Toyota of Orlando's Guide to Car Exterior Accessories

There's nothing better than sitting in the driver's seat of your new ride from Toyota of Orlando. Smelling that new car smell, feeling the steering wheel in the palms of your hands, tapping the pedals, you get the idea. It's a feeling that only comes around every so often (more or less, depending on how often you change out your ride) that's truly special. However, some drivers might be looking for a little extra oomph from that new car feeling. They want to stand out from the pack and we definitely get it.

Part of the fun of driving a new car is making it your own. Whether that involves putting a new air-freshener on your mirror or a spoiler on your trunk lid, the possibilities are limitless when it comes to accessorizing your ride. The outside of your vehicle, in particular, is a prime place to flex your car exterior accessories and Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide to get you started on your journey to true automobile individualism.

Car Exterior Accessories to Spice Up Your Vehicle

Roof Racks

What accessory doubles as both a cool aesthetic piece and a practical storage device? Orlando Toyota roof racks. These unique devices attach to the top of your car and can be used to haul things on top of your vehicle safely. They also look pretty cool, if we're being honest. Most SUVs, like the Toyota RAV4 and 4Runner, come standard with a set of parallel roof running boards that you can then attach horizontal roof racks to. Sedans rarely come equipped with these car exterior accessories as standard features, but aftermarket roof racks can be installed. You can even remix this accessory with even cooler designs like a cargo basket (that ones comes equipped on the new Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition). 

Rear Spoilers

Nothing screams custom quite like a rear spoiler. These unique Orlando car exterior accessories mold right into the body of your vehicle on the rear-end to improve your vehicle's drag, up the style factor, and improve your aerodynamics. They come in a variety of styles, each providing a unique look and feel to your vehicle. Some Toyota models come with rear spoilers standard, but aftermarket ones can always be outfitted for your particular ride. 

Tow Hitch Accessories

If you drive an Orlando Toyota truck or larger SUV, this one's for you. Tow hitches can do so much more (and look like so much more) than just haul trailers. They can be outfitted with a variety of car exterior accessories. There's the obvious tow hitch cover, which can be easily personalized, cargo carriers, bike racks, and aftermarket trailer hitch types. The possibilities are endless for such a seemingly simple accessory. 

Wheel Spacers

While these accessories can seem a little tricky, they're a great way to modify your vehicle's stance, handling, and overall look. Wheel spacers attach underneath the face of your Orlando Toyota vehicle's wheel and to the brake disk to, essentially, space your wheel away from the inside of your wheel weld. Depending on the size and type you use, you can see a difference in your vehicle's handling and cornering. Plus, they come in stylish designs and paint colors for a truly custom look. 

If you're in the market for some unique car exterior accessories, our auto parts store at Toyota of Orlando can help! Visit us with any questions, seven days a week, at 3575 Vineland Road. 

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a...Toyota Prius?

While we have yet to discover the secret to inventing flying cars, with the integration of aerodynamic designs in the development of Orlando Toyota car models we are one step closer. For those who are unfamiliar, vehicle aerodynamics is the study of how air interacts with objects in motion. Implementing aerodynamics into car models has been around since the 1920’s when Edmund Rumpler designed a vehicle based off of the shape and idea of a teardrop, nature's most aerodynamic structure. Unfortunately this car was ahead of its time as the need for vehicle aerodynamics was not yet discovered. But, as technology advances and cars are able to travel faster than ever before, the need for vehicle aerodynamics is undeniable. 

Understanding Vehicle Aerodynamics

While driving at higher speeds, air resistance (aka drag) increases, negatively affecting vehicle aerodynamics, acceleration, and fuel economy. Drag occurs any time an object moves through a fluid medium, the faster the vehicle the higher the drag. As car velocity increases, the drag will continue to build until it is equivalent to the weight of the car, prohibiting any further movement. Other factors to consider in Toyota of Orlando’s vehicle aerodynamics are the opposing factors, lift and downforce. Lift is the force that counteracts weight and pushes an object into the air, while downforce is what presses an object to the ground. With the right combination, these forces allow for stronger tire grip and better cornering speeds on your Orlando Toyota car.  

Developing cars while considering the effects of airflow allows for a smoother ride because the engine won’t have to work as hard as the air glides right off of the surface. One of the most basic implementations of vehicle aerodynamics is rounded out edges in car designs. While more common in race cars, some more advanced aerodynamic accessories are: 

• Hood vents -  vents on the hood of the car allowing the air passing through the radiator to exit, which maintains airflow through the engine bay and in turn aids in cooling.
• Splitter - a flat edge on the front of the Orlando Toyota car that is parallel to the ground. This keeps the airflow above the car, creating a greater downforce. 
• Diffuser - an attachment to the rear underbody of the car that accelerates air flow under the car, strengthening downforce and  increasing tire grip.
• Spoiler - a rear attachment that reduces drag and increases stability by obstructing airflow and causes it to move upward, creating downforce for your Orlando Toyota car.

Factors to Consider in Fuel Efficiency

Now that we know the science behind vehicle aerodynamics it’s time that we at Toyota of Orlando settle the heated debate between whether driving with the windows down or up with the a/c on is better for fuel economy. Driving with the windows down increases drag, therefore slowing the car down and burning more fuel. Driving with the windows up and the a/c running puts more strain on the engine causing more fuel to burn. Both factors increase strain on the engine but which is better? The answer that none of us wanted to hear is that, in terms of fuel efficiency, driving with your windows down actually burns less fuel than having the a/c running. Now if you are really running low on gas, you are better off just sweating through it until you are able to fill up. 

Looking at Toyota’s impressive lineup of vehicles, it’s easy to see how much consideration our favorite auto brand has when it comes to vehicle aerodynamics. If you’re looking to get behind the wheel of one of these amazingly fuel-efficient vehicles, come visit us at Toyota of Orlando. You can shop our full inventory online 24/7 or visit our dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Get your car ready for spring with these 6 simple tips

Spring is in the air (at least here in Central Florida). This is the time of year that we get plenty of sunshine, cooler temps, and longer days when Daylight Savings begins in March. It's also the time of year to get out and about and enjoy the fresh air before summer sets in and we all want to hide in our houses. That means it's time to hit the road!

Is your car ready for spring? Check out these six simple steps to prep it for the upcoming season, straight from our Orlando auto service techs.

Prepare your car for spring with these Orlando auto service tips 

Tip 1: Replace your wiper blades
Has cold weather worn your wiper blades out? Cold, dry air can damage the rubber on the blades, rendering them ineffective in the rain. And remember, April showers bring May flowers - we'll get our fair share of sunshine this spring, but rain is always a possibility. If your wipers are smearing water around or making squeaking noises, it's time to replace them.

Tip 2: Inspect your tires 
Winter can also be harsh on tires, even here in Orlando. Inspect your tires to ensure they have enough tread on them, that they're in good physical condition, and that they are inflated to the proper PSI for fuel efficiency and safety.

Tip 3: Apply a good coat of wax 
Spring means more sunshine and unfortunately, it also means lovebugs. Protect your car's paint! Wash it thoroughly and apply a few coats of high-quality wax to keep your paint looking like new despite more sunshine and bug splatter.

Tip 4: Test your battery and replace it if necessary 
How did your battery fare with the hot-cold-hot-cold weather pattern so typical of a Florida winter? It might be a good idea to have it checked out so our Orlando Toyota service techs can check the voltage level and inspect the physical condition. If they say it's about to conk out, you should consider replacing it with a new one.

Tip 5: Have your A/C system checked out 
Things will heat up before we know it, and the last thing you want is a car without a working A/C. Have your A/C system checked now at our Orlando auto service center and let our techs get you ready for warmer temps preemptively.

Tip 6: Schedule brake service 
How are your brakes handling? Remember, we can see a fair amount of rain in the spring so you want to ensure they're in order. That way, slippery surfaces will be no big deal when you're behind the wheel.

Schedule auto service with us today 

Spring will be here before you know it - get your car prepped and ready! Call our Orlando auto service center to set your appointment at (407) 298-0001.

Do you really have to replace your car's timing belt?

No one wants to pay for auto repairs.

We get it! You've got other expenses and the last thing you want to do is shell out for a repair, even if it's an affordable one. However, there are some auto repairs you just don't want to put off because waiting will only make things even costlier to fix. One of these essential repairs is replacing your timing belt, and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to explain why this repair is one you'll want to take care of ASAP.

Why is this part so important? Toyota of Orlando explains. 

First, let's talk about what a timing belt does so you can understand why it plays such an important part in what goes on under the hood. This very important auto part is part of your internal combustion engine; it synchronizes the rotations of the crankshaft and camshaft so the engine's valves open and close at the right times. Basically, it keeps things running in time under the hood so your engine can get you where you need to go.

So what happens when it fails? As you can imagine, the damage can be catastrophic to your engine. When the timing belt fails, your car will at the very least stall out and not be able to start up again until you replace it. Worst case, your engine will break down entirely and the belt will cause extensive damage to the valves, pistons, and even the cylinder head and engine block.

However, the timing belt will have to be replaced eventually no matter how well you care for your car. Over time, the belt starts to wear down due to normal wear and tear as well as oil and debris taking their toll on it. It can be expensive to replace - the part itself doesn't cost that much, but it requires a lot of intense labor to remove the old belt, install the new one, and make sure that it's installed with the correct tension AND set to the right synchronization. However, if you don't take the time to replace it, you'll face a lot higher of a bill for repairing your engine.

Signs you need to replace your timing belt at Toyota of Orlando

Here are some signs you may be due for a timing belt replacement:

• You hear an odd ticking noise coming from the engine bay. This means the belt is starting to wear out. 
• Your engine won't start. You can typically hear the starter engage but the engine won't turn over or ignite. 
• Your engine misfires while your car is in motion. This stems from the belt slipping occasionally but then reengaging. 

Think you need to schedule a timing belt replacement? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road and you can reach our techs at (407) 298-4500.

How to Increase Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

Being the owner of a new Orlando Toyota vehicle is truly freeing. It means you have the means to travel wherever you please, you can help others in need of transportation, and so much more! All in all, having a vehicle at your disposal is pretty great. But, while there are many great benefits to vehicle ownership, it doesn’t come without its fair share of responsibility and (arguable) drawbacks. A main one is having to purchase and pay for gas. 

Trips to the gas station are arguably one of the highest expenses you’ll incur as a vehicle owner. While many Toyota vehicles are engineered to lead the pack when it comes to vehicle fuel efficiency, some drivers will likely still like a little extra bump to mitigate gas expenses. If you’re looking for ways to keep more gas in your tank and spend less time at the pump, you’ve come to the right place. Toyota of Orlando is here with a great guide on how you can increase vehicle fuel efficiency. 

Essential Tips for Increasing Vehicle Fuel Efficiency

1) Drive the Speed Limit or Lower

While you’ll often times be in a hurry to reach your destination and you’ll be speeding (we see you), you might be surprised to know that doing this exhausts your gas faster. Yes, it’s true, speeding eats up your gas reserves. But, it’s very easy to conserve on gas by simply driving the speed limit or slower. This will keep your engine working more normally and help it exhaust fuel at a normal rate. 

2) Pay Attention to How You Use the Brake and Gas Pedals

If you’re speeding to your destination, more than likely you’ll be accelerating quickly and coming to a stop at the very last possible second. First of all, these are both very unsafe driving habits to have. But, they can also eat up your fuel in the long-term. Quick acceleration and abrupt braking put stress on your engine and cause it to use more fuel than necessary. Go easy on the pedals and your engine will go easy on your gas tank. 

3) Lighten Your Car’s Load

Just like carrying heavy things for long periods of time is exhausting to us, it’s true for your Orlando Toyota car as well. Traveling with a lighter cargo load is an easy way to increase your vehicle fuel efficiency. You might also want to try removing any storage devices and containers on top of your vehicle. 

4) Make Your Ride More Aerodynamic

A big reason for why your Orlando Toyota vehicle is so fuel efficient is because of its ability to reduce drag and be more aerodynamic. Adding things like roof rack cross bars, storage devices, towing trailers, and so on can really put a damper on your vehicle fuel efficiency. Your ride might look cool with these devices, but saving money at the pump is so much cooler. 

Need more tips on boosting your vehicle fuel efficiency? Are you shopping for a more fuel efficient ride? Shop Toyota of Orlando online anytime or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road seven days a week. 

Toyota of Orlando’s quick guide: understanding your car’s spark plugs

For most drivers in the 21st century, the only thing we know about our cars is that they help us go places. But what happens when you're on the highway and your car suddenly breaks down? Rather than being left stranded or spending unnecessary amounts of money, Toyota of Orlando wants to help you reach your destination and avoid stressful situations like these by simply providing the tips and services needed to ensure your vehicle is functioning properly. Today’s lesson is on spark plugs.

Spark plug purpose and function

Small in size, spark plugs still pack a strong punch. They’re those little metal plugs that fit perfectly into a combustion engine’s cylinder head and whose spark ignites the fuel. As fuel moves from the tank through the gas lines and into the injectors, it’s then mixed with the oxygen that was sucked in through the air tank. This air/fuel mixture is now pushed into the cylinder where it meets the spark plug and gets your car moving. 

Depending on your car’s condition, it is recommended that you replace your spark plugs at our Orlando auto service center every 30,000 miles on average. If they aren’t working properly it’s likely that your car won’t be either. Spark plug malfunctions are typically caused by:

• A widening of the gap that the plug jumps in order to ignite the fuel which can cause premature firing or prevent it from firing or igniting at all. 
• Improper torquing during installation which prevents the plug’s ability to dispel heat through the combustion chamber and into the head of the cylinder. 
• A buildup of deposits produced by the air/fuel mixture, like heavy ash.
• Incorrect heat ranges can cause pre-ignition, detonation, or power loss by preventing the transfer of heat from the firing tip, to the cylinder, and into the cooling system. It’s recommended to keep the temperature between 932° F and 1562° F.

Luckily these parts are relatively inexpensive and with our expert service members at Toyota of Orlando, your car will be functioning perfectly in no time. 

How do I know when it’s time to replace my spark plugs?

Properly functioning spark plugs are essential in maintaining your car’s efficiency. Some signs that you might need to visit our Orlando Toyota service center and replace these crucial car parts are:

• Your car’s engine is stalling when you try to start it 
• You notice an abnormal decrease in fuel efficiency causing more frequent trips to the gas station and more money spent
• You hear strange rattling or grinding noises coming from under the hood 
• You feel a misfiring during acceleration causing jerk-like movements while driving

If you think you are overdue for some new spark plugs or if you are experiencing any of these issues, Toyota of Orlando will be happy to fix the problem and get your car up and running fast. Just give us a call at (407) 298-0001 or come visit us at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall where we are conveniently open seven days a week.

How to save money on car ownership

Buying a car is a big investment. You want it to hold its value so it either 1) lasts you a really, really long time or 2) offers you good resale value when you decide to trade it in or sell it at some point in the future. However, keeping your car's value high isn't cheap. In fact, owning a car, in general, isn't cheap, but there are ways to keep your budget tight and your costs down. Check out our Orlando Toyota tips for trimming car ownership costs!

Orlando Toyota tips for making car ownership more affordable

Tip #1: Stay on a routine maintenance schedule
We know, we know - we're always harping on you to stay on a car care schedule. But getting routine maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, filter changes, brake service, battery service, and tune-ups can save you a ton of money. Sticking to a routine with these car care services ensures that your car and its parts stay in good condition, and it also lowers your chances of needing costly repairs when something breaks. Let our Orlando Toyota service techs get you on a schedule today.

Tip #2: Be choosy with your insurance 
You need auto insurance to legally drive your car, so this is one car ownership cost you can't just cut out. You can, however, trim it down with a little leg work. Be choosy about which insurance you choose and shop around before settling on one company. Ask about discounts, like student discounts for drivers in high school and college. Inform your insurance company about all the safety features on your vehicle (safer cars are cheaper to insure) and also inquire about bundling. Some companies will give you a break if you bundle renter's/homeowner's insurance with your auto insurance. And don't forget, getting tickets makes your insurance premiums go up, so follow the rules of the road.

Tip #3: Adjust your driving habits
Adjusting your driving habits can help ensure you cut down on the costs of car ownership. Condense your errands into fewer trips and consider joining a carpool - both of these simple steps can reduce fuel costs and mean fewer miles on your car so you don't need maintenance as often.

Tip #4: Boost your fuel efficiency 
An easy way to reduce car ownership costs is to simply boost the fuel economy that your Orlando Toyota gets - and you don't have to buy a hybrid car to do it. Instead, take small steps like emptying the junk out of your car so it's lighter and uses less gas. Utilize cruise control when the drive time situation is appropriate for it, and accelerate gently instead of slamming on the gas.

Schedule your routine maintenance today at Toyota of Orlando

Have more questions about how you can cut your car ownership costs down? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week for your convenience at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by in person at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

What's the Difference Between Tire Balancing and Wheel Alignment?

The automotive world is one that's difficult to keep track of. Machines that perform the simple function of getting people from point A to point B are powered by complex engineering and it's constantly evolving. While we won't tell you everything there is to know about modern engineering and the engine (that would take a while), we at Toyota of Orlando believe it's important that every driver have a working knowledge of how their vehicle works and what auto services you need to keep it, well, working.

A conundrum in the automotive world that many aren't aware of is that tire balancing and wheel alignment are two separate auto services. We know, mind blown. These two important auto services are often mistaken or used interchangeably when they're actually quite different. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here to help settle this car tire debate once and for all. Follow along for our quick guide on the differences between car tire balancing and wheel alignments.

What is Tire Balancing?

Like we said, tire balancing and wheel alignments are two very different auto service jobs that bring different benefits to your ride. Car tire balancing involves placing your tire on a machine that spins your tire through several revolutions to assess how to balance it. This simulates high speed driving and finds where on your tire is heavier or lighter compared to the rest. The machine maps out the spots and an auto service technician places weights in those spots to properly balance the tire. This keeps it spinning evenly as your drive.

If your Orlando Toyota car tires are unbalanced, there are several tell-tale signs you should look for: 

• your steering wheel is vibrating while you drive
• your wheel could have cupped or scalloped patterning

What is a Wheel Alignment?

Comparatively, wheel alignments don't actually involve your vehicle's tire directly. Alignments are done to improve the quality of your suspension system. Your suspension system (while connected to your tires) help your vehicle maintain direction when driving. Typically, your Orlando Toyota vehicle is meant to drive straight. If your wheels are misaligned, here are some signs to look for:

• your vehicle may drift or tug to one side while driving
• your tires could be wearing unevenly
• with the steering wheel straight, your vehicle might tug or steer to one side

Both car tire services should be completed in conjunction with one another to maintain the health of your vehicle. If you have questions or need either of these auto services done for your ride, visit Toyota of Orlando! You can schedule an appointment online or visit us seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road. 

What auto service should you schedule before towing?

Towing can take a toll on your vehicle. It makes your car work that much harder - not only is it getting you and your passengers around town, it now has added weight to pull behind it. This puts stress on the frame and makes everything under the hood work double-time. That's why it's so important to ensure that you get your ride the auto service it needs to be prepared for towing. Check out these four essential appointments you'll want to make at Toyota of Orlando before you hitch up and hit the road.

Schedule these 5 auto services before you tow

Oil and transmission fluid: When you tow something behind you, your engine has to work harder to make it happen and subsequently, it runs hotter than normal. Motor oil is responsible for keeping things inside the engine cool so if your oil level is too low or the oil itself is dirty, you run the risk of an overheated vehicle and damage to your engine.

Same goes for transmission fluid - your engine will be working harder so you want to ensure it has the fluids it needs to keep things running smoothly.

Tires: Having a blowout is dangerous, but it's substantially more dangerous when you're towing. You should ensure your Orlando Toyota's tires are in excellent shape before you tow. Our auto service techs can inspect them for tread depth, PSI levels, and general condition to verify that they're safe to drive on. And don't forget about your trailer tires, too! Since they usually aren't used as often, they're subject to dry rot over time. Make sure they're in as good a shape as your vehicle's tires before you hit the road.

Brakes: You'll have extra weight behind you when you tow, which means your brakes are going to have to work even harder to bring your car AND whatever it is you're towing to a complete, safe stop. You'll want to have our Orlando auto service techs inspect your braking system and check up on things like brake fluid, brake pads, and the rest of the system to ensure your brakes can handle the added stress.

Suspension: If you're going to be doing heavy-duty towing on a regular basis, then you may want to think about upgrading your vehicle's suspension with heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers. If your shocks can't handle the weight you're towing, your vehicle will sag in the back. Ask our auto service experts what's best for your ride.

Cooling system: Like we said, towing heavy loads puts extra stress on your vehicle and things get hotter under the hood. Have your cooling system inspected regularly and be sure to keep your coolant tank full at all times.

Let Toyota of Clermont get you ready to hit the road! 

Want to schedule auto service for towing? Call us - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001!