This Million Mile Toyota Highlander Hybrid shows the importance of car maintenance

The Million Mile Tundra has been a story in the books…but there’s a new story to tell: the Million Mile Highlander Hybrid. This million-mile machine belongs to Mark Miller of Bonita Springs, Florida. The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid celebrated its million-mile mark last year. Our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to share how this Highlander went all the way to a million miles (spoiler alert – it's car maintenance). 

How did this Toyota Hybrid make it to a million miles?

Mark Miller drove across Alligator Alley, a stretch of I-75 in the Florida Everglades, routinely with his 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Miller did it so often that he was able to rack up over a million miles with 8,000 trips across I-75. He described his SUV as a “workhorse”, which he used to tow trailers for his asphalt paving business, as well as a mobile office for work on the go. There was no secrecy in Mark Miller’s million-mile ‘mile’stone (We’re corny…), just having routine car maintenance, such as oil changes and brake services, and a reliable mechanic. That’s why we emphasize the importance of having a car maintenance routine. 

Why basic car maintenance is important

We’re not surprised that Miller got his routine car maintenance, which shows how important it is. Here are our top four Orlando car maintenance that you must add to your routine to gain longevity, maybe even potentially a million miles. 

• Oil changes

They are essential for a vehicle to operate at maximum performance level and can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle if they aren’t performed at the recommended intervals. If you don’t change your oil when necessary, it can cause costly problems in your vehicle. The oil is vital to the car’s performance because it’s a lubricant in the car’s system. Metal-on-metal contact in the system causes friction, which eventually leads to so much heat that the two surfaces can weld together and cause the engine to seize.

• Tire Service

Definitely consider getting your tires rotated too. It helps your car wear more evenly so you can get a longer and more efficient life out of your tires! If you skip Orlando tire rotations, then you are inevitably shortening the life of your car’s tires and costing yourself a good deal more money, as you’ll have to replace them more often. So, just get it done.

• Brake service

To be as effective as possible, your brakes need to be checked and maintained consistently at our Toyota dealership in Orlando.

• Routine inspections

Make sure you’re getting all of your car maintenance done routinely.

every 5,000 miles

Tire rotation and inflation 

Multi-point inspection 

Oil change (for Orlando Toyota drivers who use conventional motor oil)

every 10,000 miles

Oil change (for Toyota drivers who use synthetic motor oil)

every 15,000 miles

Clean or replace the air filter

Get your hands on your own million-mile Toyota today

No matter which new Toyota you decide upon, you know you can rely on it if the million-mile Tundra and Highlander are any indications of longevity. (And that’s why we’re always pushing you to get routine auto service like oil changes, too.) Think you’re ready to take the plunge? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

 

The top reasons your car battery is dead

 It's a terrible feeling when you turn the key in the ignition of your Orlando Toyota and hear nothing except maybe an empty-sounding clicking noise. It more often than not means a dead car battery, which means you're going nowhere fast. But what makes a car battery die, and how can you prevent this annoying roadside emergency? Toyota of Orlando's car care experts are here with tips. 

An easy way to prevent a dead car battery is to stay on top of routine car care and have our techs check your car battery every time you visit. However, things happen in between car maintenance appointments. Here are some of the top reasons your car battery might die unexpectedly. 

Seven reasons your car battery dies unexpectedly 

#1: Your connections have gone bad. The positive and negative terminals on your car battery can be jolted around so much over time that they become loose. Additionally, they also become corroded over time. Eventually, this means the battery won't be able to properly transmit power and you may have issues starting your car. Be sure to routinely check and clean your car battery connections. 

#2: You have a parasitic draw. A parasitic draw is when something in the car is drawing power from the battery even when the car is off (like your interior lights left on). When your car is running, your alternator recharges the battery for you and ensures you can use things like your lights, your radio, etc. But when your car is off, the alternator isn't charging the car battery, and a parasitic draw can drain your battery over the course of time. Make sure when you've parked that all lights, etc. are off. 

#3: The alternator is on its way out. As we mentioned, your car alternator charges the battery when your car is running. If it's not working properly, it won't charge your car battery and in turn, the battery will eventually be drained and die. Make sure our Orlando Toyota service techs check your alternator routinely. 

#4: Your battery is getting too old. Just like any other part, your car battery does get old and wear out over time. Most car batteries last 2-3 years before needing to be replaced, but their lifespan can be shortened by things like extreme temperatures or a bad alternator. 

#5: You left your headlights on by mistake. Remember that parasitic draw we talked about? Leaving your car's headlights on while the car is off, it'll drain your car battery. Be sure to turn off your car headlights every time you exit the car. Some headlights have an auto on/off feature, but not all do. 

#6: The weather is extreme. Did you know that extreme temperatures - hot or cold - can shorten the lifespan of your car? They put a strain on your car battery so when you face extreme weather, be sure to routinely check on it. 

#7: You need to take longer drives. When you only take short drives, your alternator doesn't have much time to charge up your car battery. This can shorten the battery's lifespan. If your commute is short, take longer drives once a week or so to ensure the alternator has time to charge things up properly. 

Care for your car battery at Toyota of Orlando

Have questions about maintaining your car battery or need to replace it? Toyota of Orlando is here to answer them. Call us today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by. We're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

How to choose a car paint color

 Whether you're shopping for a new car or thinking about changing the color of your existing vehicle, choosing a car paint color is an important part of the process. Which one is going to be the best for you during the life of your ownership? Toyota of Orlando is here with helpful tips on how to choose a car paint color for your vehicle. 

4 tips for choosing a car paint color 

Tip #1: Consider which paint colors are the best for you. It's really all down to personal preference when it comes to your car paint color, but you do want to keep in mind a few things: 

• Although it's never been actually proved, it's often said that red cars - especially sporty models - catch the eye of law enforcement more and are more likely to be pulled over than other colors.
• Some insurance companies will charge higher premiums for colors like red or yellow (as these colors are usually found on sportier vehicles) and lower premiums for cars that or white or silver. Why? White and silver cars reflect sunlight the best, which makes them the most visible vehicles on the road and helps reduce the chances of an accident. 
• Think about whether you want to blend in or stand out. Colors that are neutral - like black, white, silver, etc. - blend into a crowd better. Red, blue, green, and yellow tend to stand out more from the other cars on the road. 
• Also, consider what finish you want. A gloss is typical, but there are also matte and satin finishes available in some colors for an upcharge that might be better suited to your tastes. 

Tip #2: Look at what's popular. If you're fixing up your car to sell it or know that you're going to trade it in soon after buying, look at car paint colors that are the most popular. This will ensure a higher resale value than if you were to choose an unpopular or uncommon paint color for your car. 

Tip #3: Make sure it fits the model. Certain colors vibe with certain cars - as mentioned, sportier Orlando Toyotas look great in yellows and reds. The same yellows and reds would likely look odd on a minivan like the Toyota Sienna. Make sure that the color you choose seems to suit the model you have; this will also affect resale value down the road. 

Tip #4: If you're restoring a classic car, look at the paint options from that model year. Restoring a 1966 Toyota and painting it a new color could go either way. If you want a true restoration, look at the paints that were available in the car's model year or generation. Most factory car colors have been reproduced with modern technology so you'll get the best of both worlds - authentic color with the latest protection and durability. 

Get more advice + info on car paint colors at Toyota of Orlando 

Want more information on car paint colors or need help getting your ride back to like-new condition? No matter what you're looking for, Toyota of Orlando can help you find it. We're open and waiting at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, and you can reach us at (407) 298-4500.