Five tips to maximize your car's fuel economy

 Are you always looking for ways to tighten up your budget? Here at Toyota of Orlando, we hear you. We know that car ownership in particular can get expensive if you're not careful, but luckily, there are ways to trim down your costs and save a bit of money. One way to do it? Maximize your car's fuel efficiency. Check out these five tips from our Orlando auto service experts on how to do it! 

Easy ways to get better fuel efficiency 

Tip #1: Stop driving like a maniac. No, seriously - stop. When you drive aggressively, you burn more fuel. You should make it a point to stop slamming on the gas and brakes and stop speeding. If you can change your driving habits to accelerate and brake more gently and follow the speed limit - i.e., drive like a considerate person - you'll find that your fuel savings go up. 

Tip #2: Start planning your drivetime. Another way to maximize fuel efficiency is to start planning your drive time - consolidate your trips. Instead of going out multiple times, backtracking to get places, and making unnecessary stops, try to consolidate everything into one or two trips. Less running around means less fuel used.  

Tip #3: Try not to idle if you can help it. Did you know that idling - sitting with your car running - can actually waste fuel? This is especially true if you're using your electronics and running the air-conditioning. That's why if you drive an Orlando Toyota hybrid, it shuts off when you're waiting at a light or in a parking lot. Try to cut down on your idling - roll your windows down and shut your car off if you know you're going to be sitting for a while. 

Tip #4: Stick to the speed limit. We know, we know - sometimes you just have to put the pedal to the metal. But going over the speed limit actually burns more fuel. Stick to the speed limit or a few miles under and you'll actually maximize your fuel efficiency without even really trying. Fuel efficiency hits its peak at around 50 mph so keep that in mind next time you hit the road. 

Tip #5: Use cruise control as often as you can. When you turn on your cruise control, your car maintains a constant speed without you having to do any work. Maintaining a constant speed means you use less fuel. Use your cruise control whenever you can, but remember that there are certain situations in which you don't want to. You should never use this feature when it's raining or snowing or if you're in a congested area. It's best utilized on the highway when you can move with the flow of traffic and keep a constant speed without issues. 

Toyota of Orlando wants to help you save 

Want more tips to maximize fuel efficiency? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-4500, or you can stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall! 

Is Your Car Getting Old? Here's Some Auto Service You Should Do

Your car is both machine and best friend. While we won't go so far as to say you should have a heart to heart with your car (people would probably think it's weird that you're conversing with a car), your car does a lot for you. All the times it got you where you needed to go, the countless times you used it as a storage unit, and all the messes it's endured. All for you. After all this time it's likely that your ride has started to sprout gray hairs but you want to stick by it like it has you. 

If you're someone who wants to stay true to their ride, whether that be for financial or emotional reasons, there are several auto service things you can do to give it a much needed refresh. Toyota of Orlando has the deets so you can get started!

Keeping Things Fresh in Your Old Ride

This process might seem a little reminiscent of the movie "Wild Hogs (terrible movie, by the way)," but reviving your ride actually comes with a lot of benefit. You get to continue driving the car you (hopefully) love and are used to and it saves you a lot of money. Here are a few auto service jobs you should do to keep your ride running like new. 

Routine, But Makes All the Difference

Being a diligent Orlando Toyota driver, you've likely kept up with all your routine auto service. If not, it might be too late for your ride. But, in any case, a great thing to do to refresh your ride is make sure you take care of some pretty routine things like fluid changes/flushes, oil changes, tire rotations, and so on. This can help prevent major mechanical failure if done routinely and is absolutely important if you plan on keeping your aging ride going. 

Time for a Bath

Nothing brings out the age of a car quite like dirt and grime. To get that youthful glow back, you're going to want to give your Orlando Toyota car a thorough cleaning. We're talking, inside, outside, underneath, cracks, crevices, the whole shebang. For this auto service step we recommend using a quality soap, applying wax, using interior specific cleaner, and vacuuming every nook and cranny you can get to. While you do this, keep in mind any damages you come across. 

It's All About the Little Things

Your aging ride is a delicate balancing act. You should always keep in mind a resale value figure so as to budget your auto service needs. If a repair exceeds the overall cost of return on your car then the best thing to do is some end of life care. With that in mind, refer back to that damages list you made earlier and start fixing them, DIY style! Interior blemishes, loose or damages accent pieces on the exterior, and more can all be repaired yourself without any major spending involved. 

Add Some Tech

One of the annoying things about driving an older vehicle is the speed at which technology moves on. If you're still driving something that needs a tape player adapter aux cord, it's time to upgrade! Consider adding things like a wireless charger on your dashboard, a new infotainment system, organizing tools, and so on. 

No More Stains

It's highly unlikely your car's interior been spotless throughout your entire time of ownership. Especially if you're someone who likes coffee (and spilling it). But, worry no more. Simply make a solution out of warm water, white vinegar, and a dash of dish soap. Before you start wiping away the stain, dry wipe it to loosen up the dirt and grime of the stain (brushing works very well here). Then, spray the towel (NOT the surface) and start scrubbing. This should take care of stains on your headliner, seats, and floor in no time! 

Ready to get started? Toyota of Orlando is here to help with all your auto service needs. Visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road today!

How to protect your car during pollen season

Spring is a beautiful time of year here in Central Florida, but unfortunately, it also brings a TON of pollen into the equation. Get ready to sneeze, cough, and watch your car be steadily coated with green and yellow for a few weeks. 

Can pollen actually damage your car? 

While most drivers think that pollen on their car is just an aesthetic inconvenience - let's be real, it looks pretty bad - it actually can do a lot more harm than you'd think. Pollen can actually oxidize your car's paint, leaving unsightly stains that can't be wiped away. In fact, if the stains are bad enough, you may need a paint job to repair them and get your Orlando Toyota looking like-new again. 

Luckily, there are ways to prevent paint damage from pollen both before and during pollen season. Check out these pro tips from our Orlando auto service experts. 

Tip #1: Wash your car. A LOT. You should get ready to break out the car detailing supplies when pollen season arrives - you'll want to wash your car as often as possible to prevent paint damage. Even a quick rinse is better than nothing. And make sure you're using the right supplies; using soap not formulated for cars (like dish soap) can actually do more harm than good to your paint. You can shop for supplies at Toyota of Orlando's parts store!

Tip #2: Prep your vehicle for the season. Another way to get ahead is to prepare your vehicle before pollen season arrives. Detail the exterior and apply a couple of coats of quality wax. This will keep a barrier in between your car's paint and the pollen (and also leave it looking shiny and new), and make it easier to rinse the pollen off. 

Tip #3: Clean out the interior. You should also give a little TLC to the interior of your Orlando Toyota. Wipe it down, shake the floormats, and vacuum to give your allergies a break. 

Tip #4: Don't forget under the hood. Get under the hood during pollen season, too. It can wreak havoc on your engine air filter and cabin air filter, so be sure to clean and replace them as needed.

Tip #5: Park wisely. Make sure you pick where you park with pollen in mind. Parking under trees is always a recipe for a bright green car. It's in your best interest to park in a garage, if possible, or at least under a carport or some sort of covered parking area. 

Let Toyota of Orlando help you protect your ride

Need to shop car detailing supplies or get a little help changing your air filters? Visit Toyota of Orlando! We're located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road, and our Orlando auto service center is open seven days a week. 

Key Takeaways from Your Car Owner's Manual

 You're probably over hearing us talk about how important it is that you have a working knowledge of your car (well, we're tired of saying it. So there). But, we can't say it enough, it really is important that you know something about your vehicle so you can diagnose service issues, get yourself out of a bind, and properly navigate your ride. One of the most helpful tools you receive with your vehicle (other than a spare tire and a jack) is your car owner's manual. Think of it like an all-in-one guide for everything you'd possibly ever want to know about your car. This guide book can make all the difference if you're trying to diagnose service issues, replace basic parts, or familiarize yourself with the features at your disposal. 

If you've never even cracked this bad boy open, Toyota of Orlando is here with some things you should take away from a quick read through. 

There's So Much to Find in Your Car Owner's Manual

Just like your textbooks have glossaries and indexes, the car owner's manual serves as a one-stop shop for all the key info on your vehicle. They can be found in just about every car out there and can really help you if you're in a bind or are just looking to do some DIY auto service. When browsing through your Orlando manual, here are a few things you should pay close attention to:

Fluid Types and Capacities

Without fluids, your car would be nothing more than a dried piece of metal with gears that can't grind. Between brake fluid, motor oil, coolant, and the rest, it can get intimidating and confusing trying to find the right stuff to put in your ride. The easy solution? Refer to your car owner's manual. There's a dedicated section for fluids that you should check out if you're in need of a top off. 

 Suggested Auto Service Schedule

Everyone has different needs and the same goes for your Orlando Toyota car. An auto service schedule for a luxury vehicle, like a Lexus, will look very different from that of a Corolla. Your owner's manual can help you here as well. Enclosed is a suggested auto service schedule with recommendations on the mileage you should hit before having to do maintenance for the oil, belts, brakes, and so on. 

How to Replace Various Parts

Auto service can be quite complicated and you might feel hesitant to try and replace anything yourself. But, there doesn't have to be any guesswork involved. Instead, crack open your Orlando Toyota car owner's manual and look for the section on replacing auto parts. This encompasses fairly simple components like light bulbs, oil filters, air filter, cabin filter, and more. While they may be simple parts, replacing them can be costly and doing them yourself can save you quite a bit of money and leave you feeling like a DIY pro. 

Got Questions? Navigate Your Car Owner's Manual with Toyota of Clermont

Have questions about your car owner's manual? Visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Toyota of Orlando talks engine air filters

 

If there were ever a source of real controversy surrounding car care appointments, it would absolutely be the engine air filter. This car part gets a bad rap and because of that, many drivers don't take service recommendations for it seriously. However, this car part plays a critical role in your car's performance and if it's not changed routinely, could cause some pretty big issues for your ride. Toyota of Orlando is here to explain. 

Do you really need to replace your engine air filter? 

The reason the engine air filter has a bad reputation is due to a handful of mechanics who like to push it on customers to pad the bill (to be blunt). We often hear complaints about other auto service centers that suggest this service even when it's not due, which makes drivers automatically mistrustful when they heard the words "engine air filter". 

However, it is actually a necessary part of car care to replace this part on a routine basis. Your engine air filter is responsible for ensuring that CLEAN air makes it into the engine. The engine in your Orlando Toyota pulls air into it to ignite the fuel that gets you where you need to go, and the air filter prevents dirt and debris from being sucked in. When it's too dirty to function, your car will suffer performance problems (or worse). That's why it's necessary to clean the air filter regularly and replace it on a routine basis. If you don't, you could have to deal with issues like: 

• Performance problems. When your air filter is too dirty or gets clogged, the right amount of air doesn't get pulled into the engine. This can result in lowered fuel efficiency, misfiring, and a loss of power (less acceleration). 
• Damage to the engine. If your air filter gets worn down due to excessive wear and tear, it could actually start falling apart. When this happens pieces of it can actually get sucked into your car's engine, causing expensive damage that will have to be repaired immediately. 

So how often does this car part *actually* need to be replaced? Some drivers say it should be swapped out once a year, but the better answer is based on mileage. After all, different drivers rack up different mileage based on their habits. It's better to base your car care on the miles you put on your car. Following this logic, you should replace your car engine air filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles and ensure that you clean it in between replacements. 

Toyota of Orlando can handle all of your routine car care 

And we can help! Our experts at our Orlando auto service center can clean and swap your engine air filter as needed and get you on a schedule so you know exactly when you're due for this service. Give us a call at (407) 298-4500 or stop by. We're located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall. 

Toyota of Orlando's Short Guide on Ethanol Gasoline

 Vehicle fueling and the different ways we can power our machines has become quite the hot topic today in the automotive industry. Will we be moving to electric power? Hydrogen fuel cells? Hybrids? Or something else? While the world certainly has its hands full with fueling logistics, this isn't the only time in history we've openly debated and adjusted our fueling structure for machines. 

Without reaching too far back into the troves of history, it wasn't too long ago that gasoline was a pretty hotly contested debate, and not because of its environmental impact. Not directly, anyway. We're talking about the onset and use of ethanol gasoline for mainstream fueling. This made huge waves in the automotive world, but you probably wouldn't figure that when pulling up to a pump. Toyota of Orlando is here with a little guide on what this fuel does, means, and how it affects your ride. 

The Ins and Outs of Ethanol Gasoline

At just about every gas station you visit between here and there, every grade of gasoline has an indicator that it includes some percentage of ethanol in it. To give you some background, here are some quick facts on Orlando ethanol gasoline:

• Ethanol (apart from being a gasoline additive) is a naturally occuring substance and it's organic. It's actually the same substance you consume if you drink alcoholic beverages. 
• It's also used in the medical field as a common variety of disinfectant. 
• Ethanol is made by fermenting sugars with yeast and has been used in a recreational sense since ancient times. Many countries and societies distill it for a variety of reasons. 
• One could make ethanol from just about any form of crop. In North America its distilled commonly from corn and in Brazil from sugar cane. 
• As a seguey, ethanol gasoline is fuel mixed with a certain percentage of ethanol as an additive. 

Ethanol has been used as a fuel additive in Orlando Toyota cars since the early 2000s for several reasons. One, it helps stretch and extend the life of a nation's current fuel supply by diluting it with something combustible. And two, it reduces emissions when used in small amounts of gasoline. Actually, you probably have ethanol gasoline sitting in your Orlando Toyota gas tank right now. If a fuel pump doesn't explicitly say, "Ethanol Free," it's pretty safe to assume that there's some amount of ethanol in the fuel you're about to use. 

You might be wondering though, what does that mean for your ride? Let's discuss!

What Ethanol Does for and to Your Car

It's an undeniable fact that burning fossil fuels (like gasoline) creates harmful emissions and air pollution. To aid in the reduction of emissions, engine designs have been tweaked over the years, fuel efficiency has taken a front seat in vehicle design, and ethanol was added to gasoline. But, this comes with some caveats. Burning higher grades of ethanol gasoline or pure ethanol can actually create higher levels of smog in an area. In North America we typically use a 10% ethanol gasoline mix which helps to reduce emissions. 

When ethanol was first introduced as a mainstream fuel additive it faced some hesitancy and criticism from drivers. Older Orlando Toyota engines weren't designed to handle the ignition and gradual decay of alcohol and ethanol proved to be an issue. In fact, for a lot of classic car collectors it continues to be an issue. Ethanol is naturally hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. Simpler and older engines aren't designed to handle the excess moisture in the fuel compartment and rust can more easily form. Some drivers also report an average 2 - 3 mile loss in fuel economy overall because of the combustion process of alcohol. 

Still have questions? Our auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando have answers! Visit the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road or chat with us online today.  

Toyota of Orlando explains car insurance

 Owning a car requires a lot of adulting. Not only do you have to drive carefully, make your car payments on time, and ensure that you get routine car maintenance scheduled to keep it in top shape, but you also have to worry about car insurance. Toyota of Orlando is always here to help explain the finer points of car buying and ownership, and today we're tackling what car insurance is and the different types of coverage available to you. 

Why do you need car insurance?

Car insurance basically covers you and your vehicle in the event of an accident or collision. If you didn't have car insurance and you got into an accident, you would have to pay the entirety of your medical bills and auto repair bills out of pocket (and trust us, they both add up quickly). With car insurance, you typically only have to pay a deductible and your insurance company will cover the rest. Additionally, it's illegal to drive without car insurance, so if you don't have it you could find yourself ticketed or worse. 

So, how do you know which policy is the best for you and your Orlando Toyota? It's easier than it seems (we promise), and our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to explain the basics to you. 

As noted, your car insurance is there to pay a majority of your car repair and medical bills should you get into an accident. And if the accident is your fault, it might also cover the other driver's medical and auto repair bills. That's why it's so important to have. There are several different categories in your car insurance policy and we're breaking them down below. 

• Bodily injury and personal liability insurance covers the other driver's medical bills and your car repair bills if you get into a car accident and you're the one at fault. 
• On the other hand, Personal Injury Protection helps cover your medical bills, and Collision helps pay for the auto repair expenses for your Orlando Toyota. 
• Comprehensive car insurance covers things out of the realm of car accidents, like natural disasters. This is also the coverage that would handle a hit-and-run accident where you're the only driver with coverage, as well as replacing your car windshield if it cracks or breaks (at least in the state of Florida). 

Another thing to consider when you're shopping car insurance is how often you're going to pay the premium. Most insurance companies offer monthly, biannually, and annual payments. Keep in mind that if you pay once or twice a year, the payments will be large, but you may qualify for a discount based on your car insurance company. On the other hand, if you want more manageable payments, you should opt for monthly payments. 

Get answers to your car insurance questions at Toyota of Orlando 

Have more questions about car insurance? Toyota of Orlando can help. We're open seven days a week with the answers you need at (407) 298-4500 and we're also conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

On the Daily Car Maintenance

We understand that car maintenance can be a drag, but we also hope that you understand that it’s completely necessary. Sure you’re not bringing in your car every week to Toyota of Orlando for oil changes and tire rotations (at least you shouldn’t be), but it can still be a pain. Nevertheless, today we’re not talking about the car routine maintenance for the vehicle’s function. We’re going to be focusing more on daily car maintenance. We know, this sounds like even more of a drag but trust us, even a little bit goes a long way.

Daily Car Maintenance Tricks to Do

As a car owner, it’s imperative to care for your vehicle. After all, its longevity depends on it. Car maintenance doesn’t have to be a time consuming or costly thing. Thanks to our Orlando auto service experts, we have a list of quick car care tricks you should implement to your daily routine. Here it goes!

1)    Clean out your trash

Whenever you get your cup of coffee and snacks for your daily morning commute, make sure you throw it out as soon as you're done consuming. Leaving trash in your ride can attract unwanted guests that include pests, insects, and rodents. A trick to prevent the accumulation of trash is to empty out your Orlando Toyota from trash before locking up. Ou can make things even easier by hanging a trash bag on the back of the seat, or keeping everything in your cup holder.

2)   Do a walk-around of the exterior

You’ll want to do this everyday. You’ll be able to spot any issues or accident damage right away. If you wait days in between or even weeks, you won’t know if that shopping cart bump happened when you were at the grocery store last night or last week. 

3)   Inspect your tires while you do the walk-around 

Our Orlando auto service experts recommend you take a look at your tires while you do your walk-around. That way you’ll be able to see if any are going flat, missing air, so that you take the necessary steps to fix any issues.

4)   Take a look at your dashboard lights

When you turn on your car, all of your dashboard lights should turn on as well and then turn off again. If there are any lights that stay illuminate, then that may indicate a problem. Bring your car in to Toyota of Orlando’s service center as soon as possible so they can get it checked out. 

5)    Make sure your mirrors are aligned

Part of your daily car maintenance routine is checking all of your mirrors to make sure they’re properly aligned (this includes your rear view mirror and side mirrors). It’s important to do so for the safety of you and your passengers.

6)    Don’t drive on empty

Try to keep your tank at at least a quarter tank of gas at all times. When you do drive around on low gas it damages your fuel pump and the engine.

If you have any questions or concerns about daily car maintenance or you’re due for an appointment, call our service center at Toyota of Orlando at (407)298-0001.

Your tire pressure warning light: What you need to know

 When was the last time you gave your car tires a little TLC? They're a pretty crucial part of your day-to-day performance - if they're not in good condition, you're going nowhere fast. That's why it's important to not only stay on a routine car tire maintenance schedule (checking the PSI, getting tire rotations and balances, getting wheel alignments) but also to know how to troubleshoot. Today we're talking about one of the most apparent signs of trouble with your tires - the tire pressure warning light. 

What does it mean when your tire pressure warning light turns on?

When this light turns on in your dashboard (where all of the other warning lights illuminate), it means that one or more of your tires has low pressure. This may not seem like a big deal; after all, if they don't look flat, you can still drive on them, right? Think again. There are actually some pretty adverse effects that can come out of driving on tires that aren't properly inflated - here are the big ones: 

• Your tires will start to wear unevenly. When your tire(s) is underinflated, it has more surface area because it's a little flatter than it should be. This means more of it is touching the road, so you're going to have wear and tear that's out of the ordinary. An underinflated car tire also throws things out of balance so your other tires may also wear unevenly. Overall, this means you're going to have to replace your tires sooner, running up a pretty big auto service bill. 
• Your fuel efficiency will suffer. Another aspect of your performance that suffers when your car tires are too low is fuel efficiency. If your PSI is too low, it drags down your fuel economy without fail. This means you're going to be stopping for gas more often and shelling out more money because your MPGs aren't what they should be. 
• You're more prone to flats and blowouts. When your car tires aren't at the proper PSI, you run a much higher risk of a flat tire or a blowout. It may not seem like a big deal, but flat tires are super inconvenient. And blowouts can be dangerous, especially if you're traveling at a high speed, like on the highway. A tire blowout could result in an accident or collision. 

So is it really worth it to ignore that tire pressure warning light? We don't think so - after all, correcting your PSI is quick and easy. You can stop at a gas station and use their air hose to fill your tire to the right level (which you can easily find in your owner's manual OR on the panel inside the driver's side door). And if you're not comfortable taking a DIY approach, you can bring your car to Toyota of Orlando's service center to have our techs take a look at it. They can get all of your tires back into the best condition possible and get you back on the road. 

Schedule car tire service at Toyota of Orlando 

Schedule car tire service with us today! Toyota of Orlando is conveniently located just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. We're open seven days a week and you can schedule your appointment ahead of time online or by calling us at (407) 298-4500. 

How to handle a car emergency on the highway

 Car emergencies are almost always stressful situations regardless of what road you're on when they occur. And when they happen on the highway, stress gets ratcheted even higher. That's why our Orlando Toyota dealership is here to share tips with you and help you deal with a car emergency on the highway with as little stress as possible - check out our tips below. 

Tips for a highway car emergency 

• If you have a car emergency on the highway - like a flat tire or engine failure - you should pull off the road immediately. You want to get out of the flow of traffic so no one hits you and makes the situation worse. Look for a flat space on the shoulder that's a good way away from the road where you can park your car. 
• Once you've parked, turn on your hazard lights, apply your parking brake, and be sure to turn your front wheels away from the road. On the off chance that someone does hit your car, you'll be pushed away from the road instead of onto it. 
• If you have a flat tire that needs to be changed, you need to find a spot on the shoulder that's flat and free of sand (changing a tire in the sand is extremely dangerous because the jack can move around while you're working). 
• If there's no shoulder available where you're driving (hello, I-4), you should try to make it to the next exit or at least the next piece of the shoulder. Never stop on the highway unless you have no other option (like if you have a car fire) - it's extremely dangerous. 
• Your next step should be to make yourself as visible as you possibly can. As noted, turn on your hazard lights. If you have road flares or hazard triangles, now is the time to put them to use. If you're in a bind, call the police - they probably can't help you get your car up and running, but they can at least turn on their lights to make you more visible to other drivers. 
• Once you've found a safe spot for your car, get back inside of it. It's much safer to be in your car than on the side of the road where other drivers may not see you until it's too late. 
• Finally, call for help. Whether you're calling roadside assistance or a tow truck to get you to a mechanic, now's the time to dial. 

Get back on the road with Toyota of Orlando 

Want more tips, or need some assistance after a highway car emergency? Call us! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week and our service center is ready to get you back on the road. You can reach us at (407) 298-0001 or stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.