Different Types of Car Brakes Explained

Driving is often thought of a lot of go. You sit behind the wheel, put it in drive, and step on the gas until you arrive at your destination. While you wouldn't be entirely wrong in thinking this way, you'd be missing the other half of the driving equation, braking. Bringing your vehicle to a stop at a moment's notice is one of the most important parts of the driving process and the most original form of safety feature. 

While we probably (hopefully) don't need to give you a masterclass in braking, knowing about your car brakes and how they work can help you better understand your vehicle. Toyota of Orlando is here to walk you through the different types of brakes out there that you might even have on your ride. 

The Most Common Car Brakes in Orlando Toyota Cars

1) Disc Brakes

Many Orlando Toyota cars feature this type of car brake system. Disc brakes work by using parts like brake pads, rotors, calipers, and hydraulic fluid. They work by distributing hydraulic fluid through the brake system when the pedal is pressed. This pushes the calipers together against the rotor which creates friction to gradually bring your vehicle to a stop. They're used often on a variety of vehicles because of their superb performance in wet conditions and great ability to dissipate heat when used. 

2) Drum Brakes

While similar to disc brakes when it comes to shape and overall function, drum brakes deviate by using a container with brake shoes inside. When the car brake pedal is pressed in your Orlando Toyota car, the shoes press against the sides of the drum to bring your ride to a stop. Because this brake type is contained in one unit it's cheaper to replace. But, it isn't as popular as disc because it can retain water and rust and they can overheat easily which causes a loss in stopping power. 

3) Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

They're not necessarily a type of car brake, but they do work in conjunction with this essential Orlando Toyota part to make stopping easier. ABS is a type of technology that's integrated in many modern vehicles that prevents your brakes from locking up when pressed suddenly. Pressing the brake pedal quickly can often cause your wheels to lock and create a skidding effect. ABS senses the rotational speed of each wheel and pulses the brakes to help retain traction while still bringing your vehicle to a quick stop. 

4) Emergency Brakes

Also known as e-brakes, emergency brakes are there for exactly what their name implies, emergencies. This type of car brake is activated by a handle next to the driver's seat, a foot pedal, or a button. It's often used when the vehicle is already parked to keep your vehicle in place and ease pressure on your wheel brakes. This Orlando Toyota brake works by connecting your main brakes with a cable. If you have a driving emergency like brake failure you can use the e-brake to slow the rear wheels. 

Service Your Brakes with Toyota of Orlando Today!

If you have more questions about car brakes or need yours serviced, call Toyota of Orlando today. Schedule an appointment by calling (407) 298 4500 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road!

Different Types of Car Tires

Let's face it, shopping for a new set of tires isn't even close to being as fun as shopping for a new pair of kicks. Car tires are expensive and take a lot of punishment mile after mile so why should you worry about buying a new set? Well, like we said, they're your vehicle's one contact point with the road and they can make all the difference. 

There are many options available when it comes to car tires and we have an excellent and affordable selection available here at Toyota of Orlando. Our expert auto service and parts staff has prepared a guide for you so you can shop for your next set of tires and get exactly what you and your ride need. 

Different Types of Car Tires You Can Shop For

Summer Tires

This type of car tire is designed for more temperate climates where the temperature doesn't dip below 45 degrees very often (aka Orlando). They perform well in wet and dry conditions and use orbital grooves for excellent handling. 

All Season Tires

If you're need of a tire that can perform in just about every type of condition (other than extreme). All season tires are able to withstand both wet and dry conditions with confidence and can even tackle light snow conditions. These tires can come in 2 different types called Touring and Passenger. Passenger tires typically provide a smoother ride quality and have great longevity while touring car tries emit less noise and perform well. 

Winter/Snow

For those that don't live in the Orlando area, particularly one with cold and snow, these car tires are perfect for you and your ride. Winter/snow tires are made using a specific type of rubber that stays soft and pliable when the temperature dips. The tread on these tires is designed with deep grooves and fissures to help snow and slush move past the tire easily without sacrificing grip strength and handling. 

Performance

Racing might be in your blood, but you're going to need the right tires to get you to the finish line. Performance tires are arguably the best shoes to outfit your vehicle with if you have a real need for speed. These tires rep excellent handling and cornering capabilities for all vehicle's they're attached to. You can identify these car tires by a wider shape, shallow tread, and lower profile. They come in other types like high performance, performance, ultra-high performance, and competition. 

Truck

Orlando Toyota trucks are meant to put in work and you need to make sure you have the right car tires to  complete every job and commute. Truck tires come in several varieties like highway and all-terrain. Highway tires provide your truck with a smooth ride as they're engineered to withstand higher speeds and aggressive driving. All-terrain can tackle a variety of different driving settings like sand, heavy mud, and snow. 

Get the Car Tires You Need from Toyota of Orlando

Do you have questions or need help shopping for the right car tires for you ride? Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Give us a call at (407) 298 0001 seven days a week!

Driving in a construction zone: 8 tips

 No matter where you drive in Orlando, you're likely to encounter construction zones from time to time (especially if you drive on I-4, which seems to be perpetually under construction). These zones require a shift in your drive habits for your own safety and also to ensure you're following the law. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips to help you do it - check out this helpful info on how to drive in a construction zone before you hit the road again. 

8 tips for taking on construction zones 

#1: Reduce your speed. 

When you're driving in a construction zone, you should drop your speed. You'll likely have to anyway; speeds are typically reduced in these zones because workers are present. A slower speed will give you more reaction time should you need to change lanes, brake, or get out of the way of something. Also, remember that speeding fines are doubled and even sometimes tripled in these zones. 

#2: Pay close attention to road signs. 

There may also be new road signs in construction zones noting a different speed limit, lane changes, merges, and more. Pay close attention to the signs so you know how to safely navigate your Orlando Toyota through it. 

#3: Obey the flaggers. 

The flaggers are there to direct traffic and help you safely and efficiently navigate the construction zone, so you should pay close attention to them and follow their instructions. Blowing past them and ignoring their directions puts both you and them in danger! 

#4: Use defensive driving skills. 

If there was ever a time and place to use your defensive driving skills, this would be it! Pay close attention to your surroundings and the vehicles around you so you can proactively avoid an accident instead of just reacting to one as it's happening. 

#5: Put the "take 10" rule into play. 

When you change lanes, use the "take 10" rule. Signal with your turn signal for three full seconds before moving, and then use the remaining seven seconds to make your way over into the next lane. This gives drivers around you plenty of time to notice and if necessary, react to your movements. 

#6: Be ready for anything. 

Construction zones are wild cards and you never know what's going to happen in them, so be sure you pay attention. Don't engage in any distracted driving habits (like using your phone or playing with the radio) and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. 

#7: Prepare for delays. 

If you know you're going to hit a construction zone during your commute, be prepared for delays and slowdowns and adjust your timing accordingly so you're not late to your final destination. Don't be tempted to speed or drive aggressively to make up the time! 

#8: Follow the rules until you're out of the construction zone. 

You may be tempted to hit the gas because you can see the end of the zone coming up, but don't. You should follow the rules until you're well clear of the zone for safety's sake (and to avoid a big ticket). 

Call Toyota of Orlando today with questions 

Have questions about driving in construction zones or need auto service or repairs after navigating one? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. 

Basic Parts of a Car Engine

What's the part of your vehicle that provides power by burning fuel? The part that turns on when you turn the keys in the ignition? The part that without your car would be nothing more than a shell on wheels? If you answered the car engine to any of those questions, you're correct! The engine is one of the most crucial and complex parts of your car and there's a lot to it. 

It takes a considerable amount of hours and efforts to understand the engine like one of our auto service experts here at Toyota of Orlando. But, in the spirit of knowledge and being a better vehicle owner, we're here to give you a break down of the basic parts of the engine. Check it out!

The Car Engine Made Simple

Like we said, there's a lot to dissect when it comes to your vehicle's engine. To keep things simple and short, let's go over a few of the basic parts you'll find in the auto part. 

Engine Block

The Orlando car engine block is the main and one of the largest parts. It's made of specific metals and houses all other parts within or on it. It's also referred to as a cylinder block or just block. 

Pistons

Pistons are key components in your car engine. They move and compress air/fuel mix as it passes through the engine block. This, in conjunction with spark plugs, create the spark that ignites fuel and generates power. The power generated translates to rotary motion that the transmission sends to the tires through the driveshaft. This drives your Orlando Toyota vehicle. 

Cylinder Head

Cylinder heads are designed to seal in the gaseous fuel mixture. This prevents fires from occuring in other parts of the engine and/or loss of fuel economy. They also house the spark plugs. 

Crankshaft

The Orlando Toyota crankshaft is the part of your car engine that rotates the cylinders to create reciprocating motion. They're joined together and to cylinders by connecting rods. 

Camshaft

Camshafts are rotating objects that convert motion further in the combustion process. They're round-ish shaped metal objects with a pointed "cam" included. They operate the Orlando Toyota intake and exhaust valves. 

Valves

Valves are key in the car engine as they regulate the flow of air/fuel mixture that enters the combustion chamber. There's a set of intake valves that allow fuel to enter the chamber and exhaust valves that allow spent exhaust to escape the chamber after successful ignition. 

Oil Pan

Also called a sump, oil pans collect cycled oil from your Orlando Toyota car engine. It also collects substances like water and other chemicals exhausted during the ignition process. 

That was a lot! If you still have questions about your car engine or need top quality auto service, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Give us a call at (407) 298 0001 today. 

6 DIY car care mistakes you may be making

 

Do you like to take car care into your own hands when it comes to keeping your Orlando Toyota in tip shape? You're not alone - a lot of drivers like to DIY their car maintenance to save money and also get the feeling of accomplishment that they're caring for their vehicle on their own. However, just because you Googled how to DIY your car care doesn't mean you can actually get under the hood... so before you get started, check out this list of 6 common DIY car care mistakes you might be making. 

Don't make these car care mistakes when you're doing it yourself

Mistake #1: Overestimating or underestimating yourself. 

Unless you have car care experience, you need to take baby steps when it comes to DIY car maintenance. Start with smaller projects like tire care (inflation, changing tires, etc.), oil changes, checking fluids, and other basic maintenance before you move onto bigger projects. You shouldn't jump into ambitious endeavors like swapping out a transmission until you've had A LOT of experience. On the other side of things, don't underestimate yourself and be afraid to take care of the basics like oil changes and adding coolant to your car. Just remember, our Orlando auto service techs are always here with answers if you have questions. 

Mistake #2: Using the wrong fluids. 

Before you start adding fluids under the hood, make sure you're using the right ones. Your car takes a specific type of motor oil; it might also require a certain type of transmission fluid or coolant. Consult your owner's manual or ask our auto service techs what's necessary to keep your car running before you start DIYing this part.

Mistake #3: Not having the right tools. 

Before you take on a project, make sure you have the right tools to complete it. And if you don't, make sure it financially makes sense for you to buy the necessary tools instead of just scheduling the maintenance or repairs at Toyota of Orlando. Don't try to do the job without the right tools - it can do expensive and even irreparable damage to your car. 

Mistake #4: Not labeling parts after you remove them. 

When you're starting on your DIY car care journey, you should label parts after you remove them from the car. They're going to look a lot different laying on the garage floor than they do installed in the vehicle, so it might be challenging to put them BACK if you don't know what's what. 

Mistake #5: Not sticking to a car maintenance schedule. 

You should never postpone routine car care like oil changes and tire rotations, just as you should never ignore warning lights in the dashboard. Whether you DIY the solution or visit our Orlando auto care center, don't delay in fixing these issues. 

Mistake #6: Jacking your car up at the wrong point. 

When you jack your car up to work under it or DIY your tire care, make sure you're doing it at the right point (you can check your owner's manual). Jacking your car up at the wrong point is extremely dangerous to you and can do major structural damage to the frame. 

Let Toyota of Orlando help you on your DIY journey

Have questions or need advice? Toyota of Orlando is at your service. Call us today at (407) 298-0001 or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.