Toyota of Orlando's hacks for car camping

Summer is a great time to camp; the kids are off school, the weather is warm and sunny, and the woods are calling. In the rest of the country, that is. In Florida, the kids may be off school but it's also hotter than the 9th circle of hell outside, the humidity is seemingly at 1,000%, and the bugs are out in full force. That's why for summer in Orlando and the surrounding areas, we highly recommend car camping. 

However, car camping isn't as simple as it sounds. Check out these Orlando Toyota hacks for car camping to make your next trip easier than ever. 

Hacks for car camping you should know before you go 

Tip #1: Decide where you're sleeping and buy accordingly. Where will you be sleeping while car camping? You can sleep in the back of your car, in which case we highly recommend looking into an inflatable mattress (just be sure to measure ahead of time to ensure it's going to fit properly). You should also look into window screens if you want to leave the windows down but also keep the outside elements outside (we're talking bugs). 

If your car isn't roomy enough to sleep in, consider a car tent. This convenient tent will hook up to your car or SUV and not only give you an enclosed space for the night but also help to funnel some cool air in via your car's A/C.  

Tip #2: Know where you can camp and where you can't. Car camping doesn't just mean pulling off the road in a spot that looks good and setting up camp for the night. (That's illegal.) You should look for campgrounds just as you would if you were sleeping in a normal tent. Not only are campgrounds safer and more secure than pitching a spot in a parking lot, but you're also a lot more likely to have access to amenities like bathrooms, laundry, and running water and electricity hookups. 

Tip #3: Get a solar charger going for your devices. You want to keep your devices powered up but you also don't want to kill your car battery doing it... why not look into solar charging? It's an easy and clean way to keep your phone, speakers, and other gear charged up and ready to go... and it's free. 

Tip #4: Figure out how to light your campsite. Along the same lines, leaving your car's headlights and interior lights on all night can also kill the battery. How will you light the inside of your car and the rest of your campsite? Our Orlando Toyota dealership recommends looking for solar lighting for the campsite itself, and then lanterns or portable dome lights for the interior of your car (both of which you can get in a solar iteration, too). 

Tip #5: Bring your kitchen along with you. You will not - we repeat, will not - want to cook in the back of your car, so prepare accordingly. It's a good idea to bring along a small folding table, a cooler, and a portable camp stove so you can at least prepare basic meals and not be stuck with beef jerky or expensive takeout the entire trip. 

Let Toyota of Orlando help you plan your next car camping trip 

Ready to hit the road? Get more car camping tips OR accessories to make it happen at Toyota of Orlando. Our techs are ready to help at (407) 298-0001 and we're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Oil change cost: How much is this common auto service?

  Are you keeping your car on a routine car care schedule? If so, then you know that getting regular oil changes is a key part of keeping your car up and running and in the best condition possible. However, we know that the expenses of owning a car can add up quickly, leaving you feeling slightly overwhelmed and worried about how you're going to foot the bill. 

We've got good news - oil changes aren't super expensive, and they proactively protect your car's engine from future damage and repairs that could end up costing you down the road. But how much do oil changes cost? Toyota of Orlando is here with the breakdown. 

How much does an oil change cost if you schedule at Toyota of Orlando?

Before we can tell you how much an oil change will cost at our Toyota service center in Orlando, we have to break down a few basic points. 

• Conventional motor oil changes are cheaper and have to be done every few thousand miles, and range from $35-$75. 
• Synthetic motor oil changes are more expensive but have to be performed less often, and range from $65-$125. 

The reason we have a range for those two types of oil changes is that other factors can impact how much an oil change costs. For example, the size of your car. If you have a regular sedan or passenger car, you usually need around 5 quarts of oil to get the job done. Larger trucks and SUVs, however, need more oil than that, which can drive the cost of the auto service up. 

What happens during an oil change? 

To give you an idea of where your money is going, here's what typically happens during an oil change at Toyota of Orlando: 

• A trained Toyota service tech will remove the oil plug and drain all of the old, dirty oil out of your vehicle and dispose of it properly (remember, you can't just dump it in the trash or down the drain). 
• Next, they'll change out your oil filter to replace it with a clean one. 
• Finally, they'll refill your vehicle with the proper amount of clean oil to keep your engine lubricated and cool when it's working hard. 

And then you're ready to hit the road. 

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when it comes to this routine auto service: 

• Both your driving habits and the type of oil you use will affect how often you need oil changes (and the overall cost year over year of this car care). The more you drive, the more frequently you'll need them. And while conventional motor oil lasts 3,000 - 5,000 miles, synthetic oil lasts longer (and requires fewer changes) for 7,000-15,000 miles. Be sure to ask our Orlando auto service specialists which one your car needs and is best for your performance requirements. 
• There are different types of oil to consider as we mentioned. Conventional works just fine; it's made from refined crude oil and is the most cost-effective. Synthetic oil is much more refined than conventional, last longer, and some say that it offers better performance when all is said and done. Synthetic blend offers an option that lasts a bit longer than conventional oil but isn't quite as expensive as full synthetic, and high mileage oil is best for drivers who are up there on the odometer (this oil helps to prevent leaks in older vehicles). 

Which one do you need? If you're unsure, our Orlando auto service experts can help you decide and make it easy for you. They can also get you on a routine oil change schedule so you know when you're due for one and when to schedule your next appointment. And don't forget to check out our BOGO oil change deals while you're here! 

Schedule your next oil change at Toyota of Orlando today - call us at (407) 298-0001 or schedule online. You can also visit us in person and walk in at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. 

Choosing the right car tires for the rain: Toyota of Orlando tips

Choosing the right set of car tires can be tricky. You want to choose a set that matches your performance needs, but you also want to take into account your local climate. Does it rain a lot where you live? If you face pretty consistent heavy precipitation, you may want to scout out car tires that can perform well in the rain. And our Orlando auto service techs are here to help you choose the right ones - check out these six easy tips for choosing the right car tires for the rain. 

Six tips for choosing the right car tires for rainy weather 

#1: Consider how much you'll actually be driving in the rain. Before you plunk down the money for new car tires, think about just how often you'll be driving in wet weather. Are you going to see daily, heavy rain (like in the summer in Orlando), or will you see sporadic storms throughout the year? If rain is going to be a pretty persistent factor in your commute, you should look for car tires best suited for it. 

#2: Think about your vehicle itself. Some cars just handle better in the rain. Front-wheel-drive cars are naturally easier to drive in the rain than rear-wheel-drive cars, while some sports cars may handle better in the rain as well. Ask your Toyota of Orlando service tech which car tires will handle best in challenging weather conditions on your particular vehicle. 

#3: Know your own driving style. What kind of driver are you? If your commute is long and arduous or you make a lot of stops every day and feel like you're always on the road, then you're more likely to face driving in the rain. Our Orlando car care techs can help you choose the right car tires. 

#4: Consider the type of rubber. There are multiple types of rubber available when it comes to car tires, and they all have different pros and cons (and performance capabilities). Ask your tech which will ride best when the roads are wet from the rain. 

#5: Examine the tread closely. Your tire tread is also an important factor when it comes to driving in the rain. Tires that are designed for wet weather have a special tread pattern that pushes water away from the tires, giving you better traction and handling even in a downpour. 

#6: Think about your budget. And don't forget, you're going to have to pay for them. Make sure you don't go for the cheapest option - after all, they're an investment for your car - but ask our Orlando car care techs to work with you. 

Start your shopping at Toyota of Orlando

Ready to start shopping for car tires that are suited for driving in the rain? We're ready to help you shop. Come to Toyota of Orlando in person at 3575 Vineland Road just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall. You can call ahead of time to set an appointment OR schedule online at your convenience. See you soon!