Protecting your car's backseat from the kids: Toyota of Orlando tips

 Are you constantly on the go with little ones in the back seat? If so, you know just how fast your Orlando Toyota can go from spotless to trashed. Sticky fingers, cracker and cookie crumbs, melted crayons, snotty tissues... kids have an inherent ability to quickly destroy their imminent surroundings. And unfortunately, when you're out and about you kind of just have to deal with it until you can get to your next car detailing. However, there are ways to protect your backseat from kids and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here with tips. 

Five tips for protecting your Orlando Toyota from kids

Tip #1: Invest in a trash can - like, a real one. Part of keeping your car clean is having a place to toss granola bar wrappers and dirty baby wipes. Invest in a small, portable trash can (an old plastic cereal container is perfect) that has a lid that closes and stays closed. Keep plastic grocery bags on hand so you can empty it and replace the bag at any time. 

Tip #2: Keep cleaning wipes in the car. You should also keep cleaning wipes and baby wipes stocked in your car. You never know when you'll have a diaper blowout or spilled milk that needs to be cleaned right away. Just be sure that whatever you're cleaning with won't affect your SofTex or leather seats! 

Tip #3: Purchase a small hand vacuum. Crumbs can accumulate quickly and cause major issues with bugs and other pests before you even realize it's happening. Having a small portable vacuum on board will help you zap messes in no time. We even sell them at the Toyota of Orlando parts store! 

Tip #4: Keep everything in the backseat organized. It's annoying to have a million toys, books, and snacks cluttering up the backseat, and it's also dangerous. Everything in your car is a potential projectile in a car accident. Keep toys, books, and other supplies in plastic bins on the floor (with lids) or buy a cheap shoe organizer to hang off the back of the seat. This will also help your kids find things easier without your help when you're on the go. 

Tip #5: Think about all-weather floor mats. Are your kids just wreaking total havoc on your backseat? You may want to bite the bullet and replace your carpet floor mats with all-weather ones. These special rubber mats are designed to repel spills and also hold them in with special grooves and channels. Plus, they're easy to clean - just pull them out and shake or rinse them. 

And don't forget - you may see advice that you can put something under your car seat to prevent damage to your vehicle. This is bad information. Your car seat is designed to be in contact with the back seats of your vehicle and putting anything in between the two can cause it to malfunction and not keep your kids safe in a car accident. 

Shop for supplies at our Toyota Parts Store 

Want more tips or need to start shopping? Visit Toyota of Orlando today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and you can find us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

How to deal with another driver tailgating you

Imagine this. You're driving the speed limit, and you check your rearview mirror, and you notice the car behind you is too close. It starts to make you feel uncomfortable, and you're unsure what to do. You might be afraid that if you stop suddenly, the car will crash into you. This is what we call a case of tailgating. This can be very frustrating for any driver, and many car crashes can result from this case of tailgating. 

Our expert techs at Toyota of Orlando Collision center are here to give you the best advice to prevent yourself from a collision and get to your destination peacefully in your Orlando Toyota. 

A good attitude goes a long way.

One thing to do on the road is to have a good attitude and give the person the benefit of the doubt and stay focused. They could be in a rush or are unaware of how close they are to your Orlando Toyota. Whatever the reason for their poor driving, having a good attitude will keep you from getting upset and hindering your driving abilities! 

Drive the speed limit! 

One of the tempting actions to take is to speed up when the person behind you is tailgating your Orlando Toyota! However, the only reason to gradually speed up is if you are under the speed limit. So, if someone is tailgating you, it doesn't mean you should break the law and speed up. This can actually cause way more harm than good. Besides, you don't want a speeding ticket because someone else's poor driving skills pressure you to go faster! 

Be easy on the brakes!

Unfortunately, we don't have much control other than what the car tailgating you will do, so that's why we have to be very careful with driving, including braking. You have to make sure to brake slowly because the person may not realize and could crash into you. If you want to alert the person behind you, you can slowly break, causing your brake lights to turn on to notify the person behind you to keep their distance.

Safely move to another lane!

If nothing works, the best way to get out of this situation is to move a lane if you are in a multi-lane road. In the case that there isn't another lane to move to, find the nearest safe place to stop and wait for the car to drive past you. Then, click on your turning signal to give other vehicles on the road a heads up, check your mirrors, and safely move to the other lane or the nearest safe place!

The moral of the story is not to let someone ruin your day! We love helping our customers, and our priority is your safety over everything. 

Thinking it’s time to take your breaks in for a service?

If you need to get your Orlando Toyota serviced, give us a call or set up an appointment online at (407) 298-0001.  It’s always a pleasure to help, come visit us today at 3575 Vineland Road. Toyota of Orlando is just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall! 

Is it really necessary to fix a scratch in your car paint?

 So you scratched your car. We feel your pain - it's that awful sinking feeling when you realized maybe it's NOT just a little mark that can be wiped off. But it's not the end of the world; trust us - scratches in car paint are extremely common and happen to nearly everyone whether it's their fault or not. 

It is a pain, however, to have to fix them. More often than not it's not possible to get them out of your car paint at home and you have to visit a body shop (like the one here at Toyota of Orlando), which means paying for removal. So... do you really have to spring for it, or can you just leave the scratch in the car paint and pretend like you don't see it every time you get behind the wheel? 

Why do you need to fix scratches in your car paint? 

We weighed in with our body shop experts to find out and got the breakdown. Basically, yes, you do need to fix a scratch in your car paint, even if it's just a scratch. Here's why! 

Reason #1: Rust could form. When you scratch your Orlando Toyota, it can leave the metal underneath exposed. This means the elements can reach it - in particular, moisture. And we all know what happens when water meets metal... rust. And we also all know how much of a hassle (and how much it'll cost) to get rid of rust. Why risk it? Protect your investment - fix the scratch. 

Reason #2: The surrounding paint can wrinkle. Another side effect of scratches on your car is that the edges of the surrounding paint are left exposed. When moisture, sun, and other forms of wear and tear touch the edges, it can make the surrounding paint wrinkle, peel, and start to pull back from the scratch. Why create more damage when you don't have to? 

Reason #3: There may be issues you just don't see. A scratch may seem like just a scratch, but our Toyota of Orlando body shop techs that there could be damage hiding behind it that you don't even realize. Structural damage is always a possibility, as well as damage to technology in the area. It's worth having the experts take a look to see what's going on. 

Reason #4: You want to make money on it. Most people do not keep their car forever. At some point down the road, they're going to want to trade it in or sell it and hop into something new. When that point arrives, you want to get the most bang for your buck, right? Fixing scratches makes your car look better and also gives prospective buyers a vote of confidence. If they see unsightly scratches, they can easily assume that if you can't care for the exterior of your car, you likely can't care for the interior or what's under the hood, either. 

Schedule your car paint repairs at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions? Call us! We're ready to help you with scratch repair at Toyota of Orlando. Our body shop is open and waiting at (407) 298-6006 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

What should you consider before adding a car spoiler?

 If you're looking for an easy and affordable way to customize your ride, a car spoiler is a definite possibility. And not only will it take your Orlando Toyota's appearance up a notch, but it'll also improve performance. However, before you take the plunge, there are certain things you should take into consideration. Our Toyota of Orlando body shop experts are here to help - check out their recommendations below. 

Three things to think about before adding a car spoiler to your Orlando Toyota 

#1: Do research and make sure it aesthetically fits. Something may look good on paper (or on Instagram) but what counts is how it looks in real life. Do your research and explore car spoiler options. It's always a good idea to look at similar vehicles that have the spoiler you want, and look for the spoiler type in real life, too, so you can see what it'll look like on a day-to-day basis (without all those professional angles and filters applied to it). Car spoilers are a cool customization, but they can also look ridiculous if you're not careful. 

#2: Consider your car's paint color. You also have to think about the color of your current car when buying a spoiler. If you buy something that's SUPPOSED to be a different color or a car spoiler that is primed to be painted, you should be good to go. But be careful about buying a pre-painted spoiler. Remember that colors are specific to makes and models, and you don't want to end up stuck with a spoiler that clashes against the paint color you already have. 

#3: Know that you'll have to take care of it. Car spoilers are just like any other car part - they need to be cared for. And just like any other part, they can become damaged - even strong winds can do a number on them. Just know that you're adding an item to your car care list and be prepared to follow through with it to keep your entire vehicle in the best shape possible. 

The perks of adding a car spoiler 

But don't forget, there are definite perks to adding a car spoiler. Here are two things our Toyota of Orlando body shop techs love about these unique accessories: 

#1: They actually improve performance. Car spoilers catch the wind as you drive, and in turn, they push the rear of your car down to improve handling. It's like adding power and maneuverability to your Orlando Toyota without even touching anything under the hood! 

#2: There are so many options. Car spoiler options are endless and leave you with tons of ways to customize your ride to your personal preferences. Plus, there are a ton of pricepoints to choose from AND places to order from. 

Want to add a car spoiler to your Toyota? Call Toyota of Orlando today! Our Toyota parts store is open and ready to help at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Car care for your older vehicle

 Is your vehicle starting to get up there in years? Just because a car is getting older doesn't mean it isn't reliable or valuable anymore (especially if you drive a Toyota, which are renowned globally for their long lifespans. Anywaaaaaaay). However, to keep your car in the best shape possible and fend off any future issues, you do have to put a little extra car care into your ownership routine. We've got tips straight from the experts at our Orlando Toyota Service Center on how to keep your older car running like new. 

Six car care tips for older cars 

Tip #1: Stay on top of routine maintenance. We know - we're always on you to stay on a routine car maintenance schedule. And it's not because we want to make money off of you - in fact, we'd make more if we didn't tell you to get routine car care because things would break all the time and you'd have to pay us to fix them. Taking care of routine oil changes, battery checks, tire rotations, and brake service will keep your Orlando Toyota in the best shape possible and help fend off future problems. 

Tip #2: Don't skip tune-ups. Tune-ups are a must for older cars and although they can be a bit pricier than other routine car care, you shouldn't skip them. They address smaller issues like belts, hoses, spark plugs, etc. that can interfere with daily performance and also turn into much bigger issues in the future. 

Tip #3: Have belts and hoses checked regularly. As your car ages, things start to wear out (just like anything else). It's a good idea to have your belts and hoses given a once over when you bring your car in for maintenance just to ensure nothing needs to be replaced. 

Tip #4: Get your cooling system flushed. It's also a good idea to occasionally get your coolant system flushed in an older car - this will remove rust and debris from the system, pushing it out and keeping things clean and also preventing damage to the system over time. 

Tip #5: Replace the water pump as needed. You may also need to replace the water pump in an older car to ensure the engine stays cool. This part circulates coolant through the engine to prevent overheating, so if it goes bad you need to replace it ASAP to fend off major damage. 

Tip #6: Don't avoid the timing belt replacement. We get it - a timing belt replacement is no cheap feat. But it's 100% necessary, especially if yours is going bad and about to break. Without a timing belt, your car is going nowhere fast (literally) and if it breaks while the car is running, it can actually do damage to other parts. 

Schedule your car care at Toyota of Orlando

Want more car care tips for older vehicles? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Reach us at (407) 298-4500 to learn more about the car care we offer and our auto service specials to save money! 

Toyota of Orlando's car care tips for spooky season

 Spooky season is upon us, friends! It's the perfect time of year to get festive and celebrate all things scary, but it's also important to ensure that you take care of your car through the season as you celebrate. Toyota of Orlando's expert service techs are here to offer tips on caring for your car through spooky season like a pro. 

Five tips for spooky season car care 

Tip #1: Check your headlights. Are your headlights, taillights, turn signals, and all other lighting inside and outside of your car working and shining bright? Replace any burnt-out bulbs and deal with any restoration that you might need to get your headlights looking like new again. Not only will you likely be out and about on Halloween night, but daylight savings time also starts the week after which means shorter days and a higher likelihood of driving in the dark. 

Tip #2: Make sure you're up to date on brake service. When was the last time you had brake service? Is your stopping power what it should be? If you're planning on hitting the road on Halloween, you definitely want braking power on your side as trick or treaters can easily cross your path when you least expect it. If it's been a while, schedule a multipoint inspection to have our Orlando Toyota service techs check things out. 

Tip #3: Inspect your car wax. You should also think about when you last waxed your car. Summer is over and with it goes the heavy rainstorms, but the sun in Orlando is still bright and hot all year long. It may be time to reapply a few coats of wax to keep your car's paint protected throughout the rest of the year. And if you're heading out of town for the holidays, wax can help protect against snow and ice and fend off moisture. 

Tip #4: Plan for your tires. How did your tires fare through the long, hot summer? What are your plans for after spooky season? Heat can do a number on your car tires and if they really took a beating, you may need new ones before the end of 2022. Do a tire inspection to ensure they're still in adequate shape to hit the road. This is especially important if you're planning on taking any holiday road trips during the holidays this year - the last thing you want is a blowout on Thanksgiving Day. 

Tip #5: Park wisely. Part of car care is choosing where to park, believe it or not. If you're heading to a new neighborhood to trick or treat or know that yours is going to have a lot of traffic, make sure you have a safe place to park. Your garage or driveway is best if you're staying put, and if you're going to a new neighborhood, make sure you park in a legal zone and far enough off the road so another car won't hit your Orlando Toyota. 

Schedule your car care at Toyota of Orlando today 

Have questions about car care for spooky season or need to schedule some? Call Toyota of Orlando - we're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. We're also conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road! 

Is your car using too much motor oil?

 Motor oil - as you've heard us tell you many, many times before - is the literal lifeblood of your car. It keeps your engine cool and lubricated, which means it keeps you out on the road. If your motor oil gets too dirty or runs too low, things heat up quickly inside the engine. This can lead to serious (and expensive) and even irreparable damage to your car, which means you're going nowhere fast. 

However, if you stick to your routine oil change schedule and let our Orlando Toyota service techs keep an eye on things in between appointments for you, you should be in good shape. On rare occasions, though, you might find that your car is using too much motor oil, which means it's going to run out of oil sooner than anticipated and need an oil change as well as a repair to remedy the overconsumption. Our Toyota of Orlando service techs are here to fill you in on signs your car is using too much oil and what you can do about it. 

Three signs your car is using too much motor oil 

Sign #1: Your oil light comes on. Your oil light coming on signifies that you need an oil change; you know this by now and can pretty much expect it to illuminate every 5,000 - 10,000 miles, depending on what type of motor oil you use in your Orlando Toyota. However, if it comes on sooner than you expect it to, it's worth having our techs take a look to see what triggered it early. 

Sign #2: You pull the dipstick and notice that the oil level is too low. You can check the quality and level of your oil without even visiting Toyota of Orlando - just pull the dipstick out of the engine. The oil on it should be caramel or tan in color and should fall in between the two tic marks. If it's lower than the bottom tic mark but you know it's not time for an oil change, your car could be consuming too much oil and you need to bring it in for auto service or repairs. 

Sign #3: You hear odd noises coming from the engine bay. This is vague, we know - weird noises can signify a number of issues. But if you hear clanking, rattling, or grinding noises in conjunction with other signs like low oil on the dipstick or your oil light on, it's time to schedule auto service at Toyota of Orlando to get to the bottom of things. 

Don't ignore these signs - like we said, it can do major damage to your car. If you notice any of the above, make an appointment to come see us. Further, there are a few Toyotas from back in the day that sometimes get this issue; in particular, if you own a RAV4, Solara, Matrix, or Camry that was manufactured in between 2007-2011.

Visit Toyota of Orlando today for auto service and repairs 

Think your car is using too much motor oil? Come on down and see us - we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. You can call ahead of time to schedule your auto service at (407) 298-0001! 

Paintless Dent Repair DIY Style Tips and Tricks

 No matter where you drive, there's always something that can give your car's body a run for its money. So many things to dinge your paint, dent the body panels, crack the plastic bumpers, put a crack in the windshield, you get the idea. The truth of the matter is that nowhere is safe for your poor whip. But, this doesn't mean you should lock your ride in the garage and never bring it out again (unless it's a collectible). Minor dents and scratches are pesky, but they're pretty easy to deal with yourself if you have the know-how. 

Paintless dent repair, one of the most common forms of collision repair, isn't too difficult to pull off on your own. Sure, the job might not be professional, but do you really care as long as it's cheap and the job gets done? Toyota of Orlando is here with some essential tips so you can get started right away. Check it out!

DIY Everything Fam

Orlando paintless dent repair involves a lot more than pulling a dent out. Professional work employs several tools and techniques aimed at restoring the blemish to factory perfection. Doing this DIY style is difficult and more expensive and time-consuming than you're ready for. For our purposes, tools will be used, but they're very unconventional. 

Plunge More Than Toilets

We know, using a toilet plunger to do any automotive repair seems super weird (and kinda gross). But, no one's expecting you to grab your used plunger and get this job done (unless you were trying to be economical. But also gross). For this trick, a plunger for your sink (the rubber cup kind) is the right tool. Apply a fair amount of water to both the dented area and the lip of the plunger. Make sure the lip of the plunger fully encompasses the dent and start pushing and pulling. The dent should pop out and restore the area to better shape. 

Something to remember, only try this trick out when popping out small to medium-sized dents. 

Time to Turn Up the Heat

Obviously, if you're going to try this Orlando paintless dent repair trick out, make sure you're super-duper careful. Boiling water is, obviously, very hot and you could easily wind up burning yourself. 

Start this trick by boiling a small and pourable kettle's worth of water. Once you've hit that nice boiling point, take your water and pour it over the dented area. The plastic or metal piece should loosen up with the application of high heat, making it much more pliable. The next part of this Orlando paintless dent repair trick is all about timing. While the area is still hot, reach around to the back of the dented spot and push it out with your hand. If you don't manage to do this quickly enough, apply more water and try again. 

Time for the Katy Perry Treatment

Hot N Cold is a critically acclaimed song that should have won every grammy (I said what I said), but that's not the point. This next Orlando paintless dent repair trick involves using hot and cold temperatures to take out a dent. 

Start by using a hairdryer or a heat gun. Direct a substantial amount of heat to the dented area until the area is thoroughly heated up. Next, grab a can of compressed air (yes, the thing you annoy your coworkers with) and turn it upside down. Start spraying the can at the dent for ultra-cool ice cannon effects. The heat will expand the area and the cold air from the canned air quickly contracts it. Essentially this is supposed to snap the dent away and reshape the area. Science. 

Need some professional paintless dent repair help? Visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Toyota’s 14 Billion Electric Car Battery Level-Up

Toyota has supported electric vehicles since it produced the Prius in 1997. However, throughout the recent years, Orlando Toyota has focused on pushing and perfecting its hybrid cars, leaving its pure electric models to be put on a stall. The automotive industry has taken many steps towards electric vehicles, with advancements and investments in electric car batteries. We can expect the future of the automotive industry to have more electric car representation as the automotive industry pushes towards this change in the game. Toyota even announced its goal is to be carbon neutral by 2050. 

Orlando Toyota had hesitation to fully invest in BEVs since the infrastructure for electric car batteries didn’t make it sustainable. However, with plans to push towards better infrastructure for electric cars, Orlando Toyota has also made a step towards the provision announcing an investment of $14 billion by 2030 in developing batteries and the underlying supply chain. Toyota has a solid plan to speed towards its competition and reach a good place in the race to the best electric cars.

What can we expect from this investment in Electric car battery tech? 

New Orlando electric car solid-state batteries

• These batteries are the next advancement of lithium-ion technology. 

• This technology will be more easily produced. 

• The new battery life will last for a longer time than the batteries available today. So, you can expect lower maintenance for your Toyota car. 

• Their overall charge will last longer in these electric car batteries, which will result in less time spent charging your electric car. 

Toyota’s plan to efficiently integrate and upgrade its Electric Cars

• Toyota will be developing a solid-state battery by securing 200 gigawatt-hours of battery supply from now to 2030. 

• We can expect to roll out 15 dedicated BEVs, 7 of which will include the “Beyond Zero” moniker and around 70 electrified models globally.

• The introduction of the majority of these new electric cars will go to the public by 2025.

• The follow-up of the new solid-state battery technology is looking to be introduced by 2030. 

The production efforts for electric car batteries are only becoming more efficient. We can expect to see this technology in many new upcoming Orlando Toyota models. The production investment estimates a 30% reduction in overall cost through less consumption of costly materials and production structures. 

Orlando Toyota’s fully electric car concept, the bZ4X, is expected to arrive sometime in 2022 

We are unsure whether the earlier iterations of the Orlando bZ4X will include a solid-state lithium-ion battery or if new hybrids will include the updated battery technology. Regardless, Toyota’s plan guarantees a foothold in the movement towards electric vehicles. Remember to follow Toyota of Orlando for updates on the latest electric car news. 

Do you have an electric or hybrid car that you’re looking to get serviced?

Visit Toyota of Orlando Service Center, where our expert technicians will give you the best service, quickly and efficiently. You can schedule an appointment by giving us a call at (407)298-0001. We’re located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. 

Decoding A Few New Toyota Driving Phenomenons/Myths

 It seems to be human nature to come up with all manner of mystery surrounding even the most mundane of things. Everything has to have some proverbial Walt Disney frozen head stashed somewhere to be discovered (pretty sure the rule is out on that one, but still). Perhaps it's the thrill of discovery or uncovering the unknown. Kind of like hunting for bigfoot or the loch ness monster, there's just something magical of trying to uncover some great mystery. 

Anyway, this writer digresses. The point of that long-winded intro was to say that even the automotive world has its fair share of myths and phenomena that baffles the best of us. The cool thing about these new Toyota myths though, most of them have been debunked! Toyota of Orlando is here with a few you're probably aware of and how they're not exactly true. Check it out!

Not Bigfoot, But Still Pretty Cool

"Traveling the Speed Limit = Green Light Breeze Through"

This one dates back to the first stoplights. There's the ever-pervasive new Toyota myth that traveling the speed limit or the same speed on roadways will result in hitting every green light on your way to your destination. Unfortunately, this is an oversimplification and can often be explained by simple coincidence. Most traffic lights operate using sensor-based technology rather than timers. Plus, there are too many factors to account for that would render this myth busted. Not every driver starts from the same place so how could the timing be accurate? What if there's a traffic jam along your route? What about small adjustments in speed or changing speed limits? So many holes this myth is starting to look like swiss cheese. 

"Traffic Jams are Always the Result of an Accident"

Again, not true. Traffic jams, as annoying as they are, are often caused by a few vehicles at the head of a larger group slowing down for a variety of reasons. When there's a large number of cars in one given area following each other, a slow down from the ones in front will inevitably cause a slowdown for the vehicles behind it. It creates a gradual ripple effect going back to the end of the jam that results in an even greater slowdown. Plenty of factors can account for Orlando new Toyota traffic jams. Inclement weather, road debris, a slower driver, you name it. 

"Premium Fuel > Regular Gas"

Apart from just being one with the boujiness, premium fuel is largely a mythical construct. It's often marketed as being less combustible and, therefore, less harmful to your engine. In truth, premium fuel is often unnecessary to use in your vehicle. Gas needs to be combined with air and combusted to power your vehicle either way and that process is neither clean nor pretty. Even if you drive a luxury model that "requires" you to use premium fuel, it's not entirely proven to be necessary. Save your money. 

"Tailgate Down = Better Fuel Efficiency"

If you drive a new Toyota pickup truck in Orlando, sorry, but you're not going to get the fuel efficiency numbers of a Corolla or Prius. They've come a long way, but that's just wack to think. Sorry for being harsh (lol). Some truck drivers will leave their tailgates down to create a better aerodynamic airflow pattern and get better mileage as a result. In truth, the entire bed is the issue, not the door that leads into it. Truck beds naturally create a pocket of drag behind the cab that pushes your truck down when driving at high speeds. Putting the bed door down doesn't cause that drag to escape in a stream. It actually doesn't do anything except close the gap between your Orlando new Toyota truck and the car behind you (fender bender incoming). The better route to take is to close off your bed and tailgate with a cover. Or, just don't buy a truck unless you need to transport heavy stuff. That works too. 

Ready to bust some more myths? Keep all your new Toyota needs here with Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Is Auto Service on an EV Less Expensive Than an ICE Vehicle?

 With automotive technology circumnavigating back to electric-focused fueling (cars began as EVs, after all), the road will soon be a mix of ICEs and EVs. If you're at a crossroads with your next car purchase, an EV might be on your list of options. Apart from electricity being a very convenient means of fueling, a cheaper one, and EVs just being overall cool, you might be wondering how much it costs to maintain. 

Auto service can be a big determining factor when it comes to your next chosen vehicle. To help make the process easier, Toyota of Orlando is here to filter through the noise and give you a concrete answer. Check it out right here!

EV or ICE. Which is Cheaper to Maintain?

According to AAA, auto service can be pretty expensive on average. Try about $500 to $600 for a typical day of service if you're not just getting an oil change. Yes, maintaining an ICE is generally expensive. Not to mention the fact that gasoline is constantly fluctuating in price (and is currently very high, we might add). All that might make it obvious that auto service for an Orlando Toyota EV would be cheaper, but it's a bit murkier than that. 

Technically, ICE vehicles are the most common forms of vehicles on the road right now. That means that replacement parts and individuals with knowledge of how to maintain these types of vehicles are in abundance. When things are in abundance, prices go down (tbt to econ). But, the skilled labor it takes to repair ICE vehicles doesn't come cheap. And, on top of that, Orlando Toyota ICE vehicles contain a huge number of moving parts with fluids, hoses, and electrical connections that often need to be serviced to continue operation. 

EVs being both old and new aren't quite backed by the decades of auto service records that Orlando ICE vehicles are. But, early findings are showing great promise when it comes to your service bill. Upfront, EVs are more expensive than the average ICE vehicle. This is because they're not quite mainstream on the market, fewer options are available for drivers, and the technology is still unique in many ways. Plus, EV techs are still needing to be trained to handle vehicles of these designs and parts production still needs to catch up. 

But, while EVs have quite a few factors that make their sticker prices higher on average, maintaining them is actually more affordable than you might think. Over the lifetime of an Orlando Toyota EV, auto service can actually save drivers around $4,600. This is because EVs operate without the need for combustion and other harsh chemical reactions. They also contain far fewer moving parts and have other technological functions to preserve their parts. For example, A/C systems in EVs often go uninterrupted even though they are designed similarly to what's in an ICE vehicle. There's no engine oil and no combustion process that could infect the A/C system so it often need not be maintained. Regenerative braking can also better preserve your brake pads and rotors by differing more stopping force to the electric motors at play. 

Overall, EVs are excellent at saving you money on auto service. Plus, they're emission-free! As Toyota begins its rollout of these vehicles, you might want to consider getting behind the wheel of one. 

Visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road for all your auto service and shopping needs!

Tire Balancing or Wheel Alignment. How to Tell Which One You Need

 The road is filled with unplanned events and hazards just lying in wait to mess up your day. To all the potholes, curbs, debris, and uneven terrain out there, why are you the way you are? Unfortunately, as much as you try to avoid these things on the road, you'll likely wind up running into them eventually anyway. Your car is built to withstand a fair bit of punishment, but occasionally a bump or impact just sounds too bad to not have caused any damage. 

 In cases like these, it's likely that damage did occur and you'll need to get repairs underway. Typically, the auto service you're looking for in this case is either a rebalancing of your tires or aligning the wheels. But, with these two procedures often being used interchangeably, it helps to know which one is the one you actually need. Toyota of Orlando is here with answers. Check it out!

Balance v Alignment. Which Auto Service is the Right One?

These two auto service jobs are often mistaken or considered the same thing. The thing is, they solve 2 different issues and deal with different components and require different steps to complete. Here's our breakdown of these 2 Orlando procedures: 

Tire Balancing

Orlando balancing auto service works to current the weight distribution of your wheels and tires. Your wheel and tire and placed on a machine that analyzes the revolution pattern at specific RPMs and determines places on the wheel that would benefit from a little added weight. This prevents damage to the suspension, excessive vibration, and normal wear patterns for your tires. Typically, an Orlando auto service tech should perform this every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or every 2 years. Here's how to tell if this is the auto service issue you should check out:

• Uneven tread wear is common with an unbalanced tire. 
• Vibrations in the steering wheel, floorboard, and seat. 
• Strong impacts with potholes and curbs can cause your tire to fall out of balance. It's highly recommended you visually inspect your tire and wheel after something like this happens. 
• Leaving your car parked for extended periods of time can also cause an imbalance to occur by creating flat spots in your tires' tread. 

Wheel Alignment

While an Orlando tire balance involves physically attaching weights to your tires so they spin more effectively, wheel alignments have more to do with the direction your vehicle drives. A perfectly aligned set of wheels should follow a straight path. Here are a few symptoms to look out for: 

• Testing for an Orlando alignment issue is pretty easy. Simply let go of the steering wheel for a brief few moments and see if your car diverts from a straight path. 
• Your ride might also obviously tug to the left or right. This clearly indicates an auto service issue with the alignment. 
• Squealing noises can also indicate improper alignment along with vibrations in the steering wheel or on one side of your ride. 

Need help diagnosing these auto service issues? Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road!

How to prepare your used car for trade in

 Are you thinking about trading in your used car but not sure what you need to do before you make an appraisal appointment? Toyota of Orlando is here with tips - learn the steps you should take to get your ride ready for trade-in so you can get the most bang for your buck (and a nice down payment to put into your next Orlando Toyota!). 

Five ways to prepare your used car for trade in 

Tip #1: Detail your car. Before you try to trade in your used car, detail it. Take the time to thoroughly wipe, dust, and vacuum the interior, and use stain remover to get rid of any small stains in the upholstery or carpet. Clean all the glass, and get rid of all the junk in your car, even in the trunk or cargo space. For the exterior, wash it, shine your tires, and apply a coat of wax to give your car paint that like-new luster again. 

Tip #2: Take care of any small repairs. Do you have any small repairs or maintenance items that you need to handle? Take care of them now. We're talking oil changes, swapping out burnt-out lightbulbs, etc. Don't necessarily feel that you have to undertake any large repairs before a trade-in; they can always be negotiated into the price when you do sell or trade the used car. 

Tip #3: Gather records, warranties, and receipts. Gather all the paperwork that you have on your Orlando Toyota. This includes all of your service records, any receipts you have from work done on the car, and any warranties that you have for parts or service. This will make the used car more enticing to future buyers and also show that you've cared for it properly. 

Tip #4: Appraise your car with our online tool. Get an idea of how much your car is worth with our online appraisal tool. It'll give you an estimated value so you know around how much you can expect when you do a trade-in. 

Tip #5: Decide what you want for your car. After prepping and appraising your Orlando Toyota, decide how much you want for it. Have that number in mind when you take it to your trade-in appointment. 

Schedule your trade-in at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to trade in? Whether you need auto service before you do or want to schedule a trade-in appointment, we're here to help! Call Toyota of Orlando at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

How to keep your black car clean: Toyota of Orlando tips

 If you own - or have ever owned - a black car, then you know just how difficult it can be to keep it clean. Dust, pollen, watermarks, fingerprints - it seems like every single imperfection shows up because of the paint's high reflectivity and contrast, and this can send you into a constant cycle of wash, dry, repeat. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips on how to keep your black car clean AND mistakes to avoid when caring for a car with dark paint! 

5 tips for detailing a black car 

Tip #1: Clean bird poop, bugs, and other stains off the paint as quickly as you can. We all know that dead bugs (we're looking at you, lovebugs), bird poop, and other debris can damage the paint. But it's even more noticeable on dark paint, which is why it's critical to at least rinse these stains off of your car as quickly as you can.  

Tip #2: Invest in a good wax. Blemishes, scratches, and chips show up a lot more on black cars and what might not be noticeable on a lighter vehicle will be glaring on yours. Remember, when you scratch car paint you can see white underneath, and this white will be even more noticeable on a black car. That's why it's critical that you invest in a good wax. Apply it regularly to give your Orlando Toyota an extra layer of defense for your car paint. You may even want to look into a ceramic coating. 

Tip #3: Park under cover. Black car paint is also more susceptible to fading from the sun because its dark color absorbs more UV rays (and we get plenty of sun here in Orlando). Try to park your car under cover whenever possible. A garage is best, but even a carport or under some trees that give partial shade can help. 

Tip #4: Use the right products and tools when car detailing. Invest in a good car soap formulated for vehicles AND microfiber cloths. Using regular rags on a black car's paint can leave swirl marks over time, so you want to use something ultra-soft for cleaning. 

Tip #5: Take extra care to use a clean sponge when washing. When you're soaping up the car, make sure your sponge is fresh, clean, and free of dirt or sand. Any debris in the sponge will leave marks on you car's paint as you wash. 

Get tips, car detailing supplies, and more at Toyota of Orlando 

Want more tips on how to keep your black car clean? Call Toyota of Orlando. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

Difficult to Remove Car Paint Stains (And How to Remove Them)

Your car paint is a statement. It's the first thing people see and notice when you pull up to a spot. Even before you notice the type of car or what the body design looks like, you'll definitely notice the paint color and pattern. The eye-catching nature of paint is definitely palpable, but it comes with some caveats. It's also super easy to spot defects and errors on paint and it's a great way to feel self-conscious about your ride. 

While you drive, all manner of things is out to attack your paint. Rocks, dust, dirt, and more can plague your ride's aesthetic. While some of those things are easy to remove, other things can be pretty tricky to deal with. Toyota of Orlando is here with a guide on the most difficult substances to remove from your car paint and the best ways to go about removing those things. Check it out!

The Peskiest Things to Remove From Orlando Car Paint

Bird Droppings/Bug Splatter

These 2 substances are probably some of the most common things to plague your car paint. Having your ride parked under a tree often leads to bird droppings appearing on your hood or roof and bugs are a natural consequence of driving just about anywhere. While they may not seem like a huge deal that warrants being removed asap, these substances are actually very acidic and can lead to stains and paint deterioration. White vinegar and distilled water can be used for bird droppings on your car paint and wet dryer sheets are great for getting rid of bugs. 

Gasoline

Yes, gasoline powers your ride, but it can also be your car paint's greatest nemesis. It's not uncommon to drip a bit of fuel onto your car paint around the gas cap, but over time this can eat away at the clear coat and leave stains. It's highly recommended you remove any gasoline left on your Orlando car paint immediately using a mild soap and water mixture with a sponge. Especially don't bring an open flame near it. 

Fingerprints

Sometimes your Orlando car paint is just so cool and clean you can't help but run your finger down the body panel. Well, big mistakey. Fingerprints can actually spread grime already on your hands (please, wash your hands thoroughly people) onto your paint and even act as a surface that causes more to stick. So, try to resist touching your ride too much and, if you do, wash your prints away with mild soap and water. 

Water Stains

Super pesky and difficult to avoid. Water is everywhere and not always a bad thing to get on your car. But, when water contains mineral deposits or is "hard," you best believe it will become the bain of your Orlando car paint's existence fast. Deposits, when dry, can leave stains on your paint and various watermarks that are ultra-difficult to remove. The best way to do so is to wax your vehicle with an orbital sander after washing to remove watermarks. It also helps to thoroughly dry your ride after washing. 

Asphalt, Cement, and Highway Paint

This one doesn't happen too often, but when it does you need to approach it with caution and care. Asphalt, cement, and highway paint are very abrasive and designed to not come off of just about anything. If you drove through a patch of these substances while they were wet, you're in for a rough time. They're not impossible to remove, but if you do it wrong they can cause heavy damage to your car paint (cue FlexSeal guy). You need to start by gradually removing the substance using an oil-based penetrator. Think Goo-Gone or WD40. Spray and chip away at the spots slowly to avoid tearing off your clear coat or paint layers. If you've managed to remove the bulk of the stains, use a clay bar to remove some of the remaining particles and avoid scratching your paint further. 

Need help getting rid of these pesky substances from your car paint? Toyota of Orlando can help! Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Went a Little Rough on the Toyota Off Roading? Damage Report

If your ride has the grit and the aftermarket suspension system, it can go where hardly any vehicles go. Off-roading and over-landing are immensely fun activities that give you a little more from your car. All the thrills of being on the race track, but a lot muddier. Luckily, if you drive an Orlando Toyota truck or SUV, you're well on your way to carving up some trails. 

Toyota designs many of their vehicles to harken back to the off-roading ruggedness of the original Land Cruiser and they perform very well off the pavement. But, for all the engineering and bolstered designs, no car is immune to damage when Toyota off-roading. If you're noticing some odd behavior or maybe some body damage here and there, Toyota of Orlando has the deets on damages you can expect to see after a day on the trails. 

You Might See This After a Day of Off-Roading

Misaligned Wheels

Being on the trail most definitely means you're going to be running into all manner of things. Large and sharp rocks, tree branches, sudden dips, and elevations, we could go on. Your Orlando Toyota suspension system is designed to withstand quite a bit, but it can't handle it all. More than likely, a day of Toyota off-roading will leave you needing an alignment. 

You can diagnose this auto service issue but letting go of the steering wheel briefly while driving. If your car can't follow a straight path or you feel shaking or shuddering, then your wheels are likely out of alignment. This issue is best addressed quickly as it can lead to uneven wear on your tires and further damage to your suspension system. 

Tire Damage

Your tires are made of rubber, but that doesn't mean they repel damage. Off-roading tires are built with extra padding and material to handle uneven terrain, but even they can run into issues after some time. When Toyota off-roading, you could run into sharp objects, uneven branches, or objects striking bad points and causing uneven pressure. After a day on the trails, inspect your tires for punctures, bubbling, and anything out of the ordinary. 

Body Damage

If you brushed past a tree along the path or bumped into a large rock, chances are the body of your Orlando Toyota car was damaged. This could mean paint scraping, dents, scratches, and so on. While it's expected of many off-roading vehicles to have this issue, deep scratches and other major damage can yield to even worse problems. 

Undercarriage Damage

It's important to have ample clearance height when Toyota off-roading. This can help keep your undercarriage protected. Unfortunately, you might run into something unexpected that scrapes the bottom of your Orlando vehicle and sends you into a panic. Undercarriage damage is very common after hitting the trails. To make sure you got out unscathed, check for fluid leaks and pay attention to your car's dashboard warning lights. 

Transmission Issues

When you think about Toyota off-roading, it usually involves a lot of frantic and harsh acceleration, quick braking, and sudden high and low RPMs. All the rough shifting and RPM fluctuation can actually do significant damage to your transmission. After a day in the mud, watch out for symptoms like transmission slipping, difficulty shifting, fluid leaks, delays in shifting, and warning lights coming on. 

Are you experiencing any of these issues after a Toyota off-roading trip? Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road for the best in auto service. 

Some of the Most Challenging Car Repairs Out There

 Servicing vehicles is a thankless job that our auto service technicians do excellently. We're always thankful for their efforts and expertise. While the day in and day out jobs seen most are oil changes, tire rotations, and the like, occasionally a problem-child of a car makes some noise in the garage. 

Our techs are always up to task to handle whatever the issue is, but some jobs are much easier to tackle than others. For the entertainment of our readers, Toyota of Orlando has done some digging and uncovered some of the most difficult/challenging car repairs known among mechanics. Check it out here!

Up to the Challenge? Think Again with These Orlando Car Repairs

Transmission Repairs

Your car's transmission switches the engine to the required gear and is essential to the overall function of your ride. Essentially, good luck driving without a working transmission. Repairs and general maintenance of this auto part are expensive and many drivers aren't willing to finance the repairs outright. Until it's too late. Things like low transmission fluid, bad shift cables, or poor clutch link (if you drive a stick) can contribute to poor transmission conditions. For an auto service tech, this car repair is dreaded. 

Spark Plug Replacement

Granted, spark plug replacements aren't expensive and the parts are easy to find, they're still a pain to work with. This type of car repair involves working with painfully small parts that are often placed in an inconvenient spot in the engine compartment. For many Orlando techs, it's a gamble if they'll have an easy or difficult time with this one. 

Clutch Work

We can bet you've never heard of this word. The clutch is that extra pedal that comes in manual drive vehicles. It lets the driver shift when needed and is absolutely essential to proper function. If someone driving stick really shouldn't be driving stick, the clutch can degrade after about 20,000 miles. The problem with working on the clutch is that the entire transmission needs to be removed. So, you can see why this one sucks in particular. 

Engine Replacement

The most dreaded and time-consuming of most car repairs. Replacing the engine involves much more than just ripping out the existing rig and dropping a new one in. Connecting parts might need to be replaced in the process, every connection needs to be inspected and reconnected, and more. Case and point, it's a lot of work and expensive at that. 

Looking for quality car repair services? Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Weird but common driving superstitions

 Do you have any driving superstitions that you adhere to when you're behind the wheel? Believe it or not, a lot of drivers do. Today - in honor of Friday the 13th - we're discussing some of the weird but common driving superstitions we've seen. Check it out! 

Seven driving superstitions to be aware of

#1: Hold your breath when you pass a graveyard. It's a pretty common driving superstition that you should always hold your breath when you pass a graveyard in a car, even if you're just a passenger. Why? Some believe that your ability to breathe makes the ghosts there jealous (you know because they're dead) so they'll try to steal your breath from you. Our recommendation? Don't hold your breath too long if you're behind the wheel. 

#2: Honk when you enter a tunnel. Some drivers believe that you should honk before you enter a tunnel because it will scare off any evil spirits that might otherwise cause you to get into an accident. We say go for it, but make sure you're not right behind someone. Honking could confuse them. 

#3: Lift your feet up when going over a railroad track. A lot of drivers (and passengers alike) lift up their feet when going over the railroad tracks. Apparently, some believe that if you don't, you'll never meet your true love, never marry, and could even die young. We think it's pretty risky to take your feet off the pedals when you're driving, so we don't recommend you adhere to this driving superstition. 

#4: Scratch your new car yourself. Have you heard of the driving superstition where you scratch your new car yourself before anything else can? Supposedly, making the first scratch in your paint will help prevent any other damage or car accidents. If you do it, do it in a place that's out of sight! 

#5: Put coins under your seat in a new vehicle. Some drivers believe that it's good luck to throw change under the seat of your new car. We say ok.... at least you'll have money if your EPass stops working. 

#6: Don't discuss selling your car while inside of it. In Russia, it's considered bad luck to discuss selling your car while sitting inside of it. Apparently, the car will "hear" you and in retaliation for its soon-to-be abandonment, will start to break and malfunction before you can get it off of your hands. 

#7: Be super cautious on Friday the 13th. Some drivers believe that Friday the 13th is such an unlucky day that you shouldn't even take your car out of the garage. However, we know that realistically this just isn't feasible for some people. Just pay attention, avoid distractions, and put your best defensive driving skills into play! 

Get scratch repair or a new Toyota today at Toyota of Orlando

Need a new Toyota to put some of these superstitions to the test or need scratch repair after making that first mark yourself? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We're just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall and you can reach us at (407) 298-4500.