinning out when you accelerate. Your car will also operate in different shift patterns to give you better traction and control.

EV mode: This mode is only found on Orlando Toyota hybrids; EV stands for Electrical Vehicle. In this mode, your hybrid car will stop using the engine completely and only power itself with the battery. However, in a normal hybrid, you can’t use this mode for long distances or at high speeds. It’s best used in traffic for a mile or so at most.

Want to test-drive each and every one of these Toyota drive modes? Call us! Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re happy to get you behind the wheel.

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Toyota is renowned for thinking outside of the box and if there was ever a vehicle that fits that bill, it would be the new Toyota TJ cruiser. This cool concept car was introduced to the public a few years ago and its unique shape and incredibly utilitarian features stood out from the current run of SUVs, minivans, and wagons. And we just got news – it’s officially moving from the concept stage into production this year.

Toyota TJ Cruiser will hit the Japanese market in 2020

The Toyota TJ Cruiser won’t be in production in America, unfortunately – at least not for now. For the time being the only way you’ll be able to get your hands on this ultra-versatile SUV is to buy it in Japan and have it imported. However, we do have the details when it comes to this interesting new concept-turned-production car. Check it out:

• The “TJ” in TJ Cruiser is an abbreviation for “tool” and “joy” – it’s a play off of the fact that this versatile new ride is both utilitarian AND fun to drive.
• The Toyota TJ Cruiser was first introduced as a concept car back in 2017 at the Tokyo Motor Show and has since been compared to the once-famous Honda Element.
• This adaptable vehicle is a sort of hybrid between an SUV, wagon, and minivan, meaning it’s super spacious in terms of both passenger capacity and cargo capacity.
• It features rear sliding doors that are wider than usual as well as fold-flat seats – even the front passenger’s seat will fold down to make more cargo space. Additionally, the cargo hatch is large to accommodate getting bigger items into the back. Rumor has it that this interesting ride will feature three rows of seats as well.

• The concept vehicle featured 20″ wheels with large tires and scratch- and dirt-resistant body panels, but we’re not sure if those will actually make it onto the production vehicle (although it would be pretty cool if they did).
• We also aren’t sure if the concept design will carry over to production. The Toyota TJ Cruiser concept is incredibly boxy and futuristic-looking, but that may not translate into the general market.
• It’s been speculated that this new Toyota will feature a hybrid engine, likely in a 1.8L or 2.5L configuration. However, some people think it’ll also be up for grabs in a non-hybrid model with available all-wheel drive (similar to the current Orlando Toyota RAV4).
• Production will likely begin in May of 2020 – the TJ Cruiser was actually supposed to go into production in October of 2019 but faced minor delays.

That’s all we know so far, but it looks like this interesting concept could translate into a funky but efficient new Toyota option. And there’s always a chance it could be shifted to the US market, especially if it performs well in the Japanese market… so keep your fingers crossed!

Test drive a new Toyota at Toyota of Orlando today

We’ll keep you posted on updates surrounding the TJ Cruiser (we’re especially excited to see what the final product looks like). In the meantime, come test drive any and all of our new Orlando Toyota options! You can find us open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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When you take things off the pavement, there’s always a chance that you’ll get stuck in mud or sand regardless of how performance-driven your Orlando Toyota actually is. Toyota of Orlando is always here to help on both the sales and service sides of things and today we’re giving you tips on what to do if you go off road and find yourself stuck. Read on!

Explore off road like a pro with these tips

Stuck in the sand: There’s nothing better than a day at New Smyrna, especially when you can drive onto the beach and not have to haul all of your beach gear to a good spot by hand. However, there’s always a risk that you’ll find yourself stuck in the sand if you aren’t careful with your off road technique. If you find your tires spinning, here are some tips:

• Stop hitting the gas – it’ll just make your tires dig in deeper. Instead, try to dig them out a little with a shovel or your hands. Moving the soft sand away from them so they can reach the firmer sand underneath can help you regain traction.
• No luck? You’ll need to provide a little traction for your tires yourself. You can do this by putting pieces of cardboard or even your Orlando Toyota’s floor mats under the front of your tires so they have something other than sand to grab onto.
• Once the mats are in place, accelerate steadily, but not too slowly. You want a little get-up-and-go to combine with the traction to pull you out of the sand.
• Our top tip? Drive closer to the water (but not IN the water) – the sand is firmer there. Choose a parking spot where the sand is firm but the water can’t reach you, and never hit the gas or brakes hard. You should also avoid making sharp turns.

Stuck in the mud: Taking things off road and into the woods can mean mud, and mud can mean getting stuck. Mud is even trickier than sand, so check out these Orlando Toyota tips for getting unstuck in this sticky situation:

• Just like when you’re stuck in the sand, DO NOT slam on the accelerator to try and free yourself from the mud. It’ll just dig you in more.
• Carry a bag of kitty litter with you – it sounds weird, but it can help. Pour the litter in front of your power tires (in a front-wheel vehicle, the front tires and in a rear-wheel vehicle, the back tires) to help your tires grip better. You can also use your car’s floor mats if you’re in a pinch, but expect them to get muddy.
• Accelerate steadily to move your vehicle forward.
• If this method doesn’t work, try using a tow strap to get yourself out. You can have another vehicle pull you but ensure that you’re using an actual tow strap that can withstand the pressure, and be sure to attach the strap to secure spots (not the bumpers or any part of the suspension). Go slowly and steadily when using this method!

Get your car ready for off road with Toyota of Orlando

Want more tips or want to get your ride ready for off road challenges? Call our Parts department! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

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