5 signs you need to schedule an oil change ASAP

Are you keeping your car on an oil change schedule? You should be - after all, oil plays an essential role in keeping your car's engine cool and lubricated when it's working hard to get you from point A to point B. However, not everyone is on a car care schedule (and we get it; life gets in the way) and you may not know how to pinpoint whether or not you're due for an oil change. Check out this quick checklist from Toyota of Orlando's auto service center! 

Don't ignore these 5 signs that you're due for an oil change 

#1: Your oil isn't the color it should be. 
Is your oil looking darker than it should be? Normal, clean motor oil should be tan or caramel in color and free of debris. If it's dark brown or black in color or you can see flecks of dirt or debris, you need to schedule an oil change at Toyota of Orlando. Dirty oil can't keep your engine cool and lubricated and you're likely to have issues that can be costly to repair. 

#2: You see smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe. 
Do you see smoke coming out of your car's exhaust pipe? This is abnormal and you need to call our Orlando Toyota service center ASAP. It's a sign that you have a problem with your car's oil and you need a mechanic to check things over. 

#3: Your oil level is too low. 
When you check your oil, you'll notice two tic marks on the dipstick. Your oil level should fall in between those two tic marks. If it's below the bottom mark, then you're running low on oil and you need to make a service appointment for an oil change so your car's engine can stay cool under pressure. 

#4: You can smell oil inside of your car (not under the hood). 
You should never, ever be able to smell motor oil inside of your car's cabin. If you do, it means you have a leak and you need immediate attention from our Toyota service center. An oil leak left unchecked can be dangerous AND costly. 

#5: You hear knocking or rumbling from inside the engine. 
You know what your car should sound like when it's running normally, so any abnormal sounds should stand out. If you hear knocking or rumbling inside of your car's engine, it can mean that you're in dire need of oil, to the point where parts are overheating and breaking. If you hear these noises, call us immediately to schedule an oil change. 

Schedule this essential car care service at Toyota of Orlando today 

A final indicator that you're due for an oil change is that your oil light is on in the dash. If you see this illuminate, it's time to schedule service! Call us today - Toyota of Orlando's service center is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead to make an appointment at (407) 298-0001. 

Essential Tips for Protect Your Car From the Sun

Living in the Central Florida area, we're no stranger to heat and sunshine. After all, they don't call it the sunshine state for nothing. It's true, Orlando gets quite a lot of sun throughout the year and while it's nice to enjoy, it can be damaging for several things. At Toyota of Orlando, we highly advise you wear sunscreen and do what you can to protect your car from the sun.

While your ride may spend quite a lot of time outside in the sun, there are several things you can do to mitigate the lasting damages of the sun and better protect your car's interior and exterior. If we'e piqued your interest, follow along with us at Toyota of Orlando for more details on how to protect your car from the sun.

 How to Protect Your Car From the Sun

Use Wax

After giving your ride a thorough exterior detailing, our auto service techs recommend applying a layer of wax to the paint to preserve it in the long term. Wax seals in the wash and protects your Orlando Toyota car's paint from harmful UV rays that could cause it to fade over time. To best protect your car from the sun, we recommend applying wax once every three months. 

Park in the Shade

Everyone loves the shady spot in the parking lot for a reason. Not only does it keep you from getting into an overly hot car at the end of the day, it also protects your interior from sun damage. So, do yourself and your Orlando Toyota a favor and park in a shady spot. 

Use a Sunshade

Not only are they cute and often personalized, but they can protect your vehicle's dashboard from sun damage if used properly. Make sure to invest in a quality one that won't wilt too quickly to better protect your car. 

Tint Your Windows

Tinting your vehicle's windows is super cool and it'll keep your interior super cool as well. At Toyota of Orlando we offer affordable tinting options for your ride. We highly recommend doing this as it can protect your car and you from the sun while driving. 

Condition Leather Seats

If you have cloth seats you don't have to worry about this one. But, if your car is more on the luxury side then you'll want to condition your leather seats to prevent cracking and other forms of sun damage. Invest in a quality leather conditioner for your seats and apply it once a week. 

Want more tips or need supplies to protect your car from the sun? Give Toyota of Orlando a call today at (407) 298 - 0001 today or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road today. 

4 ways to sanitize when you detail your car

Cold and flu season is in full swing and with it brings COVID-19. We know you're taking the time to wash your hands as much as possible as well as regularly disinfect your home and your workspace, but what about your car? Most people spend a fair amount of time in their vehicle and there are a lot of high-touch surfaces in your Orlando Toyota - when was the last time you sanitized it? Toyota of Orlando is here to help get you back on track with four simple steps to take when you detail your car to ensure it's sanitized and germ-free.

Step 1: Change up your supplies when you detail your car. 
When you detail your car now, you probably use the typical car cleaning supplies. However, if your goal is to sanitize your Orlando Toyota, you're going to need to switch things up. We recommend using antibacterial soap and water on the seats (believe it or not, plain old soap will kill COVID-19) to scrub upholstery and fabric. As for the dash and other plastic or metal parts, we recommend using disinfectant wipes (like Lysol) to wipe everything down thoroughly.

Step 2: Pay attention to high-touch surfaces. 
High-touch surfaces are exactly what they sound like - things that you touch a lot and often. These include your steering wheel and shifter, your audio system, your A/C and heat controls, window buttons, door handles and locks, and seatbelt buckles. Make sure you pay special attention to these areas with those aforementioned disinfectant wipes when you detail your car, as these high-touch surfaces are likely where you'll find the most germs.

Step 3: Don't forget about car seats and booster seats. 
If you have car seats or booster seats in your backseat, don't forget to sanitize them when you detail your car. You'll want to use antibacterial soap and water on any fabric parts and disinfectant wipes on any metal or plastic parts. Make sure you again pay special attention to high-touch areas, like the buckles and cupholders.

Step 4: Stock your car and get on a schedule. 
The easiest way to keep your car sanitized all cold and flu season long is to stick to a schedule for cleaning (once or twice a week and more frequently for those high-touch surfaces) as well as stock your car with supplies to make it easy. You can keep disinfectant wipes on hand, and we also recommend you never leave home without hand sanitizer for instances when you have to clean your hands before touching your car again (like after pumping gas).

Want more tips on how to sanitize while you detail your car? Call us! Toyota of Orlando's service department is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and our parts specialists can help you pick the right cleaning supplies for your Orlando Toyota.

Don't make these 5 mistakes at the gas pump

Are you making these common mistakes at the gas pump? 

When it comes to fueling up your car, you probably think it's a pretty simple process. You pull up to the gas pump, fill the tank, and head back to the highway. However, did you know that there are several dangerous mistakes that drivers commonly make at the gas pump? Toyota of Orlando is here to discuss and give you tips on how to avoid making these errors next time you visit the gas station. 

Toyota of Orlando explains common gas pump errors

#1: Turn off your car while you pump. 
Some drivers just leave the car running while at the gas pump, whether it's to keep the interior cool or just because they don't feel like turning it off and starting it up again. This is a bad idea. When your Orlando Toyota is running it's putting off heat and static electricity, both of which can ignite gasoline or even gas vapors. Don't chance starting a fire; turn your car off every time you fuel up.

#2: Don't get in and out of the car. 
Did you know that getting in and out of the car can build up a static charge on your body? This is especially true in cold weather. This static charge can start a fire if it comes in contact with gas or gas fumes. We know it stinks when the weather is bad but resist the urge to get back inside your car when you're at the gas pump. 

#3: Resist the urge to "top off" the gas tank. 
You know that "click" that you hear when your fueling up? This is the automatic shutoff valve, and it indicates that your gas tank is full and you should stop pumping. Some drivers, however, keep fueling past the click to "top off" the tank of their Orlando Toyota. Don't do this! Gas expands inside the tank and it needs a place to go. If you keep fueling, the gas runs out of room and you may experience a gas leak (which can be dangerous). 

#4: Lock your doors and close your windows. 
Did you know that you should close (or at least crack) your windows and lock your doors every time you pump? You should - it's very tempting for thieves to slip into your unlocked car while you're on the opposite side pumping gas. You run the risk of them stealing your belongings or even your car itself. Lock up right until you're finished at the gas pump, and make sure you have your keys in your pocket so you don't lock yourself out. 

#5: Do. Not. Smoke. Anything. 
Believe it or not, people STILL smoke at the gas pump. This is a BAD idea - the worst. All it takes is one piece of ash or one tiny, hot ember to start a very large, very dangerous fire. Don't smoke anywhere near the gas pump, period. 

Call us for more tips today! 

Want more tips or think you could stand to brush up on your fuel efficiency knowledge? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500.