Getting stuck off road: What to do

When you take things off the pavement, there's always a chance that you're going to get stuck. Pavement is predictable, but when you decide to tackle sand, mud, gravel, and other non-paved off road surfaces, you may find yourself going nowhere fast. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with tips! Check out our advice on what to do if you find yourself stuck off road, whether you're on the trails of Ocala or the sunny shores of New Smyrna Beach.

What to do when you're stuck in the sand

You're driving along New Smyrna Beach, looking for the perfect spot when suddenly, you feel your wheels spinning. Getting stuck off road in the sand is easier than you might think, so use these Toyota of Orlando tips to free your ride:

• Stop hitting the accelerator. The more you push the gas, the more your wheels will spin and dig you into the sand. 
• Try digging your wheels out. Push the loose sand away from your tires so they can reach the firmer, more packed sand below and hopefully, regain traction. 
• If that doesn't work, you'll need to get your floor mats out. They'll get sandy, but if you place one under the front of each tire, you'll be able to get the traction you need to get moving again. 

Another tip? Try not to get stuck in the first place. Our Orlando Toyota specialists recommend that you drive near the water (but not IN the water) where the sand is firmer, and avoid hitting the gas or brakes hard. You should also try not to make sharp turns.

What to do when you're stuck in the mud 

Things can get muddy when you get off road and unfortunately, muddy conditions lead to a loss of traction. This means you're more prone to getting stuck. If you find yourself in this scenario, use these Orlando Toyota tips to get yourself free:

• Just like in the sand, stop hitting your gas pedal. Your wheels are just going to dig you in further the faster they spin. 
• Carry kitty litter with you when you head off road. It sounds weird, but this simple, cheap item can actually get you unstuck. Pour it in front of your power wheels (for front-wheel drive cars, the front wheels and for rear-wheel cars, the back wheels) and then evenly press the accelerator. The litter should help your tires grip better so you can get out. 
• If you're still stuck and the kitty litter isn't making a difference, you'll need to have someone pull you out. When you go this route, be sure that you use a rope designed for towing (that can withstand the weight) and be sure to attach it to both vehicles properly. You don't want to attach a tow rope to your bumpers, your suspension, or anything else that could be damaged. 

Want more tips or need to make sure your ride is off road ready with the right parts and accessories? Call Toyota of Orlando! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001.

Toyota of Orlando explains vehicle drive modes

Have you ever explored the different drive modes available on your Orlando Toyota? While not all vehicles have them, most of our new vehicle options have multiple modes designed to allow you to tailor your drive time experience every time you get behind the wheel. However, not all drivers know what drive modes are or how they work. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain!

What are drive modes? 

There are typically five different drive modes available. The three that are the most commonly found are Normal, Eco, and Sport. Some vehicles (especially SUVs and trucks) have Snow mode for winter weather, and hybrid cars almost always offer an EV mode (but you won't find EV mode on a gasoline-powered car). Let's take a more in-depth look at what each mode has to offer on your Orlando Toyota.

The 5 different drive modes, explained

Normal mode: Normal mode is what your car typically operates in. When driving in this mode, you'll find that you have a perfect balance of performance and comfort and that you also get the horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency that you expect.

Sport mode: When you switch your vehicle over into sport mode, you'll find that your drive time is... well, sportier. This drive mode changes the way that your car shifts and alters your electric power steering, acceleration, transmission, and throttle response. It'll be easier and faster to accelerate and your handling will be improved vastly. The only downside? You'll see your new Toyota's fuel efficiency take a slight dip.

Eco mode: Eco mode is all about efficiency - particularly, fuel efficiency. This mode will taper down your climate controls (like heated seats and A/C) as well as reduce throttle response and engine power in order to conserve fuel. You'll get more MPGs, but this drive mode isn't recommended for when your car needs get up and go. For example, you wouldn't want to put your Orlando Toyota into this mode if you're trying to quickly pass someone or if you're climbing a hill.

Snow mode: Snow mode is for drivers who have to take on winter weather conditions - this drive mode is especially useful in snow and icy conditions. Basically, it ensures that your car starts out in second gear rather than first. This helps to reduce torque and in turn, lower your risk of your tires spinning out on a slick surface because they can't get a grip on it. Additionally, Snow mode will alter your car's shifting patterns to help enhance traction.

EV mode: EV mode is only found on Orlando Toyota hybrids because this drive mode means your vehicle is operating solely on electric power. When you activate EV mode, your car will stop utilizing the gasoline engine altogether and rely on power from the battery alone. However, you won't be able to travel long distances or at high speeds in this mode. It's best used when you're in slow-moving traffic, and only for a mile or so.

Want to experience these drive modes in person? Come down to Toyota of Orlando! We'll get you behind one of our new Toyotas to test them out. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.