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Your car shopping adventures have just begun and you have done research through the internet, asked your friends and family. Now it’s time for you to actually come in to Toyota of Clermont to test drive the vehicle you’ve chosen. We promise that if the one you chose wasn’t for you, you will still leave with a Clermont Toyota that you like! We get it, the convenience of purchasing cars online is pretty tempting because you save loads of time—but something you will never be able to do online is test drive a Clermont Toyota which is a vital part of the car shopping process. It’s important to physically get behind the wheel of your potential vehicle and Toyota of Clermont is here to tell you why! The importance of a test drive You have the opportunity to inspect: When you take the car for a test drive, you can give it a quick inspection. So make sure you check the cabin for stains, odd odors, or damage on the fabrics and trim. You can also check out the exterior for any body damage, check under the hood to make sure everything is functioning well, and listen for any eerie sounds the car could possibly make. Check for comfort: Since you’ll be spending a lot of time in the driver’s seat, you’ll want to make sure that you’re comfortable in the Clermont Toyota you test drive. You’ll want to make sure you can reach the knobs, buttons, and dials that you need access to. In addition, check for blind spots and make sure the backseat has enough space for your passengers, car seats, or booster seats you may install. Check how the Clermont Toyota handles: When you test drive the car, check to see how it handles. Does it follow your commands accurately? For instance does it accelerate when you want it to? How does it feel when you hit the brakes? Is it easy to park? For some people it just takes some getting used to the vehicle’s handles but for others this may be an issue. You still have the chance to explore other options: If you realize that this isn’t the car for you, you still have the opportunity to find the right one. We have a wide selection of new and used cars on our lot that are waiting for you to take a test drive. Looking for compact cars? Try a Toyota Camry or Corolla. Looking into crossovers? Check out the C-HR or RAV4. Want to go bigger? Check out the 4Runner! Your questions will be answered immediately: When you visit Toyota of Clermont in person, you’re able to ask the product specialists more in-depth questions about the car during the test drive. They can explain the answers easier and it’s a lot more effective than an online chat. Are you ready to get behind the wheel? Schedule a test drive with us today at Toyota of Clermont. We’re located at 16851 State Rd 50.

If you’ve purchased a Clermont Toyota vehicle recently, you likely ran into the term “depreciation.” While this negative term may not seem too important to the car buying and selling process, vehicle depreciation affects all aspects of the purchasing and trade in processes. This important metric affects the current and resale value of your vehicle and is an inevitable part of vehicle ownership. If you’re unsure as to what this metric means and measures, we’ve got you! Toyota of Clermont is here to help you better understand vehicle depreciation and what that means for your vehicle the purchasing/selling process. Everything you need to know about vehicle depreciation When purchasing a vehicle from a dealership like Toyota of Clermont, depreciation plays a big role in how much money you’ll receive when trading in or selling your car. This term applies to large purchases like cars and houses today, but its historical origins are a bit different. Rail road companies created the term and metric “depreciation” in the 19 th century to reflect a greater profitability. Essentially, a value is assigned to an item and depreciation accounts for its use over time. This smaller value was then counted against the annual income of the railroad company to reflect a larger profit margin until the value of the train is reduced to zero. In today’s world of Clermont Toyota car sales, vehicle depreciation remains a similar metric, but it essentially tracks the loss of value of your car over time. Several factors can play into the increasing of depreciation over time. Here are some of the factors that can affect this metric: Advancing technology With every new model year Clermont Toyota that’s released, the previous model year loses its value due to vehicle depreciation. With new safety technology and comfortable features being added to newer models each year, most older models decrease in resale value. However, some of the more popular older models (i.e. the Toyota FJ Cruiser) will actually accumulate value each year. Additional car buying expenses When buying a new or used Orlando Toyota car, most often forget that additional fees come in conjunction with the sticker price. Unfortunately, when trading your Clermont Toyota vehicle in you won’t be able to make up the expenses for tax, tag, title, and dealer fees (unless you have a classic vehicle that gains value over time). Plus, because your car takes on a new owner when you sign the final paperwork and drive it off the lot, the vehicle depreciation goes up and resale value goes down. Some vehicles aren’t desirable Like all things, Clermont Toyota vehicles go in and out of trends in which some have higher resale values than others. For example, SUVs and trucks are currently selling better than typical passenger cars, like sedans. Ways to mitigate vehicle depreciation Unfortunately, depreciation happens to most vehicles throughout their lifetime and whether or not a vehicle will become a popular classic over time is difficult to predict. However, there are several ways you can lessen the blow from depreciation. To keep your vehicle’s value stable, our Clermont Toyota auto sales experts recommend: Keeping up with routine auto service. Use your vehicle less and keep its odometer reading low. If your budget allows, try purchasing a vehicle with upgraded safety and feature technology. Still have questions about vehicle depreciation? Come visit Toyota of Clermont today! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50 and open seven days a week.

Are you considering taking things off the pavement to find new adventures in 2019? Off-roading is pretty popular here in Central Florida and there are plenty of places to hit the trail and explore. However, if you've never gone off road before, there are a few things you should know before you tackle that terrain. Check out our top  4 tips for beginner off-roaders and get ready to ride! Beginner's tips for off-roading Tip #1: Know your vehicle. Is your vehicle capable of taking on the trails? Unfortunately, not all of them are. Sedans like the Toyota Corolla or Toyota Yaris just aren't built for different terrains; they're better for city drivers who want good fuel efficiency and a compact design. If you're going to go off-road, consider getting into a truck that's built for the job like the Clermont Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, or Toyota 4Runner. You'll want a vehicle with the right suspension, four-wheel drive capabilities, locking differential, and body-on-frame construction, ideally. Make sure your ride is up for taking things off the pavement because if you attempt it in a car that's ill-prepared, you could wind up with major, expensive damage. Tip #2: Pack supplies. How long are you going to be out on the trails? Bring snacks and water, but you'll also want to bring essential supplies in your Clermont Toyota just in case of an emergency. These include: Jumper cables A spare tire and kit to change it as well as a tire pressure gauge A shovel A GPS and a backup paper map A flashlight and batteries A phone charger A first aid kit And if you're off-roading in the cold, bring extra blankets. Tip #3: Consider customizing your vehicle. If you REALLY want to get into off-roading, consider upping your vehicle's game with some custom parts and accessories. You could get new tires better suited for rough terrain, tow hooks to pull yourself or others out of sticky situations, a light bar for better visibility, a new suspension system, a winch, mud flaps, and even off-road armor. The options are endless and you can find it all at our Toyota of Clermont parts store! Just decide which aspect of your vehicle you want to enhance for off-roading and then let our parts techs help you pick the right solutions. Tip #4: Find a group to ride with. If you're new to the off-roading game, it can't hurt to have some expertise on your side. Look for a local group or organization that rides in your area! Not only can they help you get to know the lay of the land better so you're less likely to get lost, they can also help you navigate tricky terrain that you may not have experienced before. Prep your vehicle at Toyota of Clermont Want to prep your ride for off-roading? Call Toyota of Clermont today - our parts store is ready and waiting to help you get ready. You can reach them seven days a week at (352) 404-7001!

Today, the environment at large is in a critical state. More and more animal species make the endangered species list every day, habitat loss is occurring at a rapid rate, and our atmosphere is being filled with toxic substances. At large, we’re responsible for the current state of the environment, but we’re also the ones who can help undo the damage. With the help of businesses and corporations, the way to repairing the environment becomes a little easier. In fact, Toyota has been introducing several initiatives aimed at reducing loss of natural habitats from construction, more efficient resource use, and reducing the amount of toxic substances from entering the environment. At Toyota of Clermont, we have information on how Toyota is making this possible and what you can do to go green. What you can do to go green Repairing the environment is all that’s left to do to ensure that people can call the earth we know home for as long as possible. Toyota has introduced a commitment plan called Challenge 2050 that aims to address environmental hardships like climate change, habitat loss, and resource depletion. The plan is designed to enlist the help of local communities, Clermont Toyota team members, and customers in an effort to go green. Here are some of the positive impacts that Toyota has made with its Challenge 2050 plan: Toyota announced the construction of the world’s first megawatt-scale tri-generation plant in Port of Long Beach. This facility will operate using 100 percent renewable hydrogen fuel and clean water. Clermont Toyota manufacturing plants and throughout North America have collectively reused 148 million gallons of water. The Plano Toyota headquarters has gone green with a megawatt solar panel array that provides 1/3 of the facility’s electric needs. The production of Clermont Toyota Siennas has gone green with a reduction of PVC use on the underbodies. This reduction has conserved 24,000 pounds per year of the material. Toyota maintains about 1,000 acres at twelve sites all engaged in conservation efforts. Individual Clermont Toyota dealerships and manufacturing plants have made the pledge to go green and Toyota as a corporation continues to provide help in different forms. While the efforts of Toyota are great, you might be wondering what you can do as an individual to go green. Luckily, the process is easy and can be done in just a few easy steps and new choices. Here are a few ideas from Toyota of Clermont: Recycle: Keeping track of the disposable items you use on a daily basis and recycling is a great way to help go green and help the environment. Plastics, glass, and paper products can be reused for different purposes or made into new items that can be of great use. Consider driving a hybrid vehicle: Hybrid Clermont Toyota vehicles combine the best of electric and gasoline engines to create a fuel-efficient vehicle that saves you money and helps the environment. The Toyota Prius is a great choice and other models like the RAV4, Camry, and Highlander have hybrid options. Volunteer: Offering time to help with environment clean-up projects is a great way to make a direct impact on the community and area around you. Have questions on how you can go green and help the environment? Give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 – 7000 today!

Christmas is next week, and the holiday season is in full swing! It’s the perfect time of the year to take a road trip to see family and friends near and far. Now that you’ve packed your luggage and gotten your passengers together, make sure you’ve also made arrangements for your four-legged friends! Kenneling and hiring a sitter are always viable options, but wouldn’t it be more fun to take them on the road with you? With your pets along for the ride, you need to make sure you make the right preparations, so your human and animal passengers are all comfortable. Fortunately, Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide to help you and your furry friends have an awesome trip! Make sure you have identification for your pets You never know what can happen on the open road and you need a way to find your pet if they get separated from you. Collars and tags are a great way to identify your pet. Make sure to include your name, address, and a phone number on the tag so someone can contact you if they find your pet during the road trip. Microchipping is an even more reliable form of identification and will allow you to identify your pet if they get away from you and your Clermont Toyota car. Pay attention to what you’re packing If you’ve packed for yourself and your passengers, it’s time to pack for your pet. Make sure they have everything they need during the road trip. Plenty of water, treats, food, toys to play with, blankets, and any necessary medication. Put all of these in an easily accessible area of your Clermont Toyota vehicle in the event that you need them during the trip. Plan your trip every step of the way Having a pet along with you during your road trip adds a new facet to your plans and arrangements. You need to make sure your final destination is pet-friendly and that any place you plan to stay at along way is also pet-friendly. Our team at Toyota of Clermont recommend calling and asking about these details before you pack up and get on the road. Make sure your pets are secured Pets, much like kids, like to move around the car and that can get unsafe and distracting for the driver. To keep them and yourself safe during your road trip, make sure to invest in some pet seat belts and secure your four-legged friends before you leave the driveway. Be responsible on the road with your pet(s) Often times, pets get nervous when out on the road and it’s up to you to make sure they’re calm and comfortable. Our Clermont Toyota team recommends discussing ways to keep your pets calm with a veterinarian. Never leave your pets unattended in a hot car and make sure to stop every so often and walk your pet. If you have any questions about transporting your pet safely during your road trip, come ask us at Toyota of Clermont! We’re open seven days a week and can be reached at (352) 404 – 7000 with any questions. Have a safe trip!

Taking a road trip during the holiday season is a wonderful experience to have with friends and family. It gives those who live in less snowy places (cue Clermont) the chance to experience the weather that makes the winter months so special. While on your winter road trip, it can be difficult to find different forms of entertainment after you’ve scrolled through your Instagram feed a dozen times. However, if you’re traveling with passengers, the best form of entertainment can come from playing games with each other! Check out these games to play on your winter road trip from Toyota of Clermont. But if you’re driving make sure to stay focused on the road! Top winter road trip games from Toyota of Clermont “Did you hear that?” A classic game that bridges pop culture and news with fact and fiction. While driving in your Clermont Toyota car, one passenger works to confuse the other and make it believable. Essentially, being with the statement “Did you hear that __ happened?” and fill in the blank with a false statement. If your opponent guesses that your statement is wrong, they win and vice versa. The Singing Game This is a simple one to play while on your winter road trip. To play, one person starts by singing a song and another passenger has to continue the song where the other person left off. The game carries on until someone messes up the lyrics. 21 Questions A true winter road trip game classic, 21 questions is played with the aim to guess what the other person is thinking. Even the driver of the Clermont Toyota vehicle can play this one! Your 21 questions all have to be different and the person who guesses correctly starts the next round. The Movie Game If you have a Clermont Toyota vehicle full of movie fans, give this game a try! The goal of this one is to test your knowledge of actors and the movies they have starred in. One person starts by saying an actor/actress’ name, another person then follows with a movie that actor’s been in, another person continues with another actor/actress’ name, and then the round continues until someone’s incorrect. Regional Food Master This one involves a few pit stops along your winter road trip route, but it’s a unique game to play with your fellow Clermont Toyota car passengers. Along your route, stop at several gas stations and find a local snack/food item to try. You can only select one food item per person per gas station and it has to be specific to the region the gas station is in. Cows on my Side A typical winter road trip stereotype is that someone in your Clermont Toyota car will inevitably scream “cows” when they see cows in a field during the trip. So, why not turn it into a game? You can play this one by calling “Cows on my side!” each time you see a cow on your side. This earns you a point and you can call “Cows on your side!” if your fellow passengers aren’t quick enough. You can also scream “Ghost Cow!” if you pass by a cemetery for extra points. If you’re excited for your winter road trip and need to get your Clermont Toyota car ready, then come visit us at Toyota of Clermont! You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 and we’re open seven days a week!

Is your holiday road trip going to entail driving at night? It's understandable, especially if you're driving a long distance or you're trying your best to beat holiday traffic. However, driving at night has its challenges and even some dangers, so it's best to prepare yourself before you hit the highway. Toyota of Clermont is here with 6 tips to help you safely hit the road after the sun has set! Tip #1: Service your ride before you hit the highway. Make sure your car is ready for driving at night. Your main concern should be all of your lights - ensure that your headlights, taillights, fog lights, turn signals, and interior lights all work properly. However, also have your windshield wipers and your defroster checked to ensure the best visibility possibly, and ask our Orlando auto service techs to check your brakes and battery while you're here. Tip #2: Know when and how to use your headlights. You should use your headlights from dusk until dawn - no exceptions. Headlights allow you to clearly see the road and your surroundings and ALSO help others on the road see you better. However, you shouldn't use your brights if you're driving in a city or suburban area, and you should always turn them off if you see oncoming traffic so you don't blind the other driver. Also, avoid using your brights in foggy conditions. Tip #3: Stop engaging in distracted driving. You should never engage in distracted driving, but especially at night. Put your phone away, keep your hands on the wheel, and focus on driving so you can react quickly and avoid an accident or collision. You can download an app to lock your phone while you're in motion and use Bluetooth and voice recognition to make calls in your Clermont Toyota. Tip #4: Adjust your driving habits. When night falls you should adjust your driving habits to stay safe. You should slow down and follow the speed limit and you should also increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you. This gives you extra time to react suddenly should the need arise. Tip #5: Watch out for animals. Animals are more active at nighttime, so they're more likely to be crossing the road. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife on the road and be ready to try to avoid them should they cross your path while you're driving at night. Tip #6: Don't drive if you're tired. Driving while fatigued is extremely dangerous - it's up there with texting while driving and driving drunk. If you feel tired, call it a night and get a hotel. If you're stuck in the middle of nowhere try to find the nearest rest stop and make sure your car is locked up safely while you sleep. Want more tips or need to schedule Orlando auto service to get your ride ready for driving at night? Toyota of Clermont can help - just give us a call at (352) 404-7001 or swing by and see us at 16851 State Road 50!

There’s nothing more annoying to you and your passengers than sitting in the driver’s seat of your car and smelling something that’s a little on the sour or smelly side. While interior car smells are largely harmless to Clermont Toyota drivers, they can get pretty irritating over time. If your nose is picking up on something a little odd in your vehicle, don’t panic and take it to the wash! Deodorizing your car is easy and with a little elbow grease and some investigative work, you can get your car smelling like you just drove it off the lot. Check out this guide from Toyota of Clermont and get your car smelling fresh in no time! Step 1) Investigate for the source of the smell. If you’ve started to notice a smell in your car interior there’s likely a source of it. Eating more frequently in your Clermont Toyota vehicle can lead to spills and there could always be a lost fry or two between your seats. Keeping your clothes in your car can also be a cause of smells in your car’s interior. To begin deodorizing your car, find the source of the smell. Step 2) Throw away all trash. Trash can be an obvious source of the smell and if you have a lot in your door pockets or under the seats, it’s time to start cleaning. Get a trash bag and remove items like food wrappers, paper, gum wrappers, water bottles, and anything else that may be causing the smell. Step 3) Vacuum the interior. Now that you’ve taken care of the larger pieces of trash, it’s time to break out the good old vacuum. To deodorize your car effectively, make sure to deep vacuum your floor mats, seats, and Clermont Toyota car carpets. Step 4) Use carpet stain remover. Spill stains in carpet are a likely source for smells that require a little more elbow grease to get rid of. Before using stain remover to deodorize your car, make sure to test it on a small stain area and dilute it with water. Use this on several stain spots in your vehicle to not only look nice but smell nice as well. Step 5) Wipe-down all other surface. Your dashboard and door touchpoints can collect dust over time that could contribute to your vehicle’s odor. Use surface specific cleaner and wipe down all surfaces to deodorize your car and give your interior a new and clean shine. Step 6) Use various odor absorbing materials. If the odor in your Clermont Toyota car persists after applying these various cleaning methods, it’s time to get creative. Use substances like AC cleaner, baking soda, dryer sheets, pet deodorizer, white vinegar, and more to deodorize your car. Still can’t get that pesky smell out of your car? Not to worry, Toyota of Clermont has your back! Give us a call at (352) 404 - 7000 and our expert auto service staff will be happy to help you out!

When it comes to protecting your vehicle, you probably know the basics. Look for a car that has an anti-theft system in it, park in well-lit areas with lots of foot traffic (and near a parking attendant or camera is there is one), and make sure you lock up tight when you leave. You also know not to store a spare key on the exterior of your car, and to keep valuables and electronics out of sight so thieves aren't even more tempted to break into your Clermont Toyota. Learn how to protect your ride with car anti-theft devices However, did you know there's an array car anti-theft devices that can take your security to a whole new level? Here are 5 options you may not have considered yet - and don't forget, Toyota of Clermont can help you track them down through our Toyota parts store. #1: Kill switch A kill switch probably isn't something you can install on your own, as it works against your car's fuel pump or electrical system to prevent the car from starting when a thief gets behind the wheel. It's typically installed in a nondescript place where it's difficult for the thief to find it, and you'll need a mechanic to get it up and running. However, when in place it can deactivate the fuel pump or prevent the flow of electricity to your car's components, ensuring the thief is going nowhere fast. #2: Steering wheel lock A steering wheel lock can't prevent a thief from getting into your Clermont Toyota, but this car anti-theft device can prevent them from going anywhere. It hooks up to your vehicle's steering wheel and keeps it from turning so your car is virtually impossible to drive. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span><span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> #3: GPS locator A GPS locator, like a steering wheel lock, won't prevent your car from being broken into. However, if it is stolen and removed from its parking spot, a GPS locator can track it to its next destination. These trackers are installed in a hidden spot in the car and registered with local law enforcement so your car can be found should it be stolen. #4: Tire lock or boot A tire lock or a boot can be a big pain if you get one put on your car for parking in the wrong area. The same concept applies to thieves. A tire lock prevents the tire from turning, so the car isn't getting very far. If you're going to be out of town or leaving your car parked and unattended for a while, this car anti-theft device is a great way to keep your ride in safe hands. #5: Baby monitor It may sound silly, but a baby monitor can actually service as a car anti-theft device! Stick it on the dash and you automatically have video and audio provided to you if someone breaks into your Clermont Toyota. On top of that, just the sight of a monitor can often deter thieves from breaking in in the first place. Toyota of Clermont can help you find the right protection for your ride Have questions or want to order a car anti-theft device? Stop by Toyota of Clermont's parts store at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

Driving is an essential part to many peoples’ day that we often forget can be dangerous. Experiencing a car accident is truly scary and can rattle anyone, even if it’s the smallest of fender benders. However, hit-and-run accidents present an all new set of fears entirely. Being in an accident and the perpetrator leaving the scene raises a lot of questions. Namely, what should I do next? To make sure you’re ready should this type of car accident happen to you, Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on the next steps to take. Hit-and-run car acc id ent tips from Toyota of Clermont Check yourself and your passengers. Injuries from car accidents can be very severe and sometimes life threatening. After the car accident, check yourself for injuries and cognizance. Then check on your passengers and make sure they’re all alright and haven’t sustained any serious injuries. If you or someone in your Clermont Toyota car has sustained serious injuries, call 911 immediately. Move your vehicle out of traffic and onto the road shoulder. If you and your passengers are uninjured or minorly injured, move your Clermont Toyota car off the road and onto a nearby shoulder. This will be easier if the car is still operational, but if it's suffered too much vehicle damage, you’ll have to get out and push. Make sure you do so very carefully to avoid getting hit. Call the police. In the case of a hit-and-run car accident, it’s absolutely necessary to call the police and report the incident. Try to remember as much as you can from the accident. What was the color of the Clermont Toyota vehicle that hit you? The plate numbers? Were there any identifying marks on the vehicle like rust or body damage? What did the driver look like? Gather witnesses. If you’re able to, ask those present during the accident to assist you and the police as witnesses. This can help catch the perpetrator quickly and help with your insurance claim. File a police report. In most car accident cases, a police report is necessary to substantiate your insurance claim. With a hit-and-run accident, a police report is important in the event that the perpetrator is caught so you can press charges and verify your insurance claim. Make sure to ask when the police will follow up with you and who to contact. If you’re injured, go to the doctor or hospital to treat your injuries. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, make sure to visit your doctor or local hospital for treatment. Make sure to get copies of your medical records in the event you decide to seek legal compensation. File a claim with your car insurance company. Your Clermont Toyota car insurance comes in handy during situations like this. File a claim after the accident and make sure to include all details regarding the incident. Toyota of Clermont is here to help! After a car accident comes repairs and, luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 if you have questions or need help finding a new ride.

Are you excited to collect candy when Halloween finally arrives? Trick or treating is one of the biggest past times for this spooky night and whether you're behind the wheel of your car heading to a scary celebration or hitting the sidewalks to fill up your loot bag, you need to know how to do it safely. Toyota of Clermont is here with 6 tips to keep you and your little monsters safe on All Hallow's Eve! Toyota of Clermont shares trick or treating safety tips Tip #1: Make sure you're visible. Make sure drivers, motorcyclists, and bicyclists can see you and your little ghouls and ghosts! Visibility goes way down when it's dark out, so ensure your costumes all have something light-colored incorporated into them or simply stick some reflective tape on them so drivers and riders can easily spot you and avoid a collision. Tip #2: Teach your kids traffic rules. Make sure you teach your little monsters the ins and outs of traffic. They should always cross at crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, stay on the sidewalks, and not run in between cars. Also, ensure that they know they should never depend on a driver to stop and should err on the side of caution when crossing roads. Tip #3: Only trick or treat in a well-lit area. Remember how we said visibility is important? It's a good idea to choose a well-lit neighborhood as your trick or treating destination. Streetlights make everything a lot more visible, including your candy collectors, so your chances of an accident go way down. Plus, it's just safer overall to choose a well-lit spot. Safe driving can go a long way on Halloween night Tip #4: Turn on your headlights. If there was ever a night to employ safe driving practices, Halloween would be it. Make sure your headlights are in working order (our Clermont auto service center can give you a hand if not) and turn them on as soon as dusk falls. Dim lighting makes it difficult for you to see trick or treaters and other pedestrians who are going to be flooding the sidewalks and streets, so give yourself the best visibility possible, especially in suburban and urban areas. Tip #5: Stop engaging in distracted driving. Put away your phone, stop messing with the radio to find that monstrous music, and keep your eyes on the road and your hand on the wheel. Foot traffic is exceptionally high on Halloween night as people trick or treat and go to parties and other spooky celebrations. You need to have your full attention on safe driving so you can avoid pedestrians. Tip #6: Follow traffic rules. Follow the rules of the road! Go the speed limit, use your turn signals to indicate where you're headed, and come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights where you're turning right. You'll want to double check that crosswalks are completely clear before pulling through them and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for any little monsters who may suddenly dart into your path. Have questions about safe driving? Call Toyota of Clermont today. We can also get your headlights on track for All Hallow's Eve at our Clermont auto service center! We're open until 10 pm at (352) 404-7000.

While hurricane season is coming to a close, bad weather conditions like heavy rain and wind can make driving around Clermont very hazardous for yourself and everyone else on the road. In the event that the weather conditions turn severe, we recommend either pulling over or staying in a sheltered location and waiting until the weather clears. However, if you find yourself on the road when the weather takes a turn for the worst, don’t panic! Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide on what to do before the next rainstorm strikes. What to do when driving in heavy winds While your visibility isn’t limited when driving through corridors of heavy wind, this bad weather conditions makes it difficult to drive and makes it easier to lose control of your Clermont Toyota vehicle. When driving through areas with high wind speeds, make sure to: Keep a firm grip on the wheel and stay focused on the road ahead. Driving your Clermont Toyota vehicle in bad weather conditions like heavy winds can make you more prone to flipping or losing control and winding up in an accident. If you drive a vehicle like a Toyota SUV, truck, or crossover, you’re more prone to flipping when rounding corners or driving at higher speeds in windy conditions. Don’t forget about sudden gusts. Steady high-speed wind is hazardous as it is, but there’s always the chance for strong gusts that can catch you by surprise. If you start to notice a stronger push on your car or that the wind is blowing harder at different times, grip the wheel tightly and slow down to reduce your likelihood of flipping or skidding on the road. Take not of larger Clermont Toyota vehicles on the road. During bad weather conditions, larger vehicles are at especially higher risk due to their heavy weight, higher center of gravity, and larger blind spots. If you drive a smaller vehicle, be aware of larger cars on the road like Clermont Toyota trucks and SUVs. And if you drive a larger car, stay focused and reduce your speed. All drivers should take note of cargo trucks and other oversized cars like recreational vehicles. What to do when driving in heavy rain While wind can pose a threat to your driving, other bad weather conditions like heavy rain can make driving your Clermont Toyota vehicle even riskier. Make sure to take these precautions when driving in the rain: Slow down to keep from hydroplaning. Rain makes the roads slick and there’s always a chance of skidding if you’re driving too fast. Increase your following space. Braking during bad weather conditions like heavy rain is harder and takes more time. Make sure to leave some additional following space between your car and the Clermont Toyota vehicle in front of you. Keep your headlights on to alert other drivers. Keeping your headlights on during the rain allows other drivers to see you while on the road. Don’t use your hazards or high beams. Drive carefully with Toyota of Clermont When bad weather conditions strike you need to make sure you and your car are ready for it. Come visit our auto service experts at Toyota of Clermont to get your vehicle ready to handle whatever the weather throws at you. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 to get things set up!