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Driving in winter here in Central Florida is easy - you may have to scrap a thin layer of frost off of your windshield every once in a blue moon, but other than that, the arrival of winter doesn't really affect our drive times. However, if you live up north you know that winter has a very big effect both on your vehicle and also on your driving habits. Since the holiday season is here and people may be heading north to see family and friends, Toyota of Clermont is here to provide tips on driving in winter weather; particularly, driving in icy conditions. Tip #1: Remember that bridges ice before the road. Even if the road doesn't have any ice on it, you should prepare for the bridge ahead to. Because bridges have cold air flowing both under and over them, they tend to ice before the road does. Be prepared for slick conditions as you cross and be ready to act should your tires slide out. Tip #2: Don't slam on the gas or brakes. Try to avoid sudden movements like slamming on the gas or brakes when you're driving in winter weather, especially when conditions are icy. If the roads are slick from ice and you hit the gas or brakes hard, it's likely that your tires won't be able to gain traction quickly enough and will actually spin instead. Tip #3: Drive slower than usual. You should also drive more slowly than you usually do - even if it's under the speed limit. Driving in winter means you'll need more reaction time due to slick surfaces and other vehicles losing control. Driving slower will also allow you to retain better control of your car. Tip #4: Always wear your seatbelt. ALWAYS wear your seatbelt when driving in winter weather. You should always wear your seatbelt, period, but it's especially critical in winter weather like ice and snow when an accident is much more likely. Tip #5: Avoid hills if possible. Try to avoid driving on hills if you can when conditions are icy. Slick surfaces combined with steep grades can leave you sliding back down the hill while your tires desperately try to regain traction. This almost always results in a collision, so avoid hills and stick to roads that don't have as much of an incline/decline if you can. Tip #6: Steer into a slide. It sounds weird, but if you do start to slide on ice, steer in the same direction that you're sliding. If you pull the wheel the opposite way, you can send your car into a spin and make things much worse than they actually are. Instead, take your foot off the gas and steer into the slide, being gentle with more movements so you don't make the spin worse. Have questions about driving in winter weather or how to prepare your car for icy roads? Toyota of Clermont has the information you need. Call our Toyota Service Center today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by and see us. We're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.

It's happened to all of us - you're cruising, listening to the radio, enjoying your drive time when all of a sudden, you see red and blue lights flashing behind you. You're getting pulled over, and with one glance at the speedometer, you know exactly why. You're breaking the speed limit. Toyota of Clermont explains speed limits and why they exist Unfortunately, many of us have been there. Speed limits exist for a reason (and are backed by both the law and actual science) and are strictly enforced with the risk of a penalty if you break them. And a ticket is the least of your worries if you're caught speeding; you could also run the risk of losing your license or even jail time. That's why it's so critical to obey the speed limit but even more importantly, know why they exist and how they're formulated. Toyota of Clermont is here to explain. A speed limit is essentially a determination of how fast you can both safely and legally go on any particular road. If you go over it, you can get in trouble because you're putting others at risk. If you go too far under it, you can get in trouble because you're impeding the flow of traffic and can cause an accident. When a road is first proposed, it has to be blueprinted, planned, and surveyed. After that, it's time for the infrastructural engineers to step into the process. They have to consider quite a few different elements to determine the final speed limit for that specific road, including: How much pedestrian traffic is on and around the road. Speed limits tend to be lower in areas where there's a lot of foot traffic, like around schools or in urban or suburban areas. How much housing is around the road and how close it is to the road itself. You don't want people flying by homes, especially if they're close to the road. The state of the road itself. Is it in good physical condition? Is it winding or straight? Does it have any hills or elevation changes? So while you may think speed limits are arbitrary, they actually are determined through a lot of careful thought, planning, and consideration. That's why our Clermont Toyota dealership is so adamant about you following them! Speed limits are designed to keep EVERYONE on and around the road safe. Just like car seats and seatbelts and anti-lock brakes, they're part of your drive time safety and should be obeyed. Don't forget - you can get in trouble for going over them as well as under them. Our Clermont Toyota tip? If you stick to a range between five over and five under, you should be good to go. But remember, no matter what speed you're going, you should always keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Get all of your safe driving tips from Toyota of Clermont Want more tips on speed limits and safe driving? Toyota of Clermont has all the info you need. Call us today at (352) 404-7000.

Part of safe driving is knowing how to handle drive time emergencie s calmly and efficiently, whether the cause of the emergency is you or another driver. Today we're talking about how to deal with getting your car stuck in a ditch. This roadside emergency is actually more common than you might think - whether a driver is forced off the road because of an accident or slides off the road in inclement weather, ending up in a ditch is always a possibility. Check out these Clermont Toyota tips for freeing your ride from this precarious position as quickly and calmly as possible. Toyota of Clermont's best safe driving tips for roadside emergencies Tip #1: Assess everyone in the car before you try moving it. If anyone is injured, you should call 911. Even if no one needs to be taken to the hospital, the paramedics can assess injuries on-site and no one needs immediate medical attention. Tip #2: Turn on your hazard lights, especially if it's dark out. This will alert other drivers and passersby to your whereabouts so they can avoid hitting you. Additionally, if your car is close to the road, call for help to remove it from the ditch. Don't waste time trying to do it yourself if the risk of another car hitting you is high. Tip #3: If the ditch is dry - there's no mud or water in it - then you can try lightening the weight of your vehicle to free it. This means emptying out the trunk and also having all passengers exit the car. You should then try to gently accelerate to free your Clermont Toyota, but don't slam on the gas (this can cause the wheels to simply spin and not gain any traction). Tip #4: On the other hand, if your car is sitting in mud or water, don't empty it out. The extra weight can actually work in your favor. However, just pushing the accelerator down won't get you out of the ditch because mud and water make conditions slippery. In this scenario, you'll need to put something under the tires to give you extra traction. We recommend keeping a small bag of kitty litter in the trunk or even using pieces of cardboard or your floormats to help your tires get a grip. You should place the traction device in front of the tires for a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and behind the tires in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Tip #5: If you've tried and failed to get yourself out of the ditch, it may be time to call the professionals. You should never try to pull or winch yourself out of a ditch if you don't know how the tools work - you can do serious and costly damage to your vehicle's bumpers and frame. Call a tow truck and then have your vehicle brought to Toyota of Clermont to have our auto service techs assess it for any damage. Have Toyota of Clermont make sure your car is fit for safe driving after an accident Need to make an appointment for us to take a look? Call us for help at (352) 404-7000, or stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50.

One of the funnest things to do for those who are fans of one thing or more is to dive into a passion project. What better way to spend your time than by getting knee deep in a long-term project that demands your blood, sweat, and tears? Well, maybe it's not that serious, but you get the idea. For us car fanatics out there restoring a classic car is the best passion project to get into. But, while it may seem like a walk in the park kind of project, restoring a classic does require a lot of time, work, and money when all is said and done. If you've been contemplating restoring that rust bucket in your driveway for some time, stop and first consider if it's even worth it. Not sure how to tell? Follow along with us at Toyota of Clermont! How to Tell if Your Classic Car Should Be Restored Clermont classic cars are iconic, unique, and rare as they're no longer in production. It's easy to make the case to restore any vehicle, but should you? Before and during the restoration process these are the things you should consider and ask yourself: What Do You Intend to Do With it? Your classic car project is an endeavor that requires a lot from you. Before you get started it's helpful to ask yourself what you intend to do with the Clermont vehicle once it's been restored. Will you be keeping it for your collection? Gifting it to someone? Or selling it to make a profit? All are great reasons to restore a classic. But, depending on the reason you might find a reason to bow out more or less easily. If you're keeping or gifting the vehicle your reasons for doing the project are emotional and those are more difficult to grapple with. If you plan on selling the vehicle you can assess the current market value and estimate your restoration cost. If your resto costs exceed what you can make on it then the answer is simple. What's the Original Condition? There's a infinite number of possibilities and things that could go wrong during the Clermont classic car restoration process. Depending on how the vehicle is to begin with will determine the overall trajectory of your project. Purchasing a rusted out body with no engine and/or chassis will leave you sinking a lot of time and money into your project. Purchasing a vehicle with little work left to do will be more expensive but you'll save time and likely a lot of money overall. Cost of Parts? Depending on how old and rare the classic car you're restoring is will determine the cost of parts. For some vehicles parts are available and fairly inexpensive. Some auto parts might be difficult to locate and expensive once you do find them. If this money and effort exceeds your willingness to work and pay on the vehicle then it's best to cut your losses and walk away. To avoid paying more than what your vehicle is worth we advise you follow these tips! We Can Help You at Toyota of Clermont Whether you need help locating auto parts or need advice on how to best restore your classic car, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Visit the dealership at 16851 State Road 50 seven days a week.

Driving is such a commonplace activity today that we often forget just how dangerous and intimidating it can be. For those who are learning to drive with their learners' permit or never got behind the wheel when they were teenagers, the prospect of driving can be scary. If you're ready to take the plunge and express your bravery, Toyota of Clermont is here with some essential advice for the beginner drivers out there! Things to Remember for Beginner Drivers Tip 1) Remember Where Your Tires Are Driving a car for a beginner is an odd experience and many of us have a hard time adjusting to the amount of space the car takes up. Until you get a real feel and understanding for the dimensions of your ride you might make some mistakes under and overestimating size. A key way to keep your car from getting damaged is to remember where your wheels/tires are. You can practice this by running over a plastic bottle and feeling the sensation in the bottom of the car or by listening for the crunching sound. Tip 2) Adjust Your Mirrors Before You Drive Your mirrors are the best way to see what's around you without having to take your eyes off what's ahead. Before you head out on your commute make sure they're well adjusted so you can see everything. For beginner drivers this means looking to fill your blind spots and having a clear view out of the back of the Clermont Toyota vehicle. Tip 3) Always Watch the Taller Vehicles Driving in traffic can get stressful and dicey for many beginner drivers. A great way to think ahead and be safe is to look 5-6 cars ahead and watch taller vehicles to see how they maneuver. This can help you determine when to apply your Clermont Toyota brakes and keep yourself from running into the vehicle in front of you. Tip 4) Use the Anti-Reflective Option on Your Rearview Mirror Even if you have a standard Clermont car mirror installed in your ride, you may notice it has a small black tab under it. Pushing this tab back will flip the mirror back to create a view with much less glare. You should use this at night if other drivers' headlights are too bright to see clearly. Tip 5) Use Your A/C Always If you've ever heard the phrase "use it or lose it" then this rule should make sense. For beginner drivers we recommend always using your A/C system, even during the colder winter months. This will ensure that your air conditioning system continues to work properly. Tip 6) Slow Down if You See Another One Doing So As a beginner driver you should always be checking your mirrors. If you see a a driver next to your slowing down you should do the same. This driver could be preparing for a traffic related slowdown, there could be a speed trap up ahead that you're unaware of, or pedestrians looking to cross the street. Do you need additional help or more tips for beginner drivers? Visit Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50 or chat with us online anytime!

The holidays are coming! Halloween is fewer than two weeks away and before we know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will be hot on its heels. That means travel, and for some of us, road trips. Whether you're hitting the highway for fun or just trying to avoid flying, a road trip is a great way to get where you're going and enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Our Clermont Toyota dealership is here with seven quick tips to get you through your road trip with as little stress and as many memories as possible. 7 road trip tips from Toyota of Clermont Tip #1: Make a carsick bag. Carsickness may rear its ugly head on your road trip and it'll be a lot easier to deal with if you're ready for it. Pack a bag with plastic grocery bags or garbage bags (for trash and wet clothes), Clorox wipes, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, a bottle of Gatorade, crackers, and some Dramamine. This will help you deal with an unpleasant situation quickly and efficiently. Tip #2: Print out your route on a road map and laminate the map. Do you get sick of hearing "Are we there yet?" from the backseat? An easy way to combat this is to print your route on a road map, laminate it, and use an erasable marker to track your progress so the kids can actually see where you are and how far you have to go. Tip #3: Have an actual trashcan on board. Plastic grocery bags work fine... except when something leaks. Grab a plastic cereal container and stick a grocery bag in it, and cap the whole thing with the lid. This will contain your trash and help prevent leaks and spills until you get to the next stop. Tip #4: Use cookie sheets for coloring. Instead of buying lap desks for the kids to color and play, bring cookie sheets along for the ride! They're great for playing with magnets, too. Tip #5: Keep art supplies and toys in shower caddies. Use suction cup shower caddies on the windows to store art supplies, toys, cords, and anything else your kids might need access to while on your road trip. This will help prevent everything from rolling around the backseat. Tip #6: Download the Sit or Squat app on your phone. This useful app will tell you where all the clean restrooms are around you so you're not stuck using a filthy rest stop bathroom when someone's got to go. Tip #7: Use handheld shower caddies for fast food. Handheld shower caddies are a great way to keep fast food upright and spill-free when you're out on the road. You can also store napkins, condiments, and utensils in them for easy access. Make the most of your holiday road trip - prep with Toyota of Clermont Ready for your holiday road trip? We can help prep your vehicle with Clermont auto service OR help you find the perfect new Toyota in Clermont for the open road. Call us today at (352) 404-7000.

The automotive industry is one based strongly in consumer choice. Paint colors, engine type, model type, and more all factor into everyone's unique choice in what they drive. Today we have even more choices as drivers due to the introduction of electric cars. These vehicles run purely on batteries powered by electricity and they're pretty amazing. Unfortunately, Toyota's lineup is not host to an electric vehicle (yet). But, at Toyota of Clermont we're here to help you get into the ride you want, even an electric car. Here are few mistakes you should be careful of when shopping! Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for an Electric Car 1) Ignoring Your Travel Distance Needs If you live in a city like Clermont, you're definitely used to having to drive many miles throughout the week. With your typical gasoline car it's important to take into account your travel distance so you know when you need to refill your tank. However, that's not the case with electric cars. Instead of a quick fill up, they require a lengthier charge time. Before shopping, make sure your vehicle of choice has a substantial driving range to get you where you need to go without having to charge frequently. 2) Forgetting About Tax Incentives With more exclusive technology comes a bit of a higher price tag. Clermont electric cars are often more expensive than their internal combustion counterparts. But, you can mitigate the cost by taking advantage of tax incentives. Many can qualify for a credit of up to $7,500 and even more if you have a charger installed on your property. 3) Not Considering Weather's Impact Just like extreme weather can have an affect on your gasoline powered car, the same is true for electric cars. In colder weather conditions the charge time for you car can be significantly and your battery can drain suddenly. In Clermont you may not have to worry about this issue, but you should consider this if you live in a colder area. 4) Failing to Consider Cargo Space For the minimalist, a small and compact electric car is a perfect option. But, many of us like to carry around cargo and electric cars are notorious for sporting less cargo space than gasoline vehicles. Many EVs position their batteries underneath the back seat or in the trunk area which can lead to a loss of space. Check out the dimensions of your chosen vehicle before buying! 5) Shopping Outside of Your Budget Clermont electric cars can be expensive and depending on the make and model you choose you can really drive up your price tag. The higher price tag usually means better performance, accessories, and driving range. But, you should keep your budget in mind always. Need help shopping for the right vehicle for you? Toyota may not have electric cars in its lineup (again, yet), but we do have a great selection of electrified vehicles that are sure to excite. Visit Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50 today or shop our full inventory online!

No matter where you live (especially somewhere near Orlando) there's always something being constructed on the road. Highways are always changing, small town roads are being repaved, or workers are on the medians and shoulders performing maintenance. We're not used to seeing people outside of their vehicles on busy roads but we have a duty to drive carefully and share the road with workers maintaining the routes we use. Driving through construction zones requires you to pay extra attention to your surroundings and always be aware of what's going on around you. We at Toyota of Clermont have compiled a few tips to help you navigate through these areas with ease and safely. Navigate Through Construction Zones Safely with these Tips Tip 1) Slow Down Clermont construction zones are rife with unfamiliar terrain and workers are often moving throughout the area. There are always posted speed limit adjustment signs and you should adhere to the closely. Traveling more slowly through these areas gives you ample time to react in the event someone enters the roadway or the terrain changes suddenly. Tip 2) Obey Flaggers Depending on how high traffic the construction zone is there will be flaggers there to direct traffic. Always slow down and pay attention to their directions. Tip 3) Watch Out for and Pay Attention to Signs Construction zones are filled with different signs to direct Clermont Toyota drivers and warn of hazards and speed limit changes. It's essential you pay attention to every sign you come across to ensure safe travel through the zone. Tip 4) Drive Defensively You should always practice defensive driving when out on the road. But especially when driving through Clermont construction zones. Be sure to leave sufficient room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you and always be watchful for workers and road hazards. Tip 5) Always Be Ready for Everything It's an unfortunate truth, but construction zones are filled with unexpected hazards and occurrences. To make sure you stay safe you need to be ready for anything and everything. Paying close attention to the road and being proactive can save you from colliding with other drivers, colliding with a person, or running over damaging debris. Tip 6) Use the "Take10" Method When Lane Switching Switching lanes in a Clermont construction zone can be hazardous and scary if you're not careful. If you have to change lanes to make an exit or navigate through traffic more effectively, use the Take10 method. Turn on your turn signal for at least 3 seconds and check your mirrors. Then use 7 seconds to complete the lane switch. Tip 7) Obey All Rules and Signs Until You're Clear of the Construction Zone When driving through these areas, make sure to follow all rules until you've cleared the zone. This will keep everyone and yourself safe. You can resume normal driving and speed limits when you've cleared the construction zone. Tip 8) Be Patient and Prepare for Delays Much like one domino knocks a whole row down, one slowing vehicle causes a traffic jam and construction zones are notorious for creating traffic jams. Make sure to slow down and expect this to happen before traveling. You'll be less frustrated! Ask Us Questions at Toyota of Clermont If you need help or have questions about construction zones, reach out to us at Toyota of Clermont online or by visiting 16851 State Road 50.

Have you ever calculated the average number of miles you drive in a day, week, month, or even year? What about car shopping - if you're shopping for an Orlando used car, do you consider the mileage as you explore the options? Mileage is an important part of both car shopping AND car ownership for many reasons, and Toyota of Clermont is here with a quick guide on how to take it into account next time you get behind the wheel. Let's talk about mileage and what it means to you as an owner Daily/Annual driving When it comes to car ownership, it's important to think about your mileage so you know how to properly care for your car. For example, the average mileage for a car over the course of a year is around 15,000 miles. However, we know that some drivers will be under and some will be over that number and that the actual miles traveled for each vehicle will really vary. It doesn't really matter how many miles you drive in a day or a year as long as you care for your car accordingly. This means staying on top of routine car maintenance like: Oil changes Tire rotations Battery service Tuneups Brake service This will allow your car to handle any sort of drive time and stay in good condition so it 1) works properly and offers reliable performance and 2) retains its resale value for when you want to sell or trade in down the road. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> How many miles are too many miles when shopping for a Clermont used car? Shopping When you're shopping for a used car, you should take a peek at the mileage on the odometer. It's OK to buy a car with a good amount of miles on it, but here are some things to consider: Make sure it's been routinely maintenanced. Proper car care is just as important as the number on the odometer, believe it or not. Let's say you have two cars - one with 60,000 miles and one with 100,000 miles. The car with 60,000 miles has not been serviced regularly and has had multiple owners, while the car with 100,000 miles has been kept on a service schedule and has only had 1-2 owners. You should look into it, but the 100,000-mile car could actually be the better investment for you. Be ready for a bit more expense. After cars hit the 100,000-mile marker, they tend to need a bit more TLC to keep them in good condition. This may make your car care costs go up slightly, so be sure to factor that into your ownership costs overall. Some makes retain value better than others. We're definitely bragging here, but Toyota cars retain value extremely well. Some makes are just better in terms of keeping their value, providing reliable performance, and handling high mileage. Do your research before you shop! Highway miles are better. Highway miles are preferable to urban and suburban miles. Highway miles are actually easier on your car because the vehicle is moving at a constant speed and not stopping and starting all the time - it's easier on the engine and all of the car parts in general. Have questions or need to schedule maintenance? Call us - you can also shop our huge selection of used cars! Toyota of Clermont is located just west of the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

Have you ever experienced hydroplaning while driving in the rain? It's a frightening situation and not one we want to see any of our customers in. It can be dangerous, too, so it's helpful to know how to react if you do find yourself slipping and sliding next time the weather is wet. Toyota of Clermont is here to explain what it is, what to do if you experience it, and how to prevent it in the first place. What is hydroplaning? Hydroplaning is when your car loses control and spins or skids because it no longer has traction on the road. Basically, when you drive through water or on wet roads at high speeds, water pushes your front tires up off the road a little bit. This causes a thin film of water to form between the road and your car's tires, which means the tires are no longer gripping the road and have no traction. This is when you hydroplane and spin or skid out, and it can have serious and dangerous consequences. So what should you do if you find yourself slipping and sliding? Here are some easy tips to remember: Your natural reaction will be to hit the brakes, hard - but don't give into it. This will just cause you to slide more. Instead, remove your foot from the brakes to slow your vehicle and use your horn to alert other drivers of your situation and where you are. Next, if you have an anti-lock brake system, push the brakes gently and slowly. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently to prevent them from locking up. Turn your steering wheel in the direction of the slide. It sounds odd, but turning the opposite direction can actually cause overcorrection and leave you spinning even worse than before. If your back wheels are sliding left, turn left, too. Use small adjustments; avoid jerking your car's wheel. Toyota of Clermont's recommendations for avoiding this dangerous situation And finally, how can you prevent hydroplaning? Here are our recommendations: Keep your car tires in good shape - this means bringing your car into Toyota of Clermont for routine car maintenance and service. You'll want your tires to be in good general condition, inflated to the proper PSI, and to have enough tread depth to provide traction even when you're driving in wet weather. Slow down when it rains. The faster you're going, the less control you have over your car and the more likely you are to hydroplane and lose control of your Clermont Toyota. Don't drive through water. You never know how deep a puddle is and this increases your risk of hydroplaning (and it also puts you at risk of damaging your transmission, your exhaust system, and your electrical system). Drive in the interior lane of the road during rain. Water tends to pool in the exterior lanes, which means you'll have to drive through it and put your chances of hydroplaning at a higher level. Have questions or need Clermont car maintenance to get your ride ready to take on wet weather? Call us today at (352) 404-7001!

Being a resident of Clermont you probably know that summer never truly ends. With record high temperatures heading our way as we ease into July, it's time to start thinking about how to cool down. While that can seem difficult to accomplish at times, keeping yourself and your ride cool during the summer is essential when it comes to car care. If you need help turning down the heat when things get hot, don't worry! Toyota of Clermont is here with some helpful tips to keep you and your ride cool during the summer. Car Care Tips to Keep Things Cool Tip 1) Park Strategically Keeping your ride cool starts with where you park your car. You never realize just how much time your car spends outside until you have to drive somewhere and the interior is hotter than a volcano's crater. To prevent yourself from getting a steam facial each time you have to drive, park in a shady or covered spot. This can help preserve your dashboard, exterior paint, and keep you cool during the hot Clermont summer months. Tip 2) Use a Steering Wheel Cover Car care typically involves using covers and different protective items for things in your ride. In this case, a steering wheel cover is absolutely essential. This can keep your hands from getting a nasty burn and your steering wheel from deteriorating. Tip 3) Fumigate the Hot Air From Inside Your Ride ASAP The hot air inside of your Clermont car can be a lot to deal with when you first open your driver's side door. To relieve the atmosphere in your interior, start opening windows as soon as you turn the keys and let the hot air out. It also helps to turn on the A/C to push hot air out of your ride. Tip 4) Repair A/C Issues ASAP Your air conditioning will be your Clermont car care best friend all summer long and will keep you cool. If you start to notice issues like a lack of fan operation, less than cool temperatures, or complete in-operation then you should have your A/C system checked as soon as possible. Driving in unbearable heat without any relief from your air conditioning is the worst. Our auto service experts at Toyota of Clermont can help you out! Tip 5) Use Sunshades Protecting your vehicle's dashboard can be accomplished by parking in the shade, but not every spot can provide you and your ride with shade. If you have to park in the sun, use a sunshade! This helpful accessory can block out a majority of UV rays that heat up your interior and keep your dashboard from cracking. Invest in a good set of sunshades before your next outing in the summer heat. Summer Car Care Made Easy at Toyota of Clermont If you need more help and tips for keeping things cool this summer, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Visit us at 16851 State Road 50 for all your car care needs today.

When it comes to car shopping, it's good to be prepared. Not only will doing your research and getting the facts help you truly find the right car for your needs, it'll also help you feel more confident when it's actually time to sign the dotted line. And as always, our Clermont Toyota dealership is here to help! Today we're talking about some of the most common terms you'll hear when car shopping at any dealership to get you more comfortable with the process. Check it out! <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> #1: Term: Term refers to the amount of time that you'll be making payments on the car. For example, you may lease a new Toyota from Toyota of Clermont with a term of 36 months. When that term is up, you can either turn in the lease and get into a new ride OR buy the car you've been driving. #2: Trade-in: A trade-in is when you sell your car to the dealership. You can either use the value toward your next car, or you can ask for cash or a check and walk away with the money. Toyota of Clermont is always accepting trade-ins, so schedule your appraisal today! #3: Finance: To finance a car means to make payments on it. Not many people buy cars for cash and pay everything up front; most drivers finance their car, which means they make payments over a particular term until they've paid it off and own it. #4: Blue Book value: When you trade in or sell your car, it's a good idea to have some notion of what it's worth. Kelley Blue Book is an industry-renowned resource for this very task. It's been in use since 1926 and is a popular tool in the automotive world to get the value of your current car before you sell or trade it in. #5: Down payment: A down payment is the money you put down on a Clermont Toyota when you lease or finance it. This helps to offset the cost of the car and keep your monthly payments lower, so it's important to decide just how much you can put down when car shopping. #6: Extended warranty: All new Toyotas at Toyota of Clermont come with warranties, and some of our used cars do as well. An extended warranty stretches past that initial warranty to give you more coverage for repairs and service. Ask your sales specialist what's available for the car of your choice. #7: Trim-level: Let us break this down for you. Cars are broken down into makes (like Toyota and Honda) and then model (like Camry and Accord). From there, however, they're broken down even further. This is where trim-levels come into play. The Toyota Camry comes in multiple trim-levels like L, LE, XLE, SE, and XSE. Each offers different features and prices. #8: Window sticker: The window sticker is just what it sounds like - it's a sticker on the window that gives car shoppers information like make/model/trim-level/year, MSRP, features, fuel efficiency, and more. Want to kick off your car shopping right? Call us! Toyota of Clermont is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000.