Car Maintenance Checklist: Everything You Need

There’s so many ways to keep your ride going; with this car maintenance checklist, you’ll know exactly what to do. Our Toyota of Orlando service techs have got the best checklist so you can keep your ride longer and even maintain that resale value! 

Tools and Equipment

Before you can get into your car maintenance checklist, you’ll need a few tools and equipment first (especially in a DIY situation). Our Toyota of Orlando service techs recommend the following: 

• Fluids: You’ll need coolant, oil, brake fluid, and wiper fluid at minimum. These keep your car from overheating, keep your engine running, and keep your windshield in good condition. 

• Tire Pressure Gauge: It’s good to have this tool handy; it allows you to check your tire pressure right at home! This is especially useful if you have an older Orlando ride, and for checking that spare tire. 

• Wire brush: With a wire brush and a little soda, you can carefully clean your car battery!

• Car Cleaners: Whether it’s inside or out, you need the right kinds of car cleaning materials. Make sure you use the correct cleaners for your interior, depending if it’s fabric or leather. If you have any car paint stains, using the right cleaner can keep that exterior looking like new.

If you’re looking for the right tools for your ride, our Toyota of Orlando specialists can help you find exactly what you need! 

Your Car Maintenance Checklist

You’ve got the tools; now here’s what you can do at home! This car maintenance checklist is perfect for every ride. Our Toyota of Orlando techs suggest checking the following:

• Important fluids: This is key to the car maintenance checklist; you’ll need to check your oil and coolant at least. These fluids keep your car engine from overheating and getting damaged. You’ll need to check the oil level and color to know when it’s time for an oil change or when the oil needs to be topped off. 

• Your tire pressure and the tire condition: Be sure to check all four tires (don’t forget the spare) with a tire pressure gauge. When checking the condition, you can grab a penny and stick it in the tread. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, you need some new tires! 

• Battery condition: Pop the hood and take a peek at the battery. You’ll need to look for things like corrosion, rust, swelling or leaking! If it’s just gunk or crust, you can use a wire brush to clean that right off with a bit of soda. 

• DIY or professional cleaning: To really keep your car looking like new, you’ll need to clean it or have it cleaned. You can empty the trash, wipe down surfaces, wash the exterior and don’t forget to add a coat of wax to the exterior!

You can always get service done at Toyota of Orlando if you’re unsure about any of these checklist items! 

Finish your Car Maintenance Checklist at Toyota of Orlando!

Ready to check off that car maintenance checklist? Our team of experienced techs at Toyota of Orlando can help you. Conveniently schedule your appointment by giving us a call at (407) 298-0001, or stop on by; we’re just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia. 

Your Guide to Tires for Toyota Tundra Drivers

You've just hopped into a new Toyota Tundra, or you already have one in your driveway. You’ll need to know about the best tires for Toyota Tundra drivers. Tire care is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. We’re “Making it Simple™” for you at Toyota of Orlando and breaking it down.

What are the best tires for Toyota Tundra drivers?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about the best tires for Toyota Tundra drivers. Our service experts at Toyota of Orlando recommend: 

• All-season tires: These are perfect for any drive in Orlando, daily driving, towing, hauling and even if you plan on going out of state. Brands to look for are Michelin, Goodyear and Toyo. 

• All-terrain tires: These are perfect for those off-roading and overlanding days or if you’re just exploring outdoors. These are perfect for any kind of terrain you may encounter. Some brands for this include Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires or Michelin LTX Trail all-terrain tires.

You’ll want to keep your eyes peeled; there's plenty of models of the Orlando Toyota Tundra that come equipped with these off-roading tires! To make it even easier, we offer all-terrain, off-roading and all-season tires for purchase at Toyota of Orlando. 

Toyota Tundra Tire Size: The Facts

Every Toyota Tundra tire size is based on the year and model of your ride; let’s not forget the modifications. Here’s a few for 2022 and newer models:

• SR: 245/75R18

• SR5: 265/70R18, 265/60R20

• Limited: 265/60R20

• TRD Pro: 285/65R18

• Limited: 265/60R20

• Platinum: 265/60R20

• Capstone: 265/50R22

• 1974 Edition: 265/60R20

If you’re still not sure which tires for Toyota Tundra drivers are best, you can check your owner’s manual or the Toyota app. You can even visit us at Toyota of Orlando, and our parts specialists can help you find the right tires. 

Making your tires for Toyota Tundra last

You’ve got all the info, but how can you make those tires for Toyota Tundra last? There’s a few ways to keep your tires lasting longer and cared for. Here’s a few tips our Toyota of Orlando service experts recommend. 

1. Tire Rotations: It’s important to rotate your tires; this will keep an even tread and a longer life. The recommended maintenance for your Toyota is about every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

2. Routine Inspections: Make sure you keep an eye on your tires. You can walk around once a week and check for any punctures, tears, blisters or even sidewall separation. With damage to your tires, this can lead to a blowout or flat! It’s easier to replace a tire in your driveway at our service center than on the side of the road. 

3. Proper inflation: Keeping your tires at the recommended PSI is important; underinflated tires can wear out fast and affect your fuel efficiency. Overinflated tires can lead to blowouts and are a safety hazard. If you’ve kept your original tires for Toyota Tundra, you can check your owner’s manual. 

4. Replacements: Bald tires or tires in poor condition can be a major risk to you and your passengers. You’ll want to replace your tires as soon as you notice any issues!

Get your tires for Toyota Tundra at Toyota of Orlando 

Is it time for new tires? Our team at Toyota of Orlando is here to help you. Shop our selection by stopping by in person at 3575 Vineland Road. You can give us a call seven days a week at (407) 298-001 or even schedule an appointment online.

The Toyota Service Checklist You Need

Between life and work, you may be neglecting your Toyota service! This is basic car maintenance that helps you avoid car repairs and keep that resale value high. Our Toyota of Orlando service techs are giving you the ultimate checklist.

1. Read Your Owner’s Manual

This may sound obvious, but this is important to your Toyota service. The owner’s manual tells you what recommended services should happen and when. There’s even information on the type of oil and gas you should be using for your Orlando Toyota. It will even cover information on how to diagnose problems and other basic information about the features of your car.

2. Oil Changes

An oil change is the simplest Toyota service that can keep your car running smoothly. With newer Toyotas, our Orlando service technicians recommend an oil change every 3,000 miles or 3 months if you use conventional oil. Now, with synthetic oil, this can be changed every 5,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on your ride. Clean oil lubricates your engine’s moving parts; by not maintaining the oil in your car, you can void your warranty and possibly cause engine failure.

3. Tire Pressure 

Check your tire pressure; this is an easy Toyota service you can do at home or by using the integrated system in your car. Keeping your ride properly maintained is great for prolonging its life and the potential resale value! Now, our Orlando service technicians recommend using a tire gauge or just checking your tire pressure sensor if you have a newer Toyota. With the correct tire pressure, this can help you with better fuel efficiency and keep track of your tire wear. This also helps you keep an eye on the alignment of your ride. Don’t forget about that spare tire!

4. Tire Rotation

Your front tires and back tires carry different loads and even vary depending on the car you have. This Toyota service is important; it’s easy to forget about this until it's too late! Our Toyota of Orlando technicians recommend getting your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. During your service appointment, be sure to have the balance checked on your tires and a possible alignment of your wheels every few rotations. Keeping your tires aligned, balanced and rotated can keep your car running in great shape! This also stretches the life of your tires!

5. Fluids

Just like your tires, this is such an important part of your Toyota service! Checking your fluid levels: even if one of our Toyota of Orlando techs does this for you, it’s still good to know how to check yourself. There’s a few fluids you should keep fresh and full, like:

• Transmission Fluid

• Power Steering Fluid

• Brake Fluid

• WasherFluid

• Motor Oil

• Air Conditioning Coolant

6. Battery

Checking your car battery is a key component to maintaining your ride, so while you’re checking the fluids in your Orlando Toyota, you’ll want to take a peek. Your battery shouldn’t have any corrosion or buildup on the terminals (usually black and red). Now if you need to see gunk, you can clean this with a battery cleaning brush, or you can have your Toyota service done by one of our techs!

7. Warning Lights

These are the worst; warning lights can pop up at any time, which can turn into a bigger Toyota service issue down the road. This is why it’s important to know what each warning light means and what to do. These lights can range from low gas to low oil or coolant or even tire issues. Make sure to schedule a service appointment with one of our Toyota of Orlando techs if you notice one of these dashboard lights. 

8. Belts

Yes, your car has belts! The serpentine belt is one of the two most important belts you have. It’s usually made of rubber and used to help car parts like the AC condenser, water pump, power steering and even your alternator. If this gets damaged, your Orlando Toyota can overheat and stop!

Another belt is the timing belt or chain; this is inside your car's engine. It controls the engine valves opening and allows your fuel and air into the engine cylinders. This also helps drive the oil or water pump, depending on the type of engine you have. It’s important to get this Toyota service done if you suspect any damage to either of these belts.

9. Wipers 

One of the most forgotten parts on your car, it’s important to replace your wipers. This Toyota service can be done by yourself or by one of our Orlando Toyota techs. Old or worn-out wipers will make it harder to wipe away that water and dirt, which makes it harder to see the road. It’s better to replace your wipers before it’s too late. 

10. Brakes

This Toyota service is one of the most important appointments to make. Getting your brakes checked and replaced can stop you from damaging your car or even having an accident. Many Orlando Toyotas have warning lights that will alert you if your brakes need attention. Even if you have an older model, you can hear squeaking or a metal grinding sound when you brake.

Schedule Your Toyota Service at Toyota of Orlando

From wipers to tire rotations, our team at Toyota of Orlando is ready to help you! Schedule your service appointment by giving us a call at (407) 298-0001 or stop on by! We’re just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia.

Experts Answer: How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell in Your Car

Alright, it’s time to clean out your Toyota, and you need to know how to get rid of cigarette smell from your car. It’s an unpleasant odor that can linger if you don’t handle it as soon as possible. We’re “Making it Simple™” at Toyota of Orlando and giving you all the info! 

How to get cigarette smell out of car interiors 

First things first, you’ll want to stop smoking in your car! This includes getting rid of those cigarette butts in your cup holder. That lingering odor can stick to your interior! Now even if you’ve got a used Toyota, there’s a few tips on how to get rid of cigarette smell out of that car! 

Clean Your Toyota

These are a few things you’ll want to do when cleaning out your Orlando Toyota. You’ll need to deep clean your interior to get the odor out. 

• Empty Your Toyota: Get rid of your garbage, any extra shoes, and clothes from your car. Be sure to take everything out; don’t forget those cracks between your chairs, the center console, any side pockets, and the glovebox.
• Vacuum Out: Now that it’s empty, vacuum your whole car! From the seats to the floor and any other tiny areas throughout your Orlando Toyota. Don’t forget to remove your seat covers and mats, then throw them in the wash if you can. This is key to how to get rid of cigarette smell out of your car.
• Wipe it Down: It’s time to whip out the chemicals and wipe down your entire car interior. Be sure to use the right cleaning tools for your SofTex and leather seats. Remember, there’s a cleaning product for each surface in your car.

The Right Cleaning Products  

Let’s get into how to get rid of cigarette smell in your car. It all starts with the right cleaning products. You’ll need to be sure your solutions are made for the kinds of seats you have: vinyl, plastic, and any other materials that may be in your Orlando Toyota. Here’s a few solutions:

• Cleaning Products: If you’re having a really hard time, there’s special detailing solutions that are made to clean your chairs, seatbelts, and upholstery! You can even find it at our Toyota of Orlando parts store.
• Baking soda: This cheap alternative is perfect! You can sprinkle this on your fabric seats and carpet. Be sure your carpet is dry before sprinkling. You’ll let this sit overnight if possible. It neutralizes odors and leaves your car smelling fresh again; be sure to vacuum up the remaining powder. Don’t forget your trunk or cargo area. 

How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smell: Other Ways

If it still smells like cigarettes in your car, you might need to repeat a few steps, and you can even try a few other things. These little tips can change the way your Orlando Toyota interior smells! Try these tips:

• Grab dryer sheets and wipe down your interior! 

• Change your cabin air filter

• Wipe down your upholstery, carpet, and the rest of your interior multiple times.

• Finally, use a small bowl with coffee grounds or even charcoal in your car. They both absorb smells!

Get your car smelling like new at Toyota of Orlando 

Pick up those detailing supplies and get some advice on how to get rid of cigarette smell out of your car right here at Toyota of Orlando. Our team is just a call away at (407) 298-0001, or you can stop by; we’re just off I-4 across from the Mall at Millenia. 

The auto service recommendations before entering 2025

We’re already halfway through the 2020 decade – insanity. But, what else is insane? You potentially are not taking care of your car as you should be. It’s okay, 2025 is going to be a ‘new year, new you’, right? Right, so our Orlando Toyota auto service techs are going to help you by giving you a list of what you should take care of before entering 2025. So that this way you can already enter 2025 being a ‘new you’. Let’s drive right into it. 

The auto service list you need to take care of

Clean your car

The first step, before anything else, is having a clean slate for the new year. So, before entering 2025 or maybe even a little after (we don’t judge…well kind of), you need to clean your car. You can either complete a DIY car detailing or you can leave your car with our Orlando Toyota auto service techs. They’ve been detailing and cleaning cars for years, so they have the experience and the eye to make sure your car is spotless.  

Check your oil

This one you can also DIY it, or again leave it up to our Orlando Toyota auto service techs to handle it. Moving on, just check your oil before you start driving and experiencing the life that will be 2025. Checking your oil and getting it changed can prevent your engine from failing. If you don’t get your oil changes routinely, you’ll experience an engine blowout which your car can not recover from.

Schedule bi-annual checkups

Before heading to 2025, schedule your bi-annual checkups with our Orlando Toyota auto service techs. Doing this can make things so much easier for you and can actually maximize your car’s fuel efficiency (saving money) and performance. When you pull up just ask for a multi-point inspection and they’ll take a look at:

• Brakes

• Sunroof/moonroof (if you have one)

• Oil status

• Air filters

• Tires

• Anything else that you’re worried about

Get a windshield sun cover

We live in Orlando, Florida. We know how it is from March to November: hot and humid. With this, you’re going to need a windshield sun cover so that your interior can be protected from the sun and heat. Doing this can make your car last a lot longer and when you get inside your Orlando Toyota, you don’t have to worry about your steering wheel being too hot to touch. 

Take care of your dashboard warning lights

Dashboard warning lights are becoming more and more unnoticed nowadays, which is not good at all. In 2025, let’s all decide to take a proactive approach when it comes to dashboard warning lights. It’s so easy to take care of, you can literally just let our Orlando Toyota auto service techs take care of it for you. If you ultimately decide to ignore it, you’re not going to have fun buying a new car in 2025 when you could’ve just taken care of it. Don’t say we didn’t tell you so!

Let our Orlando Toyota auto service techs help you start the new year right

Need some help making your New Year’s resolutions happen? Our auto service techs have got you covered. Visit Toyota of Orlando today at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the MIllenia Mall.