Toyota of Orlando explains 6 common car maintenance misdiagnoses

Bringing your car to an auto service center can be nerve-wracking, even if it’s just for routine car maintenance. However, the best way to combat car maintenance jitters is to educate yourself. Here at Toyota of Orlando, we’re all about working with our customers to best explain the issues your car is facing and come up with an affordable and efficient solution. But you can take a bigger part in it by learning the ins and outs of your vehicle and how it works. Today we’re talking about six common car maintenance misdiagnoses that you can be on the lookout for next time you service your vehicle.

Toyota of Orlando rediagnoses 6 common car issues

Misdiagnosis #1: Bad Suspension

If your mechanic tells you that your suspension is going bad, be sure to ask them to check the sway bars. A bad sway bar end link can cause symptoms that mimic a bad suspension system (like clunking and squeaking), but they’re much easier and more affordable to replace than your suspension.

Misdiagnosis #2: Bad water pump

A broken water pump can spell trouble for your car’s A/C and heating system. However, there may be another issue at hand. Have your tech check things like the coolant level and quality in your car, as well as the heater core - a clog there could cause issues that mimic a bad water pump.

Misdiagnosis #3: Low Freon

If your air-conditioning kicks out during the summer, it may seem like you need a new can of Freon or maybe a recharge of the system. Both are cheap and easy, but unfortunately, if they’re not the cause of the problem, you’ll be sweating again in no time. Instead, talk to your auto service mechanic about a compression test to pinpoint the problem before you start throwing money at it.

Misdiagnosis #4: Electrical issues

Electrical issues can be a big problem, especially in high-tech modern cars. However, before you panic, start small. Check the car’s sensors and computers first and try to work from there. It’s never easy to pinpoint an electrical issue, so make sure your mechanic takes their time and checks everything before jumping to conclusions.

Misdiagnosis #5: Fuel problems

Often when you have fuel problems, the fuel pump or fuel filter are targeted as the culprits. However, it could be a simple fix like a defective injector, a bad O-ring, or a dead solenoid. Exhaust the smaller options before you spring for an expensive new part.

Misdiagnosis #6: Bad O2 sensor

If you’re thinking you might have a bad O2 sensor, take a moment to check a few other things first. A bad sensor can actually be a trigger response from a different sensor (so test before you replace), and have your car maintenance tech check for a vacuum leak while they’re under the hood.

Let our Orlando car maintenance techs point you in the right direction

Still not sure if you have a misdiagnosis on your hands? Bring your car to Toyota of Orlando for a second opinion. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can reach our Orlando Toyota service center at (407) 298-4500.

Car Wash Tips in Time for Summer

In Orlando, we start summer early and it’s just about time to break out the swimsuits and floaties and head to the nearest beach. While it’s a great time to head the beach, it’s also a great time to wash your car the old-fashioned thing! With the sun out and the heat high, a car wash is exactly what your Orlando Toyota vehicle needs to look good and keep the paint in good shape. If you’re not sure where to start, today’s your lucky day! Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on essential car wash tips you should know before things get sudsy.

Washing Your Car Like A Pro

Check to see if your really need a car wash

Before you unleash your arsenal of Orlando Toyota cleaning supplies, make sure to evaluate your vehicle. Not every wash requires gallons of water, wash and wax, and lots of scrubbing. Depending on how much dirt and grime is on your vehicle’s paint, you could be looking at a simple wax or a few hours-worth of hard scrubbing.

Read the labels on your cleaning supplies

Unfortunately, soaps and car wash supplies aren’t universal in use and you need to make sure you’re using your products correctly. Read the labels on your products to ensure proper application and use.

Use the two or three bucket system

Washing your Orlando Toyota vehicle is much like washing dishes or taking a bath when you’re really dirty. If you’re washing your dishes or yourself in water that’s dirty, are you really getting things clean? By using two rinsing buckets and having a separate bucket for your soapy water you’ll ensure that you’re not exchanging dirt throughout your car wash.

Rinse the car and then wash

Now that you’re all set to wash your Orlando Toyota vehicle, make sure to give it a good rinsing. This will loosen up the dirt and grime and make it easier to wash. Make sure you’re using car specific soap with wax and then start scrubbing.

Check for scratches and hard to remove blemishes

After cleaning away the surface dirt and grime it’s time to check for any obvious scratches and blemishes. Our Orlando Toyota auto service techs recommend using a clay bar to buff out stubborn spots you may find.

Don’t forget to wash your windows

Cleaning the windows on your vehicle is absolutely important if you want to have a clear view. However, you can’t use any old glass cleaner, especially if its ammonia based. Make sure to use an auto glass specific cleaner for a streak free shine and clear view.

Clean your wheels and tires

Your wheels and tires can make or break the new and clean look of your car. Make sure to use a cloth or something you can get into the nooks and crannies of your rims with. You should also wash the tires on your Clermont Toyota vehicle as part of your car wash routine. Use tire shine and be gentle on the sponges you use.

Still have questions about washing your car? Make sure to ask us at Toyota of Orlando! We can give you plenty of tips and the right supplies and even wash your vehicle for you. Come visit us at 3575 Vineland Road today.

A Guide on Toyota Safety Technology

When it comes to getting behind the wheel, safety should always be your number one priority. It should dictate the way you drive and the Orlando Toyota vehicle you choose to drive. Ensuring that you, your passengers, and others on the road are safe is the responsibility of every driver, no matter where you drive. That’s why Toyota has made it their mission to deliver the best in Toyota safety technology to their drivers. To help you better select your next vehicle and better understand the features that work hard behind the scenes to keep you and others safe, Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on the latest and greatest in safety tech.

Features that work to keep you safe

As technology continues to make the driving experience better and more advanced, Orlando Toyota safety technology has followed suit. We’re talking technology that far exceeds the bare bones safety of seatbelts and airbags (those have also evolved). Safety technology is making great strides to keep passengers, pedestrians, and drivers protected. Toyota employs several safety systems, each equipped with an array of programs, to keep drivers safe.

The Star Safety System

This suite of Toyota safety technology comes standard on all Orlando Toyota vehicles and include technology to help drivers maintain control and avoid collisions. The safety suite consists of five systems and they are:

1. Traction Control: This system (TRAC) helps reduce and restrain the slippage of the vehicle’s drive wheels when the driver uses the accelerator too much when driving on a slippery surface.
2. Vehicle Stability Control: (VSC) Helps control the vehicle during sideways slipping caused by over or understeering while cornering. This Orlando Toyota safety technology provides some amount of steering assistance during these events.
3. Anti-Lock Brakes: (ABS) When braking on a slippery surface, wheels often get prone to locking when applied firmly. This system prevents them from locking and curbs excess slipping.
4. Brake Assist: During emergency braking, drivers often have to apply an excessive amount of force to prevent an accident. The Brake Assist system helps drivers by providing additional force to those who are unable to react quickly enough or lack the strength to do so.
5. Electronic Brake Distribution: Using the ABS, this system ensures that the brakes receive an even amount of brake force to stop safely and prevent skidding.

Toyota Safety Sense

Using integrated camera, radars, and sensors, Toyota Safety Sense goes to work to keep drivers safe. It’s perhaps one of the most advanced pieces of Toyota safety technology to date and its very impressive.

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection: This Orlando Toyota safety technology actively detects pedestrians in the driving path and assists the driver to react and stop.
• Lane Departure Alert: Using a windshield sensor, this system alerts the driver when they begin to depart from their lane.
• Automatic High Beams: Toggles your high beam headlights when another vehicle is detected.
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control: Adjusts distance and maintains a preset speed behind Orlando Toyota vehicles in traffic.
• Lane Tracing Assist: While Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is active, this Toyota safety system acts to keep your Orlando Toyota vehicle centered in its lane.

Ready to shop for your next safe ride? Check out our inventory at Toyota of Orlando online or give us a call at (407) 298 – 4500 seven days a week.