How to save money on car ownership

Buying a car is a big investment. You want it to hold its value so it either 1) lasts you a really, really long time or 2) offers you good resale value when you decide to trade it in or sell it at some point in the future. However, keeping your car's value high isn't cheap. In fact, owning a car, in general, isn't cheap, but there are ways to keep your budget tight and your costs down. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for trimming car ownership costs!

Orlando Toyota tips for making car ownership more affordable

Tip #1: Stay on a routine maintenance schedule
We know, we know - we're always harping on you to stay on a car care schedule. But getting routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, filter changes, brake service, battery service, and tune-ups can save you a ton of money. Sticking to a routine with these car care services ensures that your car and its parts stay in good condition, and it also lowers your chances of needing costly repairs when something breaks. Let our Orlando Toyota service techs get you on a schedule today.

Tip #2: Be choosy with your insurance 
You need auto insurance to legally drive your car, so this is one car ownership cost you can't just cut out. You can, however, trim it down with a little leg work. Be choosy about which insurance you choose and shop around before settling on one company. Ask about discounts, like student discounts for drivers in high school and college. Inform your insurance company about all the safety features on your vehicle (safer cars are cheaper to insure) and also inquire about bundling. Some companies will give you a break if you bundle renter's/homeowner's insurance with your auto insurance. And don't forget, getting tickets makes your insurance premiums go up, so follow the rules of the road.

Tip #3: Adjust your driving habits
Adjusting your driving habits can help ensure you cut down on the costs of car ownership. Condense your errands into fewer trips and consider joining a carpool - both of these simple steps can reduce fuel costs and mean fewer miles on your car so you don't need maintenance as often.

Tip #4: Boost your fuel efficiency 
An easy way to reduce car ownership costs is to simply boost the fuel economy that your Orlando Toyota gets - and you don't have to buy a hybrid car to do it. Instead, take small steps like emptying the junk out of your car so it's lighter and uses less gas. Utilize cruise control when the drive time situation is appropriate for it, and accelerate gently instead of slamming on the gas.

Schedule your routine maintenance today at Toyota of Orlando

Have more questions about how you can cut your car ownership costs down? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by in person at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

What's the Difference Between Tire Balancing and Wheel Alignment?

The automotive world is one that's difficult to keep track of. Machines that perform the simple function of getting people from point A to point B are powered by complex engineering and it's constantly evolving. While we won't tell you everything there is to know about modern engineering and the engine (that would take a while), we at Toyota of Orlando believe it's important that every driver have a working knowledge of how their vehicle works and what auto services you need to keep it, well, working.

A conundrum in the automotive world that many aren't aware of is that tire balancing and wheel alignment are two separate auto services. We know, mind blown. These two important auto services are often mistaken or used interchangeably when they're actually quite different. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here to help settle this car tire debate once and for all. Follow along for our quick guide on the differences between car tire balancing and wheel alignments.

What is Tire Balancing?

Like we said, tire balancing and wheel alignments are two very different auto service jobs that bring different benefits to your ride. Car tire balancing involves placing your tire on a machine that spins your tire through several revolutions to assess how to balance it. This simulates high speed driving and finds where on your tire is heavier or lighter compared to the rest. The machine maps out the spots and an auto service technician places weights in those spots to properly balance the tire. This keeps it spinning evenly as your drive.

If your Orlando Toyota car tires are unbalanced, there are several tell-tale signs you should look for: 

• your steering wheel is vibrating while you drive
• your wheel could have cupped or scalloped patterning

What is a Wheel Alignment?

Comparatively, wheel alignments don't actually involve your vehicle's tire directly. Alignments are done to improve the quality of your suspension system. Your suspension system (while connected to your tires) help your vehicle maintain direction when driving. Typically, your Orlando Toyota vehicle is meant to drive straight. If your wheels are misaligned, here are some signs to look for:

• your vehicle may drift or tug to one side while driving
• your tires could be wearing unevenly
• with the steering wheel straight, your vehicle might tug or steer to one side

Both car tire services should be completed in conjunction with one another to maintain the health of your vehicle. If you have questions or need either of these auto services done for your ride, visit Toyota of Orlando! You can schedule an appointment online or visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. 

What auto service should you schedule before towing?

Towing can take a toll on your vehicle. It makes your car work that much harder - not only is it getting you and your passengers around town, it now has added weight to pull behind it. This puts stress on the frame and makes everything under the hood work double-time. That's why it's so important to ensure that you get your ride the auto service it needs to be prepared for towing. Check out these four essential appointments you'll want to make at Toyota of Orlando before you hitch up and hit the road.

Schedule these 5 auto services before you tow

Oil and transmission fluid: When you tow something behind you, your engine has to work harder to make it happen and subsequently, it runs hotter than normal. Motor oil is responsible for keeping things inside the engine cool so if your oil level is too low or the oil itself is dirty, you run the risk of an overheated vehicle and damage to your engine.

Same goes for transmission fluid - your engine will be working harder so you want to ensure it has the fluids it needs to keep things running smoothly.

Tires: Having a blowout is dangerous, but it's substantially more dangerous when you're towing. You should ensure your Orlando Toyota's tires are in excellent shape before you tow. Our auto service techs can inspect them for tread depth, PSI levels, and general condition to verify that they're safe to drive on. And don't forget about your trailer tires, too! Since they usually aren't used as often, they're subject to dry rot over time. Make sure they're in as good a shape as your vehicle's tires before you hit the road.

Brakes: You'll have extra weight behind you when you tow, which means your brakes are going to have to work even harder to bring your car AND whatever it is you're towing to a complete, safe stop. You'll want to have our Orlando auto service techs inspect your braking system and check up on things like brake fluid, brake pads, and the rest of the system to ensure your brakes can handle the added stress.

Suspension: If you're going to be doing heavy-duty towing on a regular basis, then you may want to think about upgrading your vehicle's suspension with heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers. If your shocks can't handle the weight you're towing, your vehicle will sag in the back. Ask our auto service experts what's best for your ride.

Cooling system: Like we said, towing heavy loads puts extra stress on your vehicle and things get hotter under the hood. Have your cooling system inspected regularly and be sure to keep your coolant tank full at all times.

Let Toyota of Clermont get you ready to hit the road! 

Want to schedule auto service for towing? Call us - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001!