Summer is here! Avoid These Road Hazards and Drive Safe

 Summer is here in Central Florida and things are truly in swing this season. Things are truly more active this time of the year and how couldn't they be? The sun is shining and vacations are waiting to be had. But, with that comes the additional risk of more road hazards being present during your commutes. Almost anything can be a danger to your when you're behind the wheel, but the summer presents several unique offerings you need to watch out for. 

Toyota of Orlando is here with a quick guide on several hazards you should watch out for when you're on the road. Check it out!

Be Careful on the Road This Summer

Like we said, road hazards are just about everywhere in the Orlando area but summertime is unique in its dangers. Here are a few you should look out for:

Road Construction. Everywhere

If you live in the Orlando area, you know that road work is pretty much a year-round thing. During the summer though, projects typically pick up steam due to better weather conditions and longer daylight. This means the dangers are evermore present. These road hazards can lead to longer traffic jams and resulting accidents. Here are a few things you can do avoid construction zones:

• Do your research before hitting the road. Find out where construction zones are and give yourself extra time in case of traffic jams. You can also plot out an alternative route to take if you'd rather not drive through construction zones. 
• Always watch the signs in a construction area. They will alert you of directions and various things to watch out for. Be careful to not become a road hazard yourself when driving in these Orlando conditions. 

Motorcyclists

Getting on the back of a motorcycle is a very freeing way to experience the road. It's also one of the most dangerous ways to drive as you have zero protection from the road and other drivers should something happen. For you, the driver, it's your responsibility to be as careful as possible when driving around Orlando. With temps up it's likely you'll see more motorcyclists out there this time of year. Here's how you can best navigate through this road hazard:

• Give motorcyclists on the road ample space to navigate. Don't tailgate them and don't drive close next to them. One wrong move or quick brake could have fatal consequences. 
• ALWAYS check blind spots several times before switching lanes. Check once more before switching lanes and always look for motorcyclists on the road. 

Bicycles

A motorcycles nonmotorized cousins. Bicycle riders will likely also be out in larger numbers during the Orlando summer months and create an additional road hazard for you to navigate through. Here's how you can do so safely for you and others:

• Cyclists will often use the bike lane on city streets. Make sure to give them plenty of space if they're in this lane. If you can, you should consider switching lanes if you see a cyclist in your path. 
• Follow a cyclist slowly and at a good distance to make sure they have enough space to make any necessary maneuvers. 

Pedestrians

Tourists. Tourists everywhere. If you live in Central Florida, you understand how much a road hazard this can be. Here's how to drive through an urban area with more tourists safely:

• If you're driving at night, pedestrians can be much harder to see. Use your headlights and always be careful to check intersections before proceeding. 
• When making a right turn, double check to make sure no one is in the crosswalk. Anytime you turn right, it's likely going to be through a crosswalk or major intersection. Give them the right of way and make sure you're watchful of them. 

Have questions or need more tips? Visit Toyota of Orlando for road hazard help at 3575 Vineland Road today!

Which type of car wax is right for your ride?

 Did you know that there are actually a lot of options available to you when it comes to car wax? Weird, we know - a lot of drivers forget about waxing their cars altogether, so we're not surprised when people don't realize there are many different car wax types. Our Orlando auto service experts are here to explain them to you so you can keep your car looking like new over the years with ease. 

What are the main types of car wax?

First, let's talk about the two main types of car wax. Here's a basic outline: 

Natural waxes are made from natural ingredients (obviously). The most common type is carnauba, which comes from a palm tree that grows in Brazil. This type of car wax is a bit more expensive and usually don't last quite as long as synthetic waxes, but they offer great protection and leave a high-gloss finish that's hard for other types of car wax to match. 

Synthetic waxes are made from artificial ingredients. They're usually easier to apply than natural waxes and have good staying power; they also cost a bit less than their natural counterparts. The only downside? You won't get the same glossy finish you get with a natural wax. 

Now let's talk about different forms of car wax. Here are the five most common you'll find when you shop our Orlando Toyota parts store. 

#1: Paste: Paste wax is very common and has been around for a long, long time. It's the kind you find in the can. Typically it's a natural wax so you'll get that nice shiny finish, and water will bead off of it easily. However, it can be a bit pricier and won't last as long as a liquid car wax. 

#2: Liquid: Liquid wax lasts a long time and is usually cheaper (it's synthetic), but it can be tricky to apply, believe it or not, because it dries so quickly. As of late, this is the most commonly used type of car wax. 

#3: Spray: Spray wax seems super convenient (and it can be). It's great for spot application and leaves an excellent shine behind, but it doesn't last long at all and shouldn't be considered a long-term solution for protection or gloss. 

#4: Rubbing compound: This one is popular among classic car buffs - it's great for covering up small scratches and other damage, so it's popular for older vehicles that have seen a good amount of wear and tear. 

#5: Colored wax: The jury's still out on this type of car wax. Some drivers like it because since it's colored, they say it's more effective at covering up scratches. Others say it's a waste of money because most scratches don't go beneath the clear coat, so you wouldn't need color to fix them. We'll let you decide! 

Shop for car detailing supplies at Toyota of Orlando

Shop for all types of car wax today - visit Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can reach our parts store at (407) 298-0001! 

Decoding the Enigmatic Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series

The strongest things in the world can be boiled down to diamonds, Chuck Norris (is that still a meme?), and a 90s Toyota. OK, we're probably exaggerating (are we?) a little here, but it's hard to deny the endurance and durability of a Toyota born out of the 90s. These things are tanks in every sense of the word and perhaps the tankiest tank of them all, the 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, is highly revered. Why, you might be asking, is a bubbly Toyota SUV so popular today? So much so that one with only 1,000 miles on the odometer (if you can believe it) sold for $130,000 at auction. Look it up. 

For the 80 Series, popularity is well deserved, but why exactly? Toyota of Orlando is here to decode the finer points of this Cruiser and why it's so sought after in today's market. 

They Don't Make them Like they Used to

Like anything else, the automotive world is full of people who are more purist than others. They appreciate the simplicity and the times of old where features we have today didn't exist (there's even a super old guy who still drives around a Ford Model T. Again, look it up). While even we at Toyota of Orlando can appreciate simplicity and ease of use when it comes to cars, we still enjoy our creature comforts. Very. Very much. Before we crack into the popularity of the 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser, let's get the bad out of the way. This Cruiser wasn't always the obvious choice and had to age into its current role in the world. Here are a few reasons why buying an 80 in the 90s would have been a bad idea:

• The Toyota Land Cruiser of the 90s was an interesting fixture in the automotive world. It was the introduction of a solid new era for the Cruiser and it helped launch Toyota's luxury brand, Lexus into the spotlight. But, it did the latter in quite a half-hearted way. Essentially, the Cruiser was rebadged as the LX 450 and half-hearted it was. The main changes made were a new sound system, a different bumper, a handful of Lexus badges, and some wood trim. All of that brought the sticker price up $7,000 from one that was already steep. 
• Design wise, the Cruiser had some interesting things going for it. The front bumper embodied that 90s bubbliness and the wheel fenders look unfinished to some onlookers. Inside the cabin the emergency brake is so large that it offsets the center console and interferes with the passenger side seating. Plus, in true Orlando Cruiser fashion, the third row seats fold to their respective sides instead of down into the floor. To keep them from falling unexpectedly when you hit a bump in the road, they're hooked onto the hand rails in the headliner. Seriously. 
• The sticker price of the 80 Series ranked in around $50,000. That might seem like quite a far cry from today's almost $90,000 price tag, but you can't forget your microecon lesson about inflation. What carried a price of $50,000 25 years now equates to about $90,000 - $100,000. Everybody pricey, it seems. 
• Granted, it was the 90s, but the 80 Series suffers from offensively low MPG. If you think 17 MPG highway is bad today, try 11 miles or less back then. Gas was cheaper, but jeez. 

So, with all that bad stuff out of the way, why do people want this car so bad? The truth is that the Orlando 80 Series Land Cruiser has become quite the icon amongst off-roaders and over landers. While a lot of those aspects would have deterred buyers in the 90s, today they're seen as vintage novelties on an otherwise superb trail-hungry beast. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you're boggled:

• The Toyota Land Cruiser is, well, a Land Cruiser. This doesn't just say that it's a tough vehicle, it means it. Many 80 Series Cruisers are still around today and can reach into the half a million range on their odometers without needing any major repairs. 
  
• This model year Orlando Cruiser also offered an option that enhances its off-roading cred, but it's exceptionally hard to find. The 80 had an optional locking rear-differential that made it truly capable on trails. But, it's very hard to find one with this feature today. Many families purchased a Cruiser or LX 450 as a family vehicle and didn't opt for the rear differential option. So, good luck finding one cheap. 
• While it might have some interesting design quirks inside, the 80 Series is beloved for its simplicity. Gauges are all analog, the gearbox and shift knob are easy to use, it has off-roading terrain select that's also exceedingly simple to use, and it's frill-less in the best of ways. Plus it has a cool feature where you can lower the radio antennae without having to shut the radio off. Pretty dope. 
• Many 80 Series drivers report little to no fatigue when driving it on trails and rough terrain. In fact, the design cues from this series of Cruiser actually acted as a benchmark for the new J300 Series, due to release soon. 

So, there you have it! The 80 Series Toyota Land Cruiser is one bodacious beast of a ride if you're looking to do some off-roading or over landing. 

Now, if you want to buy the modern Land Cruiser, you better swing by Toyota of Orlando at 3575 Vineland Road and see it before it's gone!

Tips for Vehicle Towing Your Car (or Someone Else's) Safely

 When it comes to driving your car around Orlando, it's likely we all have several shared experiences. Many of us have undergone the stressful experience of being in a car accident, waiting for a tow truck, and so on. Car accidents are among the most stressful and dangerous of experiences, but once the shock has worn off you'll definitely remember how long it took to wait for a tow truck. 

Naturally, you might be thinking about just becoming your own part-time tow truck driver. This is always a great way to save money and time, but you need to be extra careful when doing this. Luckily, Toyota of Orlando is here with a quick guide on vehicle towing for your car or someone else's DIY style. Let's jump in!

Things to Know Before DIY Vehicle Towing

DIY towing is a great idea if you want to save time after a car accident or if you're moving. But, before you hitch up your Orlando Toyota vehicle to the tongue of another car, there are a few things you should take into consideration:

• Whichever vehicle you plan on using for the actual towing part needs to be larger and have more horsepower packing. Not only is it unsafe to tow large loads with a vehicle that isn't capable of doing that, but it can seriously damage the vehicle you're towing with. You should also use a vehicle equipped with 4WD or AWD. These drivetrain types are better suited for towing.
• Absolutely no one should be in the car that's being towed. This is highly dangerous and an accident waiting to happen. Make sure everyone who needs a ride has one or that the vehicle towing car is equipped to carry everyone you need it to. 
• The best methods for Orlando towing is to use a flat-bed trailer or a dolly trailer (one that keeps the front wheels off the road). A chain or a rope can be used, but this isn't wise to do when doing long distances. A lot can go wrong between here and there if you're not careful. 

Now for the Fun Part

Now that you've taken that advice into consideration, it's time to get down to the actual vehicle towing part. After you've hooked everything up, here are some additional things to consider: 

• Go Easy on Your Braking: Braking is an essential part of driving any Orlando Toyota car and is absolutely important when you start towing. Give yourself even more stopping distance as a wrong move could land you in hot water. Don't take sharp turns or brake quickly to avoid damage or a potential accident. 
• Drive Slowly: This is another key part to Orlando vehicle towing. Not only should you give yourself extra stopping distance, but make sure to slow down. This will ensure you have plenty of time to come to a stop and react and it will make for less energy and brake power when you need to come to a stop. 
• Make Sure the Lights Work: Your tail lights will be completely blocked when towing a large piece of cargo behind you. Luckily many trailers and vehicle towing equipment comes equipped with lighting for this purpose. Make sure it's working properly so you can alert drivers behind you that you're stopping, turning, and so on. 
• Watch Your Turns and Change Lanes Carefully: Turning can be tricky when DIY Orlando towing. Make sure to turn wider than normal and be mindful to watch your mirrors throughout your turn to avoid hitting something. Also change lanes very carefully. You should very thoroughly check your blind spot before switching to another lane. 

Need more tips on DIY vehicle towing? Toyota of Orlando is here to help at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Signs you need more coolant in your life (and in your car)

 Summer is hard on your car - there's no getting around it. The sun beating down can take a toll on your car's paint and interior, and the heat means your ride is working overtime every single day that you hit the road. Keeping everything protected AND at the right temperature is essential until things cool down again in the fall. 

Car coolant is king this summer 

That's why it's critical to keep an eye on the fluids under the hood - in particular, the coolant. We're here with Orlando Toyota service tips to help you check coolant levels, spot issues, and keep your ride cool all summer long. 

First, know how to check your car coolant. Turn your car off and let it cool down; it's best to check this fluid when the car is cold. When you pop the hood, you'll want to look for the coolant reservoir. You can usually see the level from the outside since the tank is semi-transparent, but you can also unscrew the cap and take a look inside to see what level the coolant is at. If it's below the "full" line, you may want to add more, but make sure the car is cooled off first (you should never add coolant to a hot vehicle). 

Also, take a look at the coolant itself. If it's got an oily surface, looks sludgy, or has debris in it, you need to schedule auto service at Toyota of Orlando to have our techs take a look and likely do a coolant flush to prevent damage to your car's engine. 

Toyota of Orlando talks signs to look out for 

Next, you should know how to spot that coolant is low. Here are some giveaway signs that you either need to add more or you need to schedule an auto service appointment at Toyota of Orlando. 

• You can actually see in the reservoir that the level is too low. 
• The coolant dash light turns on. (Duh.)
• Your car temperature gauge shoots up - it should rest in between the "H" and "C" on the gauge. If it's pointing to "Hot", then you know you need more coolant. 
• You see puddles under the car. Take a closer look - if they're green, blue, or red, you may have a coolant leak and your coolant reservoir could be emptying itself out. 
• You can smell coolant. It has sort of a sickly-sweet smell to it because of the anti-freeze in it - if you catch a whiff, you likely have a leak. 

Remember, driving your Orlando Toyota when the coolant is low is one of the worst things you can do. Be sure to regularly check your coolant throughout the entire summer and if you spot any issues or suspect it's low, bring it to Toyota of Orlando ASAP. Our techs can check your entire system and get you back on the road in no time. 

Visit our Toyota service center today at 3575 Vineland Road OR call us to schedule an appointment at (407) 298-0001.