Car recall: what is it and what do you do

While the car building process uses a great deal of automation, it’s not always perfect and can leave many Orlando Toyota drivers with parts that are defective or not compliant with the standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is called a car recall and they happen more often than you might think. Thankfully, many car companies honor recalls with free replacements parts and labor. But, drivers should always be aware of active recalls and what that means for you and your vehicle. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on what car recalls are and what to do if you find your vehicle has one.

What exactly is a car recall?

Essentially, a recall occurs when either an auto manufacturer or the NHTSA has determined that one or several of the parts used to assemble a vehicle are deemed defective. These parts could also fail to meet standards set for certain vehicle parts by the NHTSA. Car recalls can be limited to a specific region of the country or nationwide. In most recall cases, the auto manufacturer in question will be responsible for replacing the damaged/defective component. Orlando Toyota drivers are typically notified of car recalls by mail. Recall notices include things like:

• Defect description
• The risk the defective problem poses
• Warning signs to look for if the defective part is getting worse
• Plans for repair. When the repair will be redeemable and how long the process will take.
• What to do next for your Orlando Toyota car.

If you’ve received a recall letter in the mail, then it’s time to start looking for an Orlando Toyota auto service or body shop. Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about covering the costs of repair or part replacement. You do, however, need to make sure you have your repair done by a certified dealership or shop that’s authorized by the NHTSA. While the NHTSA is pretty efficient with contacting Orlando Toyota drivers regarding recalls, some drivers may not receive a letter in the mail. You can still check for any active recalls at any time by consulting the NHTSA’s website.

In the case of many car recalls, the defective piece of equipment is closely monitored and covered by the NHTSA after the repair has been completed. If an Orlando Toyota driver believes the recall repair wasn’t finished correctly or that there’s still an issue, they can always reach out the NHTSA to fix the problem.

Repair recalls and more at Toyota of Orlando

Car recalls are nothing to worry about and at Toyota of Orlando we can repair it for you quickly, so you can get back on the road! Our expert auto service techs can also help with routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road or give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to set up an appointment.

Common car radiator problems and how to spot them

When it comes to your Orlando Toyota car’s engine working properly, it’s all about temperature. The exchange of temperature throughout the ignition and operating processes is key to problem-free commuting. An essential auto part in these processes is the car radiator. Without this part, things would get too hot in your engine compartment and lead to permanent damage. If problems should arise with your car radiator, you need to be prepared so you can save your vehicle from overheating which can lead to an expensive repair job. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here to help with an easy guide on how spot car radiator issues.

What does a car radiator do?

Your Orlando Toyota vehicle is equipped with an active cooling system that works while your engine is running to regulate temperature. The cooling system consists of the car radiator which uses several pumps, thermostats, and gaskets that all work to keep your engine temperature regulated. While your engine does get hot when running, excessive heat can damage essential parts, wear down hoses, and eventually cause your Orlando Toyota car to overheat.

A properly working car radiator funnels coolant into it and cools it using a fan. After the cooling process, the coolant is then funneled back into the engine and the process is repeated constantly. This keeps the coolant at 190-210°F which allows the engine to operate normally. A faulty radiator can lead to permanent damage for your Orlando Toyota vehicle and that’s why we’ve compiled a list of common issues that can spell trouble and how to spot them.

Rust

While rust can be trouble for the body of your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it can also affect your car radiator. Because of the rapid airflow and temperature fluctuations that happen around this engine part, rust can easily form and create holes in your hoses that will lead to radiator failure. Check the outside of your radiator assembly for rust and check the color of your coolant. If it’s dark in color, that means your radiator may be rusting from the inside and will eventually develop holes.

Leaks

Coolant leaks can happen if a radiator is left unchecked over time. The hoses on this critical Orlando Toyota engine part are prone to wear and tear as they age as are the metal clamps that keep them attached. When a hose and/or clamp fails, coolant leaks can occur. Make sure to look under your vehicle for a greenish fluid if your suspect there’s a fluid leak.

Mineral buildup

Mineral deposit buildup can occur over time as the radiator operates normally. As more mineral deposits build up, your radiator hoses can get blocked and stop operating normally which can lead to overheating. Pay attention to your Orlando Toyota car’s internal temperature gauge as you run your engine. 

Car radiator issues solved at Toyota of Orlando

Your Orlando Toyota car’s radiator is an essential auto part that must always be attended to in order to prevent permanent damage to your engine. At Toyota of Orlando, our auto service techs can make it easy with accurate diagnostics and affordable auto repairs and maintenance. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!

The importance of reading a vehicle history report

History tends to be a good predictor for the future and the same can be said for used Orlando Toyota vehicles. Cars can be easily affected by their previous drivers depending on how they maintained and drove them over time. That’s where the all-important vehicle history report comes in. This document can tell you where your chosen used Orlando Toyota vehicle has been and could help you figure out how it’ll behave once it’s driven off the lot. At Toyota of Orlando, all our certified used cars come equipped with a vehicle history report, so you know you’re investing in a car that comes with a clean past. If you don’t think a history report is important to your car buying process, then prepare to think otherwise!

You should always request a vehicle history report

While a vehicle seller can tell you all day that the car you’re looking to purchase has a clean record, was maintained well, and has no previous signs of accident damage. But, you never really know unless there’s a credible source. With a vehicle history report, you can access essential information regarding your chosen vehicle and what’s happened to it in the past. Here’s what’s included in a report and why it’s important to know:

• Previous Accidents: Before you purchase your new Orlando Toyota vehicle, you want to be aware of any previous accident damage that can affect the vehicle’s overall value and condition.
• Current Title Info: This will show your chosen vehicle’s current title standing, if it’s clean, salvage, rebuilt, or junk. If your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s report reflects anything other than a clean title, it might be best to search for a different car.
• Previous Owners: While having more than one previous owner isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it means that the car has been driven by several different people who could have driven it harshly. Before you sign on the dotted line, do some additional research to see who drove the vehicle and how they drove it.
• Current Odometer Reading: Always check your vehicle history report for a current odometer reading and double check it against your chosen vehicle when you go to take a test drive. If these numbers don’t match, someone has been tampering with the odometer and that could mean there’s additional damage trying to be concealed.
• Service History: Depending on the type of vehicle history report you request for your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it may come with a detailed service record. This can help you get a better idea for how the car was maintained before you drove it home.
• Current/Past Recalls: Many vehicles undergo recalls during their lifetime. However, you’re going to want to know if your chosen Orlando Toyota vehicle is up to date on its factory recalls and a vehicle history report will be able to tell you.

Vehicle history reports are essential to knowing that you’re investing your hard-earned money into a vehicle that will last. That’s why all our certified used cars at Toyota of Orlando come with history report so you can have peace of mind when shopping for your next ride. Come visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road!

Toyota of Orlando’s guide for Halloween auto service

Oh fall, the spookiest season of the year. Ghosts and ghouls around every corner just waiting for the next best scare. While October is nearly halfway through, there’s still plenty of time to get your costumes together before Halloween night arrives. However, you may be ready to bring the scares, but your Orlando Toyota car needs to be ready to handle whatever fright night may throw your way. From pedestrians to lost candy, Halloween night is one where drivers must be extra diligent and attentive, and you need to make sure your car is in peak shape. Don’t be scared! Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide on auto service you should take care of before the spookiest night of the year arrives.

Brake check

With all sorts of monsters walking the streets on Halloween night, making sure your Orlando Toyota’s brakes are performing correctly is essential. You never know when you’ll need to make a quick stop if a trick-or-treater darts in your path. Before you bring your vehicle to our expert auto service team, you can check the condition of your brakes yourself! Simply look behind your wheel/rims at the brake components. Is the pad worn down, do the rotors have rust, is there a large amount of brake dust on the wheel? If you spot any of these or notice that your brakes aren’t as responsive as before, be sure to swing by Toyota of Orlando and our auto service would be happy to take care of you!

Headlight check

Driving in the dark is scary enough as it is, but with monsters and ghosts roaming the streets in search of candy, it can be even more frightening. Make sure your Orlando Toyota car’s headlights are in working order so you can illuminate your way. If your headlights seem to be shining less than they did before or maybe you have a burnt-out bulb, have our auto service techs check it out!

Battery check

Don’t get caught dead with a dead battery on Halloween night! Pop open the hood of your Orlando Toyota vehicle and check out the battery. Corrosion around the terminals can often cause misstarts and leave you stranded with no candy. If you notice any corrosion or your vehicle is having trouble starting up, make sure to swing by our auto service department for a quick battery check.

A/C check

It may be fall, but in Orlando (the land of forever summer), the temperatures are likely to stay warm, even on Halloween night. If your vehicle’s cabin has seen cooler days, then it might be time to pull up to our auto service department. We can get your A/C blowing cold again so you can stay cool in your costume this Halloween night.

Take care of scary auto service at Toyota of Orlando

Halloween night is almost here, and you need to make sure your car (and your costume) are ready! Our auto service team at Toyota of Orlando can get you fright night ready, so you can get back to trick-or-treating. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!

Common car seat belt issues and when you should schedule a repair

Once offered as optional accessories up until 1958 when they were made standard by Swedish Saab automotive company and then made legally required in 1984, car seat belts are an essential safety tool. With a plethora of safety technology at work in your Orlando Toyota vehicle, like Toyota SafetySense P and the Star Safety System, it seems like car seat belts and other bare bones safety tools have become obsolete. In reality, according to the National Highway Safety Administration, an estimated 15,000 lives are saved each year from using this safety technology by preventing passengers from being ejected from their Orlando Toyota vehicles during impact from a crash.

Believe it or not, your car seat belt assembly and operation can run into issues just like any other part of your Orlando Toyota vehicle and drivers should always be on the lookout for these maintenance issues. Lucky for you, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy to follow guide on what to look for if you think your seat belts are running into problems and when you should start thinking about getting them repaired.

Car seat belt issues to look for

When it comes to your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s seat belts, time is of the essence for repairs. Your seat belts are one of the most important pieces of equipment working to keep you safe on the road. If you notice any of these issues occurring, make sure to bring your vehicle to one of our expert auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando! They’d be more than happy to help you get your seat belts working again. Here are a few common car seat belt issues to look for:

Retractor issues

In every car seat belt assembly there’s a retractor at work maintaining tension and locking the belt in place in the event of sudden deceleration or stopping. If this part of your seat belt fails, typically the belt will fall loosely or won’t fit snugly across your chest while driving. You can also test the retractor by pulling hard and quickly on the belt to see if it locks and returns to its original position.

Damaged webbing

Your car seat belt is made of a combination of polyester woven around warp straps that provide cushion and strength. While the material is tough and doesn’t get damaged too often, rips and tears can still form over time which leaves you driving unsafe in your Orlando Toyota vehicle. Unfortunately, if your seat belt webbing becomes damaged, a full belt replacement is required.

False latching

Some seat belts can seem engaged and working properly, but during an accident or sudden stop they could underperform or fail. While unlatching is rare, be sure to test your seat belt extensively.

Fix your car seat belt at Toyota of Orlando

Your seat belt is simple yet effective in keeping you and other drivers safe on the road. Make sure to diligently check for issues and if you find one, visit our expert auto service team at Toyota of Orlando! Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule an appointment today!

New Toyotas are vehicles that last

Getting the most out of your Orlando Toyota vehicle is the ultimate goal of owning a car. While you want to take care of your car as both a tool and an investment piece, getting the most driven miles out of your engine is what truly makes vehicle ownership worth it. Recently, iSeeCars.com, a reputable vehicle research site, conducted a study to determine which vehicles are most likely to last 200,000 miles or more. Several new Toyota vehicles made it to the list and we’ve got the details right here at Toyota of Orlando!

Spot #1) Toyota Sequoia

The muscular new Toyota Sequoia earned the top spot when it comes to going to the distance. This Orlando Toyota SUV is the jack of all trades when it comes to engineering and stylish interior features. A 5.7L V8 engine gives you the power and reliability you need to drive for miles and a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds. This new Toyota vehicle can seat up to eight people with cargo room to spare and offers features like Entune infotainment with Premium JBL enhanced audio, leather interior upholstery, and 20” alloy wheels.

Spot #4) Toyota 4Runner

Not only is this Orlando Toyota vehicle one built for adventure, but it’s built to handle a high odometer reading. Whether you’re going on or off the pavement, the new Toyota 4Runner can get you there and take you even further. Four-wheel drive, CRAWL Control, active traction control, and multi-terrain select help you tackle the trails while sleek and tech savvy interior features keep your ride comfortable.

Spot #8) Toyota Tacoma

While it may be a smaller truck, don’t let that fool you! The new Toyota Tacoma is a versatile powerhouse that’s built to both paved and unpaved roads with ease. Entune audio, optional leather upholstery, the Smart Key System, and Qi wireless charging pads will make 200,000 miles feel so much shorter. Plus, with engineering features like TRD-sport tuned suspension, active traction control, and four-wheel drive, you’ll have no problem going where you want to, whether it be on or off the road.

Spot #9) Toyota Avalon

You wouldn’t think that a luxury vehicle could last over 200,000 miles, but you also haven’t met the all new Toyota Avalon yet. This classy Orlando Toyota vehicle isn’t afraid to put in the distance and with its bold exterior and stylish interior design, this vehicle will take you wherever you need to go. All new sporty drive modes, adaptive variable suspension, heated and cooled leather upholstery, and Entune 3.0 infotainment with JBL enhanced audio provide the ultimate in comfort during your drive.

Drive for miles and in style at Toyota of Orlando

Not only are these new Toyotas stylish and tech savvy, but they’ll last you for miles to come so you can feel comfortable knowing you’ve invested in a reliable and dependable vehicle. If you’re looking to upgrade your ride, come to Toyota of Orlando! We have a great selection of new Toyota vehicles that you can count on to get you where you need to go. Come visit us at 3575 Vineland Road or call us at (407) 298 – 4500 for more details!