Daylight savings time is almost over! The time change will happen on Halloween this year and whether you’re ready for it or not, we’ll fall back just as November arrives. While daylight savings time ending may not seem like a huge deal, our days will definitely be shorter and you may find yourself making your evening commute in the dark. That’s why it’s important to prep your car and yourself now so you’re ready to fall back like a pro. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for handling the time change below.

5 tips to prep yourself for daylight savings time to end

Tip #1: Have your brakes and tires checked. 

When daylight savings time ends, you’ll likely be driving part of your commute (if not all of it) in the dark. You should have our Orlando auto service center check your brakes and tires so you’re ready to hit the road no matter the lighting situation. Our techs will ensure your brake system is in good condition and you can bring your car to a safe (and even sudden stop) whenever you need to, and they’ll inspect your tires to ensure you have the proper amount of tread for good traction. They’ll also assess the general condition of your car tires to ensure you’re not headed for a blowout, which is the last thing you need in dim lighting. (Who wants to change a tire in the dark?)

Tip #2: Ensure your lights – all of them – are in good working order. 

Before you hit the road this fall, take a minute to ensure ALL of your car’s lights are working properly. This means headlights, taillights, turn signals, and hazard lights, but it also means all interior lights. Remember, you’ll need to turn your headlights on from dusk until dawn so you have proper visibility and so other drivers can see you. Our Orlando auto service techs can replace burnt-out bulbs, fix broken headlights, and even perform headlight restoration to keep you safe while driving in the dark.

Tip #3: Realize that it takes time to adjust to the time change and don’t drive when fatigued. 

Remember, we may fall back (and gain an hour of sleep) but it still takes time to adjust to daylight savings. If you’re overtired from staying up too late (especially since the time change falls on Halloween this year), be sure that you rest before you hit the road. Driving while fatigued is just as bad as driving while intoxicated.

Tip #4: Pay close attention to your surroundings when driving in the dark. 

Driving in the dark brings a whole new set of challenges to the table. Animals tend to be more active at night and are more likely to cross your path, and you’re also less likely to see issues on the road as soon as you would in the daylight. This means you need to be ready for anything, including coming to a sudden stop, so ensure that you keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times.

Tip #5: Clean your windshield. 

Make sure you clean your windshield inside and out before daylight savings time ends. Any dust, fingerprints, or other debris on the glass can reflect light and make it more difficult for you to see clearly.

Call Toyota of Orlando with all of your fall auto service needs

Have questions or need Orlando auto service? We’ve got you covered all season long. Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-0001 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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The second generation of the eco-friendly Toyota Mirai has been caught out on the road – albeit in camouflage – which means it’s likely going to hit its goal of entering the market this December. Toyota of Orlando has the scoop on what this unique alternative fuel vehicle will have to offer so if you’re interested, you’ll be ready to hit the road this winter.

What will the next generation of the Toyota Mirai offer?

The Toyota Mirai is available now; it’s in its first generation as it was introduced to the world back in 2014 as one of the first mass-produced fuel cell vehicles. As an FCV, it uses hydrogen as its fuel and is a zero emissions vehicle. This makes it an exceptionally eco-friendly option for drivers who want to go green. It also gets 312 miles on one tank of fuel, so you have a wide range and not have to make frequent stops to fill up at a hydrogen station. We haven’t seen the Toyota Mirai just yet at Toyota of Orlando – they’re primarily available on the West Coast and only around 10,000 had been sold on a global scale as of last year. We think, however, this might change with the introduction of the redesigned second generation!

The second generation of this alternative fuel vehicle was spotted on the road with a bit of camouflage on it, but it was easy to see that it was indeed the next gen of this iconic car. From the photos, it looks like the FCV is staying pretty similar to the concept that was unveiled last year. It’s a lot sleeker and more streamlined and also has a lower stance, adding to the edginess of the exterior. It kind of reminds us of an Orlando Toyota Camry or Toyota Avalon at this point, and it’s also been updated to include Toyota’s premium rear-wheel drive TNGA platform for enhanced performance capabilities.

On top of that, the new Toyota Mirai will showcase features like a leather-trimmed interior, Qi wireless charging for smartphones and devices, a large touchscreen interface, digital instrumentation, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. And performance has been enhanced, too – this FCV can now go over 400 miles on one tank of fuel, as opposed to the previous 312 mile range. The new rear-wheel drive platform offers better acceleration and more exciting handling, and the longer and lower wheelbase translates to a more comfortable drive time for you and your passengers.

The second generation of the Toyota Mirai hasn’t been OFFICIALLY unveiled yet, but it’s supposed to be in December of this year, which means we could see it for sale sometime late this year or early next year. We can’t wait to see what it has to offer in addition to the above details!

Get answers to your alternative fuel vehicle questions at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about fuel cell vehicles or any other alternative options? Call us! We’ve got a great selection of Orlando Toyota hybrids for sale. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500, and you can always stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Believe it or not, the holiday season is coming up fast. 2020 has flown by and it’s already time to start thinking about holidays celebrations and with them, the travel they might require for you to see close family and friends. Whether you’re hoping to avoid road travel or just like hitting the highway, road trips are a great way to get where you’re going this holiday season. Check out these easy road trip hacks from our Orlando Toyota dealership to make your holiday travels stress-free and memorable.

Seven easy road trip hacks

Tip #1: Put a trash can in the car. Trust us – plastic bags are great for trash, but if you have something wet or leaking that needs to be disposed of it’s likely to end up all over the floor. Put a plastic bag inside of a plastic cereal container (and bring the lid!) to keep everything neatly contained until the next rest stop.

Tip #2: Download the Sit Or Squat app. This ingenious app helps you find clean public bathrooms along your route so you’re not stuck using the rest stop bathrooms every time your kids need to go.

Tip #3: Laminate a travel map and bring erasable markers. Are you sick of the “are we there yet?” ringing from the backseat? Download a road map of your road trip and print it out. Laminate it and use erasable markers to keep track of your progress and show your kids just how far you are and how much longer you have left to go.

Tip #4: Use shower caddies to keep to-go food from spilling. Drive-throughs are handy on road trips but it can be hard to eat without spilling, especially when kids are involved. Use plastic shower caddies to keep your burger and fries upright, as well as hold utensils and napkins.

Tip #5: Bring a DIY car sickness bag along for the ride. Car sickness happens and it’s a lot less unpleasant if you’re ready for it. Make a DIY car sickness bag to throw in your Orlando Toyota. You should include Clorox wipes, a few plastic grocery bags (for clothes and trash), mints, a bottle of Gatorade or water, some Dramamine, napkins, and hand sanitizer for quick cleanup before you can get to a bathroom.

Tip #6: Use suction cup shower caddies for art supplies. The shower caddies that stick to the side of the shower wall are a great way to store toys and art supplies on a road trip. Just stick them to the window so your kids can easily access what they need without dropping things all over the flood.

Tip #7: Bring cookie sheets to use as lap desks. Lap desks are a great way to keep kids occupied with coloring, workbooks, and reading, but you don’t need to shell out a bunch of money to get them. Bring a few cookie sheets along for your road trip and let your kids use those. They’re also great for magnets!

Let Toyota of Orlando get you road trip ready

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season – if you need to get your ride ready for a road trip or you want a new Toyota to hit the road in, call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Your car tires play a crucial role when it comes to your Orlando Toyota’s performance. They’re what meets the road, after all, and if they’re not in good condition then your performance as a whole (and possibly even your safety) will suffer. Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Some of the most common car tire problems we see stem from irregular wear, and we’re here to help you spot these problematic wear patterns before they do a number on your car. Check it out.

The 6 most common types of car tire wear

Type 1: Center wear

Center wear is when the center of your tire has excessive wear, more than the sides of the tire. This is typically caused by overinflation of the tire. The PSI is too high and this causes your tire to bulge and in turn, wear unevenly. Our Orlando Toyota service techs can check your PSI levels to ensure your tires get to where they need to be.

Type 2: Side wear

On the other hand, if your tires aren’t inflated enough and your PSI is too low, you’ll notice side where. This is where the sides of the tires wear faster than the center. This also reduces fuel efficiency and could even signify an issue with your alignment, so let our Orlando auto service techs take a look.

Type 3: Sidewall wear

The sidewall of your car tires doesn’t even touch the road, but it can still have uneven wear. This is usually caused by rubbing curbs or other structures as you try to park, especially if you’re parallel parking. Sidewall damage puts you at high risk of a tire blowout so don’t ignore this type of wear and bring your car to Toyota of Orlando ASAP.

Type 4: Feathering

Feathering actually can’t be see by the eye, but this type of car tire wear can definitely be felt. It feels like spiky or sharp edges when you run your hand along the tire and is usually caused by alignment issues or overly aggressive driving.

Type 5: Cupping

Cupping happens when your car tires are actually bouncing on the road. This results in small, cuplike divots in your tires that can cause problems over time. If your tires are bouncing, it’s likely due to issues with your car’s suspension or shocks, so it’s worth looking into.

Type 6: Flat spots

You’ll be able to both feel flat spots when you’re driving and see them when you’re not. These spots usually develop on your car tires because you’re braking too aggressively. If you notice these areas on your tires, bring your car to Toyota of Orlando so we can help you remedy the problem.

Let Toyota of Orlando fix all of your tire issues today

Have questions? Find out the answers you need at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. We’re ready and waiting!

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Whether you’re a teen driver about to hit the road for the first time or just someone who’s never had the opportunity to get behind the wheel, learning to drive can be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be hard, though, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here with 8 quick driving tips to help you tackle the task with as little stress as possible.

8 driving tips to help beginners hit the road

Tip #1: Learn to feel where your tires are. Do you know how to feel where your tires are? This will help you avoid hitting curbs when you’re parking and potholes and road debris when you’re out on the road. Practice feeling where they are by putting a plastic bottle on the ground and driving and backing over it – roll down your window so you can hear it.

Tip #2: Always adjust your mirrors before you drive. You should always adjust your mirrors BEFORE you leave the driveway. Make sure you can’t see the side of your car in your side mirrors so you can see your blind spots, and make sure you can see out of the back window of your Orlando Toyota entirely when using your rearview mirror.

Tip #3: When you’re in traffic, watch the taller vehicles. If you’re in traffic, watch the taller vehicles in front of you to see how they’re maneuvering. This will help you better navigate the road, turns, and stop-and-go driving.

Tip #4: Use the night mode on your rearview mirror. Did you know there’s a night mode on your rearview mirror? Pull the lever on the bottom of the mirror at night so headlights behind you won’t blind you.

Tip #5: Use your A/C, even in the winter. Pro driving tip – turn on your air conditioner regularly. This will help ensure that it stays in good shape all year long and always works when you need it.

Tip #6: If you see someone in the lane next to you slowing down, you should slow down too. This can indicate a speed trap or that they’re letting a pedestrian cross the road.

Tip #7: Don’t drive through water of any kind quickly. If you can’t go around a puddle and have to drive through it, go slowly. You never know how deep water is and you don’t want to flood your car or ruin your electrical system. Go slowly so if need be, you can back out before any damage is done to your Orlando Toyota.

Tip #8: Use your parking brake. Not many people use this part of their car unless they’re parked on a hill, but you should actually use your parking brake all the time. It helps take some of the strain off of your normal brakes and can save you money in the long run.

Call us for more driving tips today!

Have questions? Need more beginner’s driving tips? We’ve always got your back at Toyota of Orlando. Call us at (407) 298-4500 or swing by 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Your car headlights play an integral part in your car’s performance, especially when you’re driving in inclement weather (like rain or snow) and at night. They allow you to have visibility of your surroundings and also allow other drivers and pedestrians to see you on the road, so it’s critical that they’re working at all times. However, just like any other part they do wear out over time and need to be restored and have bulbs replaced. Toyota of Orlando’s service team is here to share 4 signs you’ve got car headlight issues and need to pay our Toyota service center a visit.

4 signs you need headlight service at Toyota of Orlando

Sign #1: Your low beams work, but your high beams don’t. 

Can you turn on your headlights like you usually would but when it’s time to use the high beams, you get no response from them? You may have a burnt out bulb, so try replacing that first. If that doesn’t do the trick, you might have blown a fuse or have an issue with wiring. Have our Orlando auto service team take a look at it to troubleshoot.

Sign #2: Your headlights seem dimmer than usual. 

You know how your car headlights should look and if they seem dimmer than usual, it’s typically indicative of one of two problems. Your headlight bulb may be on its way out (which is an easy fix – just replace it) or you may have a corroded or damaged ground wire. If replacing the bulb doesn’t fix the issues, schedule an appointment at Toyota of Orlando.

Sign #3: The light coming from them is flickering. 

Is the light coming from your car headlights flickering and uneven? If so, it could mean your bulbs are going bad (remember, they wear out over time). Flickering means they’re very close to not working at all. If the bulbs aren’t the culprit, you could have issues with a problematic battery connection or even a bad harness. In these cases, it’s best to let the experts take a look.

Sign #4: You keep blowing fuses. 

If your headlights keep giving out on you and you find burnt out fuses under the hood constantly, you might have a larger wiring or electrical problem on your hands. Our Orlando Toyota car care team can help you pinpoint and repair the issue.

Don’t drive with burnt out lights or broken lenses

Remember, we’re here to help with everything from a simple bulb replacement to overall headlight restoration to replacing a smashed headlight (taping it up won’t work long term, just FYI). It’s illegal to drive without two working headlights and you can find yourself with a hefty ticket to pay if you get pulled over. Let us help you avoid the issue and fix all of your lighting issues at our Toyota service center and Toyota collision center today.

Give us a call – we’re here seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001! You can also stop by to see us and ask all of your lighting questions at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Thinking about taking on a classic Toyota car restoration as your next project? You’re not the only one – this popular passion project is becoming more and more common as owners restore classic Toyotas to their former glory. However, undertaking a car restoration of any make or model is a major project and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Before you jump in, you should ensure that you’re prepared for what’s to come. Toyota of Orlando is here to help – our experts in the Parts Department have created a list of three questions you should ask yourself before restoring a classic Toyota car (and they also can help you find the right parts for your project, too!).

Ask yourself these questions before you start a car restoration project

Question #1: What am I going to do with the car when I’m done with it? 

What are you going to do with the classic Toyota car you’ve restored when all is said and done? If you’re going to sell it, you obviously want to make a profit on it. You should set a budget and a selling price to ensure you don’t spend more on the restoration than you’ll get when you sell. If you’re going to keep the classic Toyota for yourself, think about how often you’re going to drive it. If you’re going to use it as a weekend car, you can pretty much keep things the way they are. However, if it’s going to be an everyday vehicle, you may want to upgrade certain parts for your own safety, comfort, convenience, and efficiency.

Question #2: What kind of shape is the car presently in? 

Take a good long look at the current shape of the classic Toyota car you want to restore. What kind of shape is it in? If you’re dealing with a seriously rusted vehicle or one that’s missing key components like an engine or chassic, then you’re going to be able to take it home for cheap but will likely spend a good deal on the restoration part of the process. On the other hand, if you buy a classic Toyota that just needs a little TLC to restore it, then you’ll pay more up front but then not have to spend as much money on parts and labor to get it up and running.

Question #3: What kinds of parts will I need to acquire to finish things? 

Make a list of the car parts you’ll need for this project and if you’re not going to DIY the process, factor in labor, too. It can get pricey to restore a classic car and you want to ensure that if you have a budget, you’re sticking close to it. And don’t forget that the rarer the car, the harder it can be to find the parts, and the more expensive the parts tend to be.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you through the restoration process!

The basic thing to keep in mind is that restoring any classic car isn’t a quick process. It takes time, money, and hard work (or a really trusted mechanic). If you’re ready to get the process rolling today, call us! Toyota of Orlando is here to help you along the way. You can reach us seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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If you’re one for finding off-road adventure in your Orlando Toyota, you know just how dirty things can get before you make it back to the pavement. You probably also know that detailing a vehicle after an off-roading expedition is a lot different than detailing a vehicle that you drive on the pavement. There are particular car care steps you should take after returning from an off-road trip and our Orlando auto service specialists are laying them all out for you. Read on!

Car care for your off-roading vehicle: What you should know

Don’t forget – you should never let mud just sit on your vehicle. It’s tempting to leave it until you have more free time to detail your vehicle, but letting the mud sit actually makes it more difficult to clean. Try to take care of car care as soon as (or soon after) you arrive back in civilization.

Step #1: Pressure wash your vehicle before scrubbing it. 

Before you get to work with soap and a sponge, pressure wash your vehicle. Not only will this make the mud come off more quickly (especially if it’s had time to dry), it’ll also ensure that you get rid of any leftover sand particles that might be clinging to the paint. If you try to scrub your vehicle and sand particles are still on it, you can end up with unsightly swirls and scratches in the paint.

Step 2: Wash your vehicle with the right type of products. 

Once you’re sand-free, get to work with the soap and sponge… but make sure you’re using the right soap. Dish soap can actually do damage to your car’s paint so ensure you’re using a product formulated for your Orlando Toyota – you can always shop our Toyota parts store or ask our specialists for advice.

Step #3: Apply a coat of quality wax. 

It’s always a smart idea to apply wax to your car – it protects the paint from moisture, damaging UV rays, and small scratches. It also makes it that much easier to wash your car the next time around, especially if you’re going off-roading and know you’re going to have mud on the body. Wash your car, dry it, and then apply wax. You can also ask our parts specialists which one is best for your car.

Step #4: Wash the undercarriage. 

The undercarriage of your vehicle is likely to get the worst of the mud so it’s critical that you clean it thoroughly every time you go off-roading. Here’s a life hack for you – buy a cheap, rotating sprinkler head and hook it up to your hose. Slide it under your car and turn the water on – you can walk away for 15-20 minutes and let it do a majority of the work for you! Then you can take care of the remainder with the hose a lot more quickly and efficiently.

Step #5: Clean the brakes and suspension components. 

Don’t forget to clean your brakes and suspension components so they’re free of mud and dust when you return home from your off-road adventure. Dirt and sand can actually damage these parts over time, costing you money in service and repairs and also impairing their functionality.

Shop Toyota of Orlando for all of your car care supplies

Need to shop for car care supplies? Toyota of Orlando has got you covered. Call us today at (407) 298-0001!

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Even if you use your best defensive driving skills and are exceptionally careful every time you get behind the wheel, accidents can still happen. Whether it’s another driver being reckless or bad weather creating dangerous conditions on the road, you may eventually find yourself in the situation where you lose control of your vehicle and find yourself sliding off the road. And if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a ditch, you know how frustrating and difficult it can be to get yourself out. Our Orlando Toyota team is here with safe driving tips to help.

Safe driving tips: 4 steps to take if you get stuck in a ditch

Step #1: Before you do anything, make sure that both you and your passengers are uninjured. If anyone has sustained injuries, it’s best to call for help right then and there so professionals can assess their condition before you try to move anyone.

Step #2: Turn on your hazards. This will alert other drivers to your whereabouts and also help any emergency vehicles or tow trucks that you may have called find your car. If you’re close to the road, call for assistance to get your car out of the ditch quickly so you can avoid an accident or collision with another vehicle passing by.

Step #3: If the ditch is dry and your car is simply stuck, you can try lightening the load to free it. Remove anything that’s excess weight – passengers, stuff in the backseat and trunk, etc. – and then try to accelerate enough to get out of the ditch. Don’t slam on the gas; this can cause you to just spin your wheels and dig yourself into a hole. Instead, gently press the gas to see if the lightened load can make the difference.

If you’re stuck in mud, water, or snow, the excess weight in your car can actually work in your favor – it can help you gain traction. In this case, simple acceleration probably won’t get you out of the ditch. You’ll need extra traction, whether it’s gravel, kitty litter, flattened cardboard under the tires, or even your floor mats. If your Orlando Toyota is front-wheel drive, put the traction device in front of your front tires. If it’s rear-wheel drive, put the traction device behind your rear tires.

Step #4: Still stuck? It’s time to call in the professionals. Unless you know how to properly use a winch and pull a vehicle out safely, you shouldn’t attempt to DIY this one. You can do serious damage to your car’s frame (we’re talking thousands of dollars worth) or damage your bumpers if you make a mistake. Call a towing service to pull you out of the ditch and consider bringing your car to our Orlando auto service center to have it checked before you take to the open road again. You never know if something was damaged in your accident, and it’s best to have the experts take a quick look before you drive again.

Get more safe driving tips from Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions about safe driving or need assistance after an accident? Toyota of Orlando is here for you. Call us at (407) 298-4500 for more information or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall.

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Have you ever gotten pulled over for going over the speed limit when driving? It happens (to many of us) and can result in a warning if you’re lucky and a ticket if you’re not. What about under the speed limit – have you ever been pulled over for driving too slowly? Believe it or not, that can actually happen, too. Speed limits are real, backed by both science and law, and are enforced with the threat of tickets, license suspensions, and even jail time. They’re also in place to keep both you and other drivers safe when you hit the road. It’s important to understand them before you get behind the wheel, and that’s where Toyota of Orlando comes in!

Toyota of Orlando explains how speed limits come to exist

First, let’s talk about what speed limits are and how they’re determined by the folks in charge. Basically, a speed limit is just what it sounds like – it’s a limit to how fast you can drive in that particular area. They’re determined by infrastructural engineers and they have to consider quite a few factors before they can decide what the safest speed is for that stretch of road. After the roads are blueprinted, planned, and surveyed out, the engineers step in to discuss and plan around elements like:

• The road itself and if it’s straight or winding, has any hills or elevation changes, and what type of physical condition it’s in overall
• How much pedestrian traffic there is around the road – for instance, speed limits are a lot lower in urban areas like downtown Orlando and around schools because of the increased foot traffic
• How much housing is around the road and how far back it is from the street

As you can see, a lot of careful consideration and planning goes into deciding the speed limit in the end. That’s why it’s so critical that you abide by them when you’re behind the wheel of your Orlando Toyota – they’re there for big and important reasons.

And just like your car has safety elements built into it like seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and windshield wipers, speed limits exist to keep you and your passengers safe. You’ll find that speed limits tend to be lower in areas that are urban or suburban, as these roads tend to see more housing alongside them and more pedestrian traffic around them. Slower speed limits mean you have more time to come to a quick or sudden stop if you need to. Slower speeds also mean less damage if you do get into an accident or collision.

On the other hand, Orlando highways like the 408 tend to see higher speed limits. There’s not any housing surrounding a highway and it’s rare to see foot traffic. There are also no stop signs or stoplights on highways, so it’s easy to maintain a steady speed and thus, a steady flow of traffic.

Our Orlando Toyota tips for safe speed

In closing, follow the speed limit. It makes you a responsible driver and can even save you money; driving slower means better fuel efficiency and less spare change spent at the pump. Just make sure you’re not driving TOO slowly to where you’re impeding traffic or making the likelihood of an accident go up. Our recommendation? Go the speed limit and allow yourself a little leeway – driving 5 mph over or under is usually acceptable as long as you’re paying close attention to your surroundings.

Have more questions about driving safety? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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