Back to school maintenance tips from Toyota of Orlando

July is just about over and that means it’s almost time to go back to school! The early mornings, the commutes, and the tighter schedule are all about to return and you need to be ready. But, so does your Orlando Toyota vehicle! Heading back to school, whether you’re taking your kids, or you have classes to attend, can be a strain on your vehicle. If you haven’t kept up with routine maintenance over the summer, then it might be time to start thinking about having your vehicle taken in to be inspected. To make sure your car can pass the test Toyota of Orlando is here with a checklist of things to have looked at before you head back to school this month!

Our back to school checklist

1) Make sure your oil is changed and your tires rotated.
Keeping your oil up to date and your tires rotated will save you time and potential headaches during this school year. Between the back and forth driving, your tires wear down and your oil expires faster. If you’re strapped for time and can’t come to Toyota of Orlando for an inspection, you can always do one yourself! To check your oil, simply find and remove the dipstick, run it through a paper towel, and look at the color. To assess the condition of your tires, use a quarter to gauge the thickness of the tread.

2) Pay attention to your dashboard.
Your dashboard tells you almost everything you need to know if there’s something wrong with your Orlando Toyota vehicle. If you’ve been ignoring a check engine or a low tire pressure light, it’s time to stop! Going back to school means you’ll be strapped for time and without those repairs done, they’ll only get worse. Our auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando can check your check engine light and make the repairs you need to get you rocking those back to school commutes.

3) Prepare your car.
Jumper cables, an inflated spare tire, a tire pressure gauge, and a first aid kit are just a few things you should always have at the ready in your Orlando Toyota vehicle. You never know if you’ll need to change a tire or need a jump on your way to school and having these available could turn a bad situation into a small bump in the road.

4) Detail your car before heading back to school.
Trying to keep your car cleaned on top of dealing with the worries and stresses of going back to school will be a challenge. Before your first day, make sure to detail the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Having a clean car will not only make you feel better when driving, but it’ll make it easier to stay organized and find things quickly throughout the school year!

Head back to school with Toyota of Orlando

With the new school year almost here, get ready and be prepared with Toyota of Orlando! Our auto service department can make sure your vehicle is well maintained and ready to tackle the year. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open seven days a week!

Catalytic converter: everything you need to know

In the world of automobiles, complex parts and operations are commonplace. One part that’s essential to your Orlando Toyota engine’s operation that you probably haven’t heard of is the catalytic converter. An integral piece of your exhaust system, this auto part is responsible for removing pollutants from exhaust gas and making what comes out of your tail pipe less toxic. While this may be the first time you’re hearing about this auto part, it’s important to know how it works and what signs to look for if it’s failing. That’s why, at Toyota of Orlando, we’ve put together this guide to help you better understand the catalytic converter.

How it works

Your Orlando Toyota’s catalytic converter is an important part of your exhaust system that actively removes contaminants and pollutants from your exhaust gas. They do this through a process called catalyzing that uses a redox reaction (oxidation and reduction reactions). You’re probably asking, what does any of that mean? We won’t get into the finer points, but the important thing is that the catalytic converter uses this process to produce cleaner gas and perform other functions like:

• Maximize your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
• Ensure smooth start-ups.
• Keep accelerations smooth.
• Prevent excessive amounts of exhaust gas from building up from fuel burning.

Catalytic converters are assisted by other auto parts like oxygen sensors and engine control units that regulate the amount of air and fuel needed for the right burning rate of fuel. Because of this, Orlando Toyota catalytic converters rarely run into maintenance issues in their lifetime, but it’s not unheard of.

Troubleshooting

While it is rare, this auto part can become damaged and create more problems for your Orlando Toyota vehicle. One of the most common problems catalytic converters can run into is catalyst poisoning. This happens when different substances like lead and sulfur find their way into the converter and cause abnormal combustion. Overtime, this can cause the converter to clog and become inoperable. Misfiring spark plugs, bad valve seals, and worn piston rings can also lead to converter damage by causing inaccurate and inefficient fuel combustion. Here are some common signs that your Orlando Toyota catalytic converter may be experiencing damage:

• Your vehicle’s fuel efficiency drops suddenly.
• You may experience failed or delayed start-ups.
• Your Orlando Toyota vehicle fails emissions tests.
• Vehicle acceleration may be delayed or nonexistent.
• More than likely, your check engine light will turn on.

When it comes to fixing and maintaining your catalytic converter, the process is simple. Routine maintenance on your Orlando Toyota vehicle is the best course of action when it comes to keeping your converter running smoothly. Always stay on top of oil changes, fluid levels, and having your fuel injectors checked periodically will save you from a clogged or failing converter. 

Take care of your catalytic converter at Toyota of Orlando

Routine maintenance is the best medicine when it comes to caring for your converter and Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Our auto service department offers a variety of auto maintenance services to keep your vehicle running smoothly and at a price you can agree with. Call us at (407) 298 – 4500 to get things set up!

Different types of car tires: a guide from Toyota of Orlando

Your car tires are more important to your drive than you might think. They’re the one part of your Orlando Toyota that makes contact with the road, they keep you from sliding during the rain, and they help you stop quickly. While it’s a simple collection of vehicle parts, there are actually a lot of different car tire options that you can choose to equip your Orlando Toyota vehicle with. When it comes time to get new tires, you’re going to want to make sure you have your ideal driving experience in mind and how long you want your new car tires to last. To help you get started, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy to follow guide!

More than just a piece of rubber

All-season: These car tires are generally designed to deliver comfort and reliable handling. They can be found on many Orlando Toyota vehicles and can be recognized by their symmetrical tread pattern.

Touring: Touring level tires are like all-season, but they’re equipped to handle more responsively. They feature an asymmetrical tread pattern and have a higher speed rating. There are several different sub-types in this car tire category for more performance-based results.

Performance: Built to withstand weather and higher speeds, performance tires are outfitted to more sporty Orlando Toyota models. You can recognize these tires by their larger grooves.

Summer: Summer designed tires are designed exactly for what they’re named after, summer. They feature solid contact patches that deliver better grip on the roads during wet and dry conditions. They preform best in warmer climates and offer responsive handling with little to no slipping.

While many Orlando Toyota vehicles can be outfitted with a variety of car tires, some are limited to specific vehicles. For example, trucks and SUV’s typically sport different tires because of the weight of these vehicles and the potential for off-roading. Here are the different types:

Highway: These tires have a tread pattern like all-season tires and are very comfortable when driving on pavement. They’re engineered to withstand the weight of heavier class vehicles and deliver responsive handling.

All-terrain: Probably the easiest tires to spot when it comes to tread pattern, all-terrain car tires are designed for off-roading Orlando Toyota vehicles. They have excellent grip strength on and off the road and still provide plenty of stability when driving on the highway.

Mud-terrain: Also sporting aggressive looking tread, these tires are designed to tackle soft terrain like mud and sand. The sidewalls and tread have extra reinforcement to be more resistant to punctures and tears. These tires are different from all-terrain in the sense that they don’t have the same highway driving comfort and they tend to be a bit noisy.

Ribbed: This type of car tire is designed to last and provide great handling for Orlando Toyota trucks and SUVs that frequent the highway. They use a rib-like tread design that handles well in wet weather.

Shop tires at Toyota of Orlando

Are you due for a new set of tires or do you have questions about the different types of tires? Whatever it may be, Toyota of Orlando has all your car tire needs under one roof. Our auto service team would be happy to find you the perfect set of tires and install them at an affordable price. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 4500 to set up an appointment today!

Highway vs city miles: what’s worse for your car?

Your odometer can tell you a lot about your car’s past and, if it’s a new purchase, how it’ll be after you drive it. Throughout your Orlando Toyota’s life, you’ll inevitably put miles on it and wear it down. But, how you put driving miles on your car matters. To help bring some light to the age-old debate, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy to follow guide on the difference between city and highway driving miles and how they ultimately affect your car.

City miles

While the commute is shorter for cars that drive in the city, this type of driving miles puts more wear on your car over time. Driving in the city where your Orlando Toyota vehicle is constantly stopping and accelerating puts a lot of wear on your transmission due to inconsistent rpm fluctuation. Not only do the miles themselves hurt your car, but the streets in a city can pose additional hazards for your vehicle. Badly maintained roads are often riddled with potholes that can mess up your suspension, cars drive and park closely to your vehicle and can damage your exterior, and the stop-and-go motion wears your brakes down quickly. Your Orlando Toyota vehicle can benefit from this type of driving miles with a low odometer reading, but it comes at the cost of greater wear and tear when compared to highway driving.

Highway miles

Driving your car for extensive periods of time and putting more miles on it, compared to a city driving car, doesn’t really seem like the better alternative. But, the truth is that highway driving miles are actually less detrimental to your Orlando Toyota vehicle than city miles. The reason is that your vehicle can cruise at a consistent rpm, shift gears far less, use the brakes less, you can use cruise control, and you’re pretty isolated from other vehicles on the road. Highways are typically better maintained than city roads which means less potholes and less wear on your suspension. Not only do highway driving miles wear out your Orlando Toyota vehicle less, but they also help maintain your battery and alternator by keeping a consistent charge throughout your commute. All in all, highway driving miles are far better than city when it comes to your vehicle’s life span. But, this does increase your odometer reading more quickly and could negatively affect your trade in value.

Other things to consider

The difference between city and highway driving miles is clear but strictly driving one or the other doesn’t necessarily give you better longevity for your Orlando Toyota vehicle. Staying on top of regular maintenance like tire rotations and oil changes, making repairs at the first sign of something being wrong, and checking your fluid levels can make all the difference for your vehicle. Our expert auto service department at Toyota of Orlando can help you stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance at an affordable price!

Keep your vehicle cruising with Toyota of Orlando

Keeping strictly highway or city driving miles on your car doesn’t necessarily guarantee a long life-span for your car, but a regular maintenance schedule can! Let us maintain your vehicle at Toyota of Orlando! Our expert auto service team can keep your car healthy and running at a price you can agree with. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!

Fuel injector: what it is and how to maintain it

With driving being as easy as putting your car in park and pushing on the gas pedal, it’s easy to forget about all the parts and processes working behind the scenes to make that happen. The fuel injector is an essential component to many engines and its purpose is to transfer gasoline into the combustion chamber to power your Orlando Toyota. This part replaced the carburetor and provides better fuel efficiency and performance for your ride. It’s a small and obscure part of your engine but understanding what a fuel injector is and how to maintain it will keep help your car last. At Toyota of Orlando we’ve put together a guide, with help from our auto service team, to get you on your way to becoming a fuel injector expert!

What’s a fuel injector?

You may be asking yourself, what is this engine part and why does it matter? While the fuel injector may be a small component in your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it performs a big job and its technology has several added benefits that we take for granted. The main function of this engine part is to atomize gasoline and inject it directly into your vehicle’s combustion chamber to create power.

Benefits

Using fuel injector technology in your Orlando Toyota vehicle as opposed to carburetor fuel delivery comes with several benefits to performance and fuel efficiency. Here are some of the most notable perks:

• Better fuel efficiency through direct supply of fuel for combustion.
• Improved emissions performance.
• Ability for vehicles to run on alternative fuels, even on diesel.
• Easier cold starting and quick throttle transitions.
• Stable idling and temperature adjustments.

Fuel injector maintenance

Like any part of an Orlando Toyota vehicle, fuel injectors are no stranger to wear and maintenance issues. Because they process high amounts of fuel overtime, they can become dirty or clogged and result in a mess of bad side-affects for your car like:

• Difficult start-ups.
• Unstable idling.
• Increased fuel consumption.
• Uncomfortable driving experience. 

Keeping your Orlando Toyota fuel injector free of clogs will keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando recommends cleaning it every 36 months or 45,000 months to avoid clogs from excessive residue build up. Trying to professionally clean this engine part can be difficult because of its small size and location within the engine. Because of this, there are several cleaning solutions usually offered at auto parts stores. However, taking this route should only be done as a temporary fix rather than a permanent one. A professional cleaning is going to be the best solution to improve your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s performance.

We’ve got you covered at Toyota of Orlando

Cleaning and maintaining this engine part can get confusing and difficult, that’s why Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Our expert auto service department give your fuel injector the cleaning it needs to get your vehicle back to peak performing shape. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule an appointment!

A guide on windshield wiper blades | Toyota of Orlando

Some parts your vehicle has that you probably don’t pay too much attention to, even though they’re right in front of you, are your wind shield wiper blades. They’re not the most exciting part of your Orlando Toyota, but they keep your view clear when driving in low visibility conditions. To make sure your vehicle is outfitted with the correct blades, Toyota of Orlando has made a helpful guide with the help of our expert auto service department.

Types of windshield wiper blades

Every Orlando Toyota model is different, every windshield is different, and therefore every set of wiper blades is different. Here are a few basic types that are found on many vehicles on the road:

Traditional frame-style wipers

This type of windshield wiper blade is one of the most common types found on many Orlando Toyota vehicles. It uses a metal frame that the actual wiper is mounted on. It’s a very affordable type and is used on a wide variety of vehicles.

Winter wipers

Designed for more inclement weather conditions, these windshield wiper blades are very durable and resistant. You won’t likely find these on many Orlando Toyota vehicles because they’re meant for snowy and icy conditions. The blade itself on these wipers is protected by a rubber sheath that keeps it free of ice, but it does make for a bulky and less streamlined design.

Premium beam style

Premium beam windshield wiper blades stray from a traditional framework and instead opt for something like winter blades by using a single-blade and one-piece design that helps them contour to your Orlando Toyota’s windshield. They come at a higher price tag, but many manufacturers claim they have a longer lifespan and are more aesthetically pleasing.

How to choose, install, and maintain your windshield wiper blades

Selecting a set of windshield wiper blades isn’t as easy as picking one of the three styles, unfortunately. There are several different brands to choose from and you must make sure you select the right size for your vehicle. For more information on finding the right size blades, consult your owner’s manual or just ask one of our Toyota of Orlando auto service experts.

After you’ve found the correct wiper blades for your vehicle, it’s time to install them! Here are a few tips to get you started:

·       When replacing your windshield wiper blades, our Toyota of Orlando auto service experts recommend installing them in pairs to avoid uneven wear and aging.

·       There are three different types of wiper arms to attach wiper blades to and they are side post, J hook, and bayonet. These styles have a locking mechanism that doesn’t require additional tools during installation.

·       Being patient is always key to replacing your windshield wiper blades. If you have trouble with it, our auto service experts are always here to help.

Replace your windshield wiper blades at Toyota of Orlando

If your current wipers aren’t getting the rain off your windshield well enough, it might be time for a replacement. Come visit us at Toyota of Orlando where our auto service techs can get you the right set of windshield wiper blades and install them for you at a great price! Call us at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule and appointment today!

How to care for and maintain your car battery

With such complex parts in it, it’s hard to believe that a battery can do so much to keep your car starting and running smoothly. Your car battery provides the electricity necessary to start your car and can supply additional power if needed. Without it, your car wouldn’t start and that’s why making sure it’s free of corrosion and well maintained is so important. While it’s a simple part to maintain, it’s easy to forget that it’s there and it still helps to know exactly what you’re doing. Thankfully, we at Toyota of Orlando got together with our auto service experts and put together a helpful guide on car battery maintenance for you!

Do’s and don’ts for your car battery

Your car battery is the key to starting your Orlando Toyota and we wouldn’t be able to start our cars without them. To keep you from having to call a tow truck, here are some easy maintenance tips to consider:

1. Keep the cables clean. Corrosion is a common issue that can plague a car battery in any Orlando Toyota vehicle. This occurs from things like an aging battery, one that’s overfilled or overcharged, hydrogen gases and/or electrolyte leaks, or a reaction from using copper clamps. Whatever the reason, corrosion can cause your car battery to under-perform and, ultimately, a failed start-up for your Orlando Toyota. Cleaning them is quick and easy! Simply remove the cables from the battery posts (remember to remove the negative cable first) and use a mixture of baking soda and bottled water with a wire brush to remove any corrosion.
2. Check the electrolyte level. While many car battery models in Orlando Toyota vehicles won’t require an electrolyte refill in their lifetime, some models do. To check the electrolyte levels, gently pry off the battery cell cover (typically on the top of the battery), look down the hole, and if the level isn’t covering the bottom of the compartment it’s time to add water. Be sure to use distilled or purified water to avoid adding minerals that could cause corrosion. If you have a no maintenance car battery, you can check the level by finding the indicator and looking for the color. Green means your levels are fine and darker colors mean you need a recharge. If you’re unsure, our auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando can help you out!

If you’re finding that your Orlando Toyota battery is having difficulty keeping a charge or you’ve suffered several failed start-ups, a replacement car battery will be in your future. But, to get you by until you replace your existing batter, here’s how to jumpstart your car:

1. You’ll need jumper cables and another car. You should always keep a set of jumper cables in your emergency car kit in case of situations like this. If you need a new pair, our parts department at Toyota of Orlando can get you taken care of! Be sure to enlist the help of another driver to get a successful jump. If you can’t find someone to help, there are always battery chargers that can be used as a substitute.
2. Get the two vehicles ready for a jump. For the jump to work, both Orlando Toyota vehicles need to be in park or neutral with the parking brake active.
3. Start with the positive end. Using the red jumper cable clip, attach it to the positive terminal on your car battery as well as the other you’re using for the jump. You can usually tell a positive from a negative terminal by a “POS” or “+” indicator.
4. Attach the negatives. Place the black colored clips on the negative terminal in the other vehicle and the other on an unpainted metal surface in your Orlando Toyota to act as a ground.
5. Start your engines. Ignite the engine in the working vehicle first and let it run for a few minutes. Then try to start your vehicle. If your Orlando Toyota won’t start after additional attempts, then it may be time to call a tow truck.

Let Toyota of Orlando fix your car battery

If general maintenance and jump starts can’t get you a charge, it may be time to get a replacement car battery. At Toyota of Orlando, our expert auto service department can replace your old battery and get you back on the road at an affordable price. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, seven days a week!