No matter where you drive – city, rural, highway, or suburbs – you’re likely to encounter construction zones at some point. Driving in these zones is very different from your typical drive time experience, so it’s important to know how to adapt when you encounter them behind the wheel of your Orlando Toyota. Not only is it more hazardous to drive in these zones, but you can also be penalized more for bad driving habits. Here are our top 8 tips for safe driving in construction zones.

Use these 8 tips to safely navigate construction zones

Tip #1: Slow down. The posted speed will always be lower in a construction zone and you should take care to adhere to it. This also allows you more reaction time should you need to get out of the way or come to a sudden stop. Remember, speeding fines can be increased in a construction zone – in some areas, they can be doubled or more.

Tip #2: Pay attention to the signs. Pay close attention to the signs when driving in these areas. You should be on the lookout for new speed limits, lane changes, merge signs, new stop signs, and more and adjust your driving accordingly.

Tip #3: Obey the flaggers. Flaggers are there to direct traffic and keep you safe, so pay close attention to them and follow their instructions. Flying past them when they tell you to stop can end up in an accident or collision.

Tip #4: Use defensive driving skills. Use your best defensive driving skills when driving in a construction zone. Leave plenty of distance between your car and the car ahead of you and be on the lookout for road hazards so you can act to avoid an accident rather than react as one’s happening.

Tip #5: Be ready for anything. You should be ready for anything in a construction zone – you may need to get out of the way or come to a sudden stop. This means you have to shelve all of your distracted driving habits and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

Tip #6: Use the “take 10” method when you change lanes. When you change lanes, allow at least ten seconds to complete the switch. You should signal for at least three seconds before starting to move over and then take seven seconds to slowly shift into the next lane.

Tip #7: Obey the rules until you’re clear of the construction zone. Just because you can see the end sign of the zone doesn’t mean you should speed up or ignore the posted signs – follow the rules until you’ve cleared the zone and are back on the open road.

Tip #8: Be patient and expect delays. Construction zones can slow things down and cause delays as unexpected issues arise. Be patient, don’t speed, and don’t give in to aggressive driving practices because you’re in a rush.

Call Toyota of Orlando today with questions!

Have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

Do you consider yourself to be a good driver? Most people do, but sometimes they’re unaware that the driving habits they’ve cultivated actually aren’t the best. Bad driving habits can put both you and other drivers on the road in danger and increase the risk of getting into an accident or collision. That’s why our Orlando Toyota dealership has come up with a list of the top 6 worst driving habits we see and why you should avoid them. Check it out!

The 6 worst driving habits we see

1. Distracted driving 

Distracted driving is just what it sounds like – engaging in distractions while driving. This is absolutely the #1 worst driving habit you can have. Whether it’s using your phone, changing radio stations, turning to talk to passengers, eating, doing your makeup – whatever distraction it is, it highly increases your chances of getting into a car accident. Don’t be selfish; put the distractions away and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

2. Not wearing a seatbelt 

You should ALWAYS wear a seatbelt, even if you’re just running around the corner to the convenience store. Everyone – including yourself – should be buckled in securely before your Orlando Toyota leaves the driveway. Not only is it illegal to be in a moving vehicle without a seatbelt, not wearing one leaves you 30 times more likely to be ejected from the vehicle in a crash. Seatbelts reduce your risk of serious injury by 50% and your risk of death by 45%. The odds are in your favor – buckle up.

3. Tailgating

Tailgating is when you drive too closely to the car in front of you. It’s dangerous because if they have to come to sudden stop, you’ll likely run into the back of them. You should always leave at least “four seconds” of space in between you and the car in front of you. When they pass a landmark (like a road sign), you should be able to count to four before you pass it.

4. Not using your turn signals 

Use your turn signals! They’re there for a reason. Using them alerts other drivers to your movements and helps them avoid your vehicle (and subsequently, avoid an accident).

5. Driving aggressively 

Don’t give in to road rage. Driving aggressively seriously increases your risk of getting into a fatal traffic accident and you’re also putting everyone else on the road in danger.

6. Speeding (or going under the speed limit)

The speed limit exists for a reason, too. This is the optimal speed for the road you’re on. Going over the speed limit means you may not be able to control your car based on the road conditions and you’re making it unsafe for other drivers, too. Conversely, going too slowly can also be dangerous to you and other drivers. Try to stick at or near the speed limit.

Call Toyota of Orlando with questions!

Have questions? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

Are you considering putting an electric car in the driveway? These eco-friendly, tech-driven rides are a great way to get around town. However, they may not be a perfect fit for everyone, and that’s why we encourage you to do your research BEFORE you sign the dotted line. Check out these 5 mistakes our Orlando Toyota sales specialists urge you not to make when shopping for one of these alternative fuel vehicles.

1. Not plotting out your budget 

First things first – let’s talk money. Electric cars tend to be more expensive than hybrids and traditional gasoline cars because of all the technology they’ve got going on under the hood and inside the cabin. That being said, make sure you can afford it before you sign the dotted line. You don’t want to get stuck in a car payment that you can’t swing on a monthly basis. And don’t forget to factor in both maintenance and car insurance when considering your budgetary situation.

2. Not looking into federal incentives 

Did you know that there are often federal tax credits available for EV cars bought here in the United States? You should do your research (or inform your accountant) when tax time rolls around – driving one of these Orlando Toyotas can get you a pretty nice refund, so factor that into your decision.

3. Not considering your commute 

What’s your day-to-day commute like? Just like traditional gasoline cars can only get you so far on a tank of gas, electric cars can only get you so far on one charge. Make sure you do research on the “range” (how far you can get on one charge) that the model you’re interested in has to offer. And don’t forget, if your work or school doesn’t have a charging station, you still have to make it back home, too. Factor your daily mileage before you settle on a particular make and model. If you live in a rural or even suburban area, a short range might not cut it.

4. Not taking into account your local climate 

Did you know that the local climate can actually have an effect on electric cars? Believe it or not, extremely cold weather can have a negative effect on your EV’s performance. The batteries don’t charge as well in super-cold conditions, nor do they hold the charge as well. This can have a big impact on your range and overall performance, so take your local climate into account before you sign the dotted line. (If you live here in Orlando, you’re good to go.)

5. Not evaluating all of your drive time needs 

Make sure you take ALL of your drive time needs into account before you decide to buy an electric car. Do you need something that can tow or haul? Do you need a ton of interior space for passengers? What about off-roading – do you tend to take things off the pavement? Compile a list of ALL of your drive time needs and make sure an electric vehicle can meet them before you buy.

Have questions about electric options or want to explore alternative fuel Orlando Toyotas? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando News | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

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!

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Toyota Service | No Comments »

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.

Posted in Toyota of Orlando's Tips | No Comments »