Choosing the right car tires for the rain: Toyota of Orlando tips

Choosing the right set of car tires can be tricky. You want to choose a set that matches your performance needs, but you also want to take into account your local climate. Does it rain a lot where you live? If you face pretty consistent heavy precipitation, you may want to scout out car tires that can perform well in the rain. And our Orlando auto service techs are here to help you choose the right ones - check out these six easy tips for choosing the right car tires for the rain. 

Six tips for choosing the right car tires for rainy weather 

#1: Consider how much you'll actually be driving in the rain. Before you plunk down the money for new car tires, think about just how often you'll be driving in wet weather. Are you going to see daily, heavy rain (like in the summer in Orlando), or will you see sporadic storms throughout the year? If rain is going to be a pretty persistent factor in your commute, you should look for car tires best suited for it. 

#2: Think about your vehicle itself. Some cars just handle better in the rain. Front-wheel-drive cars are naturally easier to drive in the rain than rear-wheel-drive cars, while some sports cars may handle better in the rain as well. Ask your Toyota of Orlando service tech which car tires will handle best in challenging weather conditions on your particular vehicle. 

#3: Know your own driving style. What kind of driver are you? If your commute is long and arduous or you make a lot of stops every day and feel like you're always on the road, then you're more likely to face driving in the rain. Our Orlando car care techs can help you choose the right car tires. 

#4: Consider the type of rubber. There are multiple types of rubber available when it comes to car tires, and they all have different pros and cons (and performance capabilities). Ask your tech which will ride best when the roads are wet from the rain. 

#5: Examine the tread closely. Your tire tread is also an important factor when it comes to driving in the rain. Tires that are designed for wet weather have a special tread pattern that pushes water away from the tires, giving you better traction and handling even in a downpour. 

#6: Think about your budget. And don't forget, you're going to have to pay for them. Make sure you don't go for the cheapest option - after all, they're an investment for your car - but ask our Orlando car care techs to work with you. 

Start your shopping at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to start shopping for car tires that are suited for driving in the rain? We're ready to help you shop. Come to Toyota of Orlando in person at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time to set an appointment OR schedule online at your convenience. See you soon! 

Does your car need a fuel injector flush?

 Can you remember the last time - if ever - that you had a fuel injector flush? 

While this piece of car care isn't typical routine maintenance like tire rotations or oil changes, it is something you may have to schedule for your car every rare once in a while. But what is a fuel injector, and why would it need to be flushed? Toyota of Orlando is here with answers straight from our expert auto service techs at our Toyota service center. 

What is a fuel injector?

First things first: Let's talk about what a fuel injector is. Essentially, it's a component of your engine - a pressurized valve - that pushes a carefully measured amount of fuel in to be mixed with air so the engine can ignite and get your car up and running. Obviously, they get a lot of use (like every single time you use your car). Over time, grime, soot, residue, and debris can start to build up on them, leading to a fuel/air ratio imbalance in your engine - either not enough or too much fuel is pushed in, which in turn can negatively impact your car's performance and fuel efficiency. 

The remedy? To flush them. If you schedule a fuel injector flush at Toyota of Orlando, our techs will use a special chemical solution to literally flush away dirt, debris, and residue from the fuel injectors and the rest of the fuel system, as well as remove any corrosion that might have built up. As a result, you'll have improved performance, better fuel efficiency, fewer harmful emissions, and a car that has a much longer life. 

Not sure whether or not you need to schedule a fuel injector flush at our Orlando auto service center? Here are some surefire signs you're due to come in for this car maintenance item: 

• When you're moving in slow traffic or waiting at a stoplight or stop sign, your car stalls out 
• You notice a rough idle - when your car is running but not in motion, it sputters and shakes
• Your RPM needle is moving erratically, jumping up and down with no provocation 
• Your engine is misfiring - when you hit the gas, it doesn't accelerate as fast as it should or sputters while it's accelerating 
• Your fuel efficiency has dropped - your car is trying to push more fuel into the engine to make up for the problem, which means you'll use more gas than you should 

Another perk of getting a fuel injector flush is that you'll be able to rule out other issues. Other (more expensive) problems can cause similar symptoms, but if the flush works, you're ready to hit the road again. 

Schedule a fuel injector flush at Toyota of Orlando today 

Have questions about fuel injector flushes or need to schedule one at Toyota of Orlando? We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001. You can stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, and don't forget to ask about our free WiFi, coffee, and our incredible Orlando Toyota service specials!