The automotive world is all abuzz lately because big news about the 2021 Toyota Supra recently was announced – the 2021 model will feature two new engine options (inline six and 4-cylinder), and both of them will be turbocharged. However, what exactly does turbocharged mean and how does it affect your drive time? Toyota of Orlando is here with answers.

What is a turbocharged engine?

A turbocharged engine is frequently referred to simply as a “turbo” engine. It’s purpose? To boost both fuel efficiency and power in a vehicle, which is what makes it such a popular option for sports cars (and anyone who wants to get where they’re going fast). But how does a turbo achieve this extra efficiency and power inside your engine bay? Here’s a basic breakdown:

• A turbocharged engine essentially uses turbine power and forced induction to push extra compressed air into your engine’s combustion chamber.
• This improves your Orlando Toyota’s power because the extra air being forced into the combustion chamber subsequently results in more fuel being pushed in as well. This is where that “boost” in power comes from – the extra fuel combusting at a faster rate than a normally-aspirated engine.

Turbocharged vs supercharged

Turbo engines haven’t always been called turbos, though. They were originally known as turbosuperchargers because this was when the term “superchargers” encompassed all engines that used forced induction (aka forced compressed air) to boost power and efficiency. However, today superchargers and turbochargers are considered to be two different things.

• Turbocharged engines use a turbine that’s powered by the engine’s exhaust gas to force the extra air into the combustion chamber.
• A supercharger is mechanically-driven – it’s usually powered by a belt attached to the crankshaft.
• A twincharger, on the other hand, is an engine that uses both a turbocharger AND a supercharger.

Which is better? That really depends on the individual driver and the drive time experience they prefer, but our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to point out some of the pros and cons of both types of chargers. Check it out:

• One of the disadvantages you’ll find in turbocharged cars is lag. This is the gap of time between the demand for increased power (the throttle being opened) and the actual input of compressed air to result in that power. It happens because this type of charger relies on the buildup of exhaust gas pressure to power the turbine. When a car is operating at idle or a low speed, it takes a bit of time to build up that exhaust pressure and push it above the norm.
• A disadvantage of superchargers, on the other hand, is the toll that the charger takes on the engine. Because it’s mechanically-driven, it puts the engine through additional wear and tear and actually uses some of the horsepower that the engine produces (although the horsepower that it subsequently creates outweighs the loss). Another con? Superchargers create far more excess heat than turbochargers, which can be bad for your engine.

Have questions or want to see a turbocharged engine in person? Call us – the 2020 Toyota Supra is waiting for you to take it home at Toyota of Orlando!

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Every year, our Orlando Toyota dealership looks forward to the innovative rides headed to our lot… but we get especially excited about the special editions that will be up for grabs for a limited time. 2020 is no exception – at least five new Nightshade Editions will be making their way to Toyota of Orlando at some point this year and we’ve got the scoop on what each will have to offer.

Which new Nightshade Edition will you drive home?

To start, however, let’s talk about what Nightshade Editions are. Basically, these special edition models are blacked-out to create a sleek, edgy, and unique look that you just won’t find on any other vehicle. Here are the details.

2020 Toyota 4Runner

The Nightshade Edition of this versatile SUV will offer the same off-road-ready performance, but will also showcase highlights like 20″ black alloy wheels, black bumpers with black chrome accents, black badging, black interior trim (including the steering wheel, shift knob, and more) and black exterior accents. This means blacked-out bumper spoilers, rocker panels, window moldings, exhaust, and roof rails.

2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

As if the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hatchback wasn’t cool enough to begin with, the Nightshade Edition of this sporty ride will feature 18″ black alloy wheels, a single exhaust with black diffusers and surround, black badging, and black exterior accents like a lower grille surround, side rocker panels, a shark-fin antenna, door handles, and rear spoiler.

2020 Toyota Sienna

The Swagger Wagon is about to get even slicker with this new limited-edition model. This Orlando Toyota minivan will boast 18″ or 19″ black alloy wheels, a black sport mesh front grille, black badging and Toyota emblems, a black rear spoiler with LED stoplight, and black exterior accents. These include black fog light bezels, door handles, shark-fin antenna, mirror caps, and more.

2020 Toyota Corolla 

The 2020 Toyota Corolla is already sporty and compact, but this new special edition model adds an element of aggressive style to make it even cooler. It offers 18″ black alloy wheels and a new sporty mesh black front grille and black bumper, as well as black Toyota emblems and badging. You’ll also find black door handles, mirror caps, and a black shark-fin antenna.

2020 Toyota Camry 

Classically cool, the Orlando Toyota Camry is getting a dose of edginess in this new Nightshade Edition. It showcases blacked-out badging and Toyota emblems, as well as 18″ black alloy wheels. You’ll also love the black exterior accents like rear spoiler, window trim, door handles, shark-din antenna, and mirror caps for a sleek, dark look.

See these special edition Orlando Toyotas in person

Like we mentioned, despite the appearance upgrades on these sleek special editions you can count on the same safety, performance, and reliability that you’re accustomed to with all of our other Orlando Toyotas. It’s a win-win for drivers who want to stand out on the road without having to sacrifice performance capabilities or technology.

We’ll keep you posted as to when these special editions start hitting the lot! For more information, give us a call. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Do you remember the Toyota AE86?

This super-sporty coupe was a popular option for sports car drivers back in its hey-day – primarily, in the 1980s. This front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Toyota reigned supreme from 1983-1987 and was an excellent option for anyone who wanted to hit the track or event just put the pedal to the metal. These Toyotas were light, easy to modify, and inexpensive to purchase. This made them exceptionally popular and many drivers were sad to see them retire. However, their retirement from the market did have one high note; a special edition AE86 Black Limited model was released in limited supply.

New Toyota 86 Black Limited model ups the ante for performance and style

This special edition model of the Toyota AE86 was all about looks. It was based on the GT-Apex trim and showcased gold wheels (they looked better than they sound, we promise), a black exterior, and a special exterior pinstripe that set it apart from run-of-the-mill models. Only 400 models were put into production, making it a truly limited-edition option.

We loved the Toyota AE86, but we’re even more excited about some up-and-coming news – the Orlando Toyota 86, which is heavily based on the original Toyota AE86, will offer an 86 Black Limited model this year! Here’s the scoop on this special edition:

• Only 86 models of the Toyota 86 Black Limited will be put into production, making it even more limited-edition than its predecessor.
• This model was originally introduced as a concept car at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon back in January of this year, but it was pretty much eclipsed by the news of the Toyota GR Yaris. Luckily, Toyota decided to put it into production.
• It will showcase 17″ bronze wheels, a bronze pinstripe reminiscent of the model it draws inspiration from, and a trunk lid spoiler.
• The interior will boast perforated front seats trimmed in leather and Alcantara, a dash decked out in suede-like materials and an overall black color scheme with sleek bronze accents.
• Performance has been boosted a bit on this special edition Orlando Toyota, too – it has new ventilated Brembo brakes and SACHS shock absorbers. The underbody has been tweaked slightly to improve airflow, and the new trunk lid spoiler actually adds downforce for improved handling.
• Starting MSRP will be 3,518,000 Yen or around $34,600.

Test drive this Orlando Toyota sports car today

And don’t forget – if you’re a fan of the 2020 Orlando Toyota 86 but not willing to wait around for a special edition, we’ve got options for you at Toyota of Orlando. This popular sports car is a fantastic drive time solution for drivers who want to infuse their daily commute with excitement but not break the bank in the process. Here are some of the things we love most about the current model:

• It gets 21/28 mpg and comes in both manual and automatic six-speed transmissions, with the automatic model offering paddle shifters
• It has a 2.0Lflat-four boxer engine under the hood that produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque
• It comes standard with Torsen Limited-Slip differential for incredible handling and performance

And best of all, it has a starting MSRP of just over $27,000.

Ready to get behind the wheel? Call Toyota of Orlando today – we’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500!

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In the wake of COVID-19, everyone is all about sanitization. It’s essential to wash your hands, clean your phone, and make sure your home and workspace are sanitized to help prevent the spread of the virus. However, what about your car? If you’re like most people, you’re in and out of your Orlando Toyota several times a day, every single day. If your car isn’t clean and sanitized, it doesn’t matter how clean your hands are – the moment you touch the door handle, steering wheel, or shifter, your hands are essentially dirty again. Toyota of Orlando is here with car detailing tips to help you get your ride as clean and sanitized as possible.

1. Stock up on supplies 

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we’re of the opinion that you should always have hand sanitizer on hand because… germs. But you definitely want to stock your car in the wake of COVID-19. Try to keep your car stocked with disinfectant wipes so you can quickly access them and wipe down surfaces on a regular basis. It’s also a good idea to have hand sanitizer or antibacterial hand wipes on deck for when you have to pump gas, pay tolls, etc.

2. Rethink how you’re cleaning surfaces

When it comes to car detailing, you’re probably using the usual cleaners. However, you need to up the ante if you want to sanitize and disinfect your ride. This is the time to swap out your supplies. Did you know that you can use simple soap and water against the Coronavirus? We vote you shoot for antibacterial soap for a more comprehensive clean, but plain dish soap will work, too. Mix up a soap-and-water solution and use it to scrub down seats and other fabrics, or throw seat covers in the washing machine. You can use disinfectant wipes to hit things like the dashboard and center console.

3. Pay special attention to high-touch surfaces

You’ll want to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces and make sure you clean them (often) with disinfectant wipes. These areas include:

• Door handles (both inside and exterior)
• Steering wheel
• Turn signal/windshield wiper controls
• Seatbelt buckles
• Shifter
• Infotainment screen and buttons
• A/C and heat controls

And any other knobs or buttons on the interior that you touch. You should also consider where droplets may land if you cough or sneeze into your arm, like the driver’s side door.

4. Don’t forget the car seats

Do you have car seats or booster seats in your backseat? Make sure you clean them, too. You can use the soap and water mixture we mentioned above to get the fabric (and some car seats allow you to remove the fabric surfaces so you can throw them in the washing machine) and disinfectant wipes for all the plastic parts.

5. Get on a follow-up schedule 

Now that your Orlando Toyota is sparkling clean and disinfected from your car detailing, keep it that way! Get on a routine cleaning schedule to wipe down surfaces, especially high-touch ones, on a routine basis. This will KEEP your car disinfected for the long-term.

Have questions? Call us – Toyota of Orlando is here to help with all of your car detailing questions. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

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When was the last time you brought your car in for an oil change?

If it’s been a while, then you might be due for this essential auto service appointment. However, it’s not always easy to tell if you’re due for an Orlando oil change, especially if your oil light doesn’t illuminate in the dash. We sat down with a few of our Orlando Toyota techs to pinpoint some signs that it might be time to give our Toyota service center a call and schedule an appointment. Read on!

6 signs you need to schedule an oil change

Sign #1: Your oil is dark and dirty. If you take a peek at the motor oil on your dipstick and notice that it’s dark in color (dark brown or black) or dirty, then you’re due for an oil change. Your oil should be tan or caramel in color and clean for it to properly function inside of the engine. Dark or dirty oil prevents your engine from functioning properly and can ultimately lead to damage.

Sign #2: Knocking sounds from inside the engine. Do you hear knocking sounds from inside the engine bay when you’re out and about? Oil is responsible for lubricating the inside of the engine and keeping things cool. If you’re hearing knocking or rumbling noises, it could be the inside of your engine deteriorating due to lack of clean oil.

Sign #3: The smell of oil inside your vehicle. If you smell oil inside the car, you very may well have an oil leak and you should have our Orlando car maintenance techs take a peek at things to ensure your engine is functioning as it should.

Sign #4: Racking up the miles. Have you been putting extra miles on your car due to a long commute or a road trip? It may be time to schedule an Orlando oil change – after all, depending on the type of motor oil you’re using, you could be due for a change every 3,000 – 10,000 miles.

Sign #5: Smoke from the exhaust. If you see smoke – not vapor – coming out of your car’s exhaust tailpipe, it could be because of a problem with your car’s oil. Give Toyota of Orlando a call to see if our techs can check things out for you.

Sign #6: Doesn’t hit the tic marks. When you pull the dipstick out of your car’s engine, you should see the oil hitting in between the two tic marks on the stick. If it falls below the bottom tic mark, then you’re low on oil and need to get an oil change to ensure your engine stays cool and lubricated no matter how hard your car works.

Call Toyota of Orlando and schedule your car care today!

See any of these signs and feel like you’re due for a change? Call us! Toyota of Orlando’s service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. Don’t forget to check out service specials page to see our service coupons. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!

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Do you feel confident that you engage in safe driving whenever you get behind the wheel? Most people do – but some of them are wrong. There are actually some pretty dangerous driving mistakes that you could be making without even realizing it, and Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss the most dangerous ones to help you break the habits.

Don’t make these dangerous driving mistakes

#1: Driving on underinflated tires. Underinflated tires won’t just put a damper on your Orlando Toyota’s fuel efficiency – they also make you a lot more prone to a blowout. While a flat tire may not seem like too dangerous of a situation, reframe it like this: you’re driving at high speeds on the highway around other vehicles and your tire blows out. Pretty dangerous, right? Fill up your car tires to the proper PSI.

#2: Driving while sleepy. You should never drive while fatigued – it’s just as bad as driving drunk. Pull over and take a nap in a safe spot, or call it quits for the night and get some sleep so you’re refreshed in the morning.

#3: Speeding. Speeding makes you a lot more likely to get into a bad accident – it’s the second highest cause of fatal accidents. Follow the speed limit for safe driving habits, no excuses!

#4: Distracted driving. Texting while driving, putting on makeup, eating, talking to passengers… anything that takes your attention off the road and the task at hand puts you at a much higher risk of an accident. Use safe driving habits and put away the distractions.

#5: Not wearing a seatbelt. Safe driving means buckling up no matter what. This means even if you’re just going a block to the 7-11 for a soda. 33% of accident fatalities happen because people aren’t wearing seatbelts. You should also teach your children and any other passengers this safe driving habit.

#6: Driving while under the influence. Don’t drive drunk. Period. Have a zero tolerance policy for yourself and anyone you’re supposed to ride with.

#7: Not taking care when driving in bad weather. You need to adjust your safe driving habits when you hit the road in bad weather. Rain, snow, high winds, and icy conditions all require extremely careful driving, slower speeds, and more even acceleration and braking. Be sure to adjust your drive time style accordingly.

#8: Following too closely. Don’t tailgate people. When you drive too closely to the person in front of your Orlando Toyota, it makes you a lot more likely to rear-end them if they have to hit the brakes or drop their speed. Leave the proper distance between your vehicle and the cars around you.

Get more tips from Toyota of Orlando

Want more tips about safe driving or have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

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Summer is coming – things are already heating up here in Central Florida as we faced record highs in the 90s this weekend. With summer comes some pretty intense sun, and that sun can do some serious damage to your car if you’re not prepared for it. Toyota of Orlando is here with quick car care tips to help you protect your car from the sun all summer long.

Use these 6 tips to protect your ride

Tip #1: Wax

Wax is your #1 defense against the sun if you want your car’s paint to stay looking like-new. Our Orlando auto service center recommends that you invest in a quality wax and apply several coats to your car a few times a year as part of your car care routine – every three months should do the job to protect your car’s paint from harsh UV rays that can cause fading and peeling. Ask the Toyota of Orlando parts store which wax is best for your ride.

Tip #2: Park in the shade

If you can park in covered parking, do it. It doesn’t matter if it’s a garage, a carport, or even a big, shady tree – any cover you can afford your Orlando Toyota will help shield if from the sun.

Tip #3: Invest in a sunshade

A sunshade will help protect your car’s dash and interior from the sun. You should get a quality one (the cheap ones tend to be too flimsy to last long) and put it up in your windshield every time you park your car. This simple car care step will also help keep things cooler in the interior of your car.

Tip #4: Consider tint

Tint is another great way to shield the interior of your car from the sun AND keep things cooler. And the best news? We offer affordable tinting services right here at Toyota of Orlando. Schedule an appointment today at our auto service center.

Toyota of Orlando’s car care routine to protect your ride from the sun

Tip #5: Buy seat covers and a steering wheel cover

Still concerned about the interior of your car? You should be – sunlight coming in the windows and windshield can fade your upholstery and the plastic in your car. It can also cause leather seats to crack. Seat covers and a steering wheel cover can protect your interior as well as offer a more affordable way to switch up the look of the interior.

Tip #6: Condition leather well

We mentioned that the sun can do a number on leather seats, shifters, and steering wheels. Seat covers and a sunshade are a great deterrent to this damage, but you should still ensure that you condition anything leather well and make it a normal part of your car care routine.

Want more tips? Think you need to shop for supplies? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 or you can stop by our auto parts store at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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In the wake of COVID-19, the entire state of Florida has been put under a stay-at-home order until the end of April. That means 4 weeks of staying home unless you’re an essential worker or on an essential errand. That also means 4 weeks of probably not driving your car much, which can be a big change if you regularly commute on a daily basis to school or work. But just because you’re not driving your car often doesn’t mean you can let maintenance slip – in fact, there are certain car care items you’ll want to check off the list while your car sits in the driveway. Here’s the info you need straight from our Orlando Toyota service techs.

Don’t skip this essential car care during quarantine

Tip #1: Keep an eye on your tires. 

When your car sits in one spot for a long time, your tires can develop soft, flat spots. Obviously, when you’re back to hitting the road these flat spots make you incredibly prone to a blowout. To avoid this car care issue, you can move your car a few feet every few days so it’s not putting pressure on the same areas all the time, and check your tire pressure regularly to ensure they’re not losing air.

Tip #2: Go outside and start it every so often. 

You run the risk of your battery going bad if you let your car sit for 30 days, which means you’ll have a hard time getting back up and running when you’re free to do so. Go outside every few days and start your car to top off the battery, and consider taking your ride for a quick drive around the block. (It’ll be a nice break from whoever you’re quarantining with, anyway.)

Tip #3: Don’t skip oil changes. 

Just because you’re sitting at home doesn’t mean you don’t need essential car care like oil changes. Oil can deteriorate with temperature fluctuations, so it’s a good idea to get an oil change now and keep an eye on the condition of the oil by pulling the dipstick out of the engine every few weeks.

Tip #4: Fill up your gas tank now. 

You should fill your gas tank before you stay home if you’re not planning on going anywhere for the next 30 days. If the tank isn’t full, you run the risk of condensation developing inside of it, which can spell big problems. You can even look into fuel-additives that help maintain the integrity of the fuel – ask our Orlando Toyota service center which is best for your car.

Tip #5: Try to find covered parking. 

The sun is out in full force already in Florida, so try to find covered parking for your ride if possible to shield it from paint damage and fading. If nothing else, you may want to look for a car cover to keep it protected for the duration of your quarantine.

A few other things to maintain when it comes to car care? Make sure you visually check your belts, hoses, transmission fluid, and coolant before you hit the road again to ensure all is in order.

Toyota of Orlando is here for you

Need more tips? Call Toyota of Orlando – our service center is open and ready to help. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

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Your car battery is an essential part of your car’s performance. It produces a ton of power so that you can both start your car AND keep it running while it’s out on the road. In fact, it produces so much power that without some assistance, it would drain pretty quickly. That’s where your car alternator comes into play – this critical component actually recycles energy to charge your car battery AND help power the electrical system. Without it, you’re going nowhere fast.

That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize when you’re having problems with your car alternator, and Toyota of Orlando’s auto service techs are here to help. Check out their quick checklist and if any of these signs sound familiar, schedule car care with them today!

Don’t ignore these six signs of car alternator issues

Sign #1: The warning light is on 

There’s actually a warning light for your car alternator in some vehicles; it’s shaped like a battery and may say ALT or GEN underneath. However, your battery warning light might also serve as a warning sign that you’re due for some car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando. Don’t ignore it!

Sign #2: Your car battery is giving you trouble 

Does it seem like you’re having trouble getting your car started, even when you know your battery should be good? This can be a sign that your car alternator isn’t working. Remember, it recharges your battery when the engine is running because the battery has to produce so much power. If it’s not working, the battery will start to drain fast.

Sign #3: Your car’s lights are dim 

When you start your vehicle, do you notice that your interior and exterior lights seem dimmer than normal? Or maybe they start out bright but as you drive, they start to dim. This is an indicator of a problem with your car alternator; it helps to power your electrical system, so your lights dimming means the system isn’t getting enough power.

Sign #4: You smell something burning when the car is running

Sometimes you can have problems with this essential part because of the belts it’s associated with. It works in conjunction with a system of belts and when they aren’t working properly or turning as they should, they can create friction. In turn, this can create a weird burning smell (kind of like an electrical fire) when your car is in action. Luckily, our Orlando car maintenance techs can fix this by tightening or repairing the belts to get you back out on the road.

Sign #5: You see a broken belt

If you can actually see a broken belt under the hood, that’s likely your issue! Bring your car to Toyota of Orlando to have our expert auto service techs get things up and running again.

Sign #6: You hear grinding or whining noises from the engine bay

Your car alternator has to utilize a lot of moving parts to be able to create all the necessary power. If one of those parts breaks or comes loose, it can create odd noises inside the engine bay. If you hear these alongside any of the above signs, it’s time to visit our Toyota service center.

Schedule auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions? Come on in – we’re open and ready to serve you at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can call to schedule an appointment ahead of time at (407) 298-0001!

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The rainy season is on its way – we’re getting our fair share of wet weather this weekend in Central Florida. Are you ready for our notorious summer thunderstorms? It seems it rains nearly every day in the summer in the City Beautiful, and it can make your daily commute a little bit messier than usual if you’re not prepared. Check out our car care tips for getting your ride ready for the rainy season, and visit our Orlando Toyota service center to make it happen!

Don’t skip these four car care appointments before rainy season starts

TIRES

Before rainy season arrives, take the time to check out your tires. How’s the tread looking? You can do a simple tread check by inserting a penny into the tread of your car’s tire with Abe Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of his hair, then your tread depth is too low and you need new tires. Tires without the proper amount of tread can’t grip the road, especially in wet weather, which means you’re at high risk of getting into an accident. You should also stay on top of car care like tire rotations, wheel alignments, and inflation.

BRAKES

Slick conditions may mean you need to come to a sudden or unexpected stop to avoid road hazards and other vehicles. Are your brakes in good enough shape to handle it? Make sure you stay on top of car care like brake service at our Orlando Toyota service center so you’re ready for anything, no matter how wet the weather outside.

WIPERS

Are your wipers in good enough condition to tackle the rainy season? They should be able to clear your windshield with every pass. If your windshield wipers are smearing water around, leaving streaks, or making squealing or chittering noises, then you need to visit our car care center for a new set. We can help you pick them out AND install them on your car.

HEADLIGHTS

You’ll also need to ensure your headlights are in good condition when the weather is wet. You should always turn on your headlights (but not your brights) when driving in the rain so other drivers can see you. Check your brake lights and turn signals, too, so other drivers know where you’re going and when you’re slowing down or stopping. And just a friendly reminder – you should NOT drive with your hazard lights on in heavy rain. These lights are only intended for use if you’re pulled over on the side of the road and trying to alert other drivers of your car’s whereabouts.

Schedule your car care at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about car care for rainy season? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open and ready to help at (407) 298-0001. You can also visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall, and rest assured – we’re taking every precaution in the wake of COVID-19 to protect our customers AND our employees.

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