Learn how to do your own oil change

Sometimes you’re just too busy to come in for “just” an oil change. You figure you can go on for more miles before you have to take your Orlando Toyota in. Postponing your recommended oil change can be unhealthy for your car’s engine. So, what do you do? Change the oil yourself! Our staff at Toyota of Orlando is here to help you figure out everything you need to know so you can do your own oil changes. 

What you need for a DIY oil change

When tackling an oil change all on your own, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. The tools you’ll need include:

●     Fresh oil (make sure to pick the right type of oil for you driving style and vehicle)

●     A new oil filter

●     A 5-7 quart oil pan

●     An oil filter wrench

●     Funnel

●     Jack with jack stands

●     Wrench

We also recommend a change of clothes. We recommend picking clothes that you usually wear around the house or when you’re doing chores. You wouldn’t want to accidentally get oil on your favorite blouse or pair of jeans!

Now that you have the tools, it’s time to change the oil in your Orlando vehicle! Here are some step-by-step instructions to master your own oil change:

1. Jack your car up and rest it on the jack stands.
2. Once the car is secure, go underneath the car to find the oil drain plug and place the oil pan there
3. Once placed, idle your car for up to ten minutes so the oil can warm up
4. Switch of the car and pop the hood you can loosen the oil filter cap to let the oil drain quicker
5. Go back under your Orlando car and remove the oil drain plug. It should take approximately 5 minutes to drain completely.
6. Find your oil filter and use the oil filter wrench to remove it.
7. After disposing the old oil filter, replace it with a new oil filter.
8. Tightly put the drain plug back in place, tightening it with the wrench.
9. Use a funnel to pour the recommended amount of new oil into the filter hole under the hood.
10. Replace the fill car and start running your car.

And there you have it! You can officially say you can do your own oil changes! If you need any help, feel free to ask our expert service team for advice the next time you come in for Orlando routine car maintenance. Or check out our tips on our website!

Come to Toyota of Orlando for all your maintenance needs

Does doing your own oil change seem like it may be too much to handle? Don’t worry! Our Orlando service staff will gladly change your oil along with other auto maintenance services.

Our Toyota service center is located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. Call us at (407) 298-4500 to schedule auto service!

Ways to Reduce Glare on Your Windshield

Here at Toyota of Orlando, we understand the struggles of driving under the Florida sun. Glare on your windshield can be a huge problem for any driver, so we’ve made a list of ways you can help prevent it. 

What You Can Do to Combat Glare

-Make sure your windshield is clean. Specks of dirt and grime will scatter light and make it much more difficult to navigate your travels. Wipe down the inside and outside of your windshield so that light can easily pass through from any direction.
-Try spritzing your windshield with white vinegar after a good scrub. The acid in it will help fight against future buildup and fogging and ensure a painless, glare-free drive.

-Use glass polish. Protective coatings can help reduce glare on your windshield by combating residue buildup while driving. Just be sure that the polish you use is specifically made for glass. Polishing agents for other types of surfaces may create a greasy, streaky appearance and work against you.

-Heat up your windshield. Though this tip may only be applicable in Florida for about two months, melting any ice that has accumulated on your windshield will drastically help reduce glare.  Frost, ice, and snow are some of the worst perpetrators when it comes to glare on your windshield because water is extremely reflective. When water is frozen to a somewhat solid state, you can bet it’ll build up and wreak havoc on your visibility. Melt it down with a warm A/C or your defroster and wipe it off before you get rolling.

-Adjust your mirrors to avoid headlight glare at night. A simple adjustment can redirect light away from your face and make your drive effortless – even at night when that guy who forgot to turn off his high beams is behind you.

-Consider investing in a dash cover. Dash covers are pieces of shaggy fabric that rest on the top of your dash. The fabric absorbs and disperses light, leaving you with a clear windshield. Need help finding the right one? Toyota of Orlando can help you out and even order it for you!

 

Auto Service Options

-Make sure your wipers are in good condition. Old wipers may do more harm than good if they aren’t making proper contact with your windshield and are just smearing dirt around. A fresh set of wipers will ensure you can push any grime to the side without a hitch. You may need moisture to get rid of whatever is causing glare on your windshield, so make sure your fluid reservoir is well-stocked at all times. Swing by Toyota of Orlando for regular fluid and wiper maintenance. 

-Tint your windows. Restricting light from entering your vehicle from multiple angles can only cut down the glare on your windshield. If you’re interested in tinting your windows, come see us at Toyota of Orlando, and we’ll get you squared away!

We hope this list helps you conquer any glaring problems you may have. For any and all of your Toyota service needs, come see us at Toyota of Orlando located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall or give us a call at (407) 298-4500.

Hurricane preparedness tips from Toyota of Orlando

Hurricane season is upon us! Are you ready? It’s alright if you’re not yet, Toyota of Orlando’s got you covered. With proper maintenance and precautions, you could square yourself up for the perfect storm. Here’s a hurricane preparedness checklist to make sure you and your car are ready for the weather.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Check your tires

Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI and that the tread isn’t worn. To check your tire pressure, simply insert a gauge into the valve stem of your tire. Additionally, an easy way to check your tread is to stick a penny into a groove of your tire. If Abraham Lincoln’s head is still visible above the indentation, it’s time to replace your tires. Obviously, roads get slick with water and oil when it rains, so having good traction will minimize your chances of hydroplaning. 

Check your brakes

Are your brakes making noise, slipping, or just generally not performing well? Get them serviced to prevent accidents during slippery conditions. We can fix any issues with your brakes here at Toyota of Orlando!

 

Check your windshield wipers and lights

Heavy rain means low-visibility conditions. Get one step ahead of the storm and see that your wipers and lights are performing as well as they can. Make sure that your wipers are making proper contact with your windshield and that your lights are clean, aligned, and projecting light to roughly 250-350 feet ahead. Hurricanes mean black skies, so outsmart the storm with a good, updated set of headlights. 

Check your battery

You don’t want to be stranded without a functioning vehicle. Check your battery! If your car isn’t starting smoothly or the power is running low, charge your battery or replace it. A big tip for hurricane preparedness is to have a means of staying up to date with the news. If your home loses power due to the storm, you can charge electronic devices and listen to local radio for updates from your car.

Get gas

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but it’s hurricane preparedness 101 and worth noting. Make sure you get a full tank of gas in case of an emergency such as an unexpected evacuation.

 

Other Hurricane Preparedness Tips from Toyota of Orlando

Be sure to have any important documents from your car such as your registration or insurance information on hand

Take timestamped pictures of your car before the hurricane is expected to hit in case your insurance questions any damages

Toyota of Orlando wishes you a safe hurricane season! Give us a call at (407) 298-4500 or visit us just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall for any services you may need to ensure you’re ready for the rain.