Make sure your car heater is ready for winter!

Winter is definitely here in Orlando! It’s been a while since we’ve felt temperatures as low as the ones we’re dealing with currently and may face next week. Because of this drop in temperature, you’ll want to make sure your car heater is functional! Our Toyota auto service team is here to help you figure out if your heater is ready for the cold temperatures, or if you need to get it checked out by a professional. 

How to tell if your Orlando Toyota’s heater is functional

When you turn on the heater in your Orlando Toyota, you’ll more than like get one of three outcomes.

1. The heater quickly turns on and pushes out warm air.
2. Air is flowing, but it’s not very warm.
3. No air is circulating at all.

We’ll break down what auto service steps you should take depending on what your car heater is doing.

The heater quickly turns on and pushes out warm air

This means that your heater is working properly! There are only a couple of things we suggest doing.

• Keep the heater on throughout your journey.
• Turn on the heat at least once a week so it doesn’t get used to being turned off.

Air is flowing, but it’s not hot

If you can feel the air flowing from the vents but no warmth along with it, you probably have an issue with your heating core. Like a radiator, hot antifreeze fluid is passed over the heating core so when you turn on the heat you’ll get warm air through the vents. When the air isn’t warm, that usually means there isn’t enough of the antifreeze passing the heating core, or its getting blocked. Here are some auto service suggestions to know in this situation:

• Top off your antifreeze if you check the fluid levels and see that it isn’t full. Make sure to check your auto fluids this winter to make sure they don’t need to get replaced.
• If there seems to be a blockage, we suggest going to a professional so they can safely remove whatever is causing the block.

Air isn’t flowing at all

In this situation, you may have a more troubling situation on your hands. No airflow can mean anything from a blown fuse or a blower motor that’s no longer functional. Here’s what you can do about your Orlando car heater:

• If you think it’s an electrical problem, replace any potentially blown fuses before you look at the relay switch and blower resistor.
• If it’s not electrical, you’ll have to seek professional help. Our Toyota auto service team in Orlando will definitely be able to help!

Get ready for winter with auto service!

Make sure your car is ready to take on cold weather with help from Toyota of Orlando! Schedule an auto service appointment today by calling us at (407) 298-0001.

Set car maintenance new year's resolutions for 2018

2018 is just days away, which means it's time to set those new year's resolutions. While you toss around ideas like losing weight or tightening up your bank account, why not consider getting on a car maintenance schedule? Routine car care can save you money when it comes to repairs and service as well as keep your car running like new. (And it's an easy resolution to fulfill, too.) Toyota of Orlando is here to help!

Let Toyota of Orlando help you make 2018 the best year yet 

We can get you on a routine car maintenance schedule and help you stick to it all year long; our techs will send you reminders when you're due and also conduct a multi-point inspection when your car is here for auto service to ensure no bigger problems are about to crop up. Here are some of the things you'll want to consider putting on your schedule this year:

Routine oil changes. Remember, oil is an essential component of your car's performance. Without it, your engine can quickly overheat and become irreparably damaged. That's why it's important to get on an Orlando oil change schedule and bring your car in when it's due to get the tank filled up with clean oil. Save yourself a ton of money in the long run by spending a little bit now!

Tire rotations. It's important to rotate your tires because if you don't, they wear unevenly. This means they wear out more quickly, which means you have to replace them more quickly (so much for tightening up your budget). Rotating your car tires on a scheduled basis will help them to wear more evenly and give you a better overall performance.

Battery inspection/replacement. No one likes being stuck with a dead car, scrambling for jumper cables and hoping for the best. Have your battery checked on a routine basis (our Orlando car maintenance techs will check out your voltage as well as the physical condition of the battery). And remember, if it's time to replace your car battery, don't delay!

Keep your ride running like-new in 2018 with routine car maintenance

Wipers replacement. Your wipers wear down over time (especially with the intense weather we get here in Central Florida). Once the rubber on the blades starts to deteriorate, it's time to replace them. You'll notice them leaving streaks on your windshield as well as making odd noises when in motion. Replace them so you can safely take on any type of weather.

Brake service. You want full stopping power on your side at all times... period. Schedule routine brake service to have your brake pads, rotors, brake lines, and everything else in the system inspected and if need be, replaced or repaired.

Kick off 2018 the right way - let Toyota of Orlando get you on a car maintenance schedule today! Our auto service center is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. See you soon and happy new year!

Take care of your car this winter with these car maintenance tips!

Winter has officially arrived! That means the temperature should get colder here in Orlando. With colder weather, your car might have some issues with adjusting. Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of some useful car maintenance tips that will help prevent or get rid of car troubles you may have this season. 

Winter car maintenance tips that’ll make your life easier

Tip #1 - Avoid frozen windshield wipers

If you get to your car and notice that your windshield wipers are frozen to the windshield itself, you probably won’t be too happy. You can prevent this from happening by lifting the wipers up. You then place some old socks on top of them! The socks will prevent them from getting frozen and sticking.

Tip #2 - Get rid of the fog on your windows

There are a couple of ways to deal with foggy windows. If you’re looking to remove the fog, you can use a can of shaving cream on the inside of the window. Just put it on and wipe it away. The fog should be gone!

If you want to prevent fog from occurring, pour some kitty litter into an old sock and leave it in the car. It’ll absorb the moisture that occurs. An added bonus is that it’ll absorb some smells too.

Tip #3 - Clear away an icy windshield

You’re in a rush to get to work or school and you see that your windshield is frozen. Have no fear! There’s a few easy car maintenance tricks to know to clear your icy windshield. Some of these tricks include:

• Using cold water to turn the ice into mush. You should NEVER use hot water on a frozen windshield. The rapid change in temperature could shatter your windshield.
• Turn on the car so you can run the defroster. It should only take a few minutes for the windows to warm up enough to melt the ice.

Tip #4 - Keep track of your tires

Something that will happen when the temperature drops is a drop in your tires’ air pressure. It’s typical for tires to lose one psi for every ten degree drop in temperature. If you want to check your car tires before getting on the road, you can purchase a tire pressure gauge to use yourself.

Have an wonderful winter in Orlando

We hope that these winter car maintenance tips will help make dealing with winter in Orlando a little bit easier. You can find more service information by contacting our Toyota of Orlando service team at (407) 298-0001.

From everyone here at Toyota of Orlando, we hope that you have a wonderful holiday and winter season!

Toyota of Orlando talks common car maintenance myths

When it comes to maintaining a car, a lot of people are in the dark. They depend on their auto service techs to guide them in the right direction and provide them with the car maintenance they need to keep their ride in the best shape possible. However, if you're not well-versed in car maintenance, it can be a little intimidating to visit your mechanic. Toyota of Orlando is here to bust some very common car maintenance myths and make you a little more confident next time you pop the hood.

Toyota of Orlando busts car care misconceptions

Myth #1: You should always use premium fuel for the best performance. False. While some vehicles require premium fuel (check your owner's manual to see if yours is one of them), you don't need to put premium gasoline in a car that doesn't need it. It won't improve your car's performance but it will put a bigger dent in your bank account.

Myth #2: You need an oil change every 3,000 miles. False. Every car is different, so this just simply isn't true. If you're using synthetic oil during your Orlando car maintenance appointments, you may be able to stretch to almost 10,000 miles. Be sure to ask your techs and get your car on an auto service schedule before bringing it in every 3,000 miles. It'll save big bucks!

Myth #3: You can wash your car with any soap you have on hand. False. This can actually damage your car's paint. Use specially formulated soap for cars - our Toyota of Orlando parts store sells it at affordable prices and our techs can help you pick the perfect solution for your vehicle.

Save money and do what's best for your car 

Myth #4: It's safe to turn your car off a few minutes after you've jumped the battery. False. If your battery died and you jumped it, you actually need to run the car for a few hours to have it fully charged again. And it's always smart to schedule a car maintenance appointment after your battery dies so you can have the voltage and physical condition checked.

Myth #5: You only need to schedule a service appointment if dashboard lights illuminate. False. Try to keep your vehicle on a car maintenance schedule so you never have to worry about the ill effects of neglecting one. A light shining in your dashboard means you need to take action soon, so if you stick to a schedule (which our Orlando auto service techs will gladly draw up for you), then you'll never have to see that anxiety-inducing glow.

Ready to schedule affordable Orlando car maintenance? Call today - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001!

How to tell if you need new brake pads

It goes without saying that your braking system is an indispensable part of your vehicle and more importantly, your safety. One of the most important parts of your car brakes is your brake pads. These pads are used every time you press down on the brake pedal. Your brake pads are responsible for creating friction to allow your car to slow down. This friction is created when the pads are pressed against the brake discs when you press the petal.

If you think about how often we use our brakes, you can imagine that your brake pads get worn out pretty easily.  The typical shelf life of your brake pads should be around 2-3 years, but this time period all depends on your style of driving and the conditions you drive in. Therefore, it’s best to know how to keep up with them and not rely on their generic maintenance schedule. 

The tell-tale signs of bad car brakes

Determining if it’s time for a brake pad checkup is easy. You’ll need to know the different symptoms and have a service center in mind. While these symptoms don’t indicate immediate danger, the longer you put brake pad replacement off, the more expensive the repair and the higher the risk of complete failure will be.

Now let’s check out the most common signs of worn brake pads:

• Brake Warning Light: When it’s time to change out your brake pads, the most obvious sign to recognize is your brake warning light. This light can indicate a brake issue other than just the pads, but 9 times out of 10 your pads will need the attention. 
• Vibrating Brakes: If every time you press the brake pedal you’re met with noticeable pulsating, you’re probably experiencing a problem with your pads or rotors. This symptom occurs when your pads come in contact with your rotor and one of them is worn. The damaged condition will cause the vibrations to be felt in the pedal. 
• Squealing Brakes: If you start to hear squealing sounds when using your car brakes, your pads need to be replaced. Car brakes squeal when they accumulate dust. Not only will dust build up cause noises but if left alone it will cause the brake sensor to make contact with the rotor. And this will lead to your backing plate connecting with your rotor, causing scraping noises every time you press down or off the pedal. 
• Delayed Brakes: Brake pads that are significantly worn will not able to create quality friction, meaning your car will not be able to decelerate as quickly as it should. It goes without saying that a slow brake response time is something not to be taken lightly. At the first sign of this, come to our Orlando service center to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. 
• Soft Brake Pedal: Another sign that your brake pads are due to be replaced is a soft feeling when braking. When your brakes are soft you’ll be able to brake, but you’ll have to exert more force to activate them. This symptom can be very dangerous as you may forget to press harder in a sudden braking situation. 

 
 
Visit Toyota of Orlando for quality auto service

Here at Toyota of Orlando we want you to always have a safe driving experience. So be sure to bring your ride into our Orlando dealership and we’ll have your car performing at its best. And the good news is, we’re always running service specials. Call us at (407) 298-4500 and schedule your appointment today!

How to spot you’re low on transmission fluid

The transmission sounds like a big deal, right? Well, it most certainly is. This is the part of your car that screams power. It is in charge of sending the right amount of energy to your wheels so you can drive at your desired speed. Without it running properly, you’re left with a stationary car, which may look nice, but it sure won’t get you anywhere.

What is the secret to keeping this vital part in good shape? - Transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid is something you should never take for granted. On top of lubricating your entire transmission system, it acts as a coolant for your engine. Needless to say, a lack of transmission fluid is a problem never to be overlooked. An insufficient amount will damage some of the most important parts of your Orlando Toyota. If you don’t pay attention you’ll be met with expensive future car maintenance and a less-than-stellar performance. 

Car maintenance signs to look out for

Since this automotive component is so important to your car’s health, we decided to pick the brains of our certified auto technicians to get you the inside scoop. So if you’re met with a transmission fluid leak or a faulty part is causing fluid loss, it’s only a matter of time before you start experiencing some of these car maintenance problems:  

• Gear Engagement Delay: A low transmission fluid level will cause a noticeable delay (typically 2-3 seconds) when you put your car in drive or reverse. When there is not enough hydraulic pressure to initiate a shift a delay occurs.
• Unable to Shift: If your transmission system is lacking fluid entirely, your car will not run at all. Not one gear will work. Simply refilling the reservoir can correct this car maintenance issue, but our Orlando technicians recommend bringing your car to an auto service center to diagnose the problem. This will ensure it doesn’t happen again.
• Slipping Transmission: If every time you shift into another gear your car seems to fall back out of it, you know your transmission is slipping. You can also spot a slipping transmission by spiking RPM’s before each shift, choppy up and down shifts, and strange noises coming from the transmission. All of these symptoms usually point to a low fluid level. This can cause overheating and prevent you from settling into a gear securely. Since this symptom usually indicates serious damage, you need to bring your car to our Orlando service center pronto! 
• Unusual Shifting: If you notice all of your shifts coming too soon or too late, you most likely are suffering from a low fluid level. Insufficient fluid will affect the quality of your drive and shift timing.  

Affordable auto service with Toyota of Orlando 

Trust Toyota of Orlando with your car maintenance needs and your set of wheels will be running as good as new! We are always running service specials to ensure your car is getting the attention it needs at a price you deserve. We’re open seven days a week and are located at 3575 Vineland Road. Call (407) 298-4500 and schedule your appointment today!

Learn hot to de-ice your windshields!

Sometimes we get those rare instances in Orlando where we get a cold front overnight that can cause some frost. It can even get cold enough to ice up your windshield! Since it’s such a rare occurrence, you may not know exactly what to do to clear up your windshield. Our auto service team at Toyota of Orlando is here to help you figure out what you should do and not do when your windshield is iced up.

Auto service tips to de-ice your windshield

Auto service tip #1: Pour cold water to melt the ice

If you want to melt the ice on your windshield, you’ll want to make sure you use cold water to clear it up. If you use hot or boiling water, the rapid change in temperature could cause your windshield to crack! 

Auto service tip #2: Start the vehicle to use the defroster to warm the ice

If you don’t have time to go back to the house to get some water, all you need to do is start the car! When you get in, use the defroster to warm the glass. After about five minutes of warming the glass up, you can test out the windshield wipers to swipe any remaining ice away. 

Auto service tip #3: Don’t think about using vinegar

If you look for advice online, you might see people suggesting the use of vinegar to either prevent your car’s windshield from freezing up or to remove the ice. But the truth is vinegar may actually harm the wax and paint on your Orlando Toyota! We suggest avoiding using vinegar on your car all together. 

Auto service tip #4: Don’t use a metal ice scraper

Despite the name, you want to make sure not using an ice scraper or anything else that’s made of metal to remove ice on your windshield. You could end up scratching the glass or cutting grooves into it. We recommend using a plastic ice scraper and a soft plastic bristle brush to clear the ice when it starts melting. You can even use a squeegee!

And if you want to prevent your windshield from getting frozen to begin with, we have the solution for you! A simple DIY car maintenance tip is to use a tarp, vinyl tablecloth, or clear plastic to cover your windshield!  

Stay ready for winter in Orlando

There are plenty of tips out there to remember when the weather drops in Orlando. We hope that the ones we listed above will help you for those times you come to you car and realize your windshield is iced over. For more car service information on what to do to keep your car prepared for the winter, be sure to check out our website and blogs!

Be prepared this holiday season with Toyota auto service!

It’s almost time! You’ve been planning this trip for months, making sure you’re prepared for holiday travel. When making your holiday To-Do lists, did you remember to include adding holiday car maintenance? Our Toyota service team wants to make sure you have seamless travels this holiday season. That’s why we’ve come up with a list of services to have done before you take a trip out of Orlando. 

Is your Orlando Toyota holiday road trip ready?

Check your tires

Before you hit the road, you’ll want to check out your car tires! Since they take up most of the wear and tear of driving, they show some pretty visual signs when they need to get replaced. These include worn treads or bulging. If you see either of these, make sure to get your tires checked out at our Toyota service center in Orlando! Here’s an extra car maintenance tip in regard to your tire: Keep track of your psi when the temperature drops! A ten degree drop in temperature can cause a drop of one psi.

Is your battery in good condition?

You don’t want to find yourself stranded during a holiday trip. That’s why it’s important to get your battery checked out! You may be experiencing a loss of voltage or even a leak without even knowing! Our Toyota auto service team in Orlando will be able to tell you if you need a replacement. They’ll even give you advice on which new battery would be the best one for you.

Are your wipers wiping?

It’s important to make sure you have maximum visibility when you’re on the road. That’s why we recommend changing out your windshield wipers if you’ve been having problems like streaking. You never know what kind of weather might occur when you’re on the road. So make sure you’re prepared to handle rain, snow, and more with properly functioning windshield wipers. The best part about this auto service task? It’s so simple you can do it yourself!

Do you need an oil change?

If you’re overdue for an oil change, don’t push it back any longer! This is an integral part of car maintenance, and you’ll want to make sure that your car’s engine is running at its best performance when you’re on the road this holiday season.

Be prepared with Toyota car maintenance this season!

We hope that all of your holiday travels are smooth this year! To make sure that happens, be sure to come to our service center in Orlando to get any car maintenance you need. We’re located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. To schedule an appointment, just visit our website or call us at (407) 298-4500!

The best-kept secret to optimal fuel efficiency and performance

Spark plugs may be small but they have a very important job to do. By creating electric currents that light the air and gasoline in your combustion chamber, your engine is able to be ignited. What some car owners may not know is that beyond starting up your vehicle, the quality of your spark plugs can determine if you’re getting the most of your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance. 

That being said, when it comes to spark plugs our Orlando certified techs always recommend doing your research so you can purchase the best of the best. It may be an investment at the time, but we promise it will improve your fuel efficiency and save you money on tune ups down the road. 

Toyota of Orlando’s Top 5 

The market for spark plugs can be a little overwhelming. Our Orlando service center narrowed down the cream of the crop for you so you can make an educated purchase. Check out our favorites: 

• NGK BPR4ES Standard Spark Plug: Composed of zinc and copper, these spark plugs are known for fitting better into your vehicle than other types. These will give you excellent engine performance and the peace of mind that all of your drives will be gas leak free.   

          Price: $3.62 per plug 

• NGK G-Power Spark Plug:  You will save money in the long haul with these long-lasting and durable plugs. They are made of high-quality material to give you better gas mileage and acceleration. The only catch with these plugs is that you will need to have your mechanic set the appropriate timing intervals for their firing.  

          Price: 4 for $10.84 

• Bosch Platinum +4 Spark Plug: This spark plug’s main goal is to make engine misfires a thing of the past, and man, does it show. With a focus on quality during manufacturing, these plugs will stick with you through thick and thin. They are more expensive than some of our other recommendations, but they most certainly are worth it. The best part is that they significantly improve fuel efficiency and acceleration while maintaining a long shelf life.  

        Price: $6.08 per plug 

• NGK G-Power Platinum Spark Plugs: As with all of our certified techs suggestions, these power platinum plugs are of the highest quality. However, the real catch is how affordable they are. Going with these plugs will give you quality, better acceleration and idling at a great price.They’ve been proven to last 80,000 miles to 100,000 miles. 

       Price: 6 for $17.99 

• Denso Platinum TT Spark Plug: While not as extreme of quality as the other four options, the Denso Platinums will give you affordable acceleration and performance enhancement. These plugs will also improve your engine efficiency and gas mileage.  

      Price $2.99 per plug

Auto service for better fuel efficiency

In need of new spark plugs? Trust Toyota of Orlando to help you replace them and watch your fuel efficiency reach its best! Our Orlando auto service center is always here to assist you with your car maintenance needs. Call us at (407) 298-4500 and schedule your service appointment today!