Learn about the dangers of potholes!

Picture it. You’re driving on one of Orlando’s many highways. Everything is going well, there’s not that much traffic and then WHAM! All of a sudden your car lurches and you feel like you’ve left your undercarriage behind you! You’ve probably had the misfortune of hitting a pothole. Potholes just aren’t unfortunate things to go through, they can cause some serious damage to your car! Our team at Toyota of Orlando is here to warn you about the dangers of these road hazards in addition to what to do if you think you have suffered damage from these pesky pits.

What makes a pothole so dangerous?

We always suggest avoiding potholes at all cost. You can do that by practicing safe driving tips and being aware of your surroundings. What makes hitting these gaps in the asphalt so dangerous? They can potential cause pretty serious damage to your car! Here are some ways they can hurt your Orlando vehicle:

Suspension - When you hit a pothole, your car’s suspension is taking a major hit! Your car’s suspension is the reason why your Orlando Toyota is easy to handle and your passengers stay comfortable on rides. 

Alignment - If you hit a pothole that’s too deep or you hit it too hard, this could cause big troubles for your car tires and their alignment. Tire alignment is important to your car’s performance because when it’s off, you can have side effects like drifting on the road, your car pulling to the side, or the feeling of vibration in your steering wheel.

Fix damage from potholes at Toyota of Orlando

Do you think you are suffering from damage thanks to these annoying ditches in the road? Here’s how our service team in Orlando can help:

Car tire service - Not only can potholes affect your tire alignment, they can affect the tire itself! Not only can bulges and blistering occur, if you hit the edge hard enough it can cause a puncture or rip! Reduce your risk of a blowout by having your car tires inspected, and always keep a spare handy just in case. 

Exhaust service - Did you hear a clang when you hit the road, you could have damage to your exhaust. If you hear that, be sure to bring in your Orlando Toyota to our service center to get it looked at by our experts. If it stays damaged for too long, your car won’t function in the way that it’s supposed to. 

Do you need one of our Orlando auto service experts to look at your vehicle after you hit a pothole too hard? Bring it in! Our service center is open until 10pm every day. We’re located at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (407) 298-4500.

How to jump start a dead car battery

You’re late for work, rushing to your car only to be greeted with that dreadful clicking noise we all never want to hear – the clicking of a dead car battery. However, there’s no need to feel helpless. Our Toyota of Orlando service staff is here to give you quick and easy-to-follow instructions on how to jump start your car and get back on the road! 

Bring your car battery back to life

First things first, we always recommend you have a set of jumper cables in your vehicle in case this ever happens when you’re not home. Then, you will need to call a friend or flag down a helping hand to jump your car from. Once you have the right setup it’s time to get started!

1. Line both cars up as close as you can nose to nose.

2. Put both vehicles into park and start their ignitions.

3. Take one of the red clips and attach it to the positive (+) terminal on your car battery. Follow suit on the battery of the other car, ensuring both clips are securely fastened.

4. Now take one of the black clips and attach it to the negative (-) port of your car battery.

5. Take the fourth clamp and clip it onto a different surface away from the battery of the other car but make sure it is unpainted metal. This is to ensure that you have a safe jump without any sparks flying.

6. Start the working car’s engine. Then start your car. Don’t be discouraged if this takes a couple of tries.

7. Once you hear the roar of your engine you can remove the clips from both vehicles.

8. Drive around for 15 to 20 minutes before turning off your car to make sure your battery is recharged a bit.

9. Don’t forget to thank your friend for helping you get your car back on the road!

And there you have it! Jump starting your car is really that easy. Just as with any car maintenance, be sure to make safety your number one priority.

If your vehicle doesn't start back up after completing all of these steps call your local towing service to get your car into our Orlando Toyota service center so we can diagnose the problem. Typically, a jump start failure signifies your battery is too old or your car is having problems with:

• battery corrosion
• starter connection
• vehicle fuses
• a faulty alternator
• the ignition switch

Orlando service coupons and price-matching - oh my! 

  

Once you have your vehicle back up and running make it a priority to head into our Orlando Toyota dealership so we can check out if your battery is due to be replaced. We offer price-matching on batteries and have several different Toyota Service Coupons for you to choose from.  Call our Orlando car service center at (866) 945-0493 and schedule your appointment today!

The Orlando auto service your car needs this fall

The first day of fall is almost here! We are on the cusp of enjoying cooler weather, shorter days and premature Halloween candy. The autumn weather calls for more adventures which means more driving time. Whether you’re heading north to see the changing foliage or driving to your local pumpkin patch, you’ll want to give your Orlando Toyota some attention before you hit the road. So as you are eagerly bringing out your cinnamon brooms and Jack-o-lanterns, our Toyota of Orlando service staff wants to remind you to celebrate the season with some fall auto service.

Let Toyota of Orlando get your car in fall shape 

We sat down with our Toyota technicians to see what service appointments you need to be scheduling this fall. Let’s check out what they suggested:

      Brake service: If the change of season means taking a trip to see the family up north, your brakes need to be in optimal condition. With more people driving on the highway for the holidays you’ll want to make sure you can come to an immediate stop if necessary. Ensure you have your brake linings, rotors, and drums checked.  

      Headlight restoration: Do you find yourself squinting even with your headlights on? With fall that will just worsen - shorter days, driving in the rain and foggy mornings will only decrease your visibility. For your safety, schedule an appointment to have your yellowed or burnt-out bulbs restored.

     Tire service: Avoid highway sliding on wet roads and leaves by having your tires checked. You want to make sure you have the correct tire pressure and that they are rotated. This will prevent you from having to replace your tires due to uneven tread. 

     Windshield wiper change: Combat the autumn rain and fog with new wiper blades. After the long summer months of constant rainy driving your wiper blades are most likely due to be replaced. If they are smearing, leaving a milky film, or squeaking you know it’s time. 

 

More suggestions for fall car maintenance 

With changes in weather and driving conditions you will want to consider these other basic auto services as well:

• Coolant and other fluid top-off: Start the season off right with fresh coolant and a top-off on all of your essential car fluids.
•  Oil change: After the hot Central Florida summer your car may be experiencing an oil build up. Make sure your motor oil is properly lubricating your engine to avoid serious damage. Come in for a cheap oil change and avoid expensive future repairs.
• Battery change: Your car battery is supposed to be changed every 3 to 5 years. If it’s been a hot minute, let our technicians change it for you! 
• A/C and heater service: Experience the most comfortable driving conditions and proper use of your defroster as you head into colder climates.

Now that you know what auto services you need to schedule, call us today and start your fall season off on the right foot – or tire. We are always running Orlando service specials and are open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road! See you soon!