How to Determine if Your Classic Car is Worth Restoring?

 Long-term projects and hobbies are what give life flavor. They're a break from the mundane of going to work every day and they help us have an outlet and get creative. For many automotive enthusiasts out there this hobby usually entails restoring a classic car. For some of us this is a great way to make a larger return on investment while for some of us it's about the emotional tie we have to a particular engine and wheels. Whatever the reason, we can't deny that restoring an Orlando classic car takes time, money, and patience and it's not something you should take lightly. 

Before you begin and during the process you'll need to make sure you determine if restoring your vehicle is worth it. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here to help steer you right with a list of things you should consider before diving in. 

Is Your Classic Car Really Worth Restoring? 

Like we said, restoring a classic isn't as simple a hobby as video games or knitting. Depending on your chosen vehicle you're going to be in for a huge financial and time commitment when all is said and done. Restoring a vehicle DIY can help you save money but you really need to know what you're doing and know that it will take much more time to finish the job. Before you dive in too deep you need to consider if your restoration is really worth doing. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before and during the Orlando classic car restoration process: 

What Do You Plan to do With the Car?

Before you even consider looking up an eBay listing or finding a junker body, you need to ask yourself what you plan on doing with the vehicle once it's restored. Do you plan on selling the classic car for a profit when it's finished? Are you going to keep it? Give it to someone as a gift? Whatever the reason, you need to assess the financial and personal worth of the Orlando project car. If you're anticipated cost outweighs the possible profit you could make then the choice is obvious. For someone who's emotionally attached to the project this decision will be difficult. 

What's the Original Condition of Your Chosen Vehicle? 

Depending on the starting point of your chosen vehicle's condition, your Orlando classic car restoration can take on any number of intricacies. If you plan on buying a rusted out body with no chassis or engine, you're going to be spending a lot of time and money throughout the project duration. If your vehicle is nearly finished being restored, it will cost more up front but you'll have a much easier time finishing the vehicle. 

How Much will Parts Cost? 

More than likely you're going to have to replace a few Orlando auto parts on your classic car before the restoration is finished. Typically the more expensive vehicles come with a high cost for parts due to lack of wide availability. If this is the case for your chosen ride, get ready to do some extensive parts hunting and get ready to pay up. 

Have questions about your classic car restoration project or need to shop for parts? Visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road today! 

Tips for your winter road trip

 

Halloween is almost here, which means the holidays are about to really kick off. Will you be hitting the highway to celebrate with friends and family? If so, it's critical to ensure that your Orlando Toyota is prepared for the journey. Luckily, our Toyota service center at Toyota of Orlando is here to help you take on the open road like a pro. 

Which auto service appointments should you schedule before a road trip? 

Before you go on your road trip, there are certain service appointments you should consider scheduling. Here are the top ones to think about putting on the books before the holidays arrive. 

1. Tire service: Before you hit the open highway for the holidays, you'll need to ensure your tires are up to the task. They should be properly inflated to the right PSI as well as have enough tread to grip the road. On top of that, our Orlando auto service techs should visually inspect each tire to ensure they're in good enough condition to handle high speeds and long distances during your road trip. 

2. Oil change: Oil is crucial for keeping your car's engine cool and lubricated, especially when you're driving for long periods of time at high speeds. Make sure you schedule an Orlando oil change before you take off so you don't run the risk of engine damage during your road trip. 

3. Brake service: You always want braking power on your side, but especially if you're driving through inclement weather like rain, snow, or sleet. Brake service at Toyota of Orlando will ensure your brakes are in top shape to take on any road conditions. 

4. Headlight check: Make sure ALL lights on your vehicle are working before you take off on your road trip. This means headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights, and all interior lights, including your dash lights. Our techs can replace burnt out bulbs and fix any lighting issues you have. 

5. A/C and heater service: The last thing you want is to be stuck without a working heater in winter weather. Check your A/C, heater, and defroster NOW before you start your road trip and ensure all three are working properly and well. 

6. Car detailing: No one wants to hit the highway in a dirty car. Schedule car detailing before you leave so your ride is fresh and clean for the start of your holiday road trip. 

Toyota of Orlando is here to get you holiday-ready

Ready to get your road trip service scheduled? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500. We're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

The Different Types of Car Tire Tread and What They Mean for Your Ride

 Just like your shoes keep your bare feet from touching the ground (ew), your car tires keep your ride from making contact with the ground and going nowhere at all. But, like your shoes encounter everything from glass to gum while you walk around, your tires also encounter many pieces of debris and other hazards in the road and threaten their integrity. Your tires are often ignored until it's too late and you've run into a whole mess of issues. The best way to get to the bottom of what's ailing these essential auto parts is by inspecting the treadwear pattern. At Toyota of Orlando we're here to help you better understand what these patterns mean. 

What These Car Tire Treadwear Patterns Mean for Your Ride

Center Wear

Car tires typically wear out evenly all around if they're inflated and driven on properly. If you're starting to notice that the center of your Orlando tire is wearing down at a different pace than the sides, this could be caused by over-inflation. If your tires' pressure is too high look for bulging and excessive wear and let some air out. 

Side Wear

Contrary to center wear being caused by over-inflation, under-inflation causes excessive treadwear on the sides of your car tire. If you're someone who's conscientious about how much air you put in your tires, this type of wear can also be caused by a damaged steering arm or faulty alignment. 

Cupping Wear

You might not see this type of Orlando car tire treadwear often, but it's easy to spot. Cupping wear looks exactly like it sounds, cup-like divets in your tread. These are often seen on trailer tires that bounce as you drive. If you see this wear on your vehicle's tires it could mean that you're riding on work shock absorbers or are having suspension system issues. 

Feathering

This type of tread is a bit difficult to spot visually but you can feel it if you run your hand down the length of your tires' tread. If you feel spots where one side of the tread is sharper or more shallow than the other then you have a feathering problem. This is most often caused by poor wheel alignment and/or aggressive driving behavior. 

Sidewall Wear

While it's not directly caused by your driving habits so much as your ability to park, sidewall wear is still important to touch on. When you run your Orlando car tire against a curb or other parking obstruction it can cause damage to the sidewall that results in damage to the tire's overall integrity. 

Flat Spot Wear

Highly noticeable and easily felt, large flat spot tread wear can be an indication that you're engaging in bad braking habits. Stop driving and braking harshly and be less aggressive during your commutes. If you dont believe yourself to be an aggressive driver, you could be having brake system issues. 

Do you have questions about what these treadwear patterns mean or need auto service for your tires done? Visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Five things to cross off your fall auto service checklist

 

Fall is technically here and while it may not feel like it here in Orlando, the weather is actually cooling a little and will continue to do so in the coming months. That means it's time to start working on your fall auto service checklist! Toyota of Orlando's expert auto service techs sat down with us to come up with a quick list of things you'll want to cross off your checklist before the season gets into full swing. 

Five auto service items to check off the list this fall 

#1: Top off all fluids 

You should top off all fluids as fall sets in. The summer and the hot temperatures that come with it can take a toll on everything under the hood of the car, so you should have all fluids checked and if needed, topped off. This means oil, power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and wiper fluid. If you need assistance, our Orlando car care techs are here to help! 

#2: Check your tires 

Make sure your tires are in top shape this fall before you hit the road. The roads can get slippery between fallen leaves, rain, and even a bit of ice when winter eventually rolls around. You want your car tires to be in good general condition, inflated to the proper PSI, and to have the right amount of tread to give you the traction you need. 

#3: Make sure your headlights and taillights work 

When we fall back in the autumn, you could find yourself spending more time behind the wheel in the dark. You want to ensure ALL lights on your vehicle work, including headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights, interior lights, and dashboard lights. If you've got any issues, address them at Toyota of Orlando today. 

#4: Test your defroster 

You'll need your defroster both as it rains and the temps cool down. We may not get much of a winter here in Orlando, but we do see cooler temps that can lead to foggy glass in your vehicle. Test your defroster now to ensure it's working properly (and while you're at it, test out the heat, too!). 

#5: Have your car battery inspected 

You'll want to have your car battery inspected as we head into a new season here in Orlando; the extreme temperatures  can have a negative effect on it. Our auto service techs can check it for general condition (they'll look for things like swelling, leaks, or rust) as well as test the voltage to ensure it has enough juice to get you up and running every day. 

Schedule your fall auto care at Toyota of Orlando 

Ready to schedule your fall auto service appointment? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida at (407) 298-0001. You can also stop by to chat with our techs at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

Essential Car Parts You Should Know About

 Have you ever been panicked by the sight of a check engine light or a due for maintenance warning sign? While we advise that you need not panic, we at Toyota of Orlando understand why you would. Upon taking your vehicle into the shop what you thought was a simple oil change could easily turn into a huge expense. But, we believe that knowledge is power and that you can circumvent the panic and distrust by knowing what's what under your car's hood. 

At Toyota of Orlando we pride ourselves on our auto service technicians and their honesty to every guest. Unfortunately you might not always be able to acquire our car care services and need to make do with other auto mechanics. To make sure you get the service you need, check out these common car parts and their functions so you know what's going on when you check engine light illuminates. 

Common Car Parts You Should Know About

1) Camshaft

Your engine works by using a variety of valves to regulate the flow of fuel mixture during the ignition process. This ensures that your engine doesn't catch fire and that the right amount of fuel is ignited when necessary. This Orlando car part does not typically need to be replaced, but they can be damaged if your vehicle is low on oil. 

2) Heater Core

While we don't often need to use the heating function of our cars here in Orlando, but you can thank your heater core for the occasional winter day when you need warmth. This car part operates similarly to a car radiator and sits behind the dashboard. 

3) Power Window Switch

Unless you're a 90s kid, you might not remember using crank windows too fondly. Luckily, the power window switch car part is there to help you out. Unfortunately, this car part can run into issues when plagued by dust and dirt or it can break when aged. 

4) Wiper Motor

In the rainy Orlando area, we can't emphasize enough how important it is to use your windshield wipers. However, you can't use your wipers without the crucial auto part, the wiper motor. If this part stops working you can kiss your clear view goodbye. 

5) Axle/CV Shaft

This auto part takes power from the differential and distributes it to the driving wheels. This car part is encased in something like a rubber boot that might need to be replaced every so often. These are often needed to be replaced before the shafts themselves. 

6) Mass Airflow Sensor

Your engine, while I giant mass of metal and fire, is also a perfect example of balance and timing at work. Your mass airflow sensor is an integral auto part that operates the flow of air into your Orlando Toyota engine to allow your engine to create power. 

7) Shock Absorbers

Without your shock absorbers there to cushion the blow, driving would be terribly uncomfortable. This Orlando car part acts as a barrier between the imperfections of the road and your vehicle. Because of the amount of punishment they take these auto parts will often need to be replaced. 

8) Ignition Coil

Your ignition coil send voltage to the spark plugs which creates the spark needed for combustion to occur and power your vehicle. This car part can wear out over time and will need to be replaced to avoid misfires or bad startups. 

9) Muffler

Without something to quiet the sound of your vehicle's engine, you'd get pretty annoyed rather quickly by the sound. That's where your Orlando Toyota muffler comes in. This car part quiets the sound of your car engine. 

10) A/C Compressor

Without your compressor, your A/C wouldn't work properly and keep you cool during the warmer times in Orlando. If you're having issues with your a/c, you'll likely need to have the compressor checked. 

Still have questions on these car parts and others you should know about? Reach out to us at Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road or by chatting with us online! 

Upgrading Your Car Sound System Made Easy

 For many drivers, the best part about driving is having the perfect accompanying music to jam out to until you reach your destination. The perfect song can make or break your ride and you need to make sure you have the right system to make your sound as perfect as possible. 

If you're hoping for a little more from your current car audio system, there's a lot you can do! At Toyota of Orlando, we're here with some great tips to get you started on your upgrading process. 

Get Better Sound From Your Ride with These Tips

1) Choose What You Want to Upgrade

Your vehicle's audio system consists of much more than just a few speakers and a head unit. Even factory systems could include smaller enhancers and other devices that improve what you hear while you drive. But, for those looking to take their auditory experience to the next decibel you need to decide on what you want to upgrade after taking stock of what you have. Afterward you should establish a strict budget and stick to it. 

2) Replace the Head Unit/Infotainment System

The Entune Infotainment System available in Orlando Toyota models is one we're huge fans of (guilty), but a change if often necessary when making drastic changed to your car sound system. Changing the head unit will give you more customization opportunity and choice when it comes to your Orlando car audio system interface. 

3) Get New Speakers

While we recommend getting as much use out of your OEM equipment as possible, you might need to replace your speakers depending on your upgrading plans. If you overall car audio system exceeds the power limits on your Orlando Toyota car speakers, they'll need to be swapped out for equipment that can better handle the power boost. 

4) You're Gonna Need More Power

When adding almost anything to your Orlando Toyota car that involves wiring or electrical work, you're going to need to increase your power output. Keep your car battery in mind throughout your upgdrading process. To better power your car audio system, use an amplifier to designate audio channels and distribute power accordingly and help your system run more efficiently. Subwoofers can also give your sound a deeper bass feeling, but you'll need to take into account the amount of power it will need to operate. 

5) Use a Subwoofer and Designated Amp

If you like your ride to shake or want bassier reverbs from your music, adding a subwoofer will do the trick. However, you should consider adding a dedicated amplifier to power it. This will all decrease your Orlando Toyota car's storage space significantly so be strategic with your car audio system layout. You can also run the risk of battery drain by hooking up too many devices so be mindful. 

Need help upgrading your car audio system? We can help! Visit Toyota of Orlando and our expert auto parts department today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.  

How should you prep your car for the end of daylight savings time?

 

Fall is in full swing and as the time passes, the days are getting shorter and shorter. Daylight savings time is about to end which means you might need to prepare for the fact that your commute - whether some or all of it - could be taking place in the dark. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to prepare your car for the end of daylight savings time with simple auto service tips. Check it out! 

5 tips for handling the end of daylight savings time 

Tip #1: Deal with any lighting issues. 

If you're driving in the dark, you're going to want each and every one of the lights on (and inside) your car to work properly. Before daylight savings time ends, have our Orlando Toyota service techs check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, hazard lights, and all of the lights on your dash and inside of your car. This way you can see everything you need to no matter how dim the lighting during your commute. 

Tip #2: Get on top of brake service. 

When was the last time you had brake service? You can't see as well in the dark and animals tend to be more active at night - both factors that can contribute to you having to come to a sudden stop. Make sure your brakes are in the best shape possible so you can bring your car to a quick stop whenever needed without issue. 

Tip #3: Clean your windshield inside and out. 

Our Orlando auto service techs recommend cleaning your windshield (and your back window) inside and out before daylight savings time ends. If you have dust or smudges on the glass, they'll reflect light from other cars and streetlights when you're driving in the dark. This can negatively impact your visibility and make it dangerous for you to be on the road. 

Tip #4: Check your defroster. 

Is your defroster working? We know - you rarely use it until after Christmas. But it's important to ensure your defroster is working as daylight savings time comes to an end in case we get a chilly morning where you need better visibility. If you're having issues, bring your car to Toyota of Orlando's service center to have our techs check it out. 

Tip #5: Inspect your tires thoroughly. 

How are your tires? Before you tackle a commute in the dark, make sure that they're in excellent physical condition and have the proper amount of tread needed for traction. You want to have a good grip on the road and no one wants to change a flat tire in the dark. 

Let Toyota of Orlando help you prep for the time change 

Have questions or want some help prepping your car for the end of daylight savings time? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Bad Driving Habits You Should Fix ASAP

 In our minds we're the best driver on the road. We always follow directions and do nothing wrong. Unfortunately we're being super biased and we're very much thinking incorrectly. Mistakes happen and being behind the wheel doesn't prevent us from making them. But, being behind the wheel and driving does mean that your mistakes can be far more consequential if you're not careful. 

If you've become blind to your bad driving habits, don't stress! Toyota of Orlando is here with an easy guide for identifying these issues and fixing them ASAP. 

Most Common Bad Driving Habits and Solutions

1) Distracted Driving

This Orlando bad driving habit takes many forms. Eating, texting, talking on the phone, adjusting your seat or mirror, picking music, bird watching, whatever. It's easy to get distracted while driving, especially if you're a driver with plenty of self-proclaimed confidence. This is a bad habit that you need to nip in the bud and fast. Driving distracted can lead to accidents and it's very dangerous to engage in this behavior when behind the wheel. Put your phone down, eat before driving, keep your eyes forward, and stay distraction free. 

2) Driving without a Seatbelt

One of the worst bad driving habits you can have is not wearing a seatbelt. This, other than your brakes, are one of the most quintessential and important safety features of your car and it's important you always wear one. Going without wearing your Orlando Toyota seatbelt can leave you prone to being ejected from your vehicle in a collision which almost always proves to be fatal. Do yourself a favor, wear a seatbelt. 

3) Tailgating

If your mind jumped to images of football and barbecue, you're not on the right track (wahh wahh). Tailgating is common on the road and you may have likely engaged in or have been annoyed by it at one point or another. Following a vehicle too closely is a bad driving habit that spells an accident waiting to happen. If the driver in front of you decides to come to a stop you'll likely wind up with a nice fender bender to grace your finances with. The solution? Be patient, don't drive aggressively, and give yourself about 4-5 seconds worth of moving distance between you and the car in front of you. 

4) Not Using Yah Blinkah!

This may sound harsh, but your Orlando Toyota vehicle is equipped with turn signals for a reason and you should just use them. Always alert drivers to your movements so they can react accordingly. 

5) Driving Aggressively

Frustration is a human emotion and sometimes it can get the better of us. If you're frustrated behind the wheel, take a chill pill, relax, and drive calmly. This will prevent you or someone else from getting into an accident. 

6) Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

Speed limits may seem more like guidelines than actual rules (really, again?), but they're there for a reason. They're the safest determined travel speed on a roadway and you should always obey them. This means no speeding and no driving super slow. Both are terribly dangerous, one can wind up getting you into an accident, while the other will surely make other drivers mad. 

Still need help breaking your bad driving habits? Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Chat with us online or visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today.