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With the wake of COVID-19 - and cold and flu season in general- now is a great time to brush up on how to thoroughly clean and disinfect your car when you're car detailing. And Toyota of Clermont is here to help! We've got tips to help you disinfect your ride. After all, it doesn't matter how much you wash or sanitize your hands if you're continuously touching contaminated surfaces inside your Clermont Toyota. Use these simple tips to get your car clean and germ-free today. Tip #1: Get your supplies. Our Clermont Toyota dealership recommends that you keep supplies in your car when you're trying to ensure that it's thoroughly disinfected. It's a good idea to have disinfectant wipes on hand so you can quickly wipe things down on a routine basis, and we always recommend having hand sanitizer on deck for your hands. It's especially useful for when you have to pump gas, pay tolls, etc. and need to clean your hands before touching your vehicle again. Tip #2: Reconsider how you're cleaning different surfaces. When it comes to car detailing, you're probably using the typical car cleaning supplies. For disinfecting, you have to switch things up a little. Using an antibacterial soap and water mix can get your seats and any other fabric inside your car nice and clean (and dish soap is actually effective against COVID-19). If you have seat covers, strip them off and throw them into the washing machine. For your dash and any other plastic parts, disinfectant wipes are an easy way to decontaminate things. Tip #3: Remember to hit the car seats. Have car seats in the back? Don't forget to clean them, too! You can use the soap and water mixture we mentioned above to clean car seat fabrics, but also check to see if the fabric parts can be removed from the seat and thrown into the washer. Hit all the plastic parts with disinfectant wipes, and don't forget the cupholders. Tip #4: Put emphasis on cleaning high-touch surfaces. Certain parts of your Clermont Toyota are high-touch (i.e. you touch them A LOT) and you should pay them special attention when you're car detailing. Use disinfectant wipes to clean items like: Steering wheel Shifter Door handles (inside and out) Window buttons Infotainment system screen and buttons Turn signal and wiper controls Seat belt buckles A/C and heat buttons And all the other knobs and buttons inside your car. Don't forget to hit the passenger doors, too! Tip #5: Put it into practice. Once you've started working disinfecting into your car detailing routine, make it part of routine practice! Keeping disinfectant wipes in your car will make it easy to routinely wipe things down and keep your ride clean and germ-free. Have questions or want more car detailing tips? Call Toyota of Clermont! Our Toyota Service team is here seven days a week to give you all the info you need. You can reach us at (352) 404-7001.

If you've been paying attention to the news as of late, you're most likely aware of the presence of COVID-19/Coronavirus globally and in the central Florida area. It is now labeled a pandemic and that means it demands your attention and preparedness. Local and national news outlets have been very proactive in reporting the latest information on the virus' spread and its threat to the central Florida community. At Toyota of Clermont, we're here to help consolidate the latest information and provide you with some tips on navigating through this time. Essential Tips for Navigating Through COVID-19/Coronavirus Before we begin with some essential tips, an important thing we should all remember is to not panic. Pandemics are no laughing matter, but keeping calm during a crisis eases tension and helps you better navigate through them. Do your best to remain calm and take this time one day at a time. Stay Informed It's important to stay up to date with the latest information regarding the virus, it's affects on you and others, and how it's affecting society as a whole. Make sure you're receiving your information from reliable news sources like local reporting outlets or reputable national news outlets. To answer a few questions: No, COVID-19/Coronavirus is NOT the common cold and it is NOT the flu. This is a novel virus not previously identified in humans that can cause aggravated respiratory issues like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fever, and cough. In some severe cases the virus could lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, and kidney failure. It has also proven to be fatal in older populations and in those with pre-existing medical conditions. It also spreads aggressively and quickly. No, there is not currently an abundance of tests available or a vaccine/cure. And no, wearing a face mask if you have yet to contract the virus will NOT prevent you from getting it. Throughout the virus' course, stay informed with the latest information from the Center for Disease Control and from medical providers. These will be your most reliable sources if you need additional information or paths of treatment. Stock Up on Essentials, But Only What You Need Living in Clermont, we're used to hurricanes and other natural disasters drying up shelves of water and other perishable food. Dealing with a pandemic is quite a bit different. It's important to stock up on food items and cleaning supplies, but only what you need. Water will not stop running in your home and you will not lose power. It's important to only stock up on goods reasonably for you and your family. Hoarding cleaning supplies and other essentials leaves others disparaged and vulnerable. Limit Time In Public Places Large entities like the NBA, MLS, Disney World, and Universal Studios don't close their doors or postpone events without reason. This virus spreads quickly and aggressively and it will make its way to central Florida and the remainder of the state at large. Take notice and be sure to limit your time outside and at large public gatherings. Stay up to date with your children's schools as they will announce whether or not they will postpone classes and other measures that should be taken. You might be bummed out about the cancellation of your favorite sporting event or your planned trip to Disney, but these closures and cancellations are done to mitigate the spread of the virus. Wash Your Hands, Limit Physical Contact, Maintain Distance from Those Exhibiting Symptoms You've probably heard it many times by now, but we'll say it again so you don't forget. Wash your hands! It's important to wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 - 30 seconds with warm water and soap. This will help limit the spread of the virus. Another important step is to limit physical contact with others. This includes handshaking, hugging, kiss greetings, and other forms of physical interaction. Be sure to refrain from touching your face, especially around your eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. The Center for Disease Control also recommends maintaining a safe distance of 6 feet from those exhibiting symptoms. If you find yourself exhibiting symptoms, you can and should wear a face mask. Home Quarantine If you begin showing symptoms of the virus, it's important that you take measures to self-quarantine in your home. If you can, do not go to work. Inform your employer that you have contracted COVID-19 and that you need to remain home. If you want to seek testing, call your healthcare provider prior to your arrival and let them know that you contracted COVID-19.   During this time, be sure to stay informed and careful. Don't panic and be aware of those around you. At Toyota of Clermont we will keep you informed if we change our hours of operation in response to the virus. Stay safe!

Are you considering restoring a classic Toyota car? It's not a simple task - it's actually a big project, but many drivers choose to undertake it because they're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind that just can't be found in modern inventory. However, it's definitely rewarding when all is said and done. Toyota of Clermont is here with tips to help you tackle it - check out our beginner's guide to restoring a classic Toyota car. 3 things to keep in mind when restoring a classic Toyota car Tip #1: Find the right car in the right place. First things first - where are you going to find the perfect classic Toyota car for your restoration project? After all, you can't just walk into Toyota of Clermont and find a vintage car for a restoration project. Your best bet? To check the classifieds, whether you look online or in the newspaper. You can also look online for websites that specialize in listing classic car inventory. Tip #2: Expect to spend time and money on your project. You should be prepared to invest a fair amount of time AND money into your classic Toyota car, whether or not you do the work yourself. When it comes to time, it could take up to a year or more to get your ride road-ready. You'll need to find vintage parts if you're restoring it to its former glory and it can take time to track them down. If you're swapping the old parts out for more modern parts, you'll still need to find compatible elements and get them installed and working in your vehicle before you can hit the road. In terms of money, it's not cheap to restore a classic Toyota car. As mentioned, you need parts; you'll also need to pay either for labor to have a trained Clermont Toyota service tech install them or for a workspace and tools to do it yourself. Plus, you'll need to pay for the car itself before you can even get rolling. Tip #3: Have a workspace and tools lined up and ready to go before you start. If you're going to tackle the project yourself and revamp your classic Toyota car without a professional, you'll need to have the right workspace. It should be spacious and well-lit, as well as have access to electricity. And don't forget the tools! To get started, you'll need tools like screwdrivers, an air hose, wrenches, sockets, a drill with different bits, a reliable car jack, and pliers. You may also want to invest in tools like a blow torch, a car engine crane and stand to lift the engine out of the vehicle, and a welder. Just ensure you know how to safely use all of these tools before you start getting into the process. Let Toyota of Clermont help you through the process Whether you need help finding the right parts or need a trained technician to help you install them, Toyota of Clermont has got you covered! Call us today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000.

Let's be real, organizing is fun. There, we said it. While some may think organizing your car is a mundane or boring thing, we know it's just about the coolest thing ever and gives you the best feeling. No more clutter, no more mess, just good old fashioned Clermont Toyota car interior efficiency to keep your commutes streamlined. If you're looking to majorly overhaul the functionality of your car's interior or you're just looking to tidy things up, Toyota of Clermont is here with an essential guide on organizing your car along with some impressive gadgets that can help you get the job done. Essential Organizational Tips for Your Car Start by Tidying Up The first step to organizing your car is to clean everything out of your Clermont Toyota vehicle's interior. Remove large items that you've left in the trunk or back seats, vacuum the carpets and seats to remove any crumbs or dirt left behind. Wipe down surfaces that look dirty and clean all the vehicle glass so you can have a clearer view when behind the wheel. After you've finished cleaning your vehicle's interior, it's time to get organizing. Make Use of Your Vehicle's Headrests Here at Toyota of Clermont, we're going to let you in on a little secret. Your car's headrests can do more than just rest your head. It's true! There are so many things you can do with your headrests and a little know how. Using carabiners or specifically designed cargo hooks, you can turn your headrest into a trash bag, iPad, grocery bag, and more holder! You can also attach things like shoe organizers to them and fill the organizer with snacks and toys for your kids. When it comes to your headrests and organizing your car, let your imagination run wild. Try Using Your Sun Visor Keeping the sun out of your eyes is a pretty useful utility, but your Clermont car sun visors can do so much more. To turn them into an organizational tool, you're going to need to get creative. Attach a facial tissue holder to your sun visor, use an elastic organizer to store a variety of items right within arm's reach, or use a binder clip as a sunglasses holder. Make Your Trunk More Efficient Your trunk is your largest and most prominent storage device your Clermont Toyota has at its disposal. Luckily, there's more you can do with it than just tossing things into it willy-nilly. If you drive an SUV you can hang organizers from the headrests into the trunk. You can also use a shower caddy to organize your in-car cleaners and other floor containers to organize your small items. If you have extra vertical space you can enhance your trunk by adding in a foldable shelf that can keep your groceries from getting crushed during your commute home.   Organizing your ride can be a lot of work, but if you have a knack for creativity then you can easily make your vehicle's space work for you. If you have questions on organizing your car or need to shop for the right gadgets, swing by Toyota of Clermont today! You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 or give us a call at (352) 404-7001.

Pumping gas is pretty simple - right? You pull up to the station, insert the nozzle of the hose into your fuel tank, pump, and go. However, did you know that you could be making potentially dangerous mistakes without even realizing it? Toyota of Clermont is here to talk to you about some of the most common ones so you can adjust your habits at the gas pump and stay safe every time you fill up. Are you making these mistakes at the gas pump? Toyota of Clermont explains 1.  Climbing in and out of your car: It's tempting to climb back into the driver's seat when you're pumping gas, especially if it's cold or rainy outside. However, you should resist the urge to get in and out of your car while pumping. When you climb in and out of the driver's seat, it creates static electricity, and a small charge builds up on your body. If you reach for the gas nozzle and that charge sparks, you could end up with a fire on your hands (literally). Stay outside the car while at the gas pump, for safety's sake. 2. "Topping the tank off": A lot of people like to "top the tank off" because they think they're squeezing in a few last drops of gas and really getting their money's worth. This is actually a bad idea. Automatic shut-off valves exist for a reason - you know that "click" noise you hear when your tank is full? That indicates that maximum capacity has been met - gas expands inside the fuel tank, and it needs room to do it. If you overfill your tank, you run the risk of too much pressure inside the tank as the gas expands, which can quickly result in a gas leak. 3. Leaving your car running while you pump: Did you know it's dangerous to leave your car running while at the gas pump? When your car is turned on, it's putting off heat and static electricity. Both of these are extremely dangerous in the presence of gasoline or even gas vapors and can cause a major fire. Turn your ride off before you even start pumping. 4. Using your cell phone: Contrary to what many believe, your phone won't start a fire at the gas pump. However, it can be extremely distracting at best! When you're on your phone, you're a lot more likely to overfill your gas tank, lock your keys in the car, or even drive away with the hose nozzle still attached to your car. Put your phone up and do away with the distractions. 5. Not locking your car doors: When you leave your car unlocked at the gas pump, it's pretty easy to become a victim. While you're on one side of the car pumping fuel, it's easy for thieves to sneak into the other side and steal your belongings via an unlocked door or open window. Crack or close your windows and lock up. 6. Smoking while pumping gas: Believe it or not, some people still smoke while pumping gas. All it takes is one hot ash or tiny ember to cause a fire and possible explosion. Put it out! Let Toyota of Clermont answer your questions Want more tips? Call Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7002 and our Clermont Toyota service techs are happy to help.

Throughout the seasons of summer and summer, we see quite a few different weather conditions in Clermont. Between all the rain and more rain, we experience quite a few hazardous weather conditions that can make our driving experience a tad unsafe. By now, many of us are used to the constant rain that happens throughout the year (although some of you still need to learn not to turn on your hazard lights the minute water hits your windshield). But, what about driving in a situation where there's high winds? This particular driving situation happens quite often here in Florida and, when combined with rain, can lead to a dangerous driving experience. If you've been stuck in this situation or you're afraid of driving in high winds, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with some essential tips to remember when driving in these conditions. Check them out! The Dangers of High Winds Driving in rain presents a plethora of problems like loss of traction less visibility, and panicked drivers. Driving in high winds presents several different problems that you and other drivers should be aware of if you're to make it to your destination safely. Here are some of the hazards of driving in these conditions: Road Debris: The wind can blow objects onto the road and create several hazards for driving. Running over objects can wreak havoc on your vehicle's exterior and could land you with a flat tire or undercarriage leak. Knocked Down Trees: Clermont is home to a large tree population. This also means there's more of a chance for these trees to fall when the wind starts to pick up. These can block entire roads and/or down power lines. Trailer Sway: If you're a Clermont Toyota Tundra driver and like to tow things, you'll need to take extra care in the event of high winds. Gusts can cause your trailer and other towable objects to sway on the road and possibly tip over. How to Stay Safe During High Winds Driving in high winds in Clermont is inevitable and you need to do your best to stay safe when out in these conditions. There are several easy ways to maintain your safety while driving out in these conditions. Here are some essential tips to stay safe when driving in high winds: Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. This will help you maintain optimal control of the vehicle and react accordingly if you encounter a random gust. Drive under the speed limit. Speeding during windy conditions makes it difficult to maintain control of your Clermont Toyota vehicle. Drive a little under the speed limit to maintain better control. Scan the road ahead. Wind can bring a lot of debris into your path. Make sure to scan the road ahead for any foreign objects and safely avoid them without putting other drivers at risk. Avoid parking under a large tree when you arrive at your destination. Trees can fall during high winds and walking out to find your ride crushed is truly awful. Avoid this by parking in a clear space. When things get windy, stay safe with Toyota of Clermont! If you need additional tips, we're here for you! Stop by and see us today at 16851 State Road 50.

Are you a fan of taking things off road? You're not the only one - central Florida is full of enthusiasts who love to hit the sandy beaches and take things off the pavement and into the woods. However, when you leave the pavement there's always a chance that you'll find yourself stuck, whether in the sand or mud. Toyota of Clermont is here with helpful tips to get you out of sticky situations - check it out! When you're stuck in the mud It's easy to get stuck in the mud when you're out off road in the woods, but it's not quite so simple to get yourself out. Check out these Toyota of Clermont tips to help you when you lose traction: Stop hitting the accelerator - it'll only dig your wheels in deeper. Try to carry a bag of kitty litter in your trunk. You can also look around the vicinity for sand, although kitty litter tends to work better in this situation. You'll want to dump a generous amount of litter in front of your power wheels (in a front-wheel drive car, the front wheels and in a rear-wheel drive car, the back wheels). The litter will help them grip better and give you some extra traction. You can also use your floor mats, but they WILL get muddy. Accelerate evenly but not too slowly once you have your traction devices in place. If that doesn't work, use a tow rope to haul yourself out of the mud. You can have another vehicle pull you; just make sure to use an actual tow rope (that can withstand the weight and pressure) and hook it up to the proper places on each vehicle (i.e. not the bumper or any part of the suspension). When you're stuck in the sand New Smyrna is notorious for its beautiful beaches, especially because you can drive right onto them. However, driving in the sand can be tricky and ultimately end up with you getting your ride stuck. If you're going off road on the beach, try to drive close to the water where the sand is firmer, but not IN the water. Here are a few Clermont Toyota tips for when you're stuck in the sand: Just like in the mud, stop hitting the gas - your wheels will just spin and dig you in deeper. Try to dig your wheels out. The soft sand is what's preventing them from getting traction, so if you can use a shovel or your hands to dig them out a bit and let the wheels hit the firmer sand underneath, you may be able to get unstuck. If that doesn't work, place your floor mats or even pieces of cardboard or palm fronts under your tires - this will give them something to grip onto so hopefully, you can steadily hit the gas and pull yourself out of the sand. Want more tips? Think you need to do a little shopping to get your ride ready for off road terrain? Call us! Our Clermont Toyota parts store is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Getting behind the wheel used to be so simple. Get in the driver's seat, turn the key in the ignition, put it in drive, and go. If you drove or drive a manual, then it's a little more detailed than that. But, you get the idea. Driving, at a glance, is a pretty straightforward process that involves a wheel and pedal. However, just like cars have changed drastically over the years, so has the technology that powers them and gets them moving. Many Clermont Toyota vehicles come equipped with various drive modes that change the handling and responsiveness of the engine while you drive. If this is all sounding new to you or you want to know more about how drive modes work, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on how these helpful tools work. What Exactly Are Drive Modes? Drive modes are different than transmission gears. Essentially, they're modes activated via switch that change how your Clermont Toyota engine responds and drives. This doesn't change the engine too drastically, but just enough to notice when you're commuting. It allows drivers to tailor their driving experience. The most common that many Toyota vehicles are equipped with are Normal, ECO, Sport, and EV if you drive a hybrid. Different Types and What They Do Normal This driving mode is pretty self-explanatory. With no other drive modes active, your vehicle drives in Normal. This will provide drivers with promised horsepower, torque, and power with no adjustments. ECO Fuel efficiency is the objective when driving in ECO mode. This drive mode slows your throttle, adjust the climate control, and the amount of work your engine is exerting. Sport Sport mode optimizes the engine to improve the response from your engine when pressing the gas pedal. It can also create more tension in your power steering and shifting cleaner. Overall, this Clermont Toyota drive mode provides a sportier experience to your vehicle when active. Snow Some vehicles, if they're equipped with AWD or 4WD, will have a snow mode that makes it easier to grip the road during icy conditions. When active, this modes eases the amount of torque that your vehicle outputs to provide better grip and traction control. EV While Toyota doesn't produce any strictly electric powered vehicles, we do have several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models on our lot. These Clermont Toyota vehicles are often equipped with an EV drive mode that allows you to drive them using only electricity for a short period of time. Drivers can take advantage of this mode when traveling short distances or at lower speeds. If you're anxious to see what different drive modes can do for your driving experience, swing by Toyota of Clermont. Many of the vehicles on our lot are equipped with different modes to enhance your experience from behind the wheel. Check them all out today at 16851 State Road 50. We're open seven days a week and you can shop our total inventory online anytime!

Do you remember your first time getting behind the wheel? Do you remember how nervous you were? How many mistakes you made the first time you tried to drive? It may seem like a distant memory, but you'll likely find yourself remembering your forgotten (or suppressed) memories when you child gets behind the wheel for the first time. Teaching your new teen driver the rules of the road and how to be safe behind the wheel is a nerve-wracking experience for both parent and child. Driving is inherently dangerous, but a necessary part of life that we all should know how to do. If you're nervous about what's to come, don't worry! Toyota of Clermont is here with some helpful tips to make the process of teaching your teen driver as painless as possible. Teaching Your Teen Driver Made Easier 1) Make Sure They're Ready to Get Behind the Wheel While it's common for many teens to start learning how to drive when they get their learner's permit at 15, some may not be ready to get behind the wheel just yet. If your teen driver has expressed interest in getting their learner's permit and getting in the driver's seat, then you should definitely start teaching. But, if they're clearly not ready, don't force it. 2) Start with the Basics Every good teaching regimen starts with the basics. Make sure your teen driver has completed the basic driving course and received their learner's permit, familiarize them with the Clermont Toyota car they'll be practicing with, and see if there's an optional defensive driving course they can enroll in. This will help them feel more comfortable behind the wheel. 3) Don't Dive in the Deep End First Learning how to drive shouldn't be based on the "sink or swim" mentality. Your teen driver will benefit from starting in small, controlled spaces when driving their Orlando Toyota car for the first time. Try an empty parking lot and have them work up to less populated streets before getting out on the main road or highway. 4) Pick a Good Time to Practice You should start practicing with your teen driver when visibility is high. Try to avoid starting them off driving early in the morning or late in the afternoon/evening. Rainy days, nighttime, early morning, and other low visibility times are best reserved for when they have more experience driving your Clermont Toyota vehicle. 5) Be Positive It's easy to get stressed as a coach to your new driver, but this will only make things worse. Be a positive and reinforcing coach and encourage good behavior while calmly pointing out mistakes rather than losing your patience. 6) Rather than Lecture, Ask Questions Going hand in hand with being a positive reinforcer, try to ask questions rather than lecture your new teen driver. For example, if you know they're speeding, instead of lecturing them about how to obey the speed limit ask them what the speed limit is instead. This will encourage your child to acknowledge the mistake and correct it on their own. This makes for a better and more effective learning experience as they get their bearings with your Clermont Toyota car. 7) Lead by Example Do you have bad driving habits? Your teen driver will likely imitate those behaviors. Before you start your teaching, make sure to nip your bad habits in the bud or at least acknowledge that they're not good ones to have. Need more tips on how to coach your new teen driver or help shopping for their first car? Give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 7000 today!

Getting pulled over can be stressful. No one wants to end their drive time commute with a ticket or fine. However, a great way to reduce stress in situations like this is to know how to act when you're in them. That's where our Clermont Toyota dealership comes in - we're here with tips to help you handle getting over calmly so you can get back out on the road with confidence. Keep your car road-ready to avoid getting pulled over Our first tip? Keep your car in good shape. A burnt-out headlight or turn signal that isn't working can get you pulled over pretty quickly, and if your ride physically appears to be in such bad condition that it's a road hazard, you're likely to see flashing blue lights in your rearview mirror. Keep up with routine auto service at our Clermont Toyota service center. Additionally, follow the rules of the road! Keep to the speed limit, use your turn signals and headlights when you're supposed to, come to complete stops at stop signs and red lights, and don't engage in aggressive driving. Taking these easy precautions can save you time, money, and stress when it comes to getting pulled over. Toyota of Clermont tips for this stressful situation However, in case you do find yourself getting pulled over, here are some tips to keep in mind: Take action the minute you see the police officer indicating that you're getting pulled over. Turn on your hazards to indicate that you've seen the officer and are taking steps to safely stop your car. Slow your vehicle's speed and move to the right side of the road, using your turn signals to change lanes. Find a safe place to park on the right side of the road and make sure you leave enough space for the police officer to walk up to your driver's side window without having to worry about passing traffic. Once you're parked, roll down your window, turn your car off, and turn on interior lights in your car if it's dark out. Don't reach for your license, registration, and insurance just yet - wait until the officer tells you to. Instead, sit still and put your hands on the wheel. When you're told to get out your license and registration, tell the officer where they are before you reach for them (especially if you're reaching into the backseat). Another Clermont Toyota tip for when you're getting pulled over? Keep your glovebox or center console organized. That way it's easy to find what you're looking for, especially in stressful situations like these. Don't give in to the urge to argue. We get it - it's frustrating. But the side of the road is not the place to argue your point over whether or not you broke a law. Instead, be calm and polite and if you feel the need to press the point, take your ticket to court. Want more tips or think you need to get your car street-legal (or at least get on an auto service schedule to avoid getting pulled over)? Call Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

The holidays are a joyous time of the year. Lights adorn houses and streets, people are out in full force to secure the perfect gift, and happiness is in the air (along with the scent of cookies and baked goods). All in all, the holiday season is really great But, it's also a time that you, as a driver and vehicle owner, need to be careful. During the holiday season, theft is a very common occurrence that we often forget to stay diligent about. With many expensive items in your vehicle plus expensive parts on your vehicle itself, car theft becomes a more real possibility with each outing you go on. While we don't want this to deter you from enjoying this happy season, we at Toyota of Clermont believe that being prepared is important and will keep your vehicle and belongings safe. Check out our tips and tricks for preventing car theft this holiday season! Preventing Car Theft is Easier Than You'd Think The holiday season is the prime time for car theft. Think about it, you're out and about, traveling to different places more frequently. Plus, you're loading your vehicle with a variety of different and expensive products that are just ripe for the taking. Add that with the fact that so many others will be following your lead and you have the perfect scenario for committing theft. Luckily, there a number of measures you can take to ensure that your Clermont Toyota ride and belongings remain yours during the holidays. ALWAYS Lock Your Car Whether you're driving or you're parked in a parking lot checking out your newly purchased gifts, you should lock your doors. This is your first line of defense against thieves looking to nab your vehicle or your purchases. You should especially make sure to lock your vehicle before you leave it to go into a store. Leaving your belongings and Clermont Toyota vehicle unattended is risky as it is, but it's even riskier if you don't lock your vehicle's doors. Install Anti-Theft Devices One of the best ways to prevent car theft is to install devices aimed at preventing theft. Apart from your vehicle's included locks, you can install steering wheel locks, locks for your Clermont Toyota's wheels, additional vehicle alarms, GPS tracking, and more. These devices vary in price and function so you can customize your vehicle's security system. Hide Your Belongings Apart from actual car theft, there's also the threat that your personal belongings and holiday presents could be stolen if left in your vehicle. Instead of carrying everything to each store you visit, put your belongings and cargo in a concealed place. This will deter thieves by giving the impression that your vehicle is empty. Consider the Vehicle You Drive Car thieves often like to target older vehicles and there are several reasons why. Older Clermont Toyota vehicles are often engineered with less security and are, therefor, easier to steal. They're often constructed with rarer materials than modern vehicles and can be sold at a higher price when taken to a chop shop. If you drive a vehicle from the year 2000 or older, you may want to consider using additional security measures to prevent car theft. Have questions on how you can prevent car theft or want to shop for security devices? Visit Toyota of Clermont online and in-store at 16851 State Road 50 today!

Will your holiday travels be taking you north this winter? It's exciting to get out of town, especially to see friends and family and celebrate the season with a little cold snap. However, if you're heading further north than Jacksonville, there's a chance you may see a little (or a lot, depending on where you do) of snow during your drive time. Toyota of Clermont is here with simple tips for driving in the snow to keep you and yours safe all holiday season, no matter where your travels take you! 5 Clermont Toyota tips for driving in the snow Tip #1: Slow it down. You'll want to drop your speed significantly when driving in the snow, especially if it's actively snowing. Snowfall can impede your view of the road and your surroundings, and snow is slippery. Slowing your speed will give you more control over your vehicle and lessen your chances of spinning out and losing traction. Tip #2: Take turns slowly and carefully. Taking turns when driving in the snow can be tricky, especially if you drive a front-wheel drive car. Your back tires can easily slide out if you take a turn too fast and that can lead to you losing control of your vehicle. Make sure you slow down before a turn, refrain from jerking the wheel too hard, and use your turn signal to indicate your movements. Tip #3: Avoid sudden movements. Sudden movements like hard braking, quick acceleration, and turning the wheel too fast can all lead to a loss of control when driving in the snow. Keep  your turns smooth and slow, press the accelerator gradually, and learn how to slowly and evenly apply the brakes to bring your car to a stop without spinning out. Tip #4: Navigate hills with care. Driving on hills is also tricky in the snow. You don't want to power up the hill with a lot of acceleration as you can easily lose control when things even out at the top. You also don't want to stop on the hill at any point as you can start to slide backward. Take the hill slowly but steadily, keeping a constant speed without any jerky steering movements until you hit the top. Tip #5: Leave extra space. Leave extra space between your car and other cars - you may need more time to brake or make maneuvers to avoid an accident, so extra space means extra time. Prep your car for winter driving at our Clermont Toyota service center And don't forget to ensure that your car is in the right shape to take on driving in the snow. Namely, you'll want our Clermont Toyota service techs to examine your tires and make sure they're up to the job, as well as your brake system and the fluids under your hood (you don't want them to freeze). Get your car prepped and ready for holiday travels with Toyota of Clermont! Our service center is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.