Essential Care Tips for Your Classic Toyota

It's true when they say that everything old becomes new again. Think about it. Fashion trends go in and out of style and everything gets recycled into something new. 80s and 90s clothing is in now, vintage clothing stores are everywhere, and thrifting for older clothing is in right now. Even retro and vintage video games are undergoing a resurgence right now. What was once old becomes new again and the same case can be made for cars. Classic car collecting is very popular among older demographics looking to relive the days of their first car and younger people are noticing their striking and unique aesthetic appeal. 

While collecting vintage vehicles is cool (and also probably the most expensive hobby you'll ever get yourself into), you have to be careful when it comes to maintaining your classic Toyota car. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide to help you better take care of your classic ride. 

How to Take Care of Your Classic Toyota Car

1) Have the Oil Checked and Changed

Today's cars run on very advanced technology that helps them to perform better than ever before. Many classic Toyota cars use seat belts that are less safe than ones in go karts. As old as a classic ride is, the engineering is dated and needs special attention to keep it all intact. If the oil hasn't been changed in quite some time or you're unsure of its condition, make sure to have it inspected and replaced if necessary. 

2) Clean Everything

After years and years of use, your Orlando classic Toyota car has grown sensitive to things like dirt, dust, and other forms of filth. To keep your ride preserved for years of admiration to come, make sure to clean it often. Condition the leather seats, vacuum the carpets, and wipe down all the surfaces at least once a week. 

3) Bleed and Pump the Brakes

Orlando Toyota vehicles experience wear and tear like anything else, but classic Toyota cars are built using older and less advanced components, in this case the brakes. While modern vehicles use a caliper and rotor system older vehicles use a disk with fluid that's prone to build up and clogging. To fix this issue, classic car owners should pump and bleed the brake system once a month. We won't dive into the dirty details, but we recommend discussing this process with one of our auto service experts before you get started. 

4) Repack the Wheel Bearings

Like we said earlier, classic Toyota cars use an older brake system from the pads and rotors of today. Instead, they use a disc and bearing that creates tension when the brake is applied. The main issues with this system are that the grease inside to keep the bearing operating ages and the system is completely contained. It's possible to repack the wheel bearings by yourself, but it's a very messy and temperamental procedure that could go wrong. If you'd rather play this one safe, our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando are here to help. 

There's nothing better than a classic, but you need to take special care of your classic Toyota if you want it to last. If you need help or have questions, our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando are here to help! Find us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week!  

Car care for defensive driving

When it comes to defensive driving, there are a lot of skills that you'll want to practice and put into play. However, there's more to defensive driving than just knowing how to execute it - you also need a vehicle that can perform the way you need it to! Toyota of Orlando is here to talk about the car care you should schedule if you want to get better at this very important driving skill. Check it out.

What car care do you need to be a better driver? 

#1: Brake service. 
You need a responsive set of brakes to be a good defensive driver - after all, this method of driving is about avoiding accidents and collisions rather than just reacting to them as they're happening. Schedule routine brake service so our Orlando Toyota auto service techs can inspect your brake system, replace bad brake pads and rotors, and add more brake fluid when it's needed. This will help you quickly and efficiently brake when you need to, assisting you in avoiding collisions.

#2: Headlight service. 
You should utilize your car's headlights when it's raining or snowing, as well as between the hours of dusk and dawn. Your headlights not only light your way but also let other drivers see where you are on the road, so it's essential that they're in good shape if you want to drive defensively and be responsible. Our techs at Toyota of Orlando can restore hazy headlights, replace burnt-out bulbs, and take care of any other car care issues regarding this essential part.

Let Toyota of Orlando help you be a defensive driver at all times 

#3: Tire rotations and inspections. 
Schedule routine tire inspections and rotations if you want to drive well and drive defensively. Tires that are inflated to the right PSI, that have enough tread and traction, and that aren't prone to a blowout because of excessive wear and tear or damage will work in your favor to avoid an accident! Our Orlando auto service techs can get you on a tire rotation schedule as well as inspect your tires on a routine basis to ensure they're in good shape from top to bottom and don't need to be repaired or replaced.

#4: Windshield wiper replacement. 
You need your windshield wipers to be working in your favor always. If you're driving in rain or snow, they'll ensure that you have a clear field of visibility at all times so you can scan the road and be on the lookout for potential hazards (which are more numerous in poor weather conditions, by the way). Have our techs inspect your wiper blades - they should be replaced on a routine basis to ensure the best visibility, and we offer a great selection in our parts store for you to shop.

Ready to become a better defensive driver? Call us today and let us get you back on track when it comes to car care. You can reach our Orlando auto service center at (407) 298-0001 or just swing by - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Common Car Transmission Issues and How to Diagnose Them

As metallic and intimidating as your vehicle may seem, the art of engineering is exactly that, art. It takes a lot of different pieces and parts working together to accomplish the simple goal of getting you where you need to go. From the time you turn your key in the ignition and then turn it back the opposite way, your Orlando Toyota car goes to work to deliver you an easy driving experience complete with your perfect tunes. While your wheels and pedals do a lot of work, you may oft forget one crucial part, your car transmission.

This part shifts your vehicle into the gear you need it to be in so your wheels can move forward, backward, or not at all. Whether your Orlando Toyota car uses an automatic or manual transmission, this part is essential and also prone to getting damaged. Before you panic, Toyota of Orlando is here with a complete guide on common car transmission issues and how to diagnose them.

Common Car Transmission Issues

1) Grinding or Shaking Gears

While shifting your vehicle is different when it comes to automatic and manual transmissions, you should always experience smooth and seamless shifting with a healthy car transmission. One issue you may come across is shaky or grindy transmission shifts. While it might be easy to ignore for the time being, we recommend you consult help from an Orlando Toyota technician as soon as possible. 

2) None or Delayed Response When Your Car is in Gear

If you've noticed that your vehicle doesn't respond quickly when switching gears or when switching from reverse to drive or to park then you could have a serious issue on your hands. You might be able to solve this problem by disconnecting your Orlando Toyota car's battery for 30 minutes (this resets the vehicle's computer and electrical system). If that doesn't work, then it's probably time to have your car transmission looked at. 

3) Burning Smell

A burning smell emanating from your vehicle is never a good sign and it could mean that your car transmission is in rough shape (among other things). If this is in fact a transmission related issue, it could mean that you don't have enough transmission fluid in your vehicle or the wrong type. Regardless, stop your vehicle immediately and start looking for the cause. 

How to Diagnose these Issues

When it comes to your Orlando Toyota car transmission, it can be difficult to know how to properly diagnose certain issues and what you should look out for. Here are a few tell-tale signs that could signal transmission issues in your vehicle: 

• Leaking Transmission Fluid

If you see a red liquid on the floor of your garage or driveway, you probably have a transmission leak on your hands. Without this necessary fluid, your vehicle will most certainly run into bigger and more expensive problems. 

• Your Vehicle's Clutch is Unresponsive

If you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, you know how important your clutch is. If this part has become unresponsive or has stopped working entirely then you have a serious car transmission issue on your hands. 

• Noises/Shaking/Grinding

Whether these things happen while you're shifting or while you're driving, they spell trouble. Listen for any strange noises and pay attention to any strange sensations you feel while driving to further pinpoint the source. 

Your Orlando Toyota vehicle's car transmission is an integral part of driving and repairs can be costly if you don't catch the issue in time. Make sure to pay attention and listen to your vehicle. If you need help diagnosing transmission issues, Toyota of Orlando is here to help at (407) 298 - 4500 today!