Should You Consider Cars With 360 Camera?

 

Are you on the market for a new ride? Something to consider when shopping for your next vehicle is all the new technology and safety features on the market. Rearview cameras are a must have for most people, but our Orlando Toyota team is here to talk about cars with 360 cameras and everything they can do. Let’s take a look to see if this is something you need in your ride!

Toyota of Orlando Guide to the 360 Car Camera 

At Orlando Toyota, we call the 360-degree camera a Panoramic View Monitor. The goal of this feature is combining multiple camera angles to create an overhead composite image of your vehicle and surroundings. Cars with 360 camera are typically easier to park (especially backing in or parallel), and drivers benefit from the ability to physically see objects and people near their car. 

How 360-Degree Car Camera Technology Works 

Now that we know what 360 car cameras do for your Orlando Toyota, let’s take a look at how this feature really operates:

• Four (and sometimes more) cameras are capturing your surroundings in real time from all sides of your vehicle. 

• Your Orlando vehicle’s technology will combine all four of these camera views into a single, panoramic image. The best way to describe it is a “bird’s eye view”, so you can see your vehicle from above and several feet on each side of you as well. 

• Unlike the standard rearview camera, this eliminates any blind spots when you’re in reverse.

• You can also utilize the split screen option to view both the overhead image and other camera angles simultaneously. 

Interested in Toyota of Orlando Cars with 360 Camera?

A lot of our newer, higher trim level vehicles feature the Panoramic View Monitor. These are the 2024 models you might want to consider:

• Toyota RAV4 + RAV4 Hybrid + RAV4 Prime

• Toyota Highlander + Highlander Hybrid

• Toyota Grand Highlander + Grand Highlander Hybrid

• Toyota Tundra

• Toyota Sequoia

• Toyota Prius + Prius Prime

• Toyota Sienna

• Toyota Camry + Camry Hybrid

• Toyota 4Runner

• Toyota bZ4X

• Toyota Crown

• Toyota Venza

• Toyota Land Cruiser

• Toyota Tacoma

As you can see, that’s a lot of options! This feature is obviously going to add a little to the cost of your vehicle, but it’s well worth it for the peace of mind it offers. Safety features are the best must have to splurge on if you ask us!

Installing an Aftermarket 360 Camera

Of course, you do have the option to add the 360 degree car camera to your vehicle. However, it is not extremely cost-effective and will not operate with the same quality as a factory system. Aftermarket 360 car cameras cannot be tailored to your specific vehicle, and they can be extremely pricey. We’d recommend purchasing a car with this feature already installed if it’s a must have for you!

Check Out Cars With 360 Camera at Toyota of Orlando 

Looking for a new car with great new safety technology? Head over to Toyota of Orlando today! We’re ready and waiting at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia.

Your car battery test and signs of a failing car battery

 Your car battery can die for a number of reasons at the most inconvenient times, sometimes leaving you and your car in a dangerous situation. A car battery test can be a preventative measure and will ensure you are in the right place to swap it out altogether. Car batteries contain an acidic solution that should be handled by a professional. Check out our guide to car battery tests, done right here at our Orlando auto service center. 

4 Signs your car battery is failing 

Car batteries can be tricky, but knowing the signs of a failing car battery can be the difference between swapping out your battery or being stuck with a car that won’t start. Taking note of the health of your car battery can lead to a long lasting car. Here’s what you need to look out for:

• Your car battery light pops up on your dashboard (first important sign).

• Your car is slow to start or does not start at all. 

• Your headlights appear dim.

• There is corrosion (rust or gunk) on the battery itself.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs of a failing car battery, schedule a test at our Orlando Toyota service center. Our team of technicians can quickly assess and test the battery to provide you with the best option. Being able to keep an eye out  for any of these signs 

Do you need a new car battery?

You’ve noticed the signs and you scheduled your car battery test at the Orlando Toyota service center, or by another car maintenance center. Now what happens? Well the tech uses a device that sends a jolt of electricity is sent through the battery and one of three readings appears:

• Good: This is a great sign. Your battery is in great condition and won’t need replacing for another few months. Despite this you should always keep an eye out for any other signs as seasons come and go. Extremely hot summers in Orlando can cause issues for your car battery. A “good” result can weaken over time due to the weather.

• Weak: Oh no. This means your battery is performing lower than it should. This can be a result of the weather taking its toll or even leaving your lights on longer than needed. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your battery right away BUT you are at risk of your battery dying sooner. 

• Replace now: It’s time. You need to replace the battery as soon as possible. This is a reading that appears when the battery is already dead.

Schedule your car battery test at Toyota of Orlando

Our techs recommend scheduling a car battery test at least twice a year or every 6,000 miles.  If you do notice any of the issues mentioned above, schedule your appointment as soon as possible, be safe and rest assured your battery will last. Schedule service at Toyota of Orlando today. We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road and you can schedule online OR call us at (407) 298-4500!

What Happens If You Overfill Your Gas Tank?

If you’ve ever wondered about the repercussions of an overfilled gas tank, our Toyota of Orlando team is here with some helpful information and tips. An overfilled gas tank isn’t a super common issue, but of course, this happens every now and then and can cause quite a panic if you’re unprepared. Let’s talk about what to do when you overfill your gas tank and what kind of damage it can cause to your vehicle. 

Consequences Of An Overfilled Gas Tank

So, What happens if you overfill your gas tank at the gas station? An overfilled gas tank can actually cause real damage to your vehicle (not to mention stain your shoes!). It causes problems with fuel efficiency, the emissions system, and starting and accelerating. Also, gasoline can pollute soil and water sources when spilled on the ground. Here’s what our Orlando Toyota team can share about it: 

Purge Valve Failure: This can end in rough idling, poor fuel efficiency, and emission issues.

Damaged Solenoids: If this happens, it can actually prevent your vehicle from starting. 

Saturated Charcoal Canister: This can make things difficult when you try to fill your car with gas, and it can create the smell of gasoline in the cabin. 

Let’s talk about what to do if you find yourself in this situation!

What to do when you overfill your gas tank

Okay, so if you overfill the gas tank just one time, it probably won’t cause your Orlando Toyota vehicle any harm. However, gasoline is a huge fire hazard, and you should definitely try to clean yourself and your car up as quickly as you can. The best thing you can do after that is take steps to prevent this from happening again. Here are some of the ways you can avoid an overfilled gas tank:

Stay close to the pump! Don’t leave your car unattended while gas is pumping. It can be tempting, especially when using the lock on the pump handle - but you want to be there to keep an eye on it.

When you hear the click indicating that your tank is full, take the pump out immediately. Whether you’re holding the pump yourself or have it locked in place, be ready to remove it quickly. 

There’s no need to attempt “topping off” your gas tank. Once you hear the click, your tank is full! Trying to add a little more will either do nothing or cause the tank to overflow, so it’s not really worth the risk. 

Visit Toyota of Orlando for More Fuel Related Info

Now you know what happens if you overfill your gas tank, but if you have other questions we’re happy to help! Contact Toyota of Orlando’s service techs today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road. We’re just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia!