Monday, December 4, 2023

Toyota Corolla oil: A simple guide

 

Toyota Corolla oil: A simple guide

Getting a new car, especially the Orlando Toyota Corolla, is very exciting - but there are so many questions about owning one. How often do you need oil changes? What happens when your Toyota Corolla hits 100,000 miles? What type of oil is better for your car?  Don’t fret because our Toyota techs are here to make it simple for you with a simple oil change guide.

new-Toyota

What is the best oil for Toyota Corolla models?

If you haven’t already, schedule your service appointment for your next oil change. 

  • Oil for Toyota Corolla 2008 or older: You should use Toyota Genuine motor oil 5W-30, which is another synthetic blend that’s more suitable for older vehicles.

  • Oil for Toyota Corolla is a 2009 or newer: You should use Toyota Genuine motor oil 0W-20, which is a synthetic blend that will allow your car to maximize its performance.

Is synthetic oil better than conventional oil for Toyota Corollas?

Synthetic or conventional oil is a hot question for us. We’re gonna give you a quick, simple guide so that you can make the best choice for your car.

  • Synthetic oil flows faster and more easily through your engine because it is artificially produced chemical compounds. Nowadays, it is the more common choice of the two because a lot of drivers believe it enhances their car’s performance abilities. The only downside is that this type of motor oil is more expensive than conventional, but it lasts longer so you won’t have to get oil changes as frequently.

  • Conventional motor oil used to be the standard in the car care industry, but not anymore. It is made from refined crude oil and flows more slowly than synthetic oil. The only downside is that it doesn’t last as long as synthetic oil, so you’re going to have to get oil changes more frequently. But, it is cheaper than synthetic. 

At the end of the day, it is your choice - and our Orlando auto service technicians recommend checking your owner’s manual to see which oil is best for your car. We recommend using Toyota Genuine motor oil for the best quality product because if we know anything about Toyota: you can rely on it.

Toyota-Corolla-oil-change

Have over 100,000 miles? You’re going to need a new type of oil for the Toyota Corolla.

You just hit 100,000 miles on your Toyota Corolla - congratulations! And as long as you take care of it, you have a long way to go. But now that your miles are getting up there, it may be a better choice to serve it high-mileage oil. But what does high-mileage oil do? Here’s a simple breakdown:

  • It has a higher viscosity, which means it flows more slowly through your engine.

  • It usually has special additives and seal enhancers that can help protect against oil leaks in your engine.

This area may be confusing for you, so if you’re not sure if you should use this oil or not, just ask our Orlando auto service experts for help!

What about Toyota Corolla oil filters?

Easy! As far as your oil filters go, you can use any brand that fits your vehicle (make sure to check its compatibility before you purchase). However, remember - the Toyota brand is our top recommendation.

Toyota Corolla oil changes: When are you gonna need them?

The standard rules when it comes to determining an oil for Toyota Corolla are simple.

  • If you are using synthetic oil you’ll need an oil change every 5,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first. 

  • If you’re using conventional oil you’ll need an oil change every 3,000 miles or so - a little more frequently than synthetic oil. 

Make sure you do your research by checking your owner’s manual to see how often your car needs oil changes to be able to perform at its best and to last longer. Another option is to schedule an appointment and ask our Orlando auto service technicians what they think is best for your Toyota.

Schedule Toyota maintenance today

Ready to get your Orlando Toyota Corolla on the books for maintenance? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-0001. You can also schedule online or visit us at 3575 Vineland Road – we’re just off I-4 near Mall at Millenia.


Friday, November 3, 2023

Gearing Up to Get a Toyota Tundra Lift

 

Are you looking to upgrade and customize your Orlando Toyota Tundra? A Toyota Tundra lift kit is a great way to change up the style and enhance the performance of your pickup. If you’re interested but don’t know where to start, our auto care experts are here with a quick guide to choosing and installing the right lift for your vehicle. 

Orlando Toyota Tundra lift kit

Toyota Tundra Lift Kit Performance Impact

At its core, a lift kit is a chassis modification to lift or level the suspension of your truck. There’s a few different kinds of lift kits on the market, so let’s talk about these options:


Suspension Lift

The suspension lift kit increases the front and back tire clearance, allowing you to add on bigger tires. This option is great for off-roading and offers a rugged, sporty aesthetic.


Leveling Kit

A leveling kit is geared towards fixing the rake in a truck’s suspension. The “rake” is the slight imbalance between the front and back of a truck due to the engine slightly weighing down the front end. The leveling kit slightly lifts the front of the truck so that everything sits evenly above the ground. 


Body Lift

Unlike the other two kits, body lifts do not alter the suspension. These kits increase the distance between the body and frame of your truck. Body lifts are not preferred for off-roading and really aren’t as common as suspension lifts. 

Choosing Your Orlando Toyota Tundra Lift Kit

Before you start looking for a lifted Toyota Tundra for sale, look into lifting your own Tundra! It’s not as difficult as you may think. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a Toyota Tundra lift:

  • Suspension lifts are the best option for someone who is looking to do major off-roading (rock crawling, rough terrain/trails). This lift allows more ground clearance and the ability to add bigger tires. 

  • Leveling kits are preferable for someone looking to make their truck look sportier. You can still add bigger tires too!

  • 1 or 2 inch lifts are good for moderate trail driving

  • Trails with larger rocks will require a 3-4 inch lift

  • Serious rock crawling enthusiasts will want to consider a 6-inch Toyota Tundra lift

  • Consider asking a professional to install your lift kit. There’s a lot that goes into the installation process, so reach out to our Orlando Toyota auto technicians if you have any questions. 


lift kit

Toyota’s Own Toyota Tundra Lift Kit 

Toyota actually offers a Tundra lift kit - here’s some of the specs:

  • Bilstein front and rear shocks

  • Roush forged upper-control arms

  • TRD Red front coil springs

  • Increased suspension stroke to support lift and aid in off-road performance & on-road stability

  • A 3″ lift in the front and a 2″ lift in the rear

  • An additional 2.6″ of ground clearance

  • Increased approach angle by 5 degrees

  • Increased departure angle by 1 degree

  • Increased breakover angle by 2 degrees

If you’re not sure about doing the upgrading yourself, you can always go looking for a lifted Toyota Tundra for sale - but we’d really recommend making sure you know exactly what kind of lift you’re going to be working with in that case. The Toyota brand kit is compatible with Toyota Safety Sense (some won’t be), and you always have access to our new Associated Accessories Program (AAP). 

Visit Toyota of Orlando for More Info on Toyota Tundra Lift Kits

Thinking of purchasing a lift kit for your Toyota Tundra? Contact Toyota of Orlando today. You can shop parts online, call us at (407) 307-3341, or stop by and see us in person. Our parts store is open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.



Thursday, October 5, 2023

Toyota of Orlando's Guide to Tacoma Oil Changes

 

If you’re a proud Toyota Tacoma driver, this one’s for you! We love the Taco for its durability and impressive performance, and we know how important it is to take good care of your truck. Our Orlando auto care experts are here with a quick guide on Toyota Tacoma oil type, changes, and more!


Toyota Tacoma oil change

Choosing the Best Toyota Tacoma Oil Type

So, what kind of oil should your Toyota Tacoma be using? There are some options here, so let’s get into which oil would best suit your specific vehicle. If you are having trouble deciding, you can always chat with one of our Toyota of Orlando experts.


  • Conventional oil: This motor oil is the more affordable option, but it does not have a lot of longevity. This can be an issue when you drive a truck because you really need an oil that is more performance capable and can go the distance. 

  • Synthetic oil: This is really the best Toyota Tacoma oil type. This motor oil is geared towards high-performance vehicles, and it lasts much longer than conventional oil. 

  • SAE 0W-20 and SW-5W-20 are two great synthetic oil blend options that Orlando Toyota would highly recommend for your Tacoma. They will boost off-roading capabilities, horsepower, and torque so that your truck maintains peak performance ability. 

How Often You Need a Toyota Tacoma Oil Change 

Generally, if you stick with synthetic oil you will need a Toyota Tacoma oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, if you do choose to use conventional oil this will need to happen more frequently - every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you’re unsure, you can always ask one of our Orlando Toyota auto care experts. We can get you on a schedule and send reminders before appointments to ensure you never miss an oil change. 

What Kind of Toyota Tacoma Oil Filter Do You Need?

There really is no specific Toyota Tacoma oil filter you need to purchase for your vehicle. However, we do recommend sticking with Toyota brand filters and making sure that the one you choose fits your vehicle before purchasing. This will ensure the best performance and quality!

How Much Oil a Toyota Tacoma Needs

The amount of oil your Orlando Toyota requires will depend on the size of the engine. Typically, the standard 2.7L four-cylinder engine or 3.5L V6 engine needs 6.2 quarts of motor oil. The new 2024 Toyota Tacoma, however, will have a different oil capacity based on its Standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine. If you’re not sure, check with one of our Orlando auto technicians or consult your owner’s manual. 


oil change in Orlando FL

Is it Bad to Skip a Toyota Tacoma Oil Change?

Yes! You definitely do not want to miss an oil change - it could have very negative effects on your Tacoma. Here are just a few examples:

  • Sludge buildup in the engine caused by dirty oil

  • Serious heat damage caused by friction in the engine

  • Expensive engine malfunctions requiring repairs, rebuilds, and replacements


Don’t forget, you can ask our Orlando auto care team about getting on an oil change schedule, and we’ll make sure you know when you’re due for your next appointment!


Visit Toyota of Orlando for a Toyota Tacoma Oil Change

Have questions about Toyota Tacoma oil type or changes? Call us today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by. We’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.




Thursday, September 28, 2023

Choosing a New Toyota Tacoma Roof Top Tent

 

Do you enjoy getting your Orlando Tacoma off the pavement? If you chose your truck for its off-road adventuring capabilities, you might want to consider purchasing a Tacoma rooftop tent. There are plenty of options out there, so our Toyota of Orlando team is here to help you determine which Tacoma rooftop tent is right for you!

Toyota Tacoma rooftop tent

Rooftop Tents: An Orlando Toyota Guide

Rooftop tents are basically a tent that can be mounted onto the roof or bed rack of your vehicle. This accessory is great for day trips, overnight camping, or any other activity that requires a mobile housing alternative. 

Benefits of a Roof Tent for Tacoma Drivers

So, why consider buying a Tacoma rooftop tent? Here are a few of the highlights:


  • Tacoma rooftop tents are durable. They are built to hold up in tough conditions and usually last longer than normal tents. 

  • Roof tents are super easy and convenient to use (way easier than a normal tent). They can be quickly assembled and disassembled - they just pop right up and down. 

  • The Tacoma rooftop tents are extremely comfortable! They typically come with an inflatable mattress or built-in pad so you can sleep comfortably.

  • A rooftop tent is way more affordable than purchasing or renting a camper/RV. 

  • This option is also more discreet and portable than a camper/RV. You don’t have to tow anything, so you’re still able to take on rough terrain. 

  • With a Tacoma rooftop tent, you’re off the ground - keeping you protected from mud, moisture, and other elements. This can also help prevent any pests or critters from getting inside!


The only downside here is the high price point and tricky installation process. But if you know you’d use it a lot, the roof tent for Tacoma adventurers is a great investment!


Two Kinds of Tacoma Roof Top Tents

The two predominant roof tent options are fold-out and pop-up. The setup for each is pretty self-explanatory, but another difference is that pop-up tents typically have a hard shell. Additionally, you can pick the size of your tent - sleeping from 1-4 people. 


rooftop tent

Can an Orlando Tacoma Rooftop Tent be Assembled Quickly?

Absolutely! Typically, the setup will take 3-6 minutes. It all depends on what type of tent you choose and if you’re going to use a rainfly. 

Let’s Pick Out Your Tacoma Roof Top Tent!

There are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing a roof tent for Tacoma use. Here’s what our Toyota of Orlando experts want you to keep in mind:


  1. Size - Think about how many people your tent will need to sleep. It’s also a good idea to measure your vehicle when making this decision. 

  2. Weight/rack compatibility - How much weight your roof and bed racks can carry/how much weight your whole truck can carry are important factors. You can find this info in your owner’s manual or talk to an Orlando Toyota auto tech. You should also ensure that the tent is compatible with the roof racks. 

  3. Living space - If you’re looking for a roof tent with more living space and not only a sleeping area, there are options for you! Some roof tents feature additional rooms/awnings, and sometimes you can add additional features later. 

  4. Fabric vs. hard top - There are both hard shell and fabric tent options available, so it just depends on your preference. Hard tents typically offer more protection and durability.

  5. Shipping costs - Roof tent shipping can be super pricey, so you might want to take that cost into consideration. Look for options locally, so that you can pick the tent up yourself and save some money. 

Toyota of Orlando’s Choice: Tacoma Roof Top Tents

Here are the brands we would recommend!

  • FreeSpirit

  • iKamper

  • ARB

  • Roam Adventure Co.

  • Overland Vehicle Systems 


Of course, there are more options out there for you, so it just depends on your lifestyle and preferences!


Visit Orlando Toyota Today!

Looking for advice on Tacoma rooftop tent options? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week at (407) 368-9681; you can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.