What’s the most important purchase for your car?

When it comes to car maintenance there are a lot of parts you have to keep up with and replace. Out of all of those parts do you know which one is the most important? If not, Toyota of Orlando is here to give you our top choice. Read what our certified Orlando techs had to say about the matter and see if you agree. Let’s get started!

The top car maintenance part

What’s our rule of thumb when it comes to car maintenance purchases? Always prioritize tires. Car owners tend to think motor oil or fuel are more important car maintenance buys, but these car essentials only serve select parts of your Orlando Toyota rather than the whole vehicle. On the other hand, car tires have an impact on almost every aspect of your ride - drive quality, braking, acceleration, fuel efficiency, handling, sound, suspension, the list goes on. Needless to say, a car with good quality tires is one that you will get the most out of.

Why tires?

The one thing that makes actual contact with the road is your tires. They provide you with stability and a smooth ride. A lot of car owners are tempted to skimp out when it comes to their tires since a car is already such a hefty investment. But with such a big important commitment do you really want to risk not getting what you paid for? Of course not! That’s why purchasing the right kind of high-quality tires is a car maintenance must! All that being said, our answer to “what is the most important purchase for your car?” is tires, and here are our top reasons why:   

• Guarantees driver safety. Well-made tires are known to wear down more evenly and have less of a chance of blowing out. Good tires will not only up your on-the-road safety, but they’ll put some extra time in between your tire rotations and replacements.
• Improves car performance. Regardless of your engine, if your tires are bad your drive will be rocky and uncomfortable. 
• Ensures proper braking. Proper tires provide your vehicle with reliable braking capabilities. When you have poor quality tires you put yourself at risk of slipping and sliding when trying to stop. 
• Saves money. Although the initial cost of quality tires may be higher than the latter, their lengthy lifespan and performance benefits will save you money on fuel, auto service, and replacements in the long-run. 

 

Find affordable tires at Toyota of Orlando

Do yourself and your ride a favor and make sure your car is always equipped with high quality tires. You can find a wide selection at our Orlando Toyota service center located at 3575 Vineland Road. Plus, we will always match any tire price you throw at us. 

So what are you waiting for? Schedule your appointment today at (407) 298-0001 and start treating your set of wheels the way it should be!

Safe Driving Tips: Dealing with Foggy Windows

Optimal visibility is a must when it comes to driving safely. So driving with fogged up windows is extremely dangerous. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando has some safe driving tips to ensure you’re ready to beat the fog. Keep reading to find out how you can have the safest drive possible no matter what the weather.

Safe driving no matter the weather

What causes foggy windows?

Temperature and humidity are the two factors that cause window fog. Colder temperatures outside that come in contact with in-vehicle moisture cause condensation to form on your interior windshield. This condensation leads to blurring fog on the inside of your windshield. In contrast, when warmer, humid air comes in contact with your chilled AC flow, fog will buildup on the outside of your windshield. 

What do I do?

If it’s hotter outside than inside your car:

Here in Orlando, you’re likely to run into the problem of exterior windshield fog due to the hot, dewy weather. Fortunately, our certified techs have the solution for safe driving success. Take a look: 

• Use your windshield wipers. This will get rid of the excess moisture and condensation while you’re in the process of defogging.
• Crank the heat. Turn your AC as high as you can without being uncomfortable. On extra warm days, you can choose to just turn off the AC completely. 
• Turn off the recirculation setting. Our Orlando service center advises that you leave your AC circulation setting off while battling foggy windows. This will make the temperature and humidity levels in your car even out more quickly. 

It’s cooler outside than inside your car: 

During the few chilly months we Floridians go through, you’re going to want to use your heater. When you do this, you’ll notice that fog will form on the inside of your windshield. To get rid of interior fog you have two options. Check them out:

Option 1

•  Turn up the temperature. Crank your heat to the max setting.
• Turn on your AC. Your AC will pull the humidity from the air while it passes by cooling coils. 
• Turn off AC recirculation. This will help bring crisp dry air into your Orlando Toyota.
• Roll down your windows an inch for a brief moment (5 minutes or so). This will help get rid of the moist air in the vehicle and exchange it for the dry air outside.

Option 2 (for those who want to stay warm through the defogging process) 

• Turn on the AC defroster. 
• Crank up the heat so hot air hits the windshield. The hot air will aid in evaporating any condensation.
• Turn off AC recirculation.

Affordable auto service in Orlando

Driving with fogged up windows puts you at a greater risk of an accident and should never be ignored. Luckily with these safe driving tips you can fix the problem quickly and easily!

If you have any other safe driving questions or car maintenance needs make sure to stop by Toyota of Orlando. We’re open seven days a week and are located just off I-4 at 3575 Vineland Road. Call and schedule your appointment today!

How to check tire pressure

Routine tire maintenance leads to amazing benefits like easy handling, upped safety, and optimal fuel efficiency. But if you never check your tire pressure how will you know when your tires need service? You won’t. Therefore, Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss the why, when, and how of checking tire pressure. Keep on reading to learn how to keep your car running at its best.

 

Tire pressure questions

When do I check it?

According to our certified Orlando techs, a good rule of thumb is to check once a month. However, there are certain instances when you need to keep a more watchful eye on their condition. Among these instances are the following:

• When there are extreme weather fluctuations: For every 10-degree difference in temperature, pressure can increase or decrease 1-2 pounds per square inch.  Therefore, whenever the weather suddenly changes from hot to cold, check your tires. 
•  If you hit a curb or an obstruction: Hitting a curb or pothole may seem like no big deal, but it can take a toll on your tires. So if you cut that turn too close or hit that pothole too quickly pull over to the nearest gas station and ensure your tires’ inflation is where it needs to be.
• If you run over a sharp object: If your tires make contact with a nail or a shard of glass you need to check you’re their pressure ASAP. Ignoring this problem could lead to a flat tire or blowout.

How do I check it?

Most modern cars are equipped with built-in pressure monitors, but if your car doesn’t have this feature then grab a tire gauge and keep reading.  

• Consult your car’s owner’s manual or driver’s side door jamb for your recommended pressure level. 
•  Remove the air valve cap from your tire. This will be a little gray cap protruding from your tires. Spin it counterclockwise to remove it.
• Connect the tire gauge’s end in the open valve. If done correctly you will hear the air hissing.
• Read the number on the air pressure gauge and compare it to your car model’s recommended number.
• Decide if you need to add or let out air.

Now all that’s left to do is fill up or let out. Since checking your tire pressure is a quick and easy process you can do at home or any gas station there’s no reason to not make it a habit. However, if you’re not comfortable you can always stop by our Orlando dealership and we can check for you.

Trust Toyota of Orlando with your car maintenance needs

There’s no better place than Toyota of Orlando when it comes to car service. We are always running service specials online to give you the maintenance you need at a price you deserve. Plus, our certified technicians are here to answer any of your auto service questions and get you on the perfect maintenance schedule. Find us at 3575 Vineland Road or call (407) 298-0001 and schedule your appointment today!

7 Orlando Toyota tips for a comfortable road trip

Spring break is just around the corner and that means there’s probably a road trip in your future. Long car rides can be a drag if you’re not comfortable, so Toyota of Orlando is here to give you our favorite road trip tips for max comfort on your journey. Let’s get started!

Tips from the road trip pros

Tip #1: Get enough sleep the night before

Driving without enough sleep is very dangerous. In fact, multiple studies have proved sleepy driving is almost as dangerous as drunk driving. That being said, it’s very important you get your beauty sleep the night before. Plus, being well-rested will put you in a better mood and make the trip more enjoyable.

Tip #2: Wear comfortable clothes

Road trips are by no means a fashion show. No matter how comfortable the interior of your car is, you’ll want to wear a comfortable and breathable outfit. Sweatpants, a tee shirt, and slides are the perfect long voyage attire. 

Tip #3: Stock up on healthy snacks

Constantly stopping for food adds a lot of time to your drive. It’s inevitable you’ll have to stop here and there, but try and keep food runs to a minimum. Our Orlando Toyota techs strongly advise you include snacks on your packing list. 

Tip #4: Have a good audio system and road trip soundtrack

A road trip isn’t complete without some good tunes. Double check you have a high-quality sound system and a good playlist before you leave. You’ll find all of our 2018 Toyota models are equipped with fantastic sound systems. Our state-of-the-art Entune system provides hands-free listening with wireless streaming and unbelievable sound quality. 

Tip #5: Find the perfect seat position

Find your road trip sweet spot with the seat position controls that come with every Orlando Toyota. Position your seat so your spine is straight and your knees are slightly bent and you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip. Plus, you can kick up the comfort with the lower lumbar support customization feature found in a handful of our Orlando Toyota models. 

Tip #6: Use Cruise Control

Keep a steady pace on the interstate by using cruise control. This will provide a smoother ride for you and your passengers and save you fuel along the way. Just don’t forget to stop every once in a while to stretch your legs.

Tip #7: Get a pre-road trip service check 

Before you hit the road make sure to stop by Toyota of Orlando for a full service check. This will prevent any sudden breakdowns and make sure you’re getting max fuel efficiency. 

A stellar spring break with Orlando Toyota 

Trust our Orlando Toyota dealership with all of your car maintenance needs. We’re open seven days a week and are located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4. And don't forget to check out our service specials online!