Car recall: what is it and what do you do

While the car building process uses a great deal of automation, it’s not always perfect and can leave many Orlando Toyota drivers with parts that are defective or not compliant with the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is called a car recall and they happen more often than you might think. Thankfully, many car companies honor recalls with free replacements parts and labor. But, drivers should always be aware of active recalls and what that means for you and your vehicle. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on what car recalls are and what to do if you find your vehicle has one.

What exactly is a car recall?

Essentially, a recall occurs when either an auto manufacturer or the NHTSA has determined that one or several of the parts used to assemble a vehicle are deemed defective. These parts could also fail to meet standards set for certain vehicle parts by the NHTSA. Car recalls can be limited to a specific region of the country or nationwide. In most recall cases, the auto manufacturer in question will be responsible for replacing the damaged/defective component. Orlando Toyota drivers are typically notified of car recalls by mail. Recall notices include things like:

• Defect description
• The risk the defective problem poses
• Warning signs to look for if the defective part is getting worse
• Plans for repair. When the repair will be redeemable and how long the process will take.
• What to do next for your Orlando Toyota car.

If you’ve received a recall letter in the mail, then it’s time to start looking for an Orlando Toyota auto service or body shop. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about covering the costs of repair or part replacement. You do, however, need to make sure you have your repair done by a certified dealership or shop that’s authorized by the NHTSA. While the NHTSA is pretty efficient with contacting Orlando Toyota drivers regarding recalls, some drivers may not receive a letter in the mail. You can still check for any active recalls at any time by consulting the NHTSA’s website.

In the case of many car recalls, the defective piece of equipment is closely monitored and covered by the NHTSA after the repair has been completed. If an Orlando Toyota driver believes the recall repair wasn’t finished correctly or that there’s still an issue, they can always reach out the NHTSA to fix the problem.

Repair recalls and more at Toyota of Orlando

Car recalls are nothing to worry about and at Toyota of Orlando we can repair it for you quickly, so you can get back on the road! Our expert auto service techs can also help with routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road or give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to set up an appointment.

Common car radiator problems and how to spot them

When it comes to your Orlando Toyota car’s engine working properly, it’s all about temperature. The exchange of temperature throughout the ignition and operating processes is key to problem-free commuting. An essential auto part in these processes is the car radiator. Without this part, things would get too hot in your engine compartment and lead to permanent damage. If problems should arise with your car radiator, you need to be prepared so you can save your vehicle from overheating which can lead to an expensive repair job. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here to help with an easy guide on how spot car radiator issues.

What does a car radiator do?

Your Orlando Toyota vehicle is equipped with an active cooling system that works while your engine is running to regulate temperature. The cooling system consists of the car radiator which uses several pumps, thermostats, and gaskets that all work to keep your engine temperature regulated. While your engine does get hot when running, excessive heat can damage essential parts, wear down hoses, and eventually cause your Orlando Toyota car to overheat.

A properly working car radiator funnels coolant into it and cools it using a fan. After the cooling process, the coolant is then funneled back into the engine and the process is repeated constantly. This keeps the coolant at 190-210°F which allows the engine to operate normally. A faulty radiator can lead to permanent damage for your Orlando Toyota vehicle and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of common issues that can spell trouble and how to spot them.

Rust

While rust can be trouble for the body of your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it can also affect your car radiator. Because of the rapid airflow and temperature fluctuations that happen around this engine part, rust can easily form and create holes in your hoses that will lead to radiator failure. Check the outside of your radiator assembly for rust and check the color of your coolant. If it’s dark in color, that means your radiator may be rusting from the inside and will eventually develop holes.

Leaks

Coolant leaks can happen if a radiator is left unchecked over time. The hoses on this critical Orlando Toyota engine part are prone to wear and tear as they age as are the metal clamps that keep them attached. When a hose and/or clamp fails, coolant leaks can occur. Make sure to look under your vehicle for a greenish fluid if your suspect there’s a fluid leak.

Mineral buildup

Mineral deposit buildup can occur over time as the radiator operates normally. As more mineral deposits build up, your radiator hoses can get blocked and stop operating normally which can lead to overheating. Pay attention to your Orlando Toyota car’s internal temperature gauge as you run your engine. 

Car radiator issues solved at Toyota of Orlando

Your Orlando Toyota car’s radiator is an essential auto part that must always be attended to in order to prevent permanent damage to your engine. At Toyota of Orlando, our auto service techs can make it easy with accurate diagnostics and affordable auto repairs and maintenance. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!

The importance of reading a vehicle history report

History tends to be a good predictor for the future and the same can be said for used Orlando Toyota vehicles. Cars can be easily affected by their previous drivers depending on how they maintained and drove them over time. That’s where the all-important vehicle history report comes in. This document can tell you where your chosen used Orlando Toyota vehicle has been and could help you figure out how it’ll behave once it’s driven off the lot. At Toyota of Orlando, all our certified used cars come equipped with a vehicle history report, so you know you’re investing in a car that comes with a clean past. If you don’t think a history report is important to your car buying process, then prepare to think otherwise!

You should always request a vehicle history report

While a vehicle seller can tell you all day that the car you’re looking to purchase has a clean record, was maintained well, and has no previous signs of accident damage. But, you never really know unless there’s a credible source. With a vehicle history report, you can access essential information regarding your chosen vehicle and what’s happened to it in the past. Here’s what’s included in a report and why it’s important to know:

• Previous Accidents: Before you purchase your new Orlando Toyota vehicle, you want to be aware of any previous accident damage that can affect the vehicle’s overall value and condition.
• Current Title Info: This will show your chosen vehicle’s current title standing, if it’s clean, salvage, rebuilt, or junk. If your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s report reflects anything other than a clean title, it might be best to search for a different car.
• Previous Owners: While having more than one previous owner isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it means that the car has been driven by several different people who could have driven it harshly. Before you sign on the dotted line, do some additional research to see who drove the vehicle and how they drove it.
• Current Odometer Reading: Always check your vehicle history report for a current odometer reading and double check it against your chosen vehicle when you go to take a test drive. If these numbers don’t match, someone has been tampering with the odometer and that could mean there’s additional damage trying to be concealed.
• Service History: Depending on the type of vehicle history report you request for your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it may come with a detailed service record. This can help you get a better idea for how the car was maintained before you drove it home.
• Current/Past Recalls: Many vehicles undergo recalls during their lifetime. However, you’re going to want to know if your chosen Orlando Toyota vehicle is up to date on its factory recalls and a vehicle history report will be able to tell you.

Vehicle history reports are essential to knowing that you’re investing your hard-earned money into a vehicle that will last. That’s why all our certified used cars at Toyota of Orlando come with history report so you can have peace of mind when shopping for your next ride. Come visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!