What to do if your car has sprung a leak

The last place you’d think to check for an issue is the underside of your vehicle. A plethora of problems can happen right under your nose, most notably fluid leaks. Old or damaged hoses can spring leaks and that spells trouble for your vehicle and could ruin your engine. Thankfully, Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on how to identify a car fluid leak and what to do if you spot one.

Hoses, fluids, and leaks

A car fluid leak can really put a damper on your ride. Problems like these typically affect older Orlando Toyota models, but could happen if hoses get damaged by anything from pests, weather, or a previous accident. Because your car uses so many different fluids to work there are a lot to look out for and many different places the leak could be coming from. Here’s what to do if you spot a car fluid leak in your Orlando Toyota:

Clear fluid:

·         Thankfully, clear fluid is perfectly normal and isn’t really a leak at all. This is water caused by condensation built up from either your exhaust or your A/C system. Rest assured, this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

Dark brown fluid:

·         A car fluid leak like this coming from your Orlando Toyota is likely motor oil. Unfortunately, oil runs through a lot of your vehicle’s engine and pinpointing the exact spot it’s coming from can be very difficult. Motor oil is very important to your engine’s function and our expert service technicians recommend having this looked at immediately.

Pink fluid:

·         This color of fluid could mean that either your power steering or transmission fluid is leaking. Depending on how, while you drive, steering or shifting gears feels difficult, that will give some indication as to where the car fluid leak is coming from. Regardless, an Orlando Toyota experiencing this issue should be inspected immediately.

Blue fluid:

·         Windshield wiper fluid is likely what’s leaking and isn’t a huge cause for alarm. As the tubing and reservoir age leaks can occur. However, a windshield wiper leak isn’t an immediate cause for worry.

Orange fluid:

·         This type of car fluid leak could be from several different sources and the best course of action is to consult a service technician to diagnose it. The leak could be coming from rust in the radiator or it could be aging transmission fluid.

Yellow fluid:

·         A yellow car fluid leak is likely radiator coolant which could happen because of a damaged O-ring or hose clamp. This component should be inspected and any damaged parts should be replaced.

Toyota of Orlando is here to stop your leak

If your vehicle has sprung a leak or you’re still a little unsure of what to watch out for, look no further than Toyota of Orlando! Our expert service technicians will have your car fluid leak all patched up to get you back on the road. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule your service appointment or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week!

Finding the right motor oil for your car

Synthetic, full synthetic, conventional, premium conventional, the list goes on. Motor oil is one of the most important fluids your Orlando Toyota needs to run smoothly. Trying to figure out which one is right for your vehicle can be pretty confusing. But, don’t worry, our expert technicians at Toyota of Orlando have your back with this guide on different motor oils!

Synthetic or conventional?

In the case of oil, it truly pays to know your stuff so you don’t wind up with oil that isn’t right for your Orlando Toyota or oil that’s more expensive than what you need. Conventional and synthetic are the most common types of oil that our expert service techs use, but there are many different types depending on your vehicle’s need. But, we’ll stick to a few of the basic ones to get you on your way to your next oil change!

Conventional oil:

• This oil is the most basic type and least expensive that you can service your engine with.
• Typically, this oil will last for about 3,000 miles before you need to change it again.
•          Conventional oil is best used for light-duty and simple engines with low to average amount of miles.

High-mileage motor oil:

•  Recommended for Orlando Toyota vehicles with 75,000 miles or more on their engines and sits at a relatively low price point.
• This motor oil is designed to revitalize high-mile engines by lubricating the engine to minimize leaks and reduce overall oil consumption.
• It also helps to reduce overall emissions and smoke.

Synthetic blend:

• Synthetic blend oil is more or less a mix between full synthetic and conventional oil. This gives it the best of both worlds with a more affordable price while still having the optimal performance of full synthetic.
•  This oil will typical last for about 5,000-7,500 miles before needing to be changed.
• With several additives, this oil also includes oxidation resistance and better performance in low temperatures.

Full synthetic:

• Full synthetic oil is the more expensive oil type, but it comes with plenty of additional perks and added performance to make it worth the money.
• Higher viscosity, better oxidation and thermal breakdown resistance, and oil sludge reduction are some noteworthy characteristics.
• By using the oil, you and your Orlando Toyota can enjoy better fuel efficiency with reduced engine drag.
• Although this oil has some great perks, it doesn’t come without a bit of a price hike. Full synthetic oil changes can typically cost two to four times more than a conventional oil change, depending on the amount of motor oil your vehicle needs.
• Our Toyota of Orlando expert service technicians recommend that this oil be used on peak performance vehicles with either V6 or V8 engines or vehicles with older engines.
• This oil also performs well in vehicles designed for towing and extreme climates. 

Toyota of Orlando has all of your oil needs

If you’re still a bit confused about all of the different types of oil, our service technicians can answer all of your vehicle maintenance questions. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week! 

Boxer vs. inline four-cylinder engines: what's the difference?

For many drivers, the engine compartment of a car is a mysterious place. So many moving parts and gizmos and whatsits, it’s difficult to understand it. Have you ever sat and wondered what makes engines so different? From a four-cylinder to a V6 and to a V8, the difference is obvious. But, did you know that there are two different types of four-cylinder engines? Toyota of Orlando has all of your questions answered and even a little crash course on how engines work!

Toyota of Orlando’s engine crash course

The car engine is something many people rarely think about unless they’re technicians or need car maintenance done. Although the inner workings are pretty complicated, we’ve got a little crash course to get you on your way to being an expert. Before we dive into what makes the boxer and inline engines different, let’s dive into what makes a four-cylinder engine tick.

• 4-cylinder engines are “4 stroke” engines. This means that there are four different cycles that the engine must complete in order to generate power and motion.
•  In the case of the Orlando Toyota  four-cylinder engine, the four cycles are:

1. Intake
2. Power
3. Compression
4. Exhaust 

• When a cylinder fires as the engine goes through the four cycles, it generates power. A cylinder will fire each time the crankshaft (a part that creates rotational motion to make the car move) rotates 180º.
• To operate, engines will generate “secondary forces” as a result of the engine cylinders moving or travelling. Efficient engines typically have additional equipment to not only counteract these forces but to use them for more power.

Four-cylinder and a world of differences

• Although both are four-cylinder engines, the boxer and the inline are different in their operation as well as their design. Specifically, the two are different in ways like: 
• Boxer and inline Orlando Toyota engines move on a single plane, but their crankshaft placements are different. The boxer engine’s crankshaft is in the middle of the pistons and allows for greater stability due to counter secondary forces. The inline’s crankshaft is located on the end of the pistons and causes more vibration and less stability when driving. 
• The two engines go through their stroke cycles in different orders. For the boxer, the cycle order is 1, 3, 2, and 4 and for the inline the order is 1, 3, 4, and 2.
• Although the boxer’s design may help with stability, it isn’t perfect. The engine tends to rock due to its larger shape. The inline’s engine keeps its vibration and shaking to a minimum because it has more of a straight line design.
• The Orlando Toyota boxer engine gives a much lower profile to vehicles that use it like the Toyota 86. These vehicles typically have low standing and wide front ends that create a unique rumble when driving. 
• Inline engines are used mostly in production cars because of their simple design and ability to maximize space in the engine compartment.
• The boxer engine also causes an uneven flow of exhaust whereas the inline’s exhaust system is even and less noticeable.

Toyota of Orlando is here to answer your questions

Engines can get pretty confusing and we at Toyota of Orlando are here to help! Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Toyota of Orlando Car Tune-Ups: What’s Included & Why

After you’ve put a certain amount of miles on your car, your standard car maintenance routine isn’t going to cut it. At this point, you need to bring your car in for a tune-up. Fortunately, our certified Orlando techs can easily do this for you. We promise you’ll feel like you’re driving a brand new car after you leave our Orlando dealership.

What is a car tune-up?

The point of a car tune-up is to increase the longevity of a well-driven vehicle. It’s important you don’t blow this car maintenance milestone off because it can add several years to your car’s life. Each tune-up Toyota of Orlando conducts is specifically tailored to the model of car as well as the condition of the vehicle.

Our techs will start the process with a thorough inspection of your vehicle. This will help them determine the exact auto services that should be included in your tune-up. Most tune-ups focus primarily on your engine, as it is the heart of your car. Plus, we’ll replace any damaged or worn parts. Here’s what usually happens in a tune-up:

· Thorough engine inspection

· Air filter replacement

· Fuel filter replacement

· Damaged or worn spark plug replacement

· Clutch adjustment for manual transmission vehicles

· Correct faulty electronic engine components

Some of these repairs may not seem apparent to you, but when they’re not taken care of your vehicle will suffer in the long term. Hence why car maintenance is vital to getting the most out of your car’s life.

How can I tell it’s time for a tune-up?

There are several signs you can look out for that indicate your ride is in need of some serious car maintenance. Here are the top 4 symptoms of a car that’s due for a tune-up:

· Decreased fuel efficiency: If you notice that your car’s tank isn’t getting you as far as it used to, this could indicate a serious issue. This could be a sign of an engine problem or a blocked air filter.

· Starting troubles: If you’re met with resistance every time you start up, there could be a number of internal problems to blame. Whether it’s a problem with your electrical components, battery, fuel pump, or ignition system you need to have this looked at immediately.

· Irregular idling: When there is a problem with your ignition or fuel system you will notice your car idling abnormally. A faulty valve or engine piston can also cause irregular idling.

Let Toyota of Orlando refresh your ride

If you think your car is due for a tune-up, come see us at Toyota of Orlando. We are always running service specials to get you the car maintenance you need at a price you deserve. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience and are located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4. So what are you waiting for? Call (407) 298- 4501 and schedule your appointment today!

5 signs that you need to get your A/C checked

It’s almost summer and that means it’s time for trips to the beach, vacations, and fun in the sun! But, that also means it’s time for the heat and humidity. Making sure that your auto ac is in working order is essential for driving in Orlando during the summer. Our Orlando auto repair technicians are experts when it comes to auto repair and we know a thing or two about ac issues. Here are five things to look for if you think your air conditioner isn’t staying cool.

      What to look for if you need your auto ac repaired

                  

                   1. Your auto ac no longer blows cold air.

-          This is one of the most common symptoms of an auto ac issue. Typically, if the air coming from your air vents isn’t blowing cold it’s most likely a lack of refrigerant in your system. This can be caused by leaks in the hoses due to aging.

-          Adding refrigerant to a system isn’t expensive, but should be done by an auto repair expert.

2. The system starts blowing cold air, but then gradually warms up.

-          If your air conditioning system is experiencing this problem, it’s likely due to an internal freeze in the system. This happens when there’s an excess of moisture somewhere inside the auto ac and when the temperature drops, it freezes and causes the system air temperature to rise.

-          If this is happening, it could be caused by a variety of different things and should be taken to an auto repair expert to have them diagnose the issue.

3. There’s a strange odor coming from the air vents.

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-          Strange odors coming from the ac system usually happen when there are microbes and bacteria growing on the hoses or inside major parts of the auto ac.

-          Because this could lead to serious breathing issues, our Orlando auto repair technicians recommend that you have this checked out as soon as possible. Cleaning and flushing the system isn’t too expensive and it’s necessary to keep you breathing right.

4.  The auto ac won’t turn on or work at all.

-          Unfortunately, this issue is one that you can’t always fix on your own (unless you’re an expert in auto repair). An unresponsive air conditioning system is likely caused by a major component failing or a wiring issue.

-          We recommend that you have an auto repair technician assess your ac system to determine what the issue is.

5. There are loud or unexpected noises coming from the engine compartment when the ac is turned on.

-          Take it to an auto repair technician immediately. Sounds coming from the engine compartment are likely caused by a major part, like the compressor, breaking or failing. In cases like this, it’s best to have the entire component replaced by an auto repair technician.

                                          

Toyota of Orlando can keep you cool this summer!

If you have any questions about potential auto ac problems, or you need a certified auto repair technician to get the job done, Toyota of Orlando has everything you need. We’re conveniently open seven days a week and always have a number of auto repair service specials running. You can find us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Give us a call at (407) 298-0001 to schedule your appointment today!

How to Fix a Car Dent at Home

Sick of staring at that dent in your car but don’t want to take it into the shop? No worries, you can fix the problem right at home and Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you how! In just a couple of simple steps, you can make what may seem like an impossible DIY auto repair a breeze – check it out!

  

DIY Auto Repairs Made Easy 

Before we explain how to do this auto repair, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Here is what you’ll need:

Tools: 

• Eye protection
• Hearing protection
• Extension cord
• Dust mask
• Corded drill
• Angle grinder
• Sanding block

Materials: 

• Wax remover
• Tack cloth
• Body filler
• Finishing glaze
• 80-, 180-, and 320- grit sandpaper
• 24- grit sanding wheel

After you have fixed the dent in your car, you'll want to also have your car's paint on hand to cover up the sanded-down area. You can purchase matching paint from our Orlando dealership or at your local auto body shop. Once you have the paint, you can get to work!

Prepare the area: 

• Using 24-grit sanding wheel, remove the paint from inside and around the dented area.
• Switch to 80-grit sandpaper and sand the entire area by hand.
• Scuff up and feather the paint around the dent.
• Clean the sanded area using wax remover and a clean rag.
• Wipe it down with a tack cloth. 

 Prepare the filler:

• Place filler onto a mixing board or cookie sheet.
• Apply the hardener
• Mix the filler and hardener according to the directions. (Make sure to avoid creating any air bubbles.)

Apply the filler: 

• Evenly spread the filler over the dent.
• Ensure all air has been released from the area and that the bare metal is wet
• Apply a second fill coat.

Contour: 

• Using 80- and 180- grit sandpaper, sand down the filled area to match the body contour of your Orlando Toyota.

Glaze: 

• Apply the finishing glaze to the entire area.
• Sand the area with your 180- grit paper.
• Sand the area with your 320- grit paper.

Prime & Paint: 

• Spray primer coat onto the sanded-down patch.
• Paint the area.

And voila! The dent is gone! As you can see with just a little time and effort you can do auto repairs right from the comfort of your own home. Just be sure to take all of the necessary safety precautions and follow our instructions closely. 

Toyota of Orlando can get the job done

If you have more questions about this auto repair or rather have our certified Orlando techs do the job for you stop by Toyota of Orlando. We are open seven days a week for your convenience and are always running service specials. You can find us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millennia Mall. Call (407) 298-4001 and schedule your appointment today.