Toyota of Orlando explains how to check auto body work

 Are you considering having auto body work done and feeling a little uncertain about it? Whether you need repairs after an accident or just need to touch up your car and get rid of unsightly dings and blemishes, getting auto body repairs can be an intimidating process. However, Toyota of Orlando is here to help. Check out these tips from our Orlando body shop experts on how to check auto body repairs after they're done. 

Four tips for checking your own auto body repairs 

Tip #1: Make sure you understand the auto body repairs before they start. Before you even begin the auto body repair process, get a thorough explanation of which repairs are going to be done and why. You can ask for a printout explanation or take your own notes so you can refer back to them throughout the process. Also, be sure to ask plenty of questions, and don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel uneasy. 

Tip #2: Ask for a frame spec printout sheet. When auto body repairs are done, ask for a frame spec printout sheet. This is essentially a comprehensive list of all the repairs done on your car as well as any adjustments made to the frame. If you have any questions about it, be sure to ask for a thorough explanation. 

Tip #3: Do a once over on the paint. A surefire sign that your car was given subpar repairs is mismatched paint. A quality body shop (like the one at Toyota of Orlando) will use OEM paint to ensure that the new paint perfectly matches your car's original paint. If your paint is mismatched after auto body repairs, it means your tech cut corners and didn't take time to match it... so what else did they cut corners on? 

Tip #4: Pay close attention to how your Orlando Toyota drives after the fact. You know your car better than anyone else. If you notice anything out of the ordinary - like odd smells, sounds, or if the car feels like it's driving differently - you need to take your car back to the auto body repair shop to have it checked out. 

Schedule auto body repairs at Toyota of Orlando today 

Have questions about your auto body repairs or need to schedule some? Call Toyota of Orlando's body shop today! We're open seven days a week at (407) 298-6006 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

The benefits of OEM car parts

 When it's time to replace or add car parts to your vehicle, it's definitely worth looking into whether or not you should use OEM or aftermarket parts. Here at Toyota of Orlando, we're big fans of OEM (and not just because we're a Toyota dealership). Today we're talking why - find out the perks of using OEM car parts to help you decide which kind you should choose next time you're making repairs or upgrading your ride. 

Before we talk about why we love OEM car parts at Toyota of Orlando, we should explain exactly what they are. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer - Toyota OEM parts come from Toyota, the automaker that makes the vehicles. These parts are new and created with the same materials and standards that your car originally was. 

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are not from the original manufacturer but from other third-party companies. They may be made from different materials than your original Toyota and may not be designed to the same standards as OEM parts. However, they can be cheaper for those two reasons. 

Why do we believe in OEM parts at Toyota of Orlando? 

So while yes, we know that OEM car parts may be more expensive in some scenarios, we're firm believers in using them on our Orlando Toyota repairs and upgrades. Why? Here are the perks of going this route when it comes to car parts: 

No questions. When it comes to ordering OEM car parts for your Orlando Toyota, you won't have to waste a bunch of time ensuring that the parts are going to fit where they should and work as they're supposed to. Remember, they're made by Toyota specifically for these cars, so there shouldn't be any question about their compatibility. 

Longevity. Just like your Toyota has major longevity in it, the parts do, too. They're made from the same materials and held to the same standards that your car was when it was built, so you can rest easy knowing you're going to get a long life (and your money's worth) out of the parts. 

Reliability. You also don't need to worry as much about your parts breaking when you go the OEM route. Again, these parts are always constructed out of quality materials made to last. Plus, you'll also likely be able to get a manufacturer's warranty on the parts in case anything goes amiss, and you'll also have direct access to the manufacturer's network of support. In this network are experts who are knowledgeable not only about the part itself, but also the role it plays in your Toyota. 

Warranties and leases. Using OEM parts is less risky when it comes to voiding existing warranties on your car or causing issues on your lease. 

Shop for Toyota parts today

That's why at Toyota of Orlando, we keep your Toyota a Toyota and only use OEM parts. If you're in need of them or want to schedule repairs, call us today! 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 at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Should you choose a hand car wash or a touchless car wash?

 So you're planning on detailing your car. Once you've cleaned the interior and it's spic and span, it's time to tackle the exterior... but how will you wash it? Is a hand car wash best for your Orlando Toyota, or should you head over to the touchless car wash? Toyota of Orlando is here to explain the differences between hand car washes and touchless car washes so you can best decide which route you want to take when it's time to get your ride into like-new condition again. 

Which type of car wash should you choose?

Hand car washes are just that - car washes done by hand. You'll use special car soap (we sell it at Toyota of Orlando, P.S.), sponges, microfiber rags, and more to clean the exterior and dry it so it's spot-free in the end. 

Touchless car washes are also just what they sound like - touchless. Basically, it's like a drive-through car wash that's automatic and mechanized. You can sit back, relax, and watch your car get cleaned without lifting a finger. They also typically have an air dryer at the end that will push excess water off of your vehicle when you're done. 

So which is better, though? That really comes down to how you look at the pros and cons. Our Orlando auto service experts are here to break them down for you. 

Pros: 

Hand car washes allow you to be the captain - you're in total control. You decide which products you use to wash your car, how long it takes, and the process itself, like whether or not you want to repeat a step for extra cleanliness. They're also affordable; you just have to buy the car detailing supplies upfront and from there on, invest your time. Finally, hand car washes allow you greater attention to detail. You can scrub stubborn spots and stains, get underneath the car, and get into small cracks and crevices, something that a touchless car wash can't do. 

Touchless car washes, on the other hand, are supremely easy and convenient. You literally don't even need to leave your car. You just pull in, put the car in park, and sit back while the work is done. They're also pretty affordable, especially if you get a package or a membership, and they're gentler on your Orlando Toyota's paint. 

Cons: 

Hand car washes definitely take time, so if you're short on it, they may not be the best option for you. And believe it or not, they also take a certain level of expertise. If you do things incorrectly, you can damage your paint (like using a dirty sponge or rag, which can leave scratches in the paint). And if you plan to pay someone to hand wash your car, it can get pretty costly. 

Touchless car washes also have a handful of cons. For one, while they're gentler on your paint, they can also leave spots and stains behind because they're not scrubbing as hard as you would by hand. They can also sometimes leave water spots on your car if the air dryer at the end doesn't cut it. 

Get all of your hand car wash supplies at Toyota of Orlando 

Ready to get your car clean again? Whether you want to utilize our touchless car wash onsite or pick up supplies for a hand car wash, Toyota of Orlando has you covered. Stop by and see us today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!