Car Accessories and Items You Should Always Keep on Hand

 Going out into the world is seen as a routine and mundane practice we do every day. We don't often think of the risk associated with getting behind the wheel, hopping on the highway, or driving through a parking lot. Truly, anything can happen at any time and we as drivers need to always be vigilant and prepared. A great way we can do that as drivers is by keeping specific car accessories on hand that can help us in times of need. 

Toyota of Orlando is here with a short list of our favorite accessories that you can use whenever you find yourself in an automotive tizzy. Check them out here!

Keep These Car Accessories on Hand Always

 Car First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is one of the most practice car accessories you can have on hand. After all you never know when you'll need one and they can cover injuries from simple cuts to large lacerations. Make sure you use one that includes a plentiful supply of bandages and gauze, medical tape, gloves, a flashlight, and other tools. Some even include raincoats and other useful items. Make sure to keep any and all medical tools up to date to avoid using expired products. 

Jumper Cables/Battery Charger/Tire Pump

Break downs and flat tires happen to the best of us and you need to make sure you're ready for whenever they do. Jumper cables an absolute necessity to have on hand. While you need another person to get your ride back up and running, this is the easiest and cheapest option when your battery stop working. A tire pump is also helpful for when your tire has lost air but hasn't gone flat and you don't feel like waiting in line at an Orlando Wawa. 

Cell Phone Holder

It goes without saying that using your phone while driving is highly dangerous, but many drivers rely on their phones for other necessary tasks. GPS, music selection, taking hands-free phone calls and so on are all things we do with our phones. To make the process a bit more distraction-free, use a dashboard mounted phone holder. This keeps your phone in line with your view of the road so you're not looking down into your lap and away from the road. 

Emergency Multi-tool

It's true that in some emergency situations the tools put in place to keep us safe can prove highly dangerous. Luckily, in the event of a serious accident or your Orlando Toyota car becomes submerged, there are emergency multi-tools. These multi-tools combine things like flashlights, seat belt cutters, and window breakers into one useful car accessory you can use in a sticky situation. Grab one and put it in an easily accessible place in the event of an emergency. 

Dash Cam

While you may not have thought of putting a dashboard camera in your windshield, the benefits are endless when you use one. Not only can you capture fun moments in the car with your family and friends, it can also be your best friend in the event of an accident. You'll always have proof in the event the police and insurance company call into question who was at fault for a vehicle accident. Plus it can help prove that you're the best driver out there if anyone should ask questions (wink wink). 

Shop Car Accessories with Toyota of Orlando

Ready to shop for these essential car accessories and more? Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road!

Car care resolutions you should make for 2021

 A new year is upon us (good riddance, 2020!). Are you ready to leap into 2021 with a clean slate and resolutions to make it the best year yet? Plenty of people vow to exercise more, eat better, save money, or get more organized... but hardly anyone considers getting better at caring for their vehicle. However, to keep your vehicle in top shape and get the most bang for your buck, it's critical that you care for your car on a routine basis. Check out these five easy car care resolutions we think you should make for 2021! 

Five car care resolutions to make for the new year

1. Learn how to jump-start your car. You never know when battery troubles will fall upon you and if you know how to jump-start your car, you're ahead of the game. Toyota of Orlando offers step-by-step instructions on how to jump-start a car on our website and it's in your best interest to print them out and keep them in your vehicle next to your jumper cables! If you want to practice, have our Orlando auto service techs show you the ropes next time you come by for routine auto service. 

2. Get in the habit of detailing your car monthly. Keeping your car clean also helps keep its resale value high and can earn you more money when you sell it or trade it in. Be sure to wash and wax your car often and take the time to empty out the interior before vacuuming and wiping all surfaces. You should also clean the glass (with the right cleaner!) and shine your tires once a month to keep your Orlando Toyota looking like a new ride all year round. 

3. Take good care of your spare this year. When's the last time you checked your spare tire? You'll be in a bad spot if you get a flat tire and go to put your spare on only to find that it's also flat. Every time you detail your car, take a minute to pop the trunk and check out your spare tire. If it needs car care, take care of it right there and then (like filling it to the proper PSI) so you're ready for the open road and any emergencies that may come along with it at all times. 

4. Let us put you on an oil change schedule. Your best bet at keeping your car healthy is to get on a routine oil change schedule. And luckily for you, we can set up a schedule and send you reminders via email or phone call whenever you're due for this car care at our Orlando auto service center. Remember, oil keeps your engine cool and lubricated and without it, you may face costly repairs. 

5. Teach yourself to change a tire. Do you know how to swap out a flat tire for a spare? It's a useful skill to have in your arsenal and our Orlando car care experts recommend that you learn it. That way you can keep moving if you find yourself with a flat tire and no one around you to help. We have step-by-step instructions on our website; print them out and keep them with your tire jack, your lug wrench, your spare, and your tire pressure gauge! 

Let Toyota of Orlando help you stick to your resolutions 

Have questions or need help accomplishing these car care resolutions? Call Toyota of Orlando today! Our Toyota service center is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and you can visit us in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

Five winter car care tips from Toyota of Orlando

 Here in the city of Orlando, we don't see harsh winter weather. The most we'll get is maybe some frost on the windshield when the temperatures take a big dip. However, as you move north, winter weather is inescapable and not only calls for an adjustment of your driving habits but also to your car care habits. Toyota of Orlando is here to share five winter car care tips for everyone who has to deal with harsh winter weather on a regular basis. 

Winter car care you should put into practice

Tip #1: Keep your gas tank half full. 

When you're in the throes of winter weather, you should keep your gas tank half full at all times. You never know when you'll be delayed getting where you need to go due to inclement weather or a car accident up ahead, and the last thing you want to do is run out of gas in bad weather (if you run out of gas, you'll also be unable to use the heat in your car). Stay fueled up this winter!

Tip #2: Check your tire pressure regularly. 

You should check your tire pressure on a weekly basis (at least) in harsh winter weather. Cold weather makes your tire pressure drop. Underinflated tires not only lack traction and lower your fuel efficiency, but they also wear faster and are more prone to blowouts and flats. Ensure your car tires are at the PSI they should be at all times, especially in winter. 

Tip #3: Think about putting winter tires on your car. 

If you live in an area that sees some pretty solid winter weather - we're talking snow, ice, and sleet - then you may want to consider winter car tires. These tires are designed to handle the road in bad weather conditions. They have deeper treads to funnel snow and water out of the way and provide you with much better traction, and they're also made of a special rubber that doesn't get stiff in the cold (and can subsequently grip the road better). 

Tip #4: Take good care of your windshield wipers. 

Make sure you take good care of your windshield wipers in winter. The cold can damage the rubber on them so replace them as needed and never use them to clear frost or ice off the windshield. If you're parking your car outside, make sure that you lift the wipers off the glass before you leave so they don't freeze to it. 

Tip #5: Wax your car for added protection.

You should be washing your car regularly during winter weather to remove snow, salt, and other elements that can damage the paint and cause rust. You should also apply a coat or two of quality wax for added protection from moisture and salt to keep your paint looking brand new. 

Get your car ready for the snow at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions or need to get ready to head into winter weather? Toyota of Orlando is here to help, as always! Call us today at (407) 298-0001 to schedule service at our Orlando car care center. You can also stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

Is it Worth Springing for AWD or 4WD? Different Car Drivetrain Discussion

 The vehicles we drive day in and day out are a true reflection of our needs and what we expect from the machines we pilot. For many drivers a simple commuter with ample room in the cabin is all they need. For some what's needed is an extra large amount of cabin space to accommodate extra cargo and passengers. And then for some it's the capability and workability to get any and every job done. That's why we have so many options available to us in the automotive market and it can sometimes be overwhelming. 

Toyota has recently been imbuing many of its vehicles with available AWD and 4WD car drivetrain capabilities, at an extra cost. If you're an SUV driver and are wondering if this feature is something you need, Toyota of Orlando is here with a quick pros and cons discussion to help you decide. 

AWD and 4WD. Are they Worth the Upgrade?

When it comes to the discussion of taking the plunge and ponying up for AWD or 4WD on your ride, the decision can be boiled down to the simple argument of "it depends." As we said, every Orlando driver needs their car to perform specific tasks for them. If you're someone who plans on off-roading, towing heavy loads, or using your vehicle for laborious tasks, you're likely going to need a different car drivetrain than 2WD. 

If you're still on the fence or are thinking or upgrading to an Orlando Toyota Camry or Avalon with AWD, these pros and cons should make it easier to decide. 

Pros of Going AWD/4WD

• 4WD and AWD are different car drivetrains, but they both send power to all four wheels as compared to 2WD which only sends power to either the two front or rear wheels. This can give you the benefit of better stopping power and acceleration and better traction control. 
• Vehicles with 4WD or AWD have higher resale values than their 2WD counterparts. This is especially true if you're in a market that frequently sees drivers springing for these different car drivetrains. 
• Because of the power supplied to all wheels versus two, Orlando Toyotas with these drivetrains have superior towing capability. 
• Inclement weather is also much easier to brave. These drivetrains afford better traction which is essential when driving through snow and heavy rain. 

Cons of Going AWD/4WD

• By going AWD or 4WD you can most certainly expect your payments to be higher. Vehicles with these Orlando car drivetrains are significantly more expensive due to the addition of a more complex engineering system. 
• They're also more costly to maintain. Providing power to all wheels versus half of them requires extra cooked in parts and therefore more auto service. 
• While many 4WD and AWD vehicles have been optimized and reworked over time, they still sip gas more heavily than their 2WD siblings. Powering all wheels of a car requires more energy and that comes right from your gas tank. 
• One of the most glaring things that might deter you from an AWD or 4WD vehicle is the capability of modern 2WD Orlando Toyota cars. Many front and rear wheel drive cars are built with advanced safety features and evolved traction control which make them more than capable of getting you through a tough spot on the road. 

But, if you're planning on towing, hauling, or off-roading then you'll likely be forced into springing for AWD/4WD or driving a vehicle with it already included. 

Shop for the Right Vehicle with Toyota of Orlando!

At Toyota of Orlando we have an excellent inventory with vehicles that include many different car drivetrains. If you're ready to shop, browse our inventory online anytime or visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Why is there no electric car in Toyota's lineup?

 Toyota is all about going green. They're the ones that introduced the first hybrid car to the general market, after all - the iconic Toyota Prius. Since then, they've continued to do serious research in the world of alternative fuel cars, releasing tons of green options for drivers from all walks of life. Today's lineup includes hybrid models of many of their existing vehicles as well as an innovative hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, the Toyota Mirai. The one thing missing, though? An electric car. 

Will Toyota ever have an electric car? 

Why does Toyota not have an electric car in its inventory when so many other makes - Tesla, Chevy, Nissan - do? We don't have a firm answer, but Toyota of Orlando has taken a pretty solid guess as to why the automaker isn't heading down this road (again). Check it out. 

1. They've already done it. 

Did you know that Toyota has actually already put an electric car on the market? Circle back to the early 2010s and you'll remember the Toyota RAV4 EV. It was a collaboration with Tesla and the first electric vehicle to enter the Toyota lineup. It had some drawbacks, though, when compared to current electric cars. It could only go 100 miles on one charge and had to travel at low speeds to achieve that type of range. It was also expensive. Electric vehicles have been mightily improved since then, but it wasn't too much of a hot ticket item and was retired after a short period of time. 

2. The infrastructure is lacking in some areas of the world. 

Electric cars have to be plugged in and charged, and they can only go so far on one charge. This means you need charging stations throughout the country to ensure drivers don't have to return home to charge (this is especially critical if drivers commute a far distance or are on a road trip). Unfortunately, many areas of the country don't have the infrastructure and lack charging stations for EVs, making it difficult for drivers to own and operate them. 

3. There are other excellent eco-friendly options. 

Toyota may not have an electric car, but they do have tons of other alternative fuel options. There are 10 hybrid models up for grabs right now as well as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. If you want to go green, you can easily do it without having to buy an EV. 

4. Hybrids have rapidly evolved. 

Hybrids were introduced to the market way back in the early 2000s and they've been steadily improved and enhanced since then. Orlando Toyota hybrids today are exceptionally fuel-efficient and eco-friendly and also cost less than electric cars; they also don't need to be charged, offering drivers a little more versatility. 

Shop green cars today at Toyota of Orlando 

Have questions about electric cars or want to test drive any of our eco-friendly Orlando Toyotas? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. 

Essential Questions You Should Be Asking Your Auto Service Technician

 Asking questions is always an excellent idea whether you're in class or at the doctor. It's also a key thing to do when you're getting auto service done with your service technician. Understanding what's going on under the hood of your ride and what your chosen technician is doing to fix your problems is essential to becoming a better driver. This also helps you know exactly what you're paying for. 

At Toyota of Orlando we take absolute care to brief all our customers on what services we're providing and what goes into a repair. But, that doesn't mean you should hold your questions. Check out these essential questions you should ask of your automotive technician. 

What You Should Be Asking Your Auto Service Tech

Question 1) Which Certifications Do You Have?

Being an auto service technician is not only physically demanding, it requires a great deal of credentials. Technicians must be certified in specific areas of service before being able to conduct those jobs on their own. This means many hours of learning and apprenticeship. Before your chosen mechanic begins their work on your Orlando vehicle, ask which certifications they hold and what jobs they allow them to do. 

Question 2) What Replacement Parts Does Your Shop Use?

Replacing parts is an essential part of vehicle service and the types of parts used to replace your broken or old ones can make or break the repair entirely. There are many aftermarket automotive parts out there that can get the job done, but it's always better to use OEM parts. Here at Toyota of Orlando we only use genuine Toyota OEM parts so your vehicle will always stay at factory quality whenever you have auto service done. 

Question 3) Does Your Shop Offer Free Estimates?

You'd be hard-pressed to find a shop that doesn't offer free estimates before you surrender your vehicle, but you never really know unless you ask. We always recommend asking your auto service technician if free estimates on repairs are offered to avoid any unexpected expenses. You should also ask for the technician to inform you of any unexpected repairs that need to be completed as some shops will simply conduct the repair and bill you for unrequested services. 

Question 4) How Long Will the Repair/Service Take?

Depending on what type of service you need completed, your time waiting could be short or long (to put it obviously). But, if the shop is busy a longer wait time could occur even if the service you need typically doesn't take long. Ask your service technician how long you should expect to wait so you know how long you'll be without a car. 

Question 5) What are Your Costs for Labor? 

Every shop calculates their time and labor costs differently. Before you surrender your vehicle for auto service, ask your technician how much will be added to your bill regarding labor fees.

Are you ready for quality auto service? Schedule an appointment online or visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road today! 

Things to Remember When Driving in the Snow

 Living in Orlando, you'd be hard-pressed to find snow anywhere. But, with it already being cold in our tropical paradise, you can imagine how cold it's going to be up North. If you're someone who seeks out a genuine holiday experience complete with snow, hot chocolate, and frigid air, then you'll likely be doing some driving in the snow. To get yourself seasoned and ready for the extra dangers that come from commuting in the snow, Toyota of Orlando is here with a few key tips you should keep in mind. 

Tips to Remember When Driving in the Snow

Tip 1) Slow Down

Your Orlando Toyota car is not likely amply equipped to handle the rough and slippery conditions that come with driving in the snow. Just like we slow down when it rains here in Florida, we recommend slowing down when you encounter snow on the road. This will give you more time to react to objects in the road or sudden slow downs and it gives you more control of your vehicle. Snow can cause sudden slips and slides in the ride and you need to be ready for whatever happens. 

Tip 2) Take Wide Turns

Whipping around a corner or turning too suddenly can spell trouble when driving in the snow with your Orlando Toyota car. To prevent your ride from slipping out of control when turning a corner, make sure to turn wider than you usually do and take it slowly.

Tip 3) Don't Apply the Gas or Brake Quickly

Many Orlando Toyota cars are equipped with a form of traction control or anti-lock brakes, but you should still exercise caution. When hitting the gas or brakes quickly while driving in the snow your wheels could spin out. 

Tip 4) Don't Make Sudden Moves

To avoid an accident while driving in snowy conditions we highly recommend avoiding making sudden moves. This can help prevent you from slipping and sliding in the snow and causing an avoidable accident. 

Tip 5) Keep Your Distance

Just like driving in the rain here in Orlando, it's recommended you keep ample distance between you and the car in front of your when driving in the snow. Snow can create slippery and unpredictable driving conditions and you could wind up rear-ending the person in front of you if you're not careful. Increase your follow distance and give yourself ample time to react and come to a complete stop. 

Tip 6) Use Your Windshield Wiper and Headlights

Again, just like when it rains, make sure to turn on your headlights and windshield wipers when driving in the snow. This can help other drivers see you and keep your view clearer. 

Are you ready to brave the snow? Make sure to swing by Toyota of Orlando to have your vehicle thoroughly serviced. Schedule your appointment online or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road.