Safe driving with Toyota Safety Sense

Technology these days seems to advance every second, we’re constantly met with phone updates, automatic skateboards, flying cameras and whatever other crazy things people come up with, but the potentially life-saving advances seem to get put on the back burner. So today, Toyota of Orlando is going to highlight one of the most amazing advances in safe driving, the Toyota Safety Sense system (TSS).

Be the hero of Orlando’s highways  

There are two different Toyota Safety Sense bundles available, Toyota Safety Sense c and Toyota Safety Sense p. We’re going to break down the features that you can get with either package. You can find these innovative safety features in select 2016 and 2017 models. However, in the near future all Toyota models will come with these additions to give you peace of mind when your wheels hit Orlando’s busy highways. Let’s check out these TSS safe driving features:

1. Pre-Collision System (PCS): Through the use of an integrated camera, laser, or radar this system can detect when you’re approaching another vehicle. Your vehicle will alert you through audio and visual cues that you’re driving too close and at risk of a frontal car collision. What’s most impressive about the PCS is that if you don’t brake in time, the system can brake for you to avoid the potential collision or minimize its severity. 

2. Lane Departure Alert (LDA): If you’re on a road with clear lane distinction and driving over 32 mph this alert system is activated. LDA will notify you visually and audibly when you’re vehicle is beginning to stray into a neighboring lane. This way, when the distracted driver in you takes over your car will help you snap out of it. 

3. Automatic High Beams (AHB): Only activated at speeds of 25 mph and above, these beams operate on a camera inside your vehicle that detects other car’s headlights and taillights. When the beams detect oncoming cars they will adjust between the high and low settings to light your car appropriately. The main goal being to not only increase visibility but also alert drivers of pedestrians and other obstacles earlier on. 

4. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): Resist the urge to tailgate slower cars with this part of TSS. Similar to normal cruise control, the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system allows your car to drive at a set speed based on the distance between you and the car ahead of you. DRCC determines a safe driving distance through an in-vehicle camera and grille-mounted radar. If this system senses a car too close it will automatically decrease your speed. If your car believes you need to slow down even more, it will apply the brakes and alert you through audio and visual cues. Once the close distance is corrected, DRCC will speed up and your standard cruise control will take back over. 

5. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD): With the goal of increasing pedestrian safety and reducing your risk of collisions, this system utilizes an in-vehicle camera and radar to detect people, objects, and other cars in front of you. If PCS w/ PD alerts you of a likely frontal collision and you apply your brakes, the system can help you and apply additional brake force with the Brake Assist system. Furthermore, if you do not press your brakes at all, the system will brake for you to minimize any damage or avoid a collision. 

 Safe driving in your new Toyota 

As you can see, Toyota Safety Sense is the safe driving of the future. You can find this system in your favorite new Toyota models in Orlando such as the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Tundra, and more! Don’t miss your opportunity to have your dream set of wheels with the safety features of tomorrow. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. Call us at (407) 298- 4500 and schedule your test drive today!

Aftermarket vs. Factory Car Parts- Does it really matter?

You’re having car troubles and the only solution is a new car part. You know what you need, but when faced with the decision of buying a factory or aftermarket part, will you know what to choose? If not, Toyota of Orlando is here to explain and make you an informed consumer. That way, if you’re faced with this decision you’ll know how to weigh your options and make the best selection, cost-wise and quality-wise. 

The pros & cons of factory and aftermarket car parts

First off, you need to know the difference between factory and aftermarket. Factory or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) car parts are just as they sound, parts manufactured by your car’s maker specifically for your model. While aftermarket parts are not created by your car’s maker.

There are several companies that manufacture car parts to function the same as brands’ originals. Their goal, be of the same quality or exceed the original’s quality. You’ll find most aftermarket parts at independent auto-body shops. The key to working with the aftermarket is to make sure you’re at a well-respected auto-shop and you’re getting high-quality parts. 

Now that you know the difference, let’s look at some of their pros and cons.

Factory Pros:

• Warranty: The majority of car maker’s place a one-year warranty on any parts they supply. When you go to the dealership to get OEM parts replaced they’ll usually waive the labor costs as well. 
• Easy process: Buying an OEM part is as simple as going to the dealership, getting the part you need and signing the check. There’s no need to compare qualities or worry about poor performance replacements.
• Guaranteed quality: When you buy an OEM replacement, the part is guaranteed to work just as the original did.

Factory Cons:

• More expensive: Due to convenience and specificity, factory parts often cost more than aftermarket ones. 
• Limited buying options: Your options for buying OEM parts are more limited than your options for aftermarket ones. There are other ways you can purchase original parts (eBay, online wholesales, or special ordering through a mechanic), but the majority of car owners buy at the dealership.

Aftermarket Pros:

•  Availability: Aftermarket parts are easier to find. You can purchase these parts in auto-stores, gas stations, or with local mechanics. 
• Less expensive: These car parts are usually cheaper than factory parts. The difference in cost will vary by the maker of your car. With this, our technicians recommend researching the needed part’s cost at multiple shops to ensure that you’re savings are not due to low quality design. 
• Options: With so many aftermarket companies, you have a greater selection of parts with a larger range of prices.
• Possible better quality: Since aftermarket parts are reverse-engineered, mechanics have the opportunity to improve problems original parts may have.  

Aftermarket Cons:  

• No Warranty: To maintain the low price, most aftermarket parts do not come with a warranty. 
• Too many options: With so many different aftermarket companies to choose from it can be hard to weed out the good from the bad. That’s why Toyota of Orlando suggests purchasing OEM parts or consulting a trusted mechanic for an aftermarket brand recommendation.

Toyota of Orlando’s suggestion

All in all, what you choose to go with, factory or aftermarket, boils down to what kind of car owner you are. If you’re auto-savvy and will do the proper research, aftermarket parts can be a great option for you. If you’re not a car wiz or don’t have the time to do the extra research, we recommend sticking with factory parts. 

Whatever your car needs may be, our Toyota Service Center in Orlando is here for you. We can answer your car maintenance questions, get you the service you need at, or get you a new set of wheels. We’re open seven days a week and are always running car service specials!

The ideal car maintenance for your ride

We all want to keep our cars looking and driving as they did when we first drove them out of the dealership parking lot. We know the general car maintenance needs we need to keep up with, routine washings, occasional oil changes, and brake checks. But when it comes to keeping your set of wheels in tip-top shape, it all boils down to details. 

Each car make and model has a different way of being cared for properly. We all have the guide to car maintenance perfection sitting next to us every time we drive, our owner’s manual. All too often, the manual sits untouched in the glovebox collecting dust. Here at Toyota of Orlando one of the best tips our certified technicians can give you is to get familiar with your car’s owner’s manual. 

Areas to focus on

Depending on your vehicle, your owner’s manual can range from a small novel to what seems like Webster’s dictionary. To make things easier, we’ve picked the brains of our service staff to give you the five main areas you need to focus on:

• Warning Lights: These indicators are your best friends when it comes to tackling car maintenance problems quickly. Since not all warning lights are self-explanatory, it’s good to be familiar with what each one means. This way, you can address any problems you have right away and make an appointment at our Orlando service center immediately.

• Technical Data: At one point or another, you’ll need to access technical information about your car, such as engine type or body dimensions. Typically, these details will be under the technical data section of your manual. Already knowing this information and where to find it can help technicians or roadside assistance assess a problem more quickly when something goes wrong.

• Proper Surface Cleaning: Although there is a multitude of general cleaning methods and products for cars, your interior’s upholstery may have some special requirements. If this is the case, your owner’s manual will specify these needs.

• Tire Pressure: You may be a pro at working a tire gauge, but if you don’t know your car’s correct tire pressure your skills are going to waste. The ideal pressure is usually printed on the sides of your tires, but if it’s not, you can always find this information as well as instructions on how to properly inflate them in your owner’s manual.

• Proper Driving Style: The “break-in stage” of your vehicle, the first 1,000 miles, is vital in determining how it will run for the rest of its driving life. Your owner’s manual will provide you with an outline of how you should be driving during this time. This section will also give you a list of different steps to up your driving safety and improve your fuel economy.

 Treat your Orlando Toyota the right way
 

Just a little effort with your owner’s manual can make you a whole lot more car savvy. Focusing on these five areas will provide you with the knowledge to keep your car running better, longer and save you money on expensive car maintenance in the miles to come.

Whenever a car problem is thrown your way make sure to stop by Toyota of Orlando. We’re always running service specials to make sure you get the car maintenance you need at a price you deserve. We are open seven days a week and are located at 3575 Vineland Road just off of I-4 near the Millenia Mall. See you soon!

Get discounted car service by donating food this Thanksgiving!

November is one of our favorite months at Toyota of Orlando! It’s a time of giving and being thankful. It’s all about spending time with your family and friends, sharing stories and creating memories. In honor of the spirit of giving, we’re passing on a special offer just for you!

From now until Thanksgiving, if you bring in any two cans of food you’ll save $20 on any service! That includes everything from an oil change to a paint job! It’s the perfect time to come in and get some auto service just in time for the holiday season!

Prepare for the holidays with auto service

If you’re wondering what auto service you should get before you head out of Orlando this holiday season, you’re in luck! Our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando have selected the service you shouldn’t skimp out on before the holidays this year. 

Oil changes - Can you remember the last time you had an oil change? Our Toyota experts recommend getting an oil change every 5,000 miles if you’re using conventional oil. If you’re using a higher-grade oil, you can wait a bit longer. It’s important to get oil changes on a routine basis so you can maintain the integrity of your engine. 

Battery service - If your car has needed a jump start recently, or your car battery is a bit on the older side, we suggest getting it checked out at a service center. A decline in performance could mean it’s time for a new battery, and our Toyota experts will be glad to help you with any questions or service that you need. 

Tire maintenance - The last thing you want to do on a holiday road trip is pull over because you had a flat. Make sure your car tires can handle holiday travel by checking the condition of your tires! If they can’t seem to stay inflated at the right air pressure, have worn treads, or you’re experiencing drifting due to a misalignment, you shouldn’t wait to get your car checked out. 

A/C and Heater service - Depending on where you’re heading this holiday season, you will more than likely use your A/C or heater. Make sure you’ll have a comfortable drive by making sure your car has everything it needs to have a proper running A/C and heater.

Get routine car maintenance at Toyota of Orlando

Are you looking to get some holiday auto service before you make any road trips outside of Orlando? Be sure to visit our Toyota service center for all of your car maintenance needs! We’re located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

And don’t forget, if you bring in two canned foods before Thanksgiving you’ll be able to get $20 off any service.

Keep your car’s paint job looking new with Orlando maintenance tips!

Car-obsessed or not, we all want to keep our set of wheels looking shiny and new. Sadly, your car is bound to lose some of its luster over time. The good news is there are ways to put off its aging. At our Toyota of Orlando body shop, we want you to always be proud of your ride. So we’re going to let you in on our favorite tips to keep your car’s paint job looking shiny and new. 

What causes paint discoloration?

Before we get into our upkeep tips, you should know what causes your car’s paint job to wear thin, peel, and stain. 

• Bad paint job: Your car’s paint should be evenly coated by a spray gun. However, if during this process the gun is too slow or too close you’ll end up with air bubbles that are bound to pop and leave you with peeling paint. 
• Moisture underneath paint: Your car will get similar bubbles if there is any sort of moisture, grease, oil, or rust underneath the paint. This usually occurs when a car is painted in humid conditions, so this is especially relevant for us Floridians. 
• Paint separation: A car’s paint job is made up of three layers. If the paint is applied incorrectly or there's a dent or scratch your paint will be exposed to moisture and other elements and each layer will eventually start to peel.  
• Chalking: Most long-term car owners suffer from chalking (or fading). If you notice your car’s paint has any white discoloration that means your paint is fading. This occurs when the vehicle’s wax is worn down and paint is exposed to sun and other elements unprotected.  

The best solution to any car paint job issue is to sand it down and have a new coat applied. However, if your car is chalking you can have one of our certified Orlando Toyota techs re-gloss the exterior. This will add a layer of protection and restore some of the shine.

Keep on dazzling the roads of Orlando

Now that you know what causes your paint to deteriorate, let’s look at some of the ways you can put off your next paint job.

      1. Have a set car wash schedule: Washing your Orlando Toyota at least once a month will remove debris such as salt and dirt from the surface and prevent permanent damage. 

          2. Remove bugs and bird droppings with water: These car ornaments have damaging properties that will lead to pricey cosmetic repairs if ignored.

         3.Routine waxing: We recommend waxing your vehicle every three to four months. This will protect the paint and prevent water from seeping into any scratches on your car’s service.

        4. Rustproof your car: For Floridians who drive in humid conditions your car is constantly exposed to salt. By applying a rustproofing agent you’ll give your car protection from salt corrosion.

With just a little time and effort, your car can remain a stunner! For all of your routine paint needs come on down to Toyota of Orlando and we'll make sure to have your car sparkling as you drive out of the dealership. Be sure to check out all of our service specials and make your appointment today. We are located at 3575 Vineland Road just off of I-4. See you soon!