No matter what time of year you hit the road, it’s key that you make it a priority to drive safely. Each season brings its own inherent hazards to the equation, and knowing what’s coming can help you reach to it that much better. Toyota of Orlando is here with a quick list of four summer road hazards that you should be aware of so you can drive safely all season long, rain or shine.

Watch out for these common road hazards this summer

#1: More pedestrians. More people are out and about during the summer, especially if you live in a big city or tourist destination. It’s critical that you pay close attention to your surroundings in order to drive safely. Be extra cautious at stop signs, red lights, crosswalks, and when driving in urban areas where there’s more foot traffic. Always look both ways before pulling through stop signs and green lights and be sure to pay extra close attention when driving in congested areas where people may cross at places other than crosswalks. And remember, a lot of tourists aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of your city and may not follow the pedestrian rules.

#2: More motorcycles. Summer is prime time for motorcyclists to hit the road which means you need to brush up on checking your blind spots to drive safely. They’re smaller than cars and you may not see them in your mirrors, so always be sure to check your blind spots before moving around on the road. Also, be sure to leave plenty of distance between your car and a motorcycle in front of you in case they have to come to a sudden stop. This is especially true in summer because tourists on motorcycles may not know their way around your city and may make sudden traffic maneuvers.

#3: More road construction. Believe it or not, summer is also prime time for road construction. There are more daylight hours to work in, which means you need to be on high alert. Be sure to follow the rules for driving in construction zones and pay close attention to your surroundings so you’re aware of speed changes, road hazards, constructions workers, and trucks entering and leaving the highway. And don’t forget, road work can cause delays and traffic. If you know you’re going to be traveling through one as you make your way across Orlando, be sure to leave yourself a little bit of extra time to get to your destination on time.

#4: More bicyclists. Summer sun and nice weather make this season a great excuse for people to get where they’re going on bicycles instead of in cars or on public transport. Remember, a lot of times cyclists road on the road instead of the sidewalk so be prepared to share. Give them as much space as possible in case they take a tumble and check the road before making turns.

Get into a safe new Toyota today at Toyota of Orlando

Get more tips on how to drive safely AND get yourself into a safe new Toyota – call us today! 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.

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When you think of the new Toyota Prius, the last thing that probably comes to mind is speed. After all, it was built to be green and efficient but certainly not to hit the track… until now, that is. Did you know that Toyota has a new Toyota Prius rally car? Toyota of Orlando has the details on this interesting variation of the popular hybrid.

What makes this hybrid car rally-ready?

As noted, the Orlando Toyota Prius was developed for one main purpose – to offer a clean and fuel-efficient way for drivers to hit the road. Performance is important in respect to eco-friendliness, but this hybrid isn’t exactly track-ready. Toyota turned that notion on its head with this new rally car model, and here are some of the details we’ve gleaned so far.

• It’s a 2020 Toyota Prius and believe it or not, it’s already started participating in American rally car races (and doing well, we must say). However, it’s just been racing in the exhibition class because no one is really sure how to classify it.
• The interior has been stripped of anything unnecessary to make it as light as possible, and the glass windows have been replaced with Plexiglass. There’s also a roll cage and racing seats with six-point harnesses to keep the driver and passenger safely in place, as well as a roof-mounted scoop to pull cold air in since the A/C is no more.
• Not much is left in terms of the dash – where tons of features and gadgets once sat now lies just a gauge cluster and transmission controls (so don’t expect to be able to fire up Apple CarPlay or anything).
• This new Toyota rally car has 15″ wheels (the standard size for rally cars) and Cooper rally tires that measure 195/65R15.
• A lot of parts were borrowed since there’s never been a rally-version of this new Toyota hybrid before. Suspension parts were borrowed from the RAV4 TRD model, and front springs came from a Toyota Camry while rear springs came from a Toyota Avalon.
• This new hybrid rally car has a 1.8L Atkinson-cycle inline-4 gas engine and a permanent-magnet synchronous AC electric motor, which means you get electronic all-wheel drive. However, it still gets 51/47 mpg and 121 horsepower just like the original model.
• A new vinyl wrap helped to get this Orlando Toyota rally-ready and more LED lighting has been added to the exterior to amp up visibility AND make it look a whole lot cooler.

Test drive an Orlando Toyota Prius today

We’ll likely never (and we say that with complete confidence) see this rally-ready Toyota Prius at Toyota of Orlando. That doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on the original, though! Check out what the lean, green, hybrid machine has to offer you today. Swing by and see it in person at 3575 Vineland Road, or give us a call for more info and to schedule a test drive! (407) 298-4500

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Did you know that by keeping your car on an auto service schedule, you’re saving yourself a ton of money? It may not feel like it – after all, you do have to pay for routine car maintenance so it can feel like you’re simply spending rather than getting a return on your investment. But sticking to a routine car care schedule can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road. Our Orlando auto service experts are here with tips – check out these five car care appointments you should never skip if you want to save money.

Don’t skip these auto service appointments if you value your bank account

#1: Oil changes: You should never skip your routine oil changes at Toyota of Orlando. Oil changes ensure that your oil stays clean and is always at the right level. If you skip them, debris will start to work its way into the oil and the oil level will drop. This leads to thinner, less effective oil, which in turn can lead to the oil not lubricating the engine properly. All in all, you can end up with an overheated, seized up engine, which can cost thousands to replace. Schedule your oil changes!

#2: Brake pad replacement: Your brake pads play a critical role in bringing your car to a stop. When they start to wear too thin, you have to replace them in order to protect your car’s rotors. When the pads are too thin, you can actually do permanent and irreparable damage to the rotors, resulting in needing replacement rotors to the tune of hundreds of dollars.

#3: Engine air filter replacement:  You know that your car engine sucks in air in order to get up and running and complete the combustion process. The engine air filter prevents dirt and debris from being pulled into the engine as well. When the engine is too dirty, it can cause clogs and prevent enough clean air from being pulled into the engine. This can result in interior engine erosion, reduced performance capabilities, and low fuel efficiency.

#4: Timing belt replacement: Luckily, you don’t need to replace your timing belt very often. It’s usually an auto service reserved for high mileage vehicles and you shouldn’t need to do it more than a time or two. The timing belt synchronizes all of the movements in the engine so when it breaks, you’re going nowhere fast. It can actually even break parts of the engine if it it snaps mid-performance. Replace it when recommended!

#5: Tire rotations: It’s critical to schedule tire rotations on a routine basis. Without them, your tires will wear out faster, drop your fuel efficiency, and be more prone to blowouts (which can lead to collisions). We’re sure you see where we’re going. Get on an auto service schedule for this item.

Schedule your car care today!

Need to schedule Orlando auto service appointments or get on a schedule? Call us! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

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When it comes to driving in different types of weather, you need to be prepared for anything. Here in Florida, we face everything from extreme heat, to heavy rains, to high winds. Driving in all of these conditions is challenging, but today we’re focusing on driving in high winds. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips below!

Five tips for driving in high winds

Tip #1: Go the speed limit.

The speed limit is there for a reason, and especially when driving in weather conditions that are less-than-favorable. When driving in high winds you’ll want to stick to the speed limit (or even go a little bit slower if you feel the need) so you can have better control of your vehicle. Our Orlando Toyota dealership advises against using cruise control in windy weather, too – you want to have complete control over your car.

Tip #2: Remove anything on the exterior of your car.

Unless you absolutely need them, you should try to stow exterior accessories on your car when you’re in situations with high winds. This means bike racks, luggage racks, etc. – anything that the wind can grab and possibly even rip off of your car (which means it then turns into a projectile). Stow your accessories until things die down!

Tip #3: Avoid driving near large trucks.

Large trucks like semis and dump trucks have a lot of surface area, which means more area for the wind to hit. This makes them more prone to being blown all over the road and in turn, being blown into your vehicle. Avoid driving next to them as much as possible when driving in high winds.

Tip #4: Leave plenty of space.

When driving in high winds, there’s always a risk that you’re going to be blown off course a bit. That’s why our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends that you keep your distance from other vehicles – don’t follow too closely if you can help it, and hang back if you find yourself driving into a “wolf pack” (a.k.a. a big clump of cars). You also want to give yourself plenty of time to react and get out of the way if the car in front of you or next to you is pushed into your path.

Tip #5: Keep your hands on the wheel.

You never know when you’ll have to react or make a sudden movement, so keeping both hands on the wheel at all times is in your best interest (i.e. put down your phone). This will give you the ability to react quickly and efficiently and hopefully avoid an accident should another vehicle or debris be blown into your path.

And remember, you want to be up-to-date on essential service like tires and brakes before driving in high winds. You want the maximum stopping power on your side and you also want to ensure that your tires have the best traction possible so they can properly grip the road, even when your car is being buffeted by wind.

Get your car ready for any weather at Toyota of Orlando

Need auto service or have questions? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.

 

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Yup, you read that headline correctly. In its latest ad, Toyota is literally launching a new 2021 Toyota GR Supra off a ramp, 100 feet through the air, into a pile of cardboard boxes. It’s the culminating stunt in a five-minute ad that showcases the sports car’s superior handling, maneuverability, and speed in different scenarios. (We’re living for this spot – watch it below.)

While we definitely don’t recommend trying this at home, we thought it would be interesting to share that the Toyota GR Supra did, in fact, make that jump and land in a pile of cardboard boxes. Our Orlando Toyota dealership has the details!

So… how did a Toyota Supra actually fly through the air?

One of the sports cars featured in this fun new spot is built by Papadakis Racing. They’re a California-based racing company that builds out custom race cars and also has a pretty intense YouTube channel if you like to see cars do the seemingly impossible. They produced the stunt in San Pedro, California, which is about 10 miles from Long Beach. And although the jump is just one scene in the video, it took a fair amount of planning, production, effort to make it happen.

Andy Bell – a renowned stuntman for Nitro Circus – was behind the wheel of the Toyota for the big jump. The Toyota Supra chosen for the stunt was mostly stock (but don’t get any ideas, y’all) besides a padded roll cage custom-fitted to the interior just in case the stunt went south. It was also a concern that the nose of the sports car would take a dive mid-air, so the production crew put around 270 lbs of free weights into the rear hatch to help balance things out. Additionally, the car was painted a hot orange color that’s not available in regular production.

Before they even tried a test run, the proper speed to make it happen was calculated carefully and then the car was tested driving next to the ramp to ensure it could meet the right speed in the right amount of time.

So what happened? It was a success (obviously) and the Toyota GR Supra did catch air off the ramp to nosedive into the over 500 cardboard boxes waiting for it. However – and this is why we said don’t get any ideas – when it landed it busted several of its tires AND its rear suspension. You can watch the behind-the-scenes video below.

See this amazing sports car in person at Toyota of Orlando

So here’s the thing – we don’t condone you trying ANY of the above at home whether you drive a new Orlando Toyota Supra or not, but we DO condone you making this new Toyota sports car have a permanent place in your driveway or garage. Why not see it in person today? Come on down to Toyota of Orlando. We’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and we’re open seven days a week. Call us ahead of time at (407) 298-4500 to learn more and schedule your appointment! 

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Independence Day is finally here, and we don’t know about you, but we’re ready to celebrate! Whether you want to go all out or stay low-key this July 4 weekend, there are tons of options for you to explore in the Central Florida area. Check out some of our faves below and remember – stay safe, and ALWAYS have a designated driver if you’re going to indulge in adult beverages.

Awe-Summer at LEGOLAND Florida Resort: Red, White & BOOM

This star-spangled event takes place at LEGOLAND Florida Resort from Friday, July 2 to Sunday, July 4. Not only will there be Americana-themed LEGO displays all over the park, but there will also be a fireworks show at 9 pm each night during which you can don 3D glasses to see the fireworks turn into LEGO bricks in the sky. The event is included in park admission!

Fireworks at the Fountain

Don’t miss the annual Fireworks at the Fountain celebration at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando! The event is from 5-10 pm on Sunday, July 4. There will be live bands and music, food trucks, drinks available for purchase, family activities, and a grand finale of fireworks that kick off over the lake at 9:15 pm. Admission is free, and you can bring your own picnic blanket and chairs as well as a cooler with nonalcoholic drinks and snacks. Plus, dogs are welcome – Mr. Toyota approves.

Disney Fireworks 

Disney fireworks are back just in time to celebrate our nation’s birthday! Fireworks will take place nightly this weekend at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot, giving you a spectacular themed show to check out at the end of your day at the parks. On a budget and don’t want to miss out? You can still see the show (albeit a little farther away)  if you head to the resorts!

Star-Spangled Sanford 

Sanford is getting patriotic this weekend on Sunday, July 4 from 7-10 pm! You can spend the day walking downtown and trying different restaurants and bars, and the fireworks show will start just after sunset. Bring chairs and picnic blankets!

Monumental 4th of July in Kissimmee

This Independence Day event takes place at Kissimmee Lakefront Park from 5-9:30 pm – head out for family fun, fireworks, and more along the lake shore!

Red, White, and Blue Americana in Downtown Winter Garden 

Live on the west side of town? Head to downtown Winter Garden this weekend! They’re having live music on the plaza from 7-9 pm on Friday, July 2; a Farmer’s Market celebration from 8 am – 1 pm on Saturday, July 3, and tons of activities on July 4, including an All-American Kids parade and a fireworks display on Lake Apopka at Newton Park at 9:15 pm.

However you celebrate, do it safely, and have a happy July 4th!

 

 

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Do you love a good collectible item? Everyone has their thing – from coins to cars, most people enjoy collecting whether it’s for monetary gain or just simple nostalgia. One collectible item that’s taken an uptick in popularity recently is cars – believe it or not, collecting and restoring classic cars is becoming more and more common. And even more surprisingly, cars that were once considered common and run-of-the-mill are becoming hot ticket items to have in your garage!

Are you on the hunt for a collectible Toyota vintage car?

Whether you want to collect and restore vintage cars to turn a profit or just to hit the road on a lazy Sunday afternoon for a joy ride, here are some of the most collectible vintage Toyotas on the market right now (besides the ever-popular Toyota Supra).

Toyota Land Cruiser 

The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a much-loved vehicle for decades, and they’re popular cars to buy and sell across the board. However, several models in particular fetch a pretty high resale at the moment and might be worth considering, especially when it comes to the 1980s models. This particular era was boxier than the current models but excellent for off-roading and overlanding. The MSRP back in that time period was around $18,000, but these must-have Toyotas are currently closer to $40,000-$60,000 once restored.

Toyota MR2 Spyder 

We never thought that this tiny two-seater Toyota would be considered a must-have collectible vintage car, but here we are. There’s nothing wrong with the Toyota MR2 Spyder, but it wasn’t at the top of the sports car game in its heyday. It’s a mid-engine two-seater that had a fair amount of get-up-and-go but still offered an affordable price tag. Its MSRP around 2003 waS $22,000 – $24,000, and if you put a restored model in your garage today, you’d likely pay around the same.

Toyota Celica 

The Toyota Celica is similar to the Toyota MR2 Spyder in that it was a popular, affordable option with a fun performance. However, some 1980s models are fetching upwards of $30,000 in the right condition in the current market, making this Toyota vintage car a highly-coveted collectible.

Toyota Truck 

Remember the old Toyota Truck pickups – you know, the ones that were sold before the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra became national staples? It’s back and more popular than ever before. Some models have sold upwards of $30,000 at auction even though it had an MSRP of $9,000 back in the 1990s.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you with your search and restoration!

No matter which Toyota vintage car you choose, they’re all collectible in our minds. Ask how we can help you find the right preowned ride – call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500!

 

 

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Is your teen driver about to head back to school in a few weeks? Getting back into the swing of things in the fall is hectic, so before things kick up a notch take a few minutes to sit down with them and go over some basic road rules for back to school driving. Check out this quick list of Orlando Toyota tips to get them through the semester safely!

Five tips for your teen to get back to school safely

Tip #1: Allow for cushion. Things happen and these things can cause delays. Whether it’s a car accident or just a bit of extra traffic, delays can cause drivers – especially teen drivers who could be late to homeroom – to speed. Encourage your teen to give themselves 10-15 minutes of cushion time just in case they do encounter a delay on the road on their way to or from school, and remind them that it’s better to be late than to get into an accident from driving recklessly.

Tip #2: NO PHONES. We’ll say it again – NO PHONES. Texting and driving is just as – if not more – dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Make it a hard and fast rule that your teen driver is NOT to use the phone at all while behind the wheel of their Orlando Toyota. You can even download apps that will lock their phone while the car is in motion if they’re too easily swayed by the temptation of that text message tone.

Tip #3: Watch for pedestrians and the bus. Encourage your teen to be extra aware of their surroundings when it comes to back to school driving. They should be paying attention anyway, but especially when there are so many more pedestrians out and about as well as school buses driving around them. This means no distractions – put away cell phones, limit passengers, stop playing with the radio, and keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Tip #4: Click it or ticket. Wearing a seatbelt isn’t just essential for safety – it’s also illegal to NOT wear one. Remind your teen that driving without a seatbelt (or letting their passengers opt out of seatbelts, for that matter) can result in them being ticketed or worse. Everyone in a moving vehicle should be belted in properly, no exceptions.

Tip #5: Get the required rest. Teens are busy, we get it – but it’s still recommended that they get at least nine hours of sleep. This is especially true if they’re going to get behind the wheel. They need to be alert and focused, and if they’re fatigued it’s almost as bad as driving while drunk. Encourage your teen to get the rest they need and if they’re overly tired, drive them yourself or have them take the bus to school until they’re more rested.

Explore safe new Orlando Toyota options today

Why not put your teen driver into a safe new Orlando Toyota? Take them for a test drive today – visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week and you can call to schedule your appointment at (407) 298-4500!

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We love the new Toyota RAV4. Like, love it – it’s one of our favorite models on the lot at our Orlando Toyota dealership because it’s versatile, sporty, fuel-efficient, and spacious. It’s like getting the best of both worlds; you get the space of an SUV but the efficiency of a sedan, especially since a new hybrid drivetrain was introduced. But we know that we’re biased, so we don’t want you to take our word for it. Instead, we want you to take the word of people who actually own and operate this Orlando Toyota SUV.

Cars.com recently conducted a survey of Toyota RAV4 owners who have the latest generation in their driveway (the fifth generation or the model built after the 2019 redesign). They compiled a list of commonalities when it comes to favorite features, and we’re here to share. Check it out!

What drivers love about the new Toyota RAV4

1) It’s got a ton of value packed into it.

This new Orlando Toyota SUV packs a big punch when it comes to value features. It has a lot of bang for its buck and offers features that you’d often only find in bigger, more expensive models in other lineups. A 2019 model owner from Petaluma, CA said “More comfortable than my Toyota Solara, and that’s saying something for the RAV4, and the standard safety features are better than my friend’s new Audi SUV. It’s a tremendous value.” We would agree.

2) It has the latest and greatest tech. 

The new model also offers great technological options to keep you connected and entertained. If you opt for the 2021 model, you’ll get features like Amaon Alexa, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, premium JBL options, five USB ports, onboard WiFi, and more. You’ll also have either a 7″ or 8″ touchscreen interface and a digital rearview mirror, as well as incredible safety tech like Toyota Safety Sense + and a blind-spot monitor. A 2020 model owner from Gainesville, VA said  “Got all the bells and whistles and am enjoying the fun parts, but also appreciating the additional safety features. Thought the panoramic camera view would be just a toy, but it is very useful for parking in tight places and not running over the dog.”

3) It’s fuel-efficient. 

The 2021 Toyota RAv4 gets an impressive 28/35 mpg, while the hybrid model gets an even more eco-friendly 41/38 mpg. We think the numbers speak for themselves, but a 2019 model owner from New Jersey said “Turned in a 2016 to get a 2019. … The fuel economy is really good. I recently got 42 mpg on a 250-mile trip.” We’d take it!

4) It’s comfortable and capable. 

This Orlando Toyota SUV may be compact, but it still offers a comfortable interior and a smooth ride. A 2021 model owner from Longmont, CO said “This is the second RAV4 I’ve owned. I really like the improvements Toyota made from the 2016 to the 2021 models. It’s fun to drive, handles well under all road conditions and gets great gas mileage.”

Test drive this fan favorite at our Toyota dealership in Central Florida

So, are you ready for your test drive? Take it today at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!

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Get ready to shout “Goooal” as Toyota, a sponsor of the Concacaf 2021 Gold Cup, shows its support this year through a new interactive mobile game that hopes to bring fellow soccer fans together around the globe to see just who has the most team spirit. This game allows Orlando Toyota participants to put their passion for soccer to the test through their loudest and longest “Goooal” shout.  

As a partner for the 2021 Concacaf Gold cup, Orlando Toyota understands the importance of team spirit. So this shout will be worthwhile for participants as they play for a chance to win a lease to a 2021 Toyota Tacoma, along with a variety of other great prizes.

Toyota’s support in The Concacaf Gold Cup 

Gathering the best national teams from North and Central America and the Caribbean to compete to be crowned regional champion, the Gold Cup is the region’s flagship men’s national team competition. Toyota has been a part of the thrill as an official automotive partner of the Concacaf Gold up for a third consecutive time this year. Orlando Toyota is excited for the 16th edition of the competition, featuring the great 16 national teams held in 11 stadiums which will be in eight major metropolitan cities across the United States from July 10 – August 1. 

How to win the Toyota Tacoma lease

It’s super easy. Here’s how it works: 

Players have from now until August 1 to participate in Toyota’s “Goal to the Gold Cup ” available online through Toyota’s social channels (@ToyotaLatino) and at gritemosjuntos.com. 

1. Scan the QR code from the website gritemosjuntos.com from your mobile device. 
2. Players will choose between their favorite Orlando Toyota trucks: a Tacoma TRD Pro or 2021 Tundra TRD Pro.
3. Players chose to represent their favorite teams participating in this year’s Gold Cup.
4. Play! It’s as easy as shouting into your mobile device for the loudest and longest shout of your life to automatically be entered into a chance to win a 2021 Toyota Tacoma lease or even a trip to the Gold Cup Final in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 1. 

Toyota will be presenting a variety of pre-game Fan Zone activities, one of them you can anticipate is playing the “Goal to the Gold cup” game from inside a Tundra at the Toyota area. There will also be many thrilling activities. We can thank all of the magic of this partnership, digital campaign, and the mobile app to Toyota’s Hispanic marketing partner, Conill. 

Get a sneak peek as a tournament follower into the actual Gold Cup trophy courtesy of Toyota. In addition, tournament followers might get a look as it travels to select venues for photo opportunities, with appearances announced locally. 

Toyota’s love for this game has been a theme for the company with sponsorships of various other popular soccer properties: Liga Mexicana, MNT/USMNT, and UEFA Champions League, with in-game units, billboards, and other marketing elements including virtual broadcast integrations within Liga Mexicana and MNT.

Test drive the Tacoma model you could win at Toyota of Orlando!

Give us a call to schedule that test drive today at (407)298-4500. 

 

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