Toyota of Orlando talks top five most expensive auto repairs – and how to avoid them

Looking at your to-do list and seeing the word “auto repair” on it may give you an eye twitch. More of an eye twitch, the cost of all of it. Trust us when we say, we’ve seen the bill and wanted to run away (We do not recommend this), we have. Our Orlando auto service experts are going to give advice on how to avoid these feelings.

5 of the most expensive auto repairs to have to deal with and how to avoid them

#1: Seized engine from lack of oil 

Do not postpone your oil change because if you do it long enough, your car will run out of oil. Your engine will have no lubrication, which leads to getting it hot inside and parts will start to melt into one piece of metal. There’s no way to fix this repair, so it’ll cost your car.

The fix: Make sure you stay on top of your routine oil changes and check the level and condition of your oil every few weeks.

#2: Bad computer 

When the computer in your car goes bad, it is the epitome of the snowball effect. There are more problems down the road. A way that this can happen is when you jump-start your car - it may result in a blown battery, electrical system damage, or even start a fire. This is rare but may occur. Depending on the damage, the cost to repair can range from $1,000 to… many 0s and commas. 

The fix: Be extremely careful when you jump start your car. Also, get routine multi-point inspections so our auto service techs can check the computer in your car while they’re at it.

#3: Hydrolocked engine

When water gets inside your engine’s cylinders – commonly happens when you drive through deep puddles – and damages the pistons by creating too much pressure, this auto repair is vital. The cost can range from $3,000 to $10,000.

The fix: Avoid driving through the water when you’re not aware of how deep it is, and if there is no way around it – drive very slowly. 

#4: Overheated engine 

Luckily, times have changed and we have warning signs before an overheated engine can cause some serious damage to you and your car, ranging from a minor fracture to death. Costs can range from $100 to $10,000+. 

The fix: If you see your temperature gauge rising in the dashboard, don’t ignore – it – pull over and have your car towed to Toyota of Orlando so we can get auto repairs started. Also, if you see a hazard sign pop up in your dashboard, we urge you to not ignore it.

#5: Bad timing belt

Take our Orlando Toyota auto service repair experts' advice and change your car’s timing belt when it is due. If you do not, it can lead to further broken parts and you will end up spending more money on expensive auto repairs. A broken timing belt can result in costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,500.

The fix: When it’s time to change your timing belt, do it – don’t delay until it’s too late.

Schedule your auto repairs at Toyota of Orlando today

Have questions about any of the above auto repairs or think you’re due for them? Call Toyota of Orlando today. We’re open seven days a week with the longest service hours in Central Florida – you can reach us at (407) 298-0001. You can also stop by and see us at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.

Seven off road accessories to buy for your Toyota

 Are you the type of driver who likes to get off the pavement and away from it all? We get it - the allure of off road trails is hard to resist. However, we also know that it's best to be prepared when you take things off the beaten path, and that's why the experts at our Orlando Toyota parts store have come up with a list of off road accessories that you need for your next expedition. 

You want these seven off road accessories before you hit the trails 

#1: MaxTrax recovery boards. Recovery boards are never a bad idea when you're off road, especially if you're hitting the trails by yourself. These slim, lightweight boards can be easily tossed in the bed of your truck or even mounted on the top. If you find yourself in a slippery situation, you can place them under your tires for added traction to get your Orlando Toyota unstuck. 

#2: A winch. Similar to the recovery boards we just talked about, a winch is another great off road accessory. This auto part attaches to the front of your Toyota and has a cable that extends from it. If you get stuck, you simply pull out the cable and wrap it around the nearest tree or rock, then turn the winch on to slowly reel the cable in. As it reels in, it pulls your vehicle out of whatever situation you're stuck in. It's another great accessory to have if you like to go off road solo. 

#3: Solar light strings. Don't waste your battery lighting up your campsite with your headlights - invest in a few strings of solar lights. You can stick them in the sun to charge during the day and at night, string them up on whatever is available (tree branches, etc.) to lend much-needed light to your campsite. 

#4: An air compressor. It's a smart idea to air down your tires when you're off road; it gives your Orlando Toyota more traction, especially in soft sand and dirt. However, you'll need to air back up before you hit the pavement again (driving with underinflated tires is dangerous). 

#5: RotopaX. RotopaX are slim canisters that can be stowed or attached to the side of your vehicle and carry extra gasoline and water. It's never a bad idea to have extra of either when you're out in the woods, and RotopaX are an easy and streamlined way to pack both. After all, you can't exactly pop into a 7-11 when you're deep in the woods. 

#6: A Yeti cooler. You won't have access to a fridge in the woods last time we checked, which is why it's a great idea to invest in a quality cooler. We recommend Yeti - the brand is expensive, but it's truly an investment. These coolers can keep ice frozen for days, giving you plenty of time to get off the beaten path and explore without worrying about dinner going bad. 

#7: A Jetboil stove. Don't give up the comforts of home just because you're not in the confines of Orlando. Instead, take them with you. A Jetboil stove packs down compact and is easy to carry with you; it's a quick way to boil water for coffee, cooking, and showers. 

Get info on all of your off road accessories at Toyota of Orlando 

Have questions about the best off road accessories? Let Toyota of Orlando send you down the right path. You can call us today at (407) 298-4500, or stop by. We're conveniently located just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road. 

Most affordable all-wheel drive cars in 2023: The Toyota Cross and Toyota Corolla Hybrid

You might be wondering if you can afford to buy a new car with all-wheel drive on the search. Well, we have good news for you – the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross and the 2023 Toyota Corolla Hybrid have both been included on Autotrader’s list of the most affordable new cars with all-wheel drive. Our team at Toyota of Orlando has put together a list of reasons why these two new Toyotas should be your top choices when it comes to affordable new cars with all-wheel drive.

Autotrader may have a huge array of lists sorting vehicles, but the list we’ve found our cars on is one of the most prestigious. If you're having trouble narrowing down your new car choices, this list can help. The vehicles on this list are all under $25,000, making them extremely viable options for drivers on a budget according to our Orlando Toyota dealership. The Orlando Toyota on this list offer you the ability to drive all-wheel drive.

Is there a reason these Orlando Toyotas made the list?

Corolla Cross and Corolla Hybrid are two Toyota Corollas listed for 2023. Toyota of Orlando has both of these sporty new Toyotas available for test drives, and here's what you need to know 

• There are plenty of sedans out there, but one of the most popular is the Orlando Toyota Corolla. You'll find it to be fuel-efficient, incredibly affordable, and stylish with incredible technology throughout. In addition, there are now multiple Toyota hybrid models available that get 47/41 mpg. There are more than 80% of Toyota Corolla models on the road today that were sold 20 years ago.

• On the other hand, the Toyota Corolla Cross is a sporty crossover that's larger than its sedan sibling but still offers outstanding fuel efficiency (31/33) and affordability. A spacious rear cargo area provides room for gear and is available in three grades. Fans have quickly embraced it as a favorite, even though it is new to the lineup.

How does all-wheel drive work and why is it important?

The next step is to learn more about the all-wheel drive. You might be wondering why this all-wheel drive feature is super important (but you should still think you might need it on your next Orlando Toyota). 

Here's a quick explanation:

All-wheel drive is when your vehicle can send torque simultaneously to all four wheels, making all four wheels spin simultaneously, thereby allowing your vehicle to move as smoothly as possible. 

A front-wheel drive or a rear-wheel drive vehicle: is a vehicle in which only two wheels are powering the car at any given time, which is different from the type of vehicle with only two wheels.

You gain better traction when your vehicle has all-wheel drive because the wheels spin at the same time. In the event of snow, rain, or ice, your car will be able to grip the road better with better traction. This reduces your chances of getting into an accident in bad weather conditions and thus, keeps you and your passengers safer.

Here are a few other Orlando Toyotas with all-wheel drive to consider if the Toyota Corolla or Corolla Cross won’t work for you:

• Toyota RAV4

• Toyota Prius

• Toyota Camry

• Toyota Highlander

• Toyota Sienna

Are you looking for a new Toyota with all-wheel drive, or have questions about the feature? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. You can also stop by in person at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall.