Car dents vs dings: What you need to know

Walking up to your car and seeing a ding or dent in the bodywork is not a good feeling - not only is it ugly to look at, but this type of damage can also bring down your Orlando Toyota's resale value. Dings and dents are, unfortunately, a part of day-to-day driving. Toyota of Orlando's body shop experts are here to explain the difference between dings and dents, and what to do about both. 

Car dents: What they are 

Car dents are the more serious of the two types of damage. They usually result from accidents and collisions, whether it be with another vehicle or a building, light pole, etc. Dents cover more surface area than dings and usually require metalwork and paintwork to fix them. There are multiple types of car dents (round, sharp, creased, etc.) and they're more expensive to repair than dings; not only that, they're much more visible to the naked eye. 

Car dings: What you should know

Dings, on the other hand, are the more minor of the two. They're usually minor indentations in your car's body that don't penetrate the paint or expose the metal beneath the paint. They're usually smaller than a half-inch in diameter and don't mess up your car's paint. Dings usually result from things like a rock flying up and hitting the car, a rogue shopping cart, or other minor collisions. They're cheaper to repair than dents and don't require metalwork, and usually don't require paintwork, either. 

Car dents and dings can happen for a number of reasons, as discussed - weather (hail), collisions with other vehicles, rocks, debris, etc. can all damage the paint on your Orlando Toyota and leave you with dents and dings. So what should you do about them? 

Should you try DIY repair for car dents and dings? 

You can attempt DIY repair when it comes to car dents and dings - notice how we said attempt. The bigger or more extensive the dent or ding, the more difficult it's going to be to fix... and the higher the risk that you mess up your car's paint or metalwork by accident. YOu could end up having to pay more to fix your mistakes than if you had just had the ding or dent fixed initially, so save yourself the time and money (and headache) and get professional auto repairs for car dents and dings, like at our Orlando Toyota body shop. 

At Toyota of Orlando, we can get rid of car dents and dings with ease. Not only do we have a trained Toyota team on staff to get your car back into like-new condition, but we offer paintless dent repair and also use Genuine Toyota Parts on all of our repairs and fixes to keep your Toyota a Toyota. 

Have questions about car dents and dings and how to get rid of them? Call Toyota of Orlando today! We're open and waiting at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

 

Best cars for dogs: Toyota edition

Shopping for a car with your best friend is a MUST, I mean they’re going to be the ones in your future Toyota the most. That’s why we take our dogs when shopping for a car because we want them to have the best experience for their next adventure. We understand that there aren’t some features, like a JBL sound system or sporty 20” wheels, that aren’t your top priority. For that reason, Toyota of Orlando is here to help you find the best cars for dogs in our Toyota lineup.

What features belong in the best cars for dogs?

There are so many features that you might be looking for your dog, but you don’t know where to start. So, our Orlando Toyota specialists are going to help you with that:

A low height. If you can’t carry your Great d=Dane into your car, or if they are an independent pup, you’re going to want them to jump in. To make this happen, you’re going to need to find a car that is lower to the ground. 

A larger cargo area. Whether your dog is as small as a Pomeranian or as big as a Great Dane, you’re going to need a larger cargo area for their comfort. Adventures can be quite tiring, you’re going to need the space so that you both have the best experience.

A durable interior. We definitely do not recommend leather interiors, if they are not up-to-date with their mani-pedis, you risk scratching the seats and it is irreversible. 

Fold-flat rear seats. This is a necessity if you have a smaller car, like an SUV or a sedan; It’s a hack for creating a more roomy cargo space because you can fold the rear seats down.

And here are a few other features you might want to consider when shopping at Toyota of Orlando for the best cars for dogs:

• Dogs shed…a lot (trust us, we know), so you’re going to want to get a SofTex interior that is durable and easy to clean with wipes. 

• If you decide to go for a fabric interior, try getting one that is the same color as your pet’s fur, so you don’t have to get your car detailed as often. 

• A rear cargo door that opens wide enough or that is a hatchback to get your pets in the vehicle.

• Rear-zone climate control so you can keep your pets comfortable no matter the weather outside

• Tie-down points in the rear cargo area where you can secure your pets while the car is in motion

Which of our new Toyotas is best for dogs?

Now that we’ve shown you what you should look for in a car for your next adventure with your dog, we’re going to show you the best cars for dogs. We’re going to debrief the new Toyotas that are best for your dog.

The Toyota Highlander. If you’re hauling the family around + your dog, the Highlander is a great option. You can fold the third row down for extra-large cargo space and still have the second row for human passengers. Additionally, it has three-zone climate control so no matter where your pets are sitting, they’ll be comfortable.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid. Now…how a sedan can possibly be one of the best cars for dogs? Trust us, this new Toyota fits the bill. It has a low height for easy entry, available SofTex interior, and fold-flat rear seats so you can expand your rear cargo space if need be.

The Toyota 4Runner. To buckle up on your next adventure, you and your best friend need to get behind the wheel of the Toyota 4Runner.  It’s off-road-ready for you and has a large rear cargo space. You’ll also find features like an available SofTex interior, all-weather floor mats for muddy paws, and a sliding rear cargo deck for easy loading and unloading.

The Toyota RAV4. This spacious but fuel-efficient Orlando Toyota SUV is perfect for pets. It has a larger cargo hold, fold-down second-row seats, and dual-zone climate control with rear-seat vents.

And remember, you should never put your dog – or any other furry friend – in the bed of a pickup truck.

Ready to test drive any one of these Toyotas, or see if any of our other new or used cars are a fit for you and your pets? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by. We’re a dog-friendly business, and we’re just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road!

 

An easy guide to car suspension

When you are on the road in your Orlando Toyota, you quickly become comfortable in the driver’s seat. You do not feel every bump or dip in the road so you can just relax and focus on the road – thank your car suspension. To better understand what makes you not feel these dips and bumps, our Orlando Toyota experts are here to give you a quick guide to your car suspension.

What does car suspension do?

Basically, your car suspension “suspends” your car off the ground. But not just that, there is a little more to it  – here are some of the main functions of car suspension:

• It absorbs vibrations, impact forces, and shock from the ground. When you drive, the road can cause your tires (and subsequently your car) to vibrate and jolt. Your suspension absorbs these movements to ensure you’re more comfortable in the driver’s seat.

• It keeps your car tires in contact with the road. Your car’s axles and wheels are connected to your car suspension system and help your suspension system keep the tires on the road by pushing them down (especially when the road is bumpy – without car suspension, your tires be going up and down and never staying on the road).

So not only does your car suspension ensure your drive time is comfortable, but it also keeps you safer by ensuring your tires have constant contact and traction on the road.

How does car suspension work?

There are two basic types of car suspension: dependent and independent.

Dependent suspension (or beam axle): A super simple design and is cheap to produce. However, it’s not very common – the tires are dependent on one another to move, so if one stops moving, it impacts the others. This reduces traction and makes the vehicle less safe. (It’s amazing for off-roading trucks, though)

Independent suspension: Allows all of the tires to move independently of one another. If one loses traction or lifts off the ground, the other tires aren’t impacted, making this a safer option for everyday drivers.

Parts of the car suspension in detail

Your car suspension is composed of springs, shock absorbers, dampers, struts, and sway bars. Here’s a brief overview of what each of them does.

Dampers: Dampers help absorb the energy from the springs so they don’t continue to bounce. Think about it – if you go over a bump, the springs bounce and will continue to bounce unless something absorbs that energy. Enter your dampers. Dampers include shock absorbers, struts, and sway bars.

• Anti-sway bars: Also known as sway bars, these metal rods join opposing car suspension systems to give more stability and keep your car level even on bumpy surfaces.

• Struts: Struts are comparable to shock absorbers and serve a similar function, but are mounted inside of a coil spring.

• Shock absorbers: Shock absorbers slow down your car’s springs and also reduce the magnitude of the vibrations by converting this kinetic energy into thermal energy, which is then dissipated by hydraulic fluid.

Springs: Springs basically let your car bounce so it can handle irregularities on the road; They also help to support any extra weight in the car, like your luggage and other items in your trunk. Finally, they keep your car at one predetermined height. There are three types of springs – coil, leaf, and torsion bars.

Shocks vs. struts: What you need to know

Questions about shocks vs struts are pretty common. Here are a few key differences to remember:

Struts: The combination of a shock and spring assembly in one unit. They are attached to the wheel and are heavy-duty. Their main purposes are to hold the tire in place, assist the steering system, and, most importantly, soften your ride.

Shocks: Located right behind your tires and are mounted next to the springs. Their one job is to prevent the car from bouncing as you drive down the road.

When your struts or shocks go bad – which is inevitable because they wear out over time – you need to replace them. Failing to replace worn-out struts or shocks can result in a tire blowout, a broken steering system, and other (expensive) parts failing. Here are some signs you should look out for on your Orlando Toyota:

• Your tires wearing unevenly because they’re bouncing on the road a lot

• Instability at highway speeds (70 mph+)

• You find leaking fluid on the outside of the shocks or struts

• Your tires bounce excessively after hitting a bump in the road

• When you hit the brakes hard, the front end of your car dips down significantly

• But also, when you hit the gas hard, the back end of your car dips down significantly

• The vehicle “tips” to one side when you’re making a turn

And it’s a good habit to troubleshoot your car suspension. Here are some signs your suspension is having issues and you need to schedule an appointment at Toyota of Orlando’s service center:

• You hear thunking and/or clunking noises when you hit a bump

• You have difficulty steering

• You feel your car drifting or pulling to one side when you turn corners

• You notice that one side of your car is sitting lower than the other when parked

• Your drive time feels bumpier than usual like you can feel imperfections in the road more

Here are the types of car suspension available at Toyota of Orlando on our new Toyotas:

• TRD Pro Suspension

• TRD Sport-Tuned

• Sport-Tuned Suspension

• Load-leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension

• X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension

• Kinetic Dynamic Suspension

• Adaptive Variable Suspension

Need more information about the right suspension for your new Orlando Toyota, or need repairs on your current car suspension? Either way, we can help. Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500 or stop by. We’re located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.

Spring cleaning your car: What you need to know

 Spring is here - not only is spring break right around the corner but it's also been in the 80s for two weeks and counting. It's time to spring clean your car and get it back in the best shape after a busy holiday season and a (short) winter. Toyota of Orlando is here with tips! 

How to spring clean the exterior of your Orlando Toyota 

Let's start with the exterior of your Orlando Toyota. Here's what our auto service techs recommend for spring cleaning - remember, this is going to be a deeper clean than your normal car detailing process. 

• Wash your car first. You'll want to do it in the shade so the sun doesn't cause water spots as it rapidly dries the water. Use the right soap; dish soap can actually damage your car's paint over time, so pick out a formula made for automobiles. Wash it from bumper to bumper, and don't forget to scrub the wheels and tires. 
• Dry it. Dry your car in the shade too, using a microfiber cloth to ensure no water spots on the paint or glass. 
• Clay bar it. Clay bars aren't TOO commonly known, but they're a great way to take off dirt and imperfections that washing couldn't get rid of. They also prep your car's paint so it's ready for car wax. 
• Wax your car (again, in the shade). You'll want to apply a couple of coats of quality wax. You don't have to spend a ton of money; a mid-grade wax should work. This will protect your car's paint from the sun + moisture this spring and summer. 
• Shine your tires. Use tire shine to get them looking like new again. While you're there, check the PSI and tread to ensure you're ready for a new season and don't need tire service at our Orlando Toyota service center. 
• Clean the glass. You'd be surprised how dirty the glass of your car actually is, even after washing. Use a cleaner formulated for car glass to get your windows and windshield sparkling. 
• Check your wiper blades. How are they looking? If the rubber looks worse for the wear, then you need to replace them, and the Toyota of Orlando parts center can help. 

Tips for spring cleaning the interior of your car 

Now to the interior. Here are our Toyota of Orlando tips for spring cleaning the interior of your vehicle. 

• First, clean out the clutter. Throw away trash, remove anything you won't need for the spring season, and organize what's left to make cleaning easy. 
• Vacuum and wipe it next. You'll want to vacuum, all of those hard-to-reach places like under seats, in the trunk, your center console and glovebox, and seatback pockets. Wipe down all surfaces with an appropriate cleaner to get rid of dust. 
• Next, shampoo and spot treat the seats, headliner, and floor mats. If you have a leather interior on your car, this is the perfect time to clean and condition it so it's ready for the summer heat. 
• Clean the glass and don't just use Windex; it can damage your tint. 
• Stick a few air fresheners in there, or even throw dryer sheets under the seat for a clean smell every time you open the door. 

Need car detailing supplies for your spring cleaning? Call us today! Toyota of Orlando is open seven days a week at (407) 298-0001 and you can stop by 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. 

What do PHEV, FCEV, HEV, and BEV even mean?

 

What do PHEV, FCEV, HEV, and BEV even mean?

With technology advancing as time passes every day, innovators all over the world find new ways to find how to run a car. It can be very overwhelming to see these unfamiliar terms everywhere you go when looking for a car to purchase. That’s why we, Toyota of Orlando, wanted to help alleviate your feelings. PHEV, FCEV, HEV, and BEV are all acronyms that refer to types of electric cars. Here’s the breakdown:

What is a PHEV? 

PHEV stands for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Plug-in hybrids have to be – big shocker incoming – plugged in. That is the main difference between a typical Orlando hybrid car and an Orlando PHEV. Both PHEVs and HEVs can run off of battery power but still have an internal combustion engine and take gasoline, but PHEVs can run for longer distances and at higher speeds on electric power than a traditional hybrid car. When the electric range goes out, they revert back to using gasoline to power themselves. These alternative fuel vehicles do need to be plugged in to charge. An example of a plug-in hybrid is the Toyota RAV4 Prime.

What is an FCEV? 

FCEV stands for fuel cell electric vehicle – these run on hydrogen. It is an alternative fuel car that is a little less common that an EV (electric vehicle) because there are few hydrogen stations to fill up in the US. Right now, Toyota has one in the market, that can go for 854 miles off of one tank, the Toyota Mirai.

What is an HEV?

HEV stands for a hybrid electric vehicle. These run on electric battery power for relatively short distances and at low speeds, but they rely primarily on gasoline and internal combustion to power themselves. The difference between hybrid and electric is that you do not need to plug a hybrid car to charge it, they recharge through regenerative braking. However, you do not need to put gasoline in it. The most common example of an HEV is the Toyota Prius.

What is a BEV? 

BEV stands for battery electric vehicle – this is the classic electric car that is becoming more popular, common, and eco-friendly. They run on battery power alone – you do not have to put gasoline in them, EVER. They, also, don’t have an internal combustion engine — all they need is to be plugged in and charged up to be able to go on the road. An example of a BEV is the Toyota bz4X.

Shop for your future EV or alternative fuel car at Toyota of Orlando

Still not sure which one is right for you? We’ve got your back – Toyota of Orlando’s experts are here 7 days a week to help you choose. If you have any questions, call us at (407) 298-4500 or stop by and see us in person at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re open until 10 pm every single night and we’re conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall!