Fuel injector: what it is and how to maintain it

With driving being as easy as putting your car in park and pushing on the gas pedal, it’s easy to forget about all the parts and processes working behind the scenes to make that happen. The fuel injector is an essential component to many engines and its purpose is to transfer gasoline into the combustion chamber to power your Orlando Toyota. This part replaced the carburetor and provides better fuel efficiency and performance for your ride. It’s a small and obscure part of your engine but understanding what a fuel injector is and how to maintain it will keep help your car last. At Toyota of Orlando we’ve put together a guide, with help from our auto service team, to get you on your way to becoming a fuel injector expert!

What’s a fuel injector?

You may be asking yourself, what is this engine part and why does it matter? While the fuel injector may be a small component in your Orlando Toyota vehicle, it performs a big job and its technology has several added benefits that we take for granted. The main function of this engine part is to atomize gasoline and inject it directly into your vehicle’s combustion chamber to create power.

Benefits

Using fuel injector technology in your Orlando Toyota vehicle as opposed to carburetor fuel delivery comes with several benefits to performance and fuel efficiency. Here are some of the most notable perks:

• Better fuel efficiency through direct supply of fuel for combustion.
• Improved emissions performance.
• Ability for vehicles to run on alternative fuels, even on diesel.
• Easier cold starting and quick throttle transitions.
• Stable idling and temperature adjustments.

Fuel injector maintenance

Like any part of an Orlando Toyota vehicle, fuel injectors are no stranger to wear and maintenance issues. Because they process high amounts of fuel overtime, they can become dirty or clogged and result in a mess of bad side-affects for your car like:

• Difficult start-ups.
• Unstable idling.
• Increased fuel consumption.
• Uncomfortable driving experience. 

Keeping your Orlando Toyota fuel injector free of clogs will keep your vehicle running perfectly. Our auto service experts at Toyota of Orlando recommends cleaning it every 36 months or 45,000 months to avoid clogs from excessive residue build up. Trying to professionally clean this engine part can be difficult because of its small size and location within the engine. Because of this, there are several cleaning solutions usually offered at auto parts stores. However, taking this route should only be done as a temporary fix rather than a permanent one. A professional cleaning is going to be the best solution to improve your Orlando Toyota vehicle’s performance.

We’ve got you covered at Toyota of Orlando

Cleaning and maintaining this engine part can get confusing and difficult, that’s why Toyota of Orlando is here to help! Our expert auto service department give your fuel injector the cleaning it needs to get your vehicle back to peak performing shape. Give us a call at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule an appointment!

A guide on windshield wiper blades | Toyota of Orlando

Some parts your vehicle has that you probably don’t pay too much attention to, even though they’re right in front of you, are your wind shield wiper blades. They’re not the most exciting part of your Orlando Toyota, but they keep your view clear when driving in low visibility conditions. To make sure your vehicle is outfitted with the correct blades, Toyota of Orlando has made a helpful guide with the help of our expert auto service department.

Types of windshield wiper blades

Every Orlando Toyota model is different, every windshield is different, and therefore every set of wiper blades is different. Here are a few basic types that are found on many vehicles on the road:

Traditional frame-style wipers

This type of windshield wiper blade is one of the most common types found on many Orlando Toyota vehicles. It uses a metal frame that the actual wiper is mounted on. It’s a very affordable type and is used on a wide variety of vehicles.

Winter wipers

Designed for more inclement weather conditions, these windshield wiper blades are very durable and resistant. You won’t likely find these on many Orlando Toyota vehicles because they’re meant for snowy and icy conditions. The blade itself on these wipers is protected by a rubber sheath that keeps it free of ice, but it does make for a bulky and less streamlined design.

Premium beam style

Premium beam windshield wiper blades stray from a traditional framework and instead opt for something like winter blades by using a single-blade and one-piece design that helps them contour to your Orlando Toyota’s windshield. They come at a higher price tag, but many manufacturers claim they have a longer lifespan and are more aesthetically pleasing.

How to choose, install, and maintain your windshield wiper blades

Selecting a set of windshield wiper blades isn’t as easy as picking one of the three styles, unfortunately. There are several different brands to choose from and you must make sure you select the right size for your vehicle. For more information on finding the right size blades, consult your owner’s manual or just ask one of our Toyota of Orlando auto service experts.

After you’ve found the correct wiper blades for your vehicle, it’s time to install them! Here are a few tips to get you started:

·       When replacing your windshield wiper blades, our Toyota of Orlando auto service experts recommend installing them in pairs to avoid uneven wear and aging.

·       There are three different types of wiper arms to attach wiper blades to and they are side post, J hook, and bayonet. These styles have a locking mechanism that doesn’t require additional tools during installation.

·       Being patient is always key to replacing your windshield wiper blades. If you have trouble with it, our auto service experts are always here to help.

Replace your windshield wiper blades at Toyota of Orlando

If your current wipers aren’t getting the rain off your windshield well enough, it might be time for a replacement. Come visit us at Toyota of Orlando where our auto service techs can get you the right set of windshield wiper blades and install them for you at a great price! Call us at (407) 298 – 0001 to schedule and appointment today!

How to care for and maintain your car battery

With such complex parts in it, it’s hard to believe that a battery can do so much to keep your car starting and running smoothly. Your car battery provides the electricity necessary to start your car and can supply additional power if needed. Without it, your car wouldn’t start and that’s why making sure it’s free of corrosion and well maintained is so important. While it’s a simple part to maintain, it’s easy to forget that it’s there and it still helps to know exactly what you’re doing. Thankfully, we at Toyota of Orlando got together with our auto service experts and put together a helpful guide on car battery maintenance for you!

Do’s and don’ts for your car battery

Your car battery is the key to starting your Orlando Toyota and we wouldn’t be able to start our cars without them. To keep you from having to call a tow truck, here are some easy maintenance tips to consider:

1. Keep the cables clean. Corrosion is a common issue that can plague a car battery in any Orlando Toyota vehicle. This occurs from things like an aging battery, one that’s overfilled or overcharged, hydrogen gases and/or electrolyte leaks, or a reaction from using copper clamps. Whatever the reason, corrosion can cause your car battery to under-perform and, ultimately, a failed start-up for your Orlando Toyota. Cleaning them is quick and easy! Simply remove the cables from the battery posts (remember to remove the negative cable first) and use a mixture of baking soda and bottled water with a wire brush to remove any corrosion.
2. Check the electrolyte level. While many car battery models in Orlando Toyota vehicles won’t require an electrolyte refill in their lifetime, some models do. To check the electrolyte levels, gently pry off the battery cell cover (typically on the top of the battery), look down the hole, and if the level isn’t covering the bottom of the compartment it’s time to add water. Be sure to use distilled or purified water to avoid adding minerals that could cause corrosion. If you have a no maintenance car battery, you can check the level by finding the indicator and looking for the color. Green means your levels are fine and darker colors mean you need a recharge. If you’re unsure, our auto service techs at Toyota of Orlando can help you out!

If you’re finding that your Orlando Toyota battery is having difficulty keeping a charge or you’ve suffered several failed start-ups, a replacement car battery will be in your future. But, to get you by until you replace your existing batter, here’s how to jumpstart your car:

1. You’ll need jumper cables and another car. You should always keep a set of jumper cables in your emergency car kit in case of situations like this. If you need a new pair, our parts department at Toyota of Orlando can get you taken care of! Be sure to enlist the help of another driver to get a successful jump. If you can’t find someone to help, there are always battery chargers that can be used as a substitute.
2. Get the two vehicles ready for a jump. For the jump to work, both Orlando Toyota vehicles need to be in park or neutral with the parking brake active.
3. Start with the positive end. Using the red jumper cable clip, attach it to the positive terminal on your car battery as well as the other you’re using for the jump. You can usually tell a positive from a negative terminal by a “POS” or “+” indicator.
4. Attach the negatives. Place the black colored clips on the negative terminal in the other vehicle and the other on an unpainted metal surface in your Orlando Toyota to act as a ground.
5. Start your engines. Ignite the engine in the working vehicle first and let it run for a few minutes. Then try to start your vehicle. If your Orlando Toyota won’t start after additional attempts, then it may be time to call a tow truck.

Let Toyota of Orlando fix your car battery

If general maintenance and jump starts can’t get you a charge, it may be time to get a replacement car battery. At Toyota of Orlando, our expert auto service department can replace your old battery and get you back on the road at an affordable price. Visit us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall, seven days a week!