How to Drive Your Manual Toyota Car without Killing it (in a Bad Way)

 The manual transmission is one of the first and most original forms of transmission for the automobile. It truly bonds a driver to their car and it's preferred by racers everywhere. Manuals are pretty cool but their use and preference has been in steep decline for some time and many drivers don't even know how to use it (this author included). This is likely because of its complicated nature and large margin for error. 

If you're someone who's been on the fence about learning or is scared to do so, check out this guide from Toyota of Orlando on how you can drive your manual Toyota car better. 

Keep These in Mind When Driving Stick

Never Forget to Use the Clutch First

When driving a manual Orlando Toyota car, you're the only one who can do the shifting, no one and nothing else. This requires great timing and memory for the procedure of shifting. A key component to this process is to never, EVER, forget to use the clutch before you even touch the shift knob. This means your left foot is going to have to do something other than sit there chilling while you drive. 

While a few attempts of messing this up won't have any super serious consequences for your ride, repeated mistakes can cause rapid deterioration to your clutch, gear shaft, and more. A before B and 1 before 2. 

Don't Rock (& Roll)

A huge point to driving is coming to a stop. That's why we have brakes! In a manual, mastering first gear can be quite a bear, but once you do you'll feel like champion of the world. Most will let this go to their head and start trying a variety of tricks. One of them is coming to a stop at a stoplight and engaging the clutch every so often to "rock" your Toyota car back and forth. 

Keeping your Orlando Toyota ride in first means you have a quicker start once the light goes green, but it can damage your transmission and its adjacent parts. Do yourself (and your ride) a favor and chill. 

Keep Things in the Friendzone

Most manual Toyota car drivers forsake their right hand and keep it firmly attached to the shifter throughout their drive. While this is convenient if you have to shift frequently, at some point you gotta chill. Bring your ride to a constant gear and then ease off for a while. Let your right hand do something else and keep your shifter from getting damaged. Win win. 

For the Love of God, Don't Moneyshift

While it may sound like a term you'd find in Fast and Furious, it's not. Well, maybe it is. This author isn't an expert on those movies (or are they?). Moneyshifting is a dangerous and, sometimes, deadly act one commits on a manual Orlando Toyota car when they shift to the wrong gear after reaching a peak RPM. 

This damage from this can be catastrophic and most vehicles don't drive away unscathed. A great example of this, caught on camera no less, is vlogger/driver Robert Mitchell. His in cabin perspective recording, driving a Toyota GR Yaris to boot, shows the RPM gauge reach a 6,500 RPM mark where one would typically switch to 3rd gear. Instead, he downshifted back to first gear. His RPM gauge then shot well past 10,000 RPMs and the squeal from the engine was enough to make even non-gearheads uncomfortable. 

Lucky for him, his GR Yaris held together, after some much needed damage control, but that's not the case for every vehicle out there. Word of advice? Shift to the right place when you need to. 

Need more tips for driving your Orlando Toyota car better? Visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road for all our tips and tricks. 

A Dive into Toyota's (and the Automotive Industry's) Supply Chain Woes

 If you've pulled up to our Toyota dealership recently, you were probably understandably shocked by the lack of new inventory we have kicking around. It's not normal for a high-volume dealership like ours to have a lacking supply of the new Toyota Camry or Tacoma. So, what's the big deal? Well, that's a complicated one to answer. 

The automotive industry, like almost every other one out there, has been experiencing supply chain issues brought on by several factors going on in the world right now. If you're one of the many people who's concerned about the lack of supply and choices when it comes to purchasing a new Toyota, you'll want to read this. Toyota of Orlando is diving into the global supply chain issues plaguing the automotive industry right now and what you should do in response. 

When the Chips are Down, What Do You Do?

It's an understatement to say that the coronavirus pandemic has upended quite a lot and exposed the weaknesses in our global supply chains. Shipping goods and various items worldwide requires precise timing and even one ship stuck in, say, the Suez Canal (looking at you, Ever Given), can delay the production and sale of products on a massive scale. If you've been trying to get your hands on a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S lately you know what we're talking about.

With Orlando supply chains heavily affected by the ongoing global pandemic, harsh regional weather conditions, and more, Toyota vehicles are in short supply. The parts affected specifically include semiconductor "chips" which have hampered the production of many Toyota models and other electronic-based devices. Let's dive into what this part is used for, specifically, and what that means for you when you're searching for a new Orlando Toyota Tacoma. 

Briefly on Semiconductors

Semiconductors, or chips in this case, are small devices used as part of an electronic system to distribute power to various devices throughout the vehicle. Essentially, you need them if you want to use anything electronic in your Orlando Toyota car. They allow for the use of important features like the battery, safety systems, infotainment, lighting, and so on. They're typically made of germanium and silicon and are used in just about every modern vehicle out there on the road. 

Depending on the extent to which your vehicle uses electricity, the semiconductor can be larger or smaller. A typical internal combustion engine (ICE) uses one to, namely, distribute and manage power from the battery to operate other accessories. In highly electrified vehicles like a hybrid or battery electric vehicle (BEV), semiconductors control larger areas of the engine compartment and power far more features. 

So, what does this all mean for supply chains and the amount of vehicles being produced going forward? It means that the automotive industry, and many other ones that deal in electronic goods, will likely be suffering supply chain issues for a lengthy period of time. Toyota itself has had to shutter various assembly plants in the U.S. due to the gross shortage and it could take months or maybe even a year before the global supply chain of chips returns to normal. Even then, it could take a while before production catches back up to pre-pandemic levels. 

Still looking for a new ride? Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road and shop with us today. 

How to Better Drive Your Manual Transmission Toyota Car

 What was once the staple of the automotive world, more like the only one available in fact, has become the niche and obscure option. We're talking about manual transmissions and they're pretty few and far between as the desired driving mode on many vehicles. Some vehicles on our Orlando Toyota lineup don't even have manual as an optional transmission. It's hard to argue with the convenience and freedom automatic transmissions afford us as drivers, but manuals still hold a special place our hearts and the hearts of many out there.

It's preferred by racers, automotive purists and originalists, and those looking to add a little more interactivity from their ride. But, there's a lot of room for error when it comes to using the world's first transmission type. To keep your Toyota car from falling apart while you're driving it, we at Toyota of Orlando are here with some key things to remember to better drive your manual transmission ride. 

Habits to Break to Preserve Your Manual Toyota Car

Driving a manual Toyota car can be quite tricky. There are a lot of steps to remember and keep in mind plus a huge margin of error. A slip up could cost you a lot at the auto service shop. To keep your engine intact, here are some essential tips from Toyota of Orlando. 

Remember, the Clutch Always Comes First

Driving a manual Toyota car means, in effect, you're the one who has to do the shifting for the engine. This, for many drivers, is pretty difficult. It requires excellent timing, instincts, and you have to always remember that you have a 3rd pedal and your left foot is going to have to do some work. 

When shifting, it's absolutely key to remember to push in the clutch before your right hand does any shifting. The clutch opens up the gear shaft and allows you to shift. Forgetting to engage the clutch or doing so at the wrong time can have pretty detrimental consequences for your Orlando Toyota car. In short, always use the clutch first.

Stop Rocking at Stoplights

Driving a manual Orlando Toyota car takes some getting used to, but once you do you need to make sure you come to and stay at a stop correctly. Putting your shifter in neutral feels a fair bit unnatural so many manual drivers out there will come to a stop light, keep it in first, and engage the clutch intermittently, and rock back and forth. While this primes you for a quick start from the stop light and helps you get the hang of driving in first gear, it can wear the life out of your clutch. It may seem lame, but the smart thing to do is just put it in neutral and re-engage when the light changes. 

Give the Shifter Some Room to Breathe

Unless you're racing and need to change gears quickly, there's really no reason to keep your hand on the shifter. "But what if I want to feel like I'm on the set of Fast and Furious?" Well, while we all would love for that to happen (especially this writer) the truth is that driving a manual with your hand on the shifter can wear it out much faster. The manual transmission is a delicate piece of machinery and you should only interact with the shifter when necessary. After that, give it and your hand some space.

 Don't (For the Love of God) Moneyshift!

Orlando Toyota cars are built to be pretty sturdy and resilient, but not even a Toyota can handle the grueling and detrimental impact of a moneyshift. What do we mean? What jargon is this? Let us explain. A moneyshift happens when a driver brings their RPMs to a critical high point and shifts down or to the wrong gear by mistake. Actually, a driver/vlogger named Robert Mitchell did this and caught it on camera. During a hill climb race he reached a gear 2 RPM of 6,500 but shifted down instead of up. From there the Orlando Toyota car GR Yaris he was driving squealed an ungodly squeal and sent the gauge to about 10,200 RPMs. 

Somehow, the GR Yaris survived but it's one of the few Toyota cars out there that could. Doing this causes catastrophic damage to the clutch, gear shaft, and engine overall and can leave your ride permanently indisposed. Long story short, don't moneyshift. Just don't. 

Drive Your Manual Toyota Car Better with Toyota of Orlando

Driving a manual can be tricky, but follow these tips and you'll be in great shape. But, if you do make a mistake (as we all do), Toyota of Orlando has your back! Visit our auto service center at 3575 Vineland Road today or schedule an appointment online. 

What To Do After a Hit-And-Run Car Accident

 Have you or a friend been in a car accident where the other party just left the scene? This is called a hit-and-run and it is one of the most tedious forms of accidents because you’re left with a lot of unanswered questions. It’s pretty stressful and if you have no clue on how to deal with it, you’ll go crazy. This is why here at Toyota of Orlando, we’ve compiled a list of tips on how to deal with a hit-and-run accident.

 

Dealing With a Hit-And-Run Accident

#1: Make sure no one is hurt

Assess everyone’s well-being immediately after the occurrence. Check to see if any emergency medical services are needed, if so, dial 911 right away.

#2: Move your car out of the way

Whether you're on the highway or on a main road, try to move your Orlando Toyota away from the road—especially if it’s in the way of traffic. Don’t risk getting hit by another vehicle because your car is in the middle of the road. You’ll also want to make sure it’s visible to other Orlando drivers. Turn on your hazard lights and if you have flares or road triangles, you’ll want to bring those out too.

#3: Call the police and document everything

The police will assist you with filing the police report—you’ll need this for insurance purposes. Don’t forget to write down every detail of the accident. Where did it happen? At what time? What day? And what events lead to the accident? This information will help both the police and the insurance company.

#4: Look for witnesses

Make an effort to find witnesses that are willing to make a statement. If you are able to do so, save their contact information in case you need more details in the future.

#5: Tie up loose ends

If you need to go to the doctor, do so as soon as possible. This way if you have injuries, it could all be documented along have a course of treatment plan so that your insurance can help cover it. You should also file a claim with your insurance as soon as you can. Be sure to let them know it was a hit-and-run.

Let Our Body Shop Help You With Repairs

All in all, going through a hit-and-run car accident can really bring in stress to your week. The best thing to do is to stay calm and follow all of the aforementioned. If your Orlando Toyota became a victim to a hit-and-run accident, make moves right away! When it’s time to choose a body shop, tell your insurance company you want US to do your repairs. Stop by our Certified Collision Center at Toyota of Orlando. We’re open Monday through Saturday and located at 3575 Vineland Rd just off I-4 near Millenia Mall. You can also call (407)659-2040 to schedule an appointment and have your car examined by one of our Collision Center techs.

Getting the Most Out of Your Toyota Hybrid Electric Power

Looking at the automotive landscape today, it's hard to deny the palpability of EV power becoming the mainstream fuel source for cars sooner than we think. We still rely heavily on fossil fuels for power, but a major form of our technological toolbox is experiencing a cultural shift and we're excited to see it! In fact, Toyota has been anticipating this move since the 90s with the first iteration of the Prius. Today, Toyota's lineup consists of a Toyota hybrid for just about every model. There's even speculation of a Tundra hybrid coming soon, but that's a story for another time. 

With hybrid power comes the possibility of using just electric power to drive. Some great examples are the RAV4 and Prius Prime. Both of these vehicles, because of their Orlando Toyota hybrid plug-in technology, can use solely electric power to drive for a short time. How can you, as a Toyota hybrid owner, maximize this awesome feature? Toyota of Orlando is here with some answers! 

Maximizing Your Toyota Hybrid EV Power

The electric driving option in your Toyota Hybrid is an excellent feature for saving on your fuel costs and reducing emissions dramatically. We at Toyota of Orlando highly recommend you take full advantage! But, how do you get the most out of this feature? Check out our tips below:

Know Your Specs

The first thing you should do is remember your vehicle's specs, especially when it comes to EV driving range and MPGe. Paying closer attention to the latter metric here, MPGe, can really help you better understand just how efficient and capable your Orlando Toyota hybrid is. Bear with us for a moment while we walk you through what MPGe is exactly.

When measuring the fuel efficiency of a vehicle, the EPA takes into account the amount of heat generated by burning a gallon of gasoline/fuel. For an internal combustion engine, 115,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) is the standard heat generation. For an electric battery pack, it takes 33.7 kWh (kilowatt hours, the standard unit of EV power) to generate the same amount of heat. Essentially, MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) is a conversion from gasoline power to electric power equivalent. The sticker on the window of a new Orlando Toyota hybrid will state the amount of kWh needed to travel 100 miles as compared to how gas is needed to travel 100 miles. 

You should also keep in mind the number of miles you can drive on electric power alone. For the RAV4 Prime you can achieve 42 miles on just electric power while the Prius Prime can achieve 25 miles. In most cases, that's your commute to and from work all on electric power!

Keep it Charged

If you're someone who charges their phone while they're sleeping at night for a full battery in the morning, this one should be a no-brainer. But, for those who don't, it's time to adjust your habits. Keeping your plug-in Toyota hybrid is the most important key to reaping the benefits of EV driving. The great thing is that you have options! You can simply plug the charging cable into a port in your garage or apartment complex or you can use an EV charger while you're out and about. Whichever you prefer. 

Upgrade Your Equipment 

Some cables charge better than other and the exact same can be said for plug-in Orlando Toyota hybrid cars. The Prius and RAV4 Prime come standard with a charging cable that's rated for 110 volts. While that'll get you power in the battery pack of your Orlando Toyota hybrid, it's going to take some time. Allot at least 12 hours of charge time if you plan on using the standard cable and the standard level 1 outlet likely installed where you live. You can cut this time down significantly by, 1) upgrading the cable that comes with the Prime vehicles and, 2) upgrading your home outlets. The cable can be factory ordered from a dealership like Toyota of Orlando for a fee and upgrading the outlets in your home means much better power yield and stronger power connections. But, if you're not looking to break the bank or do too much home improvement, waiting is free. 

The Rules of Gas Still Apply

While you may be thinking that you can zip zap all over town in your EV powered Orlando Toyota hybrid and still get the 42 miles of electric driving regardless of how you're driving, think again! The rules of gasoline consumption still very much apply to EVs. Power will be consumed depending on how you drive your vehicle. Flooring it to get that 5.7 second 0-60 time will exhaust your electric power faster than you can say 1.21 gigawatts. Drive with gradual acceleration and braking, take it easy on the pedal, and you'll get your 25 or 42 miles of EV power in no time, young padawan. 

Have more questions about your Toyota hybrid? Bring it to the experts at Toyota of Orlando! Visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today. 

More car hacks to make ownership easy

 Does the thought of car ownership make you feel a little bit stressed out? We get it - it can be a lot. Between maintenance and repairs and driving responsibly and cleaning it and keeping it insured, owning a car can take time and money that you may not really want to part with. However, there ARE ways to make it easier, and Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Check out this quick list of car hacks to kick your ownership stress to the curb. 

Six quick and easy car hacks 

Car hack #1: Do DIY repairs on small scratches. Do you hate shelling out for repairs, especially for small cosmetic things? We understand, and this car hack offers a cheap (albeit temporary) fix. If you have small, unsightly scratches in your car's paint, use nail polish to touch them up. Nail polish is cheap and comes in a million colors so it should be easy to find a match for your Orlando Toyota's paint. 

Car hack #2: Follow the speed limit. You obviously want to follow the speed limit so you don't get pulled over and ticketed, but there is another perk. A lot of drivers speed when they're in a rush to get where they're going, but green lights are actually calculated in accordance with the speed limit. If you follow the speed limit, you should be able to easily hit all the green lights, getting you to your destination faster. 

Car hack #3: Prevent winter damage to your wipers. We know it doesn't get TOO wintry here in Orlando, but if you head north into the snow at any point, protect your wipers from damage. You can prevent them from freezing to the windshield and damaging the rubber on the blades by sticking a pair of socks over the wipers when you park. Simple and cheap! 

Car hack #4: Learn how to manually unlock your car. Do you know how to unlock your car if your key fob dies? Every key fob has a small mechanical key hidden in it. And if you look at your car door handles in the front, they should have a small piece on the front that pops off, revealing a mechanical lock for the aforementioned key. 

Car hack #5: Locate your car quickly in a crowded parking lot. If you're the type of Orlando Toyota driver that constantly forgets where you park, this car hack is for you. Take a picture of your car and any significant landmarks (like a tree, a light pole a sign, etc.) or the row number you're in. You can also stick something brightly colored in the window of your vehicle to make it easy to spot amongst the sea of cars around it. 

Car hack #6: Put your kids' slime to use. Most parents hate slime and with good reason, but what if it could actually work in your favor? As annoying as it is, it's also great for cleaning cracks, crevices, and other places you'd have to vacuum to get clean (we're looking at you, cupholders). Dirt and debris sticks to slime great; just make sure you toss the slime when you're done tidying up. 

Call Toyota of Orlando today for more tips and to schedule car care

We've got more car hacks to spare AND qualified technicians to help you shoulder your car care responsibilities - check it out! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call us today at (407) 298-0001.