Toyota of Orlando's Car Care Checklist for School

It’s time for school again! Besides students scrambling to arrive on time, many drivers will also be dealing with numerous school buses and school zones, which will slow them down. Back-to-school season impacts everyone on the road, from first-time drivers to regular work commuters, so this is your go-to car care checklist to keep your car reliable and prepared for this school year!

Car Care Checklist: Battery

Summer can do a number on your car, so you’ll want to check out your car’s battery terminals (the metal posts on top of the battery) for any signs of corrosion. Excessive heat can weaken a car battery. If you notice a clicking noise when starting your car or if the battery is older than three years, it may be necessary to have it tested or replaced entirely.

Car Care Checklist: Lights

With shorter days in the fall and increased early morning traffic, it’s important to have good visibility on the road. Test out all the lights on your car: headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights. Replacements are often inexpensive and easily found at our Toyota parts store for a smooth installation.

Car Care Checklist: Wipers

Similar to your lights, your wipers are important for good visibility in wet weather. If you notice any streaking, chattering noises as they move across the glass, or spots left uncleared, it’s time to replace your wipers. Again, stop by Toyota of Orlando’s parts shop to check off this inexpensive and easy task on the car care checklist!

Car Care Checklist: Tires

Since tires are your car’s only contact with the road, it’s important to pay attention to them. Here’s what you need to do: 

• Tire Pressure: Tire pressure is critical for safety, especially on busy roads. Look inside your driver’s doorjamb or car manual for the recommended tire pressure, and use a tire gauge to check if all tires match. If they’re underinflated, your car will be sluggish, and it can lower your fuel efficiency. If they’re overinflated, your car will have less grip, which puts you at risk for accidents

• Tread Depth: The tread on your tires grips the road, and it affects your ability to stop when braking, which is incredibly important for school zones and pedestrian traffic. There are a few different ways to check your tire depth to know if you need new tires. Not sure how to do it? Our Orlando auto service techs can check for you.

• Visual Check: If you notice any cracking, bulging, or if something is stuck in the rubber, bring it over to our Toyota of Orlando Service Center to get it checked out!

Car Care Checklist: Brakes

Just like your tires, your brakes are incredibly important when you need to come to a quick stop. You need to pay attention to squealing or grinding noises, a spongy feeling when you press the pedal, or extra resistance in the pedal when you push it down. Our Toyota of Orlando technicians recommend getting your brakes checked out once a year to ensure you can safely hit the road!

Car Care Checklist: Fluids

Various fluids keep your car running smoothly, but here are the top ones to pay attention to for your back-to-school car care checklist: 

• Coolant: Car coolant is responsible for keeping your car's engine from overheating. This can easily be refilled at home, but make sure to only check this when your engine is cool. Our techs can also check and refill your coolant. 

• Brake and Transmission Fluid: Stop by Toyota of Orlando and let our service technicians check these fluids to ensure your car is running smoothly on the road!

• Engine Oil: To check the oil color and levels, pop open the hood and pull out the dipstick. If the level is low, add the recommended oil type for your car. If it’s dark or sludgy, you’re overdue for an oil change.

• Windshield Washer Fluid: Keep your windshield free of any dirt or bugs by making sure your washer fluid tank is full before you hit the road.

Car Care Checklist: Emergency Kit

More traffic brings higher chances of delays or accidents. Keep a basic emergency kit in your car with tools like: 

• A flashlight with extra batteries

• A phone charger

• Jumper cables

• Tire inflator and sealant

• A basic first aid kit

• Bottled water and snacks

Car Care Checklist: Routine Maintenance

Before the school year kicks off, bring your car to Toyota of Orlando for any checkups, oil changes, tire rotations, or inspections that are needed. Auto service centers tend to get busier as more people begin driving daily again, so take care of things now to avoid any last-minute stress in the morning! And don’t forget, we offer a free multi-point inspection every time you visit us to put your mind at ease.

Cross Off Your Car Care Checklist at Toyota of Orlando!

Back-to-school time can bring extra stress for your household, so knock out any car worries with this easy car care checklist! Give your vehicle some attention and prevent a small problem from turning into a big one. Visit Toyota of Orlando to get your vehicle in top shape by scheduling a service appointment online or calling us at 407-298-0001.

Can A Cheap Oil Change Really Affect Your Car?

Getting regular oil changes is pretty important to maintain your vehicle. While there are various places to get this maintenance done, you might opt for a cheap oil change to save money - but you could be doing more harm than good and can deal with bigger costs later on. We’re Making It Simple® and explaining how and why a cheap oil change can negatively affect your car.

A Cheap Oil Change Means Lower Quality

Not all motor oils are created equal. Cheaper oil tends to break down quickly and lose the important qualities needed to lubricate and protect your engine. It can also lead to increased acidity, thickening, and the formation of sludge in your engine. This can lead to diminished engine performance, higher fuel consumption, and can eventually result in major mechanical failures.

Today’s modern engines are designed for high-quality synthetic or semi-synthetic oils. These oils maintain proper viscosity and chemical stability over thousands of miles, compared to lower grade oil that often fails to meet the manufacturer’s specifications and can result in poor performance and increased wear-and-tear on your vehicle. We use high-quality products in our service center to ensure top-quality results. 

Cheap Oil Change by Unskilled Workers

Cheap oil change auto shops keep their prices low by using inexperienced technicians. These shops operate with higher turnover rates, which results in minimal training so the techs aren’t taught to complete the essential steps correctly. Such mistakes can result in oil leaks, cross-threaded components, or even catastrophic engine failures! At reputable garages, experienced mechanics know how to spot potential issues during routine service, which is something you won’t always get at a cheaper service shop. You can count on skilled Toyota technicians when you schedule an oil change at Toyota of Orlando!

Missing Out on Critical Car Inspection

A cheap oil change package rarely includes a thorough inspection of your brakes, tires, transmission fluid, and other critical systems. If issues aren’t noticed in time, they can snowball into serious, expensive problems that would’ve been caught with a more diligent service. 

However much you saved on a cheap oil change may be multiplied when you’re dealing with car issues down the road. These hidden costs can add up fast when dealing with critical issues such as accelerated engine wear, frequent breakdowns, and unexpected major repairs. In some cases, using inferior oil can even void your vehicle’s warranty, leaving you responsible for engine replacements that can cost thousands of dollars. It might seem good for your wallet now, but a quality oil change saves you more money as time goes on. And did you know we offer a free-multi-point inspection at our dealership every time you come in for service? 

Cheap Oil Change = Cheap Oil Filter

Usually a cheap oil change comes bundled with a low-quality oil filter. While these filters may look identical to their premium counterparts, there is a big difference on the inside. Lower-quality oil filters tend to have missing essential components for keeping oil clean and flowing efficiently. Without these components, you’ll be dealing with issues such as poor seals that lead to oil leaks or filter elements breaking down and allowing sediment to circulate through the engine.

A failed check or relief valve in a low-quality filter can cause oil to drain back into the pan when the engine is off. What does this mean? Each time you start your engine, crucial components may run un-lubricated for a few damaging seconds, accelerating engine wear over time. This is one of the many negative consequences that comes with a cheap oil change.

Manufacturer Recommendations Matter

Before you get an oil change, first you need to consult the owner’s manual for your car. It’s extremely important to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines for oil type and filter quality. Name-brand oils and OEM filters are designed to work with your engine, maximizing performance and longevity. And like we mentioned before, some car makers require documentation of correct oil changes to honor the vehicle’s warranty, or they’ll leave you without coverage if major engine trouble arises. You can count on us using Genuine Toyota Parts in your ride when you swing by Toyota of Orlando for auto service. 

Skip the Cheap Oil Change and Stop By Toyota of Orlando!

A cheap oil change may cost less in the short term, but can cause tons of issues down the 

Road. When you’re choosing an oil change service, you need an experienced technician who knows to use the right oil for your car and can spot any other issues. That’s why you should stop by Toyota of Orlando for all your car service! We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia.

The Importance of Getting Car Window Tint When You Live in Orlando

 Florida is known as the Sunshine State for a reason - we get plenty of sun with sweltering heat and strong UV waves. Car window tint is a popular upgrade for cars to battle the heat and to prevent any sun damage in your car (besides elevating its look). And for many Floridians, it's an essential installation! Toyota of Orlando is going over all the facts about getting car window tint, including costs and how it’s done!

Why Car Window Tint is Important

Car window tint is a thin film that not only gives your car a cool look by darkening the windows, but gives you some great benefits including: 

• UV Protection: Tint helps to block the UV rays in your car so you can drive without dealing with sun damage to your skin, so it reduces your risk of skin cancer.

• Heat Rejection: Window tint can dramatically reduce heat buildup in your vehicle, making it less like an oven after sitting outside all day (and no burns from the steering wheel or seatbelt either).

• Glare Reduction: You’ll be less fatigued when driving with less glare from the sun or headlights.

• Safety: If you get into a car accident, your car window tint can actually hold the shattered glass together, reducing injury from the glass shards.

• Interior Preservation: The Florida sun can quickly cause your car’s dashboard, upholstery, and trim to fade (and even crack). With  tint, you slow this process and keep your interior looking newer for longer.

• Increased Privacy: Car window tint keeps people from seeing any valuables in your car and adds a sense of security.

Installing  Car Window Tint

If you’re looking to install  car window tint on your Orlando Toyota, you’ll want to understand the application process. There are do-it-yourself kits available, but professional installation will bring the best, longest-lasting results. Here’s a rundown of the process: 

• Prep: Your window is cleaned with a soapy solution by an installer! This clears any dust, grime, or residue that would prevent the film from properly adhering.

• Measuring and Cutting: Each window’s size and shape are measured for the car window tint. Sheets of film are cut to fit exactly, often laid out on the outside of the glass and then cropped as needed.

• Shaping and Shrinking: For curved windows, the film is gently heated and then shrunk to match any contours without wrinkles or bubbles.

• Application: The tint is applied to the inside surface of the window with additional soapy solution. The excess solution is then pushed out with a squeegee to remove any excess moisture and bubbles.

• Finishing Touches: Any final adjustments are made to smooth out the film and installers check for any imperfections.

• Curing: The adhesive will need time to fully cure and bind to the glass. You’ll be told not to roll your windows down for 2-3 days. 

How Much Does Tinting Cost?

So how much does it cost to tint car windows in Orlando? There are various factors, such as vehicle type, film quality, and installer reputation that you’ll need to consider. Here are the ranges that we’ve seen for 2025: 

• Dyed Tint: $150-250 for sedans; $200-300 for SUVs/vans.

• Metalized Tint: $200-400 for sedans; $250-500 for SUVs/vans.

• Carbon Tint: $400-600 for sedans; $500-700 for SUVs/vans.

• Ceramic Tint: $500-800 for sedans; $600-1,000 for SUVs/vans.

The higher the tint quality, the better it offers heat and UV protection. Many shops also offer warranties for the film, so make sure to ask about any available coverage!

What Happens If You Don’t Tint?

A car window tint can be a costly installation, especially for a higher quality tint! However, the benefits of car window tint need to be considered, especially for us Floridians! If you decide to skip car window tint, you’ll (continue to) encounter: 

• Unbearable Cabin Heat: Without tint, your car’s interior can hit dangerously warm temperatures - up to 45 degrees hotter than outside in less than an hour! This will damage any plastics, electronics, and personal items left in the car.

• Interior Wear: Seats and dashboard materials fade, crack, and warp after constant sunlight exposure, which then reduces resale value and requires expensive repairs.

• Increased Glare and Eye Strain: The sun’s glare and reflections can make driving uncomfortable and increases the risk of accidents.

• UV Exposure: While auto glass blocks some UV waves, commuters and road trippers still get more exposure to skin-damaging rays. This is especially bad for any children and frequent drivers.

• Potential Glass Hazards: Un-tinted or poorly tinted glass tends to shatter more easily in car accidents and can cause additional injuries.

Get Your Car Window Tint Installed at Toyota of Orlando!

Getting  car window tint isn’t just a cosmetics upgrade, but essential protection for you, your passengers, and your car. A properly installed tint increases comfort, protects your car, and can even enhance safety! With a professional installation and quality film at Toyota of Orlando’s service center, your car window tint will be well worth the cost. Stop by to talk to an advisor seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, near the Mall at Millenia.