We all know that Toyota is dedicated to keeping their vehicle lineup wide and varied, as well as full of green options. They’ve introduced hybrid versions of many of their popular models, ranging from the compact Toyota Corolla Hybrid to the spacious and stylish Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Long gone are the days where the Toyota Prius family was the only eco-friendly option up for grabs. And the automaker just announced that they’re taking things up another level – they’ll introduce three more EV options in the year 2021 alone.

Will we see new electric vehicles at Toyota of Orlando?

So far, our Orlando Toyota dealership doesn’t have much in the way of details. We know that one of the vehicles will be a plug-in (PHEV) and two of them will be all-electric cars (BEV). That’s pretty much it, though – we don’t know if these new electric options will be variants of current models or if Toyota will be introducing never-before-seen models into the lineup (or reviving old favorites, as they did with the Toyota Venza this year). If we had to speculate, we’d say that at least one of these electric vehicles will be an SUV (and the Toyota RAV4 Prime already exists, so we think all-electric is likely). It’s also quite possible that Toyota will make an electric version of their best-selling Toyota Camry. Not to mention, the 2022 Toyota Tundra has been kept under wraps pretty firmly, so there’s a chance that it might go green when finally unveiled. As we said, it’s all speculation. But we’ll keep you posted as more details unfold!

Should you drive an all-electric vehicle or a plug-in vehicle?

Thinking about changing up your drive time and going green? To get you prepped and ready to get behind the wheel of an electric car, let’s talk about how plug-ins differ from all-electric vehicles. Here are the basics:

• Plug-in cars, like the Orlando Toyota Prius Prime, can literally be plugged in to charge up. These vehicles can run on electric power alone, but the range is typically pretty short (anywhere from 15-50 miles at a go). Luckily, when the electric charge runs out they can swap over to a gasoline-powered engine under the hood – plug-ins actually have two different drivetrains.
• All-electric cars, on the other hand, run solely on electric charge and don’t have a gasoline-powered engine under the hood. These vehicles have longer ranges than plug-ins – they can usually go several hundred miles on one charge so you won’t be left in a lurch as long as you keep an eye on things.

Which is better? Well, they both have their perks and drawbacks. All-electric vehicles have zero emissions and are extremely green, clean, and also cheap to operate since you don’t have to pay for any gasoline. They also offer tax credits in some states, and are usually cheaper to maintain since there are fewer parts involved than in a gasoline-power car. Plug-ins, however, have a greater range and you can go much farther without having to worry about charging your car. Additionally, it can take anywhere from 25 minutes to a few hours to charge an electric car, which means it’s not as quick and efficient as pulling into a gas station and fueling up.

See which of these green cars better suits your lifestyle – stop by Toyota of Orlando to get more information and get behind the wheel of one of our plug-ins. We’re conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can also call our Orlando Toyota dealership for more info at (407) 298-4500.

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Car maintenance…. we know. Just the thought of it can make you groan out loud. Whether you bring your car to a mechanic or DIY it, it’s going to cost you time and money to take care of the necessities. And even though you don’t have to schedule things like oil changes and tire rotations very often, it can still be a pain. Well, today we’re here to talk to you about more car maintenance – daily car maintenance, to be exact. But before you throw your hands up in the air and say you’ve got enough on our plate, hear us out!

Do you REALLY have to do daily car maintenance?

Car care is a critical part of car ownership. And believe it or not, scheduling recommended maintenance every few months just isn’t going to cut it when it comes down to keeping your car in the best shape. Luckily, however, daily car maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming or costly. Check out this list of quick car care items you should check off your daily to-do list from our Orlando auto service experts.

#1: Clean all of the trash out of your car. This should be a no-brainer – leaving trash in your car, especially wrappers and cups, can attract pests like insects and rodents. Every day before you lock up, make sure you’ve emptied your car of trash. To make things quick and easy, hang a trash bag on the back of the seat or keep everything in a cupholder so you can grab it and go.

#2: Do a walkaround of the exterior. Do a walkaround of the exterior of your car every single day. And when we say walkaround, we mean just that – walk around your car once before you hop into the driver’s seat. Look for any issues or problems, as well as any accident damage that may have arisen without your knowledge (like an errant shopping cart collision).

#3: Inspect your tires while you walk around. While you’re conducting your daily walkaround, our Orlando auto service experts recommend that you take a look at your car tires. Just glance at them to ensure they’re not flat and don’t have any noticeable damage like bulges, blisters, or punctures.

#4: Glance at your dashboard lights. When you turn your car on, all of your dash lights should illuminate and then turn off. If any of them stays illuminated, then you may have a problem. Be sure to address it at Toyota of Orlando’s service center as soon as you can; ignoring these issues can lead to bigger and costlier problems down the road.

#5: Make sure your mirrors are aligned. Make sure your mirrors – your side mirrors and rearview mirror – are properly aligned before you hit the road to ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers.

#6: Don’t drive around on empty. Life gets hectic, we know, but try to keep at least a quarter tank of gas in your car at all times. Driving around on empty is bad for your car’s fuel pump and the engine in general.

Get all of your car care questions answered at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about daily car maintenance or need to schedule an appointment at Toyota of Orlando’s service center? Call us today 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 in the process of car shopping right now, you might feel a little overwhelmed (and understandably). There’s so much to consider before you even take a test drive. Which make and model do you prefer? What about the trim, color, and additional accessories? How about safety and entertainment features, as well as interior space? We get it – you have a lot to think about before you even visit the dealership. Good news; it’s our job to make your car shopping process easy and stress-free even if you haven’t walked through our doors. Today we’re talking about car engines and how to choose the right one for your drive time needs.

How do you decide on the right car engine?

Before you can pinpoint which car engine is going to be the right solution for your needs, you have to think about your driving habits. Here are a few questions to ask yourself so you can narrow the field:

• Where are you driving? Are you making a daily commute to and from work and school and not much else? If so, a smaller and more fuel-efficient car engine should suffice.
• Are you in need of interior space? If you’re head of the carpool or need an interior cargo area for gear, then you might want to consider a slightly larger engine (you’ll usually find these on the bigger cars, anyway).
• Do you need to haul or tow on a regular basis? If so, a larger car engine is probably going to be your go-to so you have the horsepower and torque you need.

Once you’ve answered those questions, it’s time to start considering options. Here are the three main types of car engines that you’ll find at Toyota of Orlando when you shop our inventory.

Three types of car engines to consider in your next Orlando Toyota

4-cylinder: This type of car engine is one you’ll find in smaller Orlando Toyotas; it’s built for driving and carrying light amounts of cargo. These types of engines are pretty fuel-efficient and are often used in hybrid drivetrains, paired with electrical motors. Some common Orlando Toyotas that have this engine include the Corolla, Yaris, and Camry.

6-cylinder or V6: This is more of a mid-sized car engine that offers a lot of versatility. It’s more fuel-efficient than a large engine, but still gives you more power than a 4-cylinder if you need to do some light towing or hauling (or like putting the pedal to the metal). You’ll often find these engines in the Toyota Highlander and Tacoma, as well as some models of the Camry.

8-cylinder or V8: This is a large and powerful engine that’s great for towing, hauling, and any other drive-time task that requires power. However, there’s a trade-off. While you have a lot of power at your disposal, your fuel efficiency is going to go down. This type of engine is currently found in the Toyota Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia models.

Want to get shopping or need a little guidance? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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You did it – you finally signed the dotted line on a new Toyota car and now you’re ready to hit the road. However, no matter how comfortable your new ride is, it may not feel like sitting in a recliner after a few hours at the wheel. And if you’re going to be in the driver’s seat on a routine basis for your daily drive time, you want to make sure you’re not uncomfortable. That’s why it’s important to know how to make your vehicle as pleasant as possible to drive (and without spending a ton of money or time on it). Toyota of Orlando is here with tips – check it out!

Four ways to make your drive time as pleasant as possible

1. Make sure your seat is adjusted properly. Did you know that there’s actually a proper way to sit in the driver’s seat? And luckily, a lot of our new Toyotas come with power adjustable seats that also have memory settings so you can program in your position. When you sit, your thighs should touch the back of the seat, but the backs of your knees shouldn’t. You want to make sure that your feet touch the pedals with ease and you’re not stretching for them or cramped, and also that you can comfortably reach the wheel. Your chin should be as high as the steering wheel and your back should be straight, and your hips should be as high as your knees.

2. Keep the air as clean as possible. If you’re spending a lot of time in your car, you want to ensure that the air you’re breathing is as clean and fresh as possible. This means checking and changing your cabin air filter at the recommended intervals. And if you start to smell a weird or musty odor inside the cabin, bring your car in right away so our Orlando Toyota service techs can check things out under the hood.

3. Ensure your cabin is set to the right temperature. There’s probably not much worse than going through an Orlando summer without air-conditioning in your car. Keeping your cabin at the right temperature is integral to a comfortable drive time, so make sure you stay on top of routine car care for your air-conditioning system. If you notice an issue with your A/C, heat, or defroster, come to Toyota of Orlando and let our techs try to pinpoint what’s going on.

4. Splurge a little. If you’re uncomfortable at all, it might be time to splurge on a few accessories for your new Toyota. You may want to consider padded seat covers or lumbar support for comfort, or a phone holder to keep your phone in plain view. You may even want to spend your cash on other car accessories designed for convenience and efficiency, like a lap desk if you work from the car or a condiment holder if you’re a frequent guest at Chick-Fil-A.

Shop parts and accessories at Toyota of Orlando today

Whatever you need to make your new Toyota comfortable, we can help you find it. Contact Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 or stop by for a chat at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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Having a car emergency like a flat tire or breakdown is never a fun experience, but it’s even more stressful if it happens on the highway. You’re moving at a high speed and so are all of the cars around you, and you’re usually not close to a gas station or mechanic – in fact, you could be miles from the nearest exit. And if you’re on a rural highway, it’s even scarier. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you deal with a car emergency on the highway and stay safe.

Four tips for dealing with a car emergency on a highway

Tip #1: Pull over. If you start having a car emergency like a tire blowout or engine failure, pull off the road as quickly as you can. You should look for a flat shoulder to stop on and get your vehicle as far away from the road as you safely can so you’re farther away from traffic.

• Keep in mind that if you have to change a tire, you want the shoulder to be flat and sand-free. If there’s nowhere to pull off (like on some sections of I-4), you should try to make it to the next exit or at least the next shoulder, even if it’s going to do more damage. It’s NEVER a good idea to stop your car on the highway in a lane unless you have no other option (like in the event of a car fire).
• Turn your wheel away from the road after you park – this way if you were hit from behind, your car isn’t pushed into traffic. You should also set your parking brake.

Tip #2: Make yourself as visible as possible. Now’s the time to make your car as visible as you possibly can, especially if you’re driving at night and have a car emergency. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers to your presence, and if you have them, set up roadside flares or triangles. If you’re really in a bind, you can also call the police. They likely won’t be able to get your car back on the road, but they can turn on their lights and give you added visibility.

Tip #3: Get back in the car. If you’re in it for the long haul and need to wait for a tow truck, it’s best to get back in your car. This way you’re not anywhere near the traffic on the road. Lock the doors and keep an eye on the road around you while you wait for help to arrive.

Tip #4: Call for assistance if needed. If you’re dealing with a car emergency that you can fix on your own on the side of the highway, it’s time to call for help. Call for a tow truck or roadside assistance to come to pick you up and get your car where it needs to go to get fixed.

Toyota of Orlando can get you back on the road after a car emergency

If you need auto repairs after a car emergency, call Toyota of Orlando today. Our Orlando auto service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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If you’re thinking about buying a used Toyota, you know you’re getting a high-quality and reliable preowned vehicle. After all, the best new cars make the best used cars, right? There’s an implicit level of longevity and durability in Toyotas across the board, so buying a preowned one is never a bad idea. However, there are several years that – according to drivers and industry insiders alike – stand out and shine amongst their siblings. Check out this quick Orlando Toyota guide to the best used Toyotas you can put in your driveway today.

The 2016 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is a best-seller on a global level, so any model year that you buy is going to be a win-win. However, 2016 truly stands out from the rest. Earlier models had the potential for engine failure (which means expensive repairs), but this model is smooth sailing when it comes to performance. It’s also got an updated and modern aesthetic inside and out, better technology than earlier models, and updated safety technology. You’re looking at around $15k for a model with 30,000 miles, which is a great bet considering you’ll be able to drive this model for years (maybe even decades) to come.

The 2015 Toyota Tacoma

When you’re shopping for a used car, you want one that’s going to retain its value well so when it’s time to sell or trade in down the road it gives you more bang for your buck. The Toyota Tacoma is renowned across the industry for doing just that and is considered one of the best used Toyota models for holding resale value. The 2015 model is a particular favorite among drivers; it looks good, has an efficient engine under the hood, has updated entertainment and safety technology, and has the versatility you need for a busy life.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla 

The Toyota Corolla has been a fan favorite for decades – we mean DECADES – and we’re not surprised. It’s fuel-efficient, compact, fun to drive, and stylish in a sporty, unique way. Any model year will serve you well, but the 2014 model was redesigned for an even sportier look inside and out. It’s also got more updated technology and safety features, gets around 42 mpg on the highway, and has a cheap pricepoint to start at – typically, you can get your hands on one of these used Toyotas for $10K or less.

The 2016 Toyota RAV4

Looking for a family-friendly ride with a little more space? Consider a used Toyota RAV4 – specifically, a 2016 model year. SUVs tend to run a bit on the pricy side, even when used, but this model year precedes a redesign and as such, is more affordable than others. Plus, it’s got reliable and fuel-efficient performance features, new tech, and great safety elements. You can likely find one for between $15-18k, depending on the mileage.

The 2008 Toyota Highlander 

Trying to budget a little harder and looking for something a bit older to put in the garage? Check out the 2008 Highlander. While the mileage will likely be higher on an older model, it doesn’t mean you’re not getting a reliable ride. This particular model year fixed all of the engine issues that the 2006 model had to contest with, and it also has a sporty V6 engine under the hood for 270 horsepower. Plus, it’s incredibly spacious and comfortable inside. As long as you stick to your routine car care, you should easily be able to drive this used Toyota for many more miles to come.

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When you see a light – any light, really – turn on in your dashboard, you probably immediately feel uneasy. After all, seeing one of those lights come on could mean that auto repairs are in your near future and you may have to shell out your hard-earned money to keep your ride on the road. However, the longer you put them off, the more likely it is that they develop into serious issues. That’s why it’s so critical to not ignore your dashboard lights. Today we’re talking about three reasons you should never ignore one light in particular – your tire pressure warning light.

Why does your tire pressure light turn on?

Your tire pressure warning light turns on to alert you that one or more of your car tires is too low in terms of air pressure. The air pressure has dropped below the recommended level and you should take immediate steps to add air to the tire(s) and get them back to the proper PSI. Some people don’t think the tire pressure warning light is a big deal – after all, the tire’s not flat yet, right? – but here are three reasons our Orlando auto service specialists recommend dealing with this simple car care task right away!

Reason #1: You’re more likely to have a flat or blowout. When your tire is underinflated, you’re much more likely to have a flat tire or a blowout. And while that may seem like a minor inconvenience or no big deal, it’s not -having a blowout can be pretty dangerous to you and the cars around you, especially if you have one while moving at high speeds (like on the highway). This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and end up in a collision, or worse.

Reason #2: Your tires will wear unevenly and wear out faster. If your PSIs aren’t where they should be, your car tires will wear faster. Low tire pressure means your tire has more surface area on the road (more rubber touching road) which means it’s going to wear out faster and wear unevenly. And this throws everything out of balance, so your other tires will likely wear unevenly, too. All in all, this means you’re going to have to replace your tires more frequently and spend WAY more money than you rightfully should.

Reason #3: You won’t get the fuel efficiency you deserve. When your car tire pressure is too low, you won’t get the fuel efficiency you deserve. Having tires inflated to the proper PSI is directly related to getting the right fuel efficiency.

Let our Orlando Toyota service techs restore your tires to the right PSI

It’s easy to get your car tire pressure back to the right level – just pull into the gas station and use the air hose to fill them up, also using a gauge to ensure you don’t overinflate them. If you’re not comfortable with the DIY approach, though, just head on over to Toyota of Orlando! Our auto service techs can get you back on the road in no time. Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Here at Toyota of Orlando, we love concept cars. Like, LOVE them. They’re a great way for automakers to take design and innovation to new levels, no holds barred, and bring something truly unique to drivers (even if there’s a slim-to-none chance that the vehicle will ever actually be put into production). The new Toyota RAV4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue is no exception. This incredible SUV has been decked out with features to ensure that it’s ready for any terrain, any weather – basically, anything and everything you could imagine. Toyota of Orlando has the details!

Meet the Toyota RAv4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue

The Toyota RAV4 5D Adventure Mountain Rescue was recently unveiled online by Toyota. It was supposed to have its big debut at the Tokyo Auto Show but since that event was canceled, we’ll have to get more up close and personal with this innovative SUV at an upcoming dealer-sponsored Toyama Prefecture in Japan. This is actually perfect because this particular region of Japan is one that faces intense winter weather than can often leave drivers stranded (i.e., they’ll love this thing).

The concept crossover was built off of the Orlando Toyota RAV4 Adventure model gear. This means it has dynamic torque vectoring all-wheel drive with rear driveline disconnect, as well as multi-terrain select and a tow hitch. Toyota designed this concept with weather and terrain in mind, and here are some of the features you can expect when you get behind the wheel.

• New large-diameter wheels with knobby tires for extra grip on tricky terrain
• Damage-resistant bumpers in the front and rear, as well as steps on the corners fitted with material to add grip for when conditions are slippery
• Step rails to improve ingress and egress
• A ladder on the back to give the driver easy access to the roof racks
• Modular cube LED light units that can be fitted into docks on the outside of the crossover – eight on the roof rack and four below the headlights. However, LED lights aren’t the only things that can be plugged in there. These outlets can also house cameras, wi-fi signal boosters, speakers, lidar for measuring distance, or USB charging ports.
• An emergency beacon bar and red lights embedded in the grille for major visibility in the worst of weather

And that’s just the exterior. The interior of this new Toyota RAV4 concept showcases an augmented reality projection on the windshield to ensure that the driver can navigate tricky, uneven terrain even in terrible weather conditions where visibility is limited (like snow). It also has a smartphone-controlled rooftop drone that reads the movements of people and other vehicles.

Get offroad in a new Orlando Toyota today

While it’s not likely that we’ll see this incredible concept at Toyota of Orlando anytime soon, we DO have plenty of off-road options waiting for you. Shop all of them today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall!

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When you last visited your mechanic or auto service center, did they tell you that you needed a new engine air filter alongside your already scheduled service? This is a touchy subject among both drivers and auto service technicians alike. While some less trustworthy mechanics try to push this car care on drivers more frequently to make an extra buck, it actually IS a necessary item on your car maintenance checklist. Toyota of Orlando is here to clear the air surrounding this controversy.

Believe it or not, you DO need to replace your engine air filter from time to time. This important car part plays a critical role in performance. Air is pulled into your car engine in order to ignite your fuel; the air filter prevents dirt and debris from being pulled into the engine alongside the air. And over time, the filter itself will become dirty. This means it needs to be cleaned regularly but as with any car part, you’ll get to a point where cleaning just won’t cut it and the part needs to be replaced.

What happens if you don’t replace your engine air filter as needed? Here are just a few scenarios:

• Not enough air is pulled into the engine. This leads to misfiring, low fuel efficiency (which means you have to spend more on gas), and a reduction in power (so you won’t be able to put the pedal to the metal).
• The filter starts to come apart due to excessive wear and tear. This can actually lead to pieces of the filter being pulled into the engine, causing costly damage to the engine itself (and more auto repairs on your schedule).

Ignoring your air filter can have expensive consequences so while you don’t need to change it every single time you get an oil change or tire rotation, you do need to give it attention on a regular basis. But how often do you actually have to replace it?

The answer to this really depends on your driving habits. While some will say that it’s only necessary to replace this car part once a year, a better gauge is to change it according to mileage. Some drivers may put 50,000 miles on their car in a year while others drive infrequently and only rack up 10,000 miles. A good rule of thumb is that your engine air filter needs to be replaced every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. And if you notice performance issues in between these appointments, definitely have our Orlando auto service techs check things out for you.

And here’s the best news – we can both clean and replace this important car part right here at Toyota of Orlando. Our auto service techs can get you on a schedule and they’ll inspect your air filter every time you come for service to ensure it’s clean enough to function properly.

If you think you need car care or just want to get answers, call us! Toyota of Orlando’s service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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Have you noticed that things seem to be very… green, lately? And we’re not talking about the trees. Pollen is in the air and with it bringing seasonal allergies galore. One place that you’ll likely see a lot of pollen buildup is on your car, especially if you park in an area where there are a lot of trees.

And while it may just seem like a nuisance (turning your car a different color and making it look dirty and unkempt), pollen can actually damage the exterior of your vehicle. When you leave pollen on your Orlando Toyota it doesn’t just look bad. Left long enough, it can actually oxidize the paint and leave stains that are impossible to get rid of – you’d likely have to redo the paint to get your ride looking like new again. That’s why it’s critical to deal with it as soon as you can. Check out these tips from our Orlando Toyota service specialists on dealing with pollen season.

Four tips for handling pollen season

Tip #1: Prepare your car ahead of time for pollen season. It’s critical to prepare your car ahead of time for pollen season so it’s not as bad when the time finally arrives. You can do this by staying on a car detailing schedule; be sure to wash your car regularly AND apply a quality coat of wax on a routine basis. Wax will not only make it easier to

Tip #2: Remove pollen as often and as well as you can. When you’re in the height of pollen season, be sure to wash your car more than normal to remove it from the paint. This will help prevent damage to your vehicle’s exterior. And be sure to use the right products – you don’t want to use dish soap or any other product that will strip the wax off of your car and do further harm to the paint. You can shop for car detailing supplies at our Orlando auto parts store.

Tip #3: Park wisely. When pollen season is at its worst, consider where you’re parking your car. Parking away from trees is always a plus, and if you can park inside of a garage or at least under cover, you’ll be doing your car a favor.

Tip #4: Don’t forget about the interior and under the hood. Don’t forget about the interior of your Orlando Toyota. It’s not nearly as exposed as the exterior, but pollen can still find its way in. Make sure you dust, wipe, and vacuum out the cabin of your car regularly. As far as under the hood, make sure to check your engine air filter and cabin air filter routinely – they might be dirtier than usual.

Schedule routine car care and detailing at Toyota of Orlando

Want our Toyota of Orlando service techs to help you keep your ride in top shape this pollen season? Call us! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and you can stop by and chat with one of our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

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