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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Are you the type of driver who just can’t commit to one vehicle? We get it – sometimes it’s hard to find a one-size-fits-all solution for your drive time needs, especially if you usually rely on public transportation or don’t drive on the regular. Is it really worth it to sign the dotted line on a purchase or lease if you’re not going to use it that much in the long run? Well, Toyota may just have the solution you’re looking for – Subscribe + Drive.

What is Subscribe + Drive?

Subscribe + Drive is an all-new Toyota program that provides an alternative to leasing or purchasing a new Toyota. When you sign up, you can basically “rent” a new Toyota for 60 days at a time. When the 60 days is up, you can renew the program or you can cancel and return the car – whichever fits your needs at the time. Toyota of Orlando has the details on this innovative new program below.

• Subscribe + Drive is a subscription service and you’ll pay monthly for it. However, to make this short-term ownership as easy as possible, Toyota bundles the “rent” for the car, insurance coverage, and maintenance all into the monthly fee. The only thing you have to pay for is gas – even your tolls will be charged to your credit card on file via Toyota.
• You’ll be able to choose from a variety of models spanning compact cars to spacious SUVs so you can get whatever fits your drivetime needs for that particular time period.
• To subscribe, you just download the app and fill out all of the information on your phone. Toyota will then hook you up with a digital concierge, who you can text with any questions or concerns that you have.
• Once you’ve signed up, paid a small one-time fee, and chosen your vehicle, your new Toyota will be delivered right to your door – you don’t even have to leave home to collect the keys. However, if you have questions about the car, you can always schedule a pick-up at a Toyota dealership near you.

Is this new Toyota program right for you?

And here are a few of the finer details regarding this new Toyota program:

• There’s no long-term commitment. If you don’t need the vehicle when the 60 days is up, you can cancel your membership (or pause it if you want to use it again later in the year and not pay the initial fee).
• The monthly subscription fee varies based on the vehicle that you choose, as well as your state and local taxes.
• To make your life easier, you can renew the same vehicle that you’re in after 60 days (that way you don’t have to move all of your stuff to a new car).
• You’ll be allotted 1,250 miles a month to get you where you need to go.
• You can add a second authorized driver to the subscription if you want a family member or partner to get behind the wheel, too.
• You have to be 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and meet both credit and driving record standards to be able to participate in this new Toyota program.
• Insurance coverage is backed by Nationwide and includes $500,000 liability and property coverage, $10,000 medical per person, $10,000 income continuation coverage, and $5,000 loss of services coverage. Physical damage coverage is subject to a $1,000 deductible per occurrence.

Have questions? We’ve got answers (as always). Call Toyota of Orlando today for more information OR to look into leasing or purchasing a new Toyota today. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500!

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Does the thought of installing your child car seat for the first time make you nervous? We get it – you want your kids to be as safe as possible at all times, especially when you have them in the car with you. However, installing a car seat can be confusing if you’ve never done it before, and even if you get it installed, you can’t really be sure that you’ve done it correctly until you’ve had lots of practice… or a little guidance from the experts. That’s where Toyota comes in!

What is Toyota For Families?

As always, you can visit your local fire station or police department to have them show you how to properly install a child car seat and ensure that you’re doing it correctly. Toyota is dedicated to safety, though, and wanted to make car seat installation even simpler for its customers. After all, proper installation of a car seat can reduce injuries in a crash by up to 70%. That’s why they’ve created a new app feature called Toyota For Families that shows you how to install your seat safely and correctly in your Orlando Toyota.

Toyota For Families was developed by three mothers who were determined to make this information more accessible for EVERY driver. Jennifer Pelky (Toyota principal engineer of vehicle performance development for interior safety), Lindsay Babian (Toyota principal engineer of body design for seats), and Janelle Pharris (advanced technology senior planner for Toyota) worked together to create this award-winning app feature and get it off the ground in 2021.

Here are the details:

• Toyota For Families can be accessed either through the Toyota Owners App or via the Toyota website.
• Users can either enter their VIN or select their model and trim to specify which car they’ll be installing in.
• Next, users choose the location where they want to put the car seat and then the type of car seat they have – forward-facing, rear-facing, or booster seat. Toyota also makes it easy if you’re unsure as to which seat you should be using by providing a guide to car seats based on age and weight.

Once those details have been specified by the user, they’re shown both a custom video AND written step-by-step instructions on how to install a generic car seat into their chosen vehicle. Instructions are given both for the LATCH system and seat belt installation, and if the user chooses an installation method that’s incompatible with their seat (for example, wanting to use LATCH when it’s not possible) the system will let them know.

The video and instructions are specific to the Toyota Sienna right now (that’s the model used as the example), but Toyota hopes to expand this to the rest of the fleet to make customers feel even more comfortable. Additionally, this feature of the app is accessible to both iPhone and Android users.

Shop for a family-friendly Orlando Toyota today

Have questions or shopping for a family-friendly new Toyota? Call us to get the ball rolling – Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Have you ever sat down and tried to navigate your car insurance policy? It can be confusing, to say the least – there are so many options and lots of unfamiliar technical language. And on top of that, it’s a must-have when you get behind the wheel. Driving without car insurance is illegal and can also land you in big financial trouble. Toyota of Orlando is here to help, as always – check out our quick guide to car insurance to help you better understand and choose a policy best suited for your drive time needs.

Why do you need car insurance?

Like we said, driving without car insurance is illegal. This is because insurance has two purposes – to cover your expenses, but also to cover the other driver’s expenses if you get into a car accident and it’s your fault. Basically, your car insurance will help cover the bills (after your deductible) when it comes to your medical expenses and car repair bills when you get into a car accident. If you didn’t have insurance, you’d have to foot the bill yourself (and those costs add up really, really quickly). Similarly, if the car accident is determined to be your fault, you’re responsible for the other driver’s bills, so your insurance will cover those, too.

So what should you be looking at when you choose a car insurance policy? Here’s a breakdown of the main categories:

• Collision: This segment of your insurance covers the costs to repair your car. If your car is deemed totaled, then this part of your policy will cut you a check that you can use as a down payment on a new ride.
• Personal Injury Protection: PIP coverage will cover your medical bills if you’re injured in an accident or collision.
• Bodily Injury and Personal Property Liability: This segment of your car insurance policy cover’s the other driver’s medical bills and auto repair costs. But remember, this only kicks in if YOU were legally determined to be at fault.
• Comprehensive: This segment is for things like hit-and-run car accidents (where there’s no other driver to help foot the bill), natural disasters, and in the state of Florida, windshield repair and replacement.

You should check to ensure that your Orlando Toyota’s policy includes each of these segments for the fullest coverage.

How much will it cost to insure your Orlando Toyota?

The cost of car insurance varies from driver to driver as the premium (the amount you pay each month) is determined based on a variety of factors, including:

• Your age and gender
• Your marital status
• Your address
• Your insurance, driving, and accident histories
• The type of car you’re going to drive and what you’re using it for
• The number of miles you’re going to drive annually

Another thing to consider when signing up for car insurance is how frequently you have to make the payments. Most drivers pay monthly, but your provider may offer annual or biannual payment options. The amount you pay on that schedule is larger, but you’ll often get a discount doing it that way, so be sure to ask.

Have questions about which policy is best for your Orlando Toyota? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

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Here at Toyota of Orlando, we’re all about car hacks. If there’s an easy or creative way to make your drive time more enjoyable, we’re going to share it with you. Today we’re giving you a few more car hacks that can make your experience behind the wheel more efficient and less stressful. Check it out!

Hack #1: Unlock your door manually. Did your key fob stop working? Don’t worry – even if you can’t remotely unlock your car, you can still get the door open. Your key fob has a small mechanical key hidden inside. On the door handle, you’ll notice a small piece of plastic that can be popped off – there’s a mechanical lock under there. Voila!

Hack #2: Prevent your wipers from freezing. We know, we know – you won’t really have this issue here in Orlando. However, if you head north, you can stick a pair of socks over your windshield wipers when you park your car. This will prevent them from freezing to the glass when it snows.

Hack #3: Go the speed limit. Not only will going the speed limit prevent you from getting pulled over and ticketed, but it’ll also help you get where you’re going faster. Did you know that green lights are timed so that if you’re going the speed limit, you SHOULD be able to hit all of them as you make your way down the street? It’s a much safer way to get somewhere fast.

Hack #4: Make your car easy to find. Are you guilty of ALWAYS forgetting where you’ve parked? Make it easier to find your car – stick something on your radio antenna, put a sticker on the back of the car, or stick something brightly colored in one of the windows that makes your Orlando Toyota easier to spot.

Hack #5: Cool off your car quickly. Your car can become a literal oven in the summer, especially here in Orlando. A lot of people think that they should open all four windows to let the hot air out, but this actually doesn’t get the job done. You should open the two front windows when you hit the road to let the hot air out, then roll them up and blast the A/C.

Hack #6: Touch up scratches on the cheap. Do you have small scratches and dings in your paint, but don’t feel like shelling out for professional car paint repairs? We get it. Your best bet for a temporary fix is nail polish, believe it or not. With all of the shades available, it isn’t hard to find one that comes pretty dang close to your car’s paint.

Hack #7: Stop hitting your car door on the garage wall. Sick of hitting your car door on the wall of the garage when you get out? Here’s a quick and easy car hack to deal with it. Cut a pool noodle in half and stick it on the wall where your door hits – this will protect both the wall and your car door from dings.

Hack #8: Put your kids’ slime to use. Ah, slime. Kids love it, parents hate it… unless it comes to car detailing. Believe it or not, slime is a great way to get dirt and debris out of the cracks and crevices in your car. Use a ball of slime to pick up dirt from cupholders, the dash, etc. – debris will stick right to it. Just make sure to throw the slime out afterward.

Want more car hacks? Call Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and located conveniently just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

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Easter is here! Do you have plans to make the most of the beautiful weather and holiday weekend? Check out these fun events going on in the City Beautiful and surrounding areas this Saturday and Sunday and from our family to yours, hoppy Easter!

Central Florida Zoo will be hosting an Easter event from 9 am to 3 pm tomorrow, April 3. “Hippity Hoppity Adventure” will include an egg trail, crafts, games, music at the splash pad, and an inflatable obstacle course! The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance to round out the celebration. This event is free with zoo admission.

Gaylord Palms Resort will be hosting indoor scavenger hunts, a springtime pool party, a cookie decorating experience, and even encounters with animals from Wild Florida throughout Easter Weekend! Guests can also have breakfast with Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny to kick off the day.

ICON Park is offering a chance to have your photos taken with the Easter Bunny as well as complimentary rides on The Wheel for visitors who do so!

City of Ocoee is holding a Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt at the Jim Beech Recreation Center! Attendees will also get to experience a glow zone and live music from a DJ. You have to reserve your spot ahead of time for this free event on April 2 from 6-9 pm.

CrossLife Church in Oviedo is hosting an “EGGstravagant” event filled with games, inflatable bouncers, scavenger hunts, live entertainment, sno-cones, and more! The event is free and takes place from 11 am to 2 pm tomorrow, April 3.

Mall at Millenia will offer Easter Bunny photos and while you’re there, stop by Capital Grille for Easter brunch! They’re serving lobster frittata, NY strip and eggs, pan-seared sea bass, filet mignon, shrimp and grits, and more.

The Tea Room Experience is hosting an Easter-themed afternoon tea in honor of the weekend! Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones, fresh clotted cream, mimosas, and all the tea you can drink. Seating is limited and tickets are $35 a person.

The Hammered Lamb is hosting an adult easter egg hunt. The egg hunt starts at noon and there will be live music and entertainment plus great food throughout the afternoon.

Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

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It’s finally here – the 2022 Toyota GR 86 has officially been unveiled. It’s set to arrive at dealerships across the nation late this year, but our Orlando Toyota dealership has the scoop NOW on what it’s going to offer when you can finally slide into the driver’s seat.

If you noticed, the name is slightly different. Toyota added “GR” to this sports car’s moniker, which stands for Gazoo Racing (and it’s obvious that this car will be track-ready). However, that’s not all that’s changed. This Orlando Toyota was completely redesigned for its second generation. Much like the first gen, it was co-designed and developed with Subaru (check out the BRZ – twinsies) and the two automotive powerhouses didn’t disappoint when it comes to design, performance, and technology. Here are the basics of what the all-new Toyota GR 86 will offer.

• A larger engine – the original has been replaced with a 2.4L flat-four. This means increased horsepower (232 hp) and torque (184 lb-ft) for a more exciting performance. (The old model got 205 hp and 156 lb-ft).
• It’s still rear-wheel drive for quick acceleration and is available in both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
• It gets from 0-62 mph in 6.3 seconds, an improvement from the 7.4 seconds that the prior generation boasted.
• Dimensions will stay generally the same; the new 2022 Toyota GR 86 will showcase the same low stance that it achieves through its flat-four engine. The wheelbase is slightly longer and the center of gravity is a little lower.
• The roof and fender panels are now made of aluminum for lower overall weight (and more speed).
• Torsion rigidity has been increased by about 50%, according to Toyota – this means enhanced handling as well as a more comfortable experience for the driver and passengers.
• The interior will showcase a 7″ digital display in the instrument cluster, as well as an 8″ touchscreen interface for the entertainment system.
• Some models of the new Toyota GR 86 will showcase the new Subaru EyeSight driver-assist technology. (Likely the automatic models.)

We can’t wait for it to arrive at Toyota of Orlando. For more information about the 2022 Toyota GR 86, call us! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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