Headlight Bulb Basics

Cars have truly come a long way. Just think, it wasn't too long ago that drivers had to use a hand crank to turn their engines on, vehicles could only travel at an excess of around 45 mph, and air conditioning wasn't introduced to mass consumer cars until 1939 (by Packard and it was a luxury car feature). Today, Orlando Toyota vehicles can do more than we could have ever thought possible and pretty soon we'll see autonomous vehicles on the road and wonder how it's all possible. While we won't get into the history of vehicles today, we do have a quick guide on the ins and outs of a vehicle parts that's come a long, the headlight bulb. If you're curious about this bright little car part or you want to know how to replace it, check out this guide from Toyota of Orlando on car headlight bulbs.

Everything You Need to Know About Headlight Bulbs

Headlights are an absolutely essential safety feature of your Orlando Toyota car. Without them you wouldn't be able to see when driving at night or in the rain or be able to warn other drivers that you're there. Unfortunately, your vehicle's headlights can only shine so bright by using a headlight bulb and those, like regular lightbulbs, need to be replaced every so often. Not only that, but there are several different types of headlight bulbs to choose from when it comes to shopping for a replacement. It helps to know which type best fits your ride and how to install them and that's where Toyota of Orlando comes in. Our auto service experts have compiled some facts about headlights that will help keep your drive a little brighter. 

Types of Headlight Bulbs

1) Halogen

Common on many Orlando Toyota vehicles, halogen car headlight bulbs use iodine, bromine, and electricity to generate light. They're fairly inexpensive to manufacture which means low bulb prices for those looking for replacements. However, they do suffer from a fairly low level of brightness and the bulb can be compromised if it comes in contact with even the smallest amount of moisture comes in contact with it. 

2) Xenon, HID, Arc

Xenon bulbs create light by manipulating a high-voltage arc between two electrodes. The charge then ignites xenon gas and generates a white/bluish light. These headlight bulbs can give your ride a sleek look and plenty of brightness, but then can pose a hazard to other drivers due to their excessive intensity. They're also expensive to install in your vehicle. 

3) LED

LED lights are becoming more popular in vehicles because of their customizability and color options. These Orlando Toyota headlight bulbs work by converting electricity into light by passing it through a diode. Bulbs typically last longer because they generate little to no heat. They're a tad more on the expensive side, but they're tolerable for other drivers, last longer, and still give you an ideal amount of down road visibility. 

How to Replace a Headlight Bulb

With plenty of options, surely replacing a vehicle headlight bulb is difficult. Luckily, when it comes to replacing a bulb, it's almost as easy as replacing the one in your lamp. Just follow these simple steps: 

1. Pop open the hood of your Orlando Toyota car and find the back of the headlight assembly. 
2. Unscrew the bulb carriage and carefully remove it from the assembly. 
3. Avoid touching the bulb with your bare fingers and remove it from the carriage (either by sliding or screwing it out). 
4. Put the new bulb in, re-screw the carriage, and put it all back into the assembly. 
5. Test your newly installed headlight bulb to make sure your Orlando Toyota headlights are working properly. 

It's that easy! If you need any more tips on headlights and bulbs, feel free to give Toyota of Orlando a call seven days a week at (407) 298 - 4500!

Everything You Need to Know About the Chassis

Your vehicle's engine compartment is one of the most perplexing things and it's easy to lost in it all. Every moving part, hose, tube, and electrical component working together to keep your vehicle moving. What if we told you that your vehicle has another big part underneath your engine? If you're shopping for a car, a car enthusiast, or just want to know more about what you're driving, then you need to know about the chassis. This part acts as the frame upon which your Orlando Toyota vehicle is built and holds everything together. Want to know more? Check out this brief guide from us at Toyota of Orlando on the chassis.

The Ins and Outs of the Chassis

As we said before, the chassis is the frame on which your vehicle is built. This holds your vehicle together in one cohesive piece and allows for the engine, suspension, and other systems to be placed where they need to be. These parts also take on a lot of weight and stress from your vehicle's parts and while driving. There are several different types of vehicle frames and knowing which is used to assemble your chosen vehicles can make you a better informed driver and better contour your driving experience. 

Body-on-Frame

Typically, body-on-frame chassis vehicles are usually larger SUVs and trucks. This system consists of a ladder-like frame and then the body sitting on top of it. The frames are highly resistant to twisting and maintain a large degree of strength and they're great for towing and off-roading. Adding custom suspension parts or larger wheels is easy with body-on-frame Orlando Toyota vehicles because of the additional space drivers have to work with. 

Body-on-frame chassis can be distinguished by their ladder-like design. This frame type was, at one point, the most common type due to its ease of customization. Auto manufacturers were able to retain the frames of vehicles year after year while changing the designs of the body which sped up production. 

Vehicles with this type of frame include the Orlando Toyota 4Runner, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Tacoma. 

Unibody

While body-on-frame Orlando Toyota vehicles use two separate pieces to make up the frame and vehicle, unibody combines the two parts to make up the overall frame. This single piece style frame is popular with smaller vehicles like compact SUVs, sedans, and other compact vehicles because of its light weight and safer qualities. Without having steel struts to support the weight of the vehicle body, unibody chassis vehicles enjoy much better fuel-efficiency. Plus, they're safer builds as Orlando Toyota vehicles with unibody frames are able to absorb crash impact energy better than vehicles that use body-on-frame construction. 

In fact, Toyota is responsible for the popularity boost of unibody SUVs because of the RAV4's introduction in 1994. This popularized the unibody frame on compact SUVs and eventually lead other manufacturers to follow suit. 

Vehicles with unibody framing from Toyota's lineup include the Toyota Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Avalon, Yaris, 86, Prius, Highlander, Sienna, C-HR, and Corolla Hatchback. 

Before purchasing your next ride, it always helps to know every detail you can to make sure you find the perfect vehicle for you. If you have questions about chassis or anything else Toyota, feel free to give Toyota of Orlando a call at (407) 307 - 3671 seven days a week!

Do you need a tire replacement?

Is it time for a tire replacement? We know, we know - those are the words every driver dreads hearing. Tires are an expensive but necessary investment for your ride and when one needs to be replaced, there's really no getting around it. If you don't replace it, you'll be going nowhere fast. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando's auto service department offers affordable tires for sale so you can get the work done without breaking the bank. On top of that, we've compiled a list of signs that you're due for a tire replacement so you know when it's time to make the investment.

4 signs you're due for a tire replacement 

Warning sign #1: Physical damage 
If you can actually see physical damage on your car tire, then it's probably time for a tire replacement. This includes damage like punctures or tears, as well as damage that accrues over time like bubbles and blisters that form in weak spots. Weak spots and damage leave you prone to blowouts and flats.

Warning sign #2: Loss of tire pressure 
Do you find yourself having to constantly refill your tire as it's losing air pressure on a regular basis? This isn't typical - it's normal for your tires to lose a little pressure over time, and for the pressure to fluctuate when the weather swings from hot to cold. However, if just one tire has to be consistently refilled due to low pressure, then you likely need a tire replacement at our Orlando auto service center.

Warning sign #3: Low tread levels 
Does your car feel like it has a little less traction? Or maybe your tires are wearing unevenly and it's affecting performance. Either way, the best method of determining whether or not you need a tire replacement is to do the penny test. Stick a penny into your tire's tread with Abe Lincoln's head down. If you can see the top of his head, then it's time to bring your ride to Toyota of Orlando for a new tire.

Warning sign #4: Vibrations while driving 
Your car will vibrate a little when you drive just because of road conditions. However, if you notice new vibrations that seem out of the ordinary, your tires should be the first thing you check. If there's an issue with the tire, it can throw things out of balance and cause your car to vibrate, especially as you increase your speed. Let our techs check the tire in question and see if it needs to be replaced.

Toyota of Orlando can help you determine if you need a new tire 

The good news? Our techs will take all the steps necessary to repair or rebalance your tire if possible, saving you a few bucks. But if you do need a tire replacement, Toyota of Orlando is the place to go. We offer a wide selection of affordable tires for sale AND do price-matching to get you the most competitive deals.

Call us today - let us get you back behind the wheel with four reliable tires. We're open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-0001.

Do Electric Cars Require Less Maintenance?

Electric cars are making waves in the auto industry right now and it's easy to see why. These vehicles are able to accomplish beyond what they could just a few model years prior and all on a lithium-ion battery operated system. A great deal of Toyota vehicles are hybrids and use both battery and internal combustion engineering to reduce emissions and improve fuel-efficiency exponentially. But there are several vehicles currently on the market that operate exclusively on battery power, including a two new EV models. If you're looking to make the switch to a more electrified driving experience and have a few questions or concerns, we've got you! Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on electric car maintenance, warranties, and what you can expect from driving one of these unique vehicles. 

What You Should Know About Electric Cars

Maintenance and Cost

Because Orlando Toyota electric cars are relatively new to the mainstream automotive market, it's easy to see them as a bit of an oddball and a mystery when it comes to maintenance. While you may think it's false, EVs are actually much cheaper to maintain than their internal combustion counterparts. Internal combustion engines typically consist of hundreds of moving parts, tubes, and various electrical components that are prone to failure. Electric vehicles only consist of a dozen or so easily replaceable parts with the largest component being the battery. Maintenance for these vehicles is relatively inexpensive when compared to a gasoline burning model. 

However, that doesn't mean you won't run into issues down the line with vehicles like these. The batteries in many mass produced electric cars are lithium-ion based. While not common, you could experience faster drains or battery failure due to a defect. Replacements for this part could cost upwards of $5,000 - $6,000. This a far cry from the near $15,000 it used to cost to replace EV batteries, but it's still a large expense to have to bear. 

Warranties

Luckily, when it comes to the occasional battery failure or mechanical upset, warranties are there to lend a hand. Unlike warranties on gasoline burning vehicles, Orlando Toyota electric car warranties can extend up to a lifetime and most companies offer 8-year/100,000 mile ones. This is to ensure that your investment in this new fuel form is sound and any major mechanical failure is covered with little to no out-of-pocket cost. 

Not only do you receive great warranty incentives when purchasing an electric car, but you could qualify for various tax breaks and government benefits. 

Fueling

Charging your electric car is a lot easier than you'd think. In fact, Orlando has installed several electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city to make it easier for commuters to charge while on the go. The main drawback to using these stations is the time it takes to bring your battery to a full charge. Some stations can quickly charge your vehicle within 30 minutes to two hours (a lot slower than fueling your vehicle with gasoline). Charging from home takes much longer, about 12 hours. But that does offer the benefit of being able to charge your vehicle from the comfort of home if you don't plan on commuting anytime soon. There's also a cost associated with using public electric charging stations, but it's significantly cheaper than using the gas pump. 

Driving an Orlando Toyota electric car has its benefits and is a sound choice for your next vehicle. If you need help shopping for an electrified ride, give Toyota of Orlando a call at (407) 298 - 4500.

5 tips for cleaning your car after the beach

Summertime means beach time... but this also means that your car is probably about to undergo some damage in the cleanliness department. Fortunately for you, our Orlando auto service center is here with tips on how to clean your car after the beach. Whether you're parking and hoofing it or actually taking your ride out on the sand, these tips will help you keep your car clean and looking like-new even after the weekend has ended.

Drive on the beach worry-free with these auto service tips 

Tip #1: Try to prevent sand from ever making it into your car. 
Sandy feet can make a big mess of your ride, so our Orlando auto service experts recommend doing everything you can to prevent sand from coming home with you. Keep a "rinse jug" in the car full of water to rinse sandy feet and consider all-weather floor mats to collect any loose sand that remains. You can also line the floorboards with towels or blankets so all you have to do is shake the sand out when you get home.

Tip #2: Vacuum and wipe down the interior. 
Regardless of the steps you took to prevent sand from coming home with you, make sure you vacuum your car out when you get home to remove all loose sand. You should also wipe down all plastic, vinyl, and leather surfaces with a microfiber cloth. Be sure to pay attention to places like your windowsills - sand stuck there in the rubber around the window can scratch your glass as you raise and lower the windows.

Tip #3: Rinse your car ASAP. 
Rinsing your car ASAP is key, especially if you aren't going to have time to wash it thoroughly for a while. Salt from the air, sand, and water can do a number on your car's paint and even cause rust over time. Give your car a solid rinse with the hose until you have time to break out the bubbles and wash your vehicle properly.

Tip #4: Give it a solid wash and pay special attention to the undercarriage, tires, and if you have them, mud flaps. 
Once you've got the free time, our Orlando auto service experts recommend scrubbing your ride from bumper to bumper with the right soap after driving on the beach. Pay special attention to the undercarriage, tires, and mud flaps, as they're the most likely places to collect salt residue and sand. Our Toyota parts store can help you find the right products for the job.

Tip #5: Apply a good coat of wax. 
Protect your car in the future by applying a coat of quality wax to your vehicle. Wax will protect your car from the sun, salt, and sand, as well as moisture that can lead to paint damage and rust. Again, our Orlando Toyota parts store can help you choose the right product for your car's needs.

Let our Orlando auto service center help get your ride looking like-new again 

Want more tips or need to shop products? Call our Orlando auto service center today to schedule an appointment at (407) 298-0001.

How to properly wax your car

Do you know how to wax your car? And when we say wax, we mean to do it properly like a professional for maximum results and protection. Surprisingly, not too many people do! However, learning how to wax your car is pretty simple (and affordable) and can save you a lot of time, hassle, and money down the road. 

Learn how to wax your car like a professional

A good coat of wax will protect your car’s paint for months. It can ward off moisture and sun damage, protect against lovebugs, and even help minimize damage from road debris like sand and pebbles. That’s why it’s so important to know how to wax your car properly. Check out Toyota of Orlando’s top tips below. 

1. Get the right kind of wax. You don’t want to put cheap wax on your car - it won’t be able to protect your paint properly. Middle-of-the-road wax will suffice and you can find it in both spray and solid form. Our Orlando Toyota parts store carries tons of different waxes and can help you choose the right one for your ride.
2. Wash your car BEFORE you wax your car. This will clean off all dirt and debris so you have a smooth surface to work with. Make sure your car is thoroughly dry on the exterior before you start waxing. 
3. Choose a shady spot to wax - waxing in the sun will make it difficult for the wax to do it’s job, as it won’t be able to dry properly. If you can’t find shade, then at least try to wait until late in the day when you’re not in direct sunlight. 
4. Use the provided pad to wax your car - it’s the correct material for that type of wax and the task ahead. Dip the pad into the wax (or put liquid wax onto the pad) - you only need a thumb-sized glob of wax - and apply it to your car using small, circular motions. 
5. Don’t apply wax to your car’s headlights or taillights, or any plastic areas on the vehicle. The wax can actually damage these parts and you won’t be able to easily buff it off. 
6. Once you’ve applied wax to the entire car, go back to the spot where you started. The wax should have started drying and will appear almost chalky in color. This is how you know it’s time to buff it off and complete the wax. 
7. Use a soft cloth to buff off the wax - make circular motions and buff until the paint is shiny again. 

Shop car waxing supplies at Toyota of Orlando 

Ready to get waxing? Get your supplies at Toyota of Orlando! Our parts store stocks car washing kits, wax, and anything else you need to get your car looking-like new AND protected again. You can call to chat with one of our parts specialists at (407) 298-4500, or just swing by Toyota of Orlando to shop in person. We’re open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. 

How to Cope with Lovebug Season

Summertime is here and that means sun, beaches, and lovebug season. These pesky critters rear their heads only for a token period of time each year and they know how to wreak havoc on your vehicle. Running into a cloud of them on the highway can not only obscure your view, but lovebug remains can permanently damage your paint if left unchecked. To get you through another annoying lovebug season, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide on what to do!

The Basics to Lovebug Season

Before we dive into how to keep lovebugs from damaging your vehicle let's dive into what they are and why they're so harmful to your Orlando Toyota ride. Lovebugs are most commonly found in areas like Texas, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana and are fairly widespread geographically. You may have heard the rumor that lovebugs originated from a failed genetic experiment conducted by the University of Florida to combat mosquitos. As cool as that sounds, it's absolutely false. Lovebugs are a natural species that actually feed on decomposing plants as larvae and are actually very useful pollinators. 

However, as helpful as they actually are, lovebug season spells bad news for your Orlando Toyota car by heavily damaging your paint if their remains are left to cook on your hood and windshield. To keep your ride protected, here are a few tips to consider: 

1) Invest in and Use a Good Wax

Using a good and high-quality wax is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle's paint protected from lovebug remains. Before you head into lovebug territory apply two coats of wax to ensure maximum protection. 

2) Wash Your Car Often

Having to wash your Orlando Toyota car frequently is never fun. But leaving dead lovebugs on your ride means a harder car wash in the future with the possibility of permanent paint damage. Try to wash your car as soon as you get to a lovebug free zone. 

3) Dryer Sheets!

Believe it or not those little pieces of freshness that go into your dryer to make your clothes smell nice are actually super useful for removing lovebugs from your car. Just add water and some light scrubbing and you're good to go. 

4) Drive After Sundown if Possible

Daytime is a lovebug's favorite time to take flight. If you have to drive long distances in your Orlando Toyota car during lovebug season, try to do it after sundown to avoid running into a swarm of lovebugs. 

While we don't sell dryer sheets, we do provide an excellent selection of auto service products like wax and carwash liquid that'll keep your vehicle protected all lovebug season long. Come visit Toyota of Orlando's auto parts store today at 3575 Vineland Road!