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It's normal to find bugs in your car from time to time - after all, we live in Florida. Seeing a random moth flutter out or a spider trying to sneak its way in your window is pretty typical, especially if you park outside. However, sometimes bugs can become a serious issue for your vehicle... namely, ants. Ants in your car can seem like a minor nuisance but quickly develop into something much larger and more expensive to deal with. That's why we've rounded up some tips on how to handle ants in your car from the experts at Toyota of Clermont's service center. It's more common than you think to get an ant infestation in a car. While ants build nests to serve as a home base, they go out to forage for food and water to bring home. And if they like where they find the food and water enough, they may just build their home base there. If your car has trash, crumbs, or anything else that might serve as an all-you-can-eat buffet, ants may decide to call it home. And even worse, they leave scent trails so all of their ant friends know where the party's at. All of these ants can chew through upholstery, wood, foam, and wires, not to mention bite you and your fellow passengers. So how can you get rid of ants in your car? Here are our top tips on evicting these pests from your Clermont Toyota. Five ways to get rid of ants in your car #1: Detail your car. First things first - you need to detail your car from bumper to bumper. We're talking every nook and cranny - in between seats, under seats, under car seats, beneath floor mats, and in all storage areas, including your trunk, center console, cupholders, and glovebox. Get rid of ANYTHING that might attract them, like food crumbs, wrappers, empty bottles, etc., and make sure all the trash has been emptied out. Vacuum and wipe all surfaces, and if you have any sticky stains on carpet or upholstery, clean them. #2: Try to find the nest. Do a little detective work to see where the ants are coming from. If you can find their nest, destroy it so they have to move on to establish a new home base. #3: Move your parking spot. Find a new place to park. You'll be able to go back to your old spot eventually, especially if you can locate the nest and destroy it, but for now, you want to confuse the ants and throw off their scent trails so they can no longer find your car. #4: Try an at-home solution. Once you've cleaned your car and moved it to a new location away from the ants, it's time to take care of the infestation. You can try an at-home remedy to start. Mix up two cups of water, three tablespoons of Dawn soap, and three tablespoons of salt in a spray bottle. Spray the ants directly with it to kill them; you can also use it to clean your car. Additionally, ants HATE citrus. Mix orange oil into your Dawn soap concoction for maximum deterrent power, or use a citrus-based cleaner when you clean your car. Hopefully, the scent will deter them from wanting to come back and will encourage the tenants to vacate. #5: Go big. If nothing else works for the ants in your car, go big. Hit Lowe's or Home Depot for ant spray to kill the ones you can find, and ant bait or traps to kill the ones that are hiding. Just be careful, especially if you routinely have kids or pets in the car with you. Let Toyota of Clermont help you with your pest problem! Need help getting rid of ants in the car? Call us! Toyota of Clermont is open and waiting seven days a week. We're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50 and you can reach our Clermont Toyota service center at (352) 404-7001.

If you're considering adding a car spoiler to your current Clermont Toyota, good choice. This car accessory is an easy and affordable way to customize your car without having to put too much time or money into it, and it can also actually give you a performance boost. However, it's not something to do on a whim and our Clermont Toyota body shop techs are here to share tips. Find out what you should consider BEFORE you invest in a car spoiler! What you need to know before investing in a car spoiler Tip #1: Think about paint colors. If you buy a carbon fiber spoiler or one that's merely primed to be painted, then you're in good shape - you don't really need to worry about your car's current paint color. However, if you're buying a painted spoiler, make sure it matches the paint on your car. Keep in mind that paint codes are unique to makes and models so "close enough" isn't going to cut it - you want the match to be exact so your ride looks its best. Tip #2: Consider your car's overall design. Before you swipe your credit card for a car spoiler, do a bit of research to see what it's going to look like in real life. Instead of relying on edited photos on the internet (which use certain angles and lighting to look a particular way), see if you can find similar cars with the same spoiler in real life to see what it will look like on a day-to-day basis. You don't want to wind up with a car spoiler that looks silly on your vehicle. Tip #3: Know what maintenance will be involved. Car spoilers are just like any other part of your car - they need to be maintained. You should look into what type of care your new spoiler will need (washing, waxing, etc.) and be aware that also like any other car part, they can sustain damage. Dents, dings, scratches, and even wind damage are all possible, so be ready to make repairs as necessary. However, once you've done your research and prepped yourself to add a car spoiler, it's time to reap the benefits. These car accessories are a great way to make your Clermont Toyota truly stand out and look custom without having to invest in pricy accessories like a new paint job or new wheels. Additionally, did you know that car spoilers can actually enhance performance? They catch when you drive, and in turn push the rear of your car down. This causes improved handling without even having to touch anything under the hood. Find your car spoiler with Toyota of Clermont Ready to shop for your car spoiler? Let our Toyota parts and body shop departments help! We're open and waiting for you at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. Call us to schedule an appointment at (352) 404-7001!

Let's get one thing out of the way, we love Toyotas, okay? It's our namesake, how could we not? But, we're also not afraid to admit when Toyotas are a little on the problematic side (remember the Takata airbag recall?). Look, no car out there is immune to auto service issues happening. It's all part of the technological process. Besides, if we didn't have issues then what would happen to mechanics? Anyway, I digress. A frequent problem that seems to plague used Toyotas from the 2010s is an over consumptions of motor oil. This is a serious issue and, if you're an owner of one of these guzzling machines, you might be wondering why it's happening and what you can do to solve the issue. Lucky for you, Toyota of Clermont is swooping in at just the right time! Check out our explainer on this auto service issue and what you can do about it. What's the Problem and How Do We Solve it? So, it's a well-known fact that your Clermont Toyota car uses motor oil. Right? We're all in agreement? But, do you know why? Your car needs motor oil to lubricate its various parts to keep them operating correctly. Now, your car will gradually consume the oil in your engine but typically it's cycled through for miles and miles and it's then flushed out and replaced after 5,000 to 10,000 miles. But, some problem cars have a particular auto service issue that burns off motor oil rather than cycling it through normally. Typically, this happens because of a faulty in the engine's design and oil processing. Delaying catching or fixing this issue can lead to a variety of other auto service issues like, namely, engine failure. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for if you suspect your Clermont Toyota car might be burning oil in excess: Your oil change light/warning indicator comes on well before you expect it to. This light will typically come on once you hit 3,000 miles after a change and light reset. If it comes on sooner than this then you might be having a consumption issue. Odd noises coming from the engine are another indicator that something's going wrong. This could be rattling, grinding, and other aggressive noises apart from the noises emitted during normal operation. A low dipstick reading will also indicate a loss in engine oil and a clear auto service issue. This issue affected a variety of Toyota models from 2007 to 2011. If you still drive a vehicle like the Clermont Toyota Matrix, Camry, RAV4, or Solara, this auto service issue could be happening to you. Quick fixes for the problem include frequently checking the oil level in your engine via the dipstick and, if necessary, adding more oil to the engine to compensate for what was lost. If you notice this auto service issue happening to you, be sure to have it diagnosed immediately. Repairs can be expensive, but there's always the option to trade in your ride and have someone else deal with the headache. For more help, visit Toyota of Clermont at 16851 State Road 50.

It’s true that many things are out to get the better of your car paint. Unfortunately, there’s little many of us can do to really prevent damage from happening. Rocks will fly and dent, debris will stain, and so on. But, you can always take care of these issues after they happen to make sure your paint stays in fair shape. There are some things out there that are peskier than others, however. While pesky, they’re not impossible to remove. Toyota of Clermont is here to give you the rundown of substances to watch out for and how to take care of them if they happen to plague your ride. Let’s get it! Save Your Car Paint with These Tips Water Stains We realize that keeping water off your Clermont Toyota car is next to impossible to pull off. But, it’s absolutely imperative that you take care of water before a stain sets in. This is likely one of the most common forms of car paint stains there is. Hard water, meaning water with mineral deposits attached, is common everywhere and when it dries on your paint it can leave a stain. The easiest way to take care of this is to clean and wax your car thoroughly and make sure you actually dry your vehicle off after washing it. Bird Droppings and Bug Debris Parking under a tree means you reap the benefits of shade keeping things cool. But this also means you run the risk of having your ride crapped on by a winged friend. It’s not their fault, they have to go to the bathroom somewhere. Unfortunately, many of us delay cleaning this type of stain along with bug entrails that attach to the front bumper. The longer you wait, the more damage the acidity can cause. Instead, use vinegar and distilled water combo for the poop and wet dryer sheets for the bug entrails. Asphalt, Cement, Highway Paint All substances you could probably pick up driving near a construction zone in Clermont. And all substances designed to stay firmly in place even on your car paint. Dealing with these types of damage requires tact and care. Start by gradually removing the blemishes using an oil based substance. We’re talking Goo-Gone and WD40. Remove the substance gradually and inspect the area to make sure you removed it fully. If not, carefully clean away what’s left to avoid scratching your ride. Fingerprints Touching your ride might seem like a great way to show admiration for your machine, but it’s definitely not saying thank you. Fingerprints transfer the dirt and grime already on your hands to the Clermont Toyota car paint and act as a conductor for more grime and dirt. Refrain from touching your ride and remove finger oil and prints by using a mild soap and microfiber cloth.   Need more help removing pesky substances from your car paint? Visit Toyota of Clermont for supplies and professional guidance today at 16851 State Road 50.

When it comes to keeping your ride in working and running shape, auto service techs are the MVPs. They know the ins and outs of any vehicle that drives up to Toyota of Clermont and fix any problem you might have going on. Our techs are more than capable of handling it all, but some auto repairs are just difficult to do. No matter the skill level, these repairs are sure to give anyone a headache. Toyota of Clermont is here to catalog these difficult auto repair jobs because, well, why not? Check it out! With These Auto Repairs, You're in For a Rough Time Transmission Work/Repair Oil changes, rotations, alignments, all child's play. Just kidding, even those basic services can be difficult to perform if you don't know how to do it (a life lesson). One particular auto part that stumps even the most capable of mechanics is the Clermont Toyota transmission. This part is responsible for putting your engine in gear when your RPMs hit the right point. Repairs on this part are expensive and many drivers opt to forgo repairs until it's crisis time. Typical issues like low transmission fluid, bad shift cables, and a bad shift cable can be costly and are often left alone until it's too late. What's most exhausting about this type of repair is the fact that the entire transmission typically needs to be removed or taken apart to be fixed. Replacing Spark Plugs As far as auto repairs go, sparkplugs are not usually seen as a daunting thing. They're small parts that follow a plug-and-play type of routine when it comes to replacement. But, that's the tricky thing. Clermont Toyota spark plugs are incredibly small and the housing for them is usually tucked away in an awfully inconvenient spot in your engine compartment. This type of repair can be very easy or very hard and you never know what you'll wind up with. Clutch Repairs It's not often that our Clermont auto service mechanics see this type of repair. The truth is, manual transmission cars are quite a rare sight. So, most mechanics are out of practice when it comes to these types of auto repairs. The next thing is that people who drive stick poorly wind up degrading their clutch after about 20,000 miles. If that happens, the entire transmission has to come out. Need we say more on why this blows? Engine Swap/Replacement Instead of cataloging every single type of Clermont auto repair job that goes into an engine swap/replacement, we'll just keep it simple and say engine swap/replacement. But, that's a big reason why this type of repair is so difficult and intimidating. Engine replacements require a mechanic to disconnect just about everything the engine is connected to. Lines need to be flushed, connections inspected, small parts repaired, you get the idea. On top of that, you need to then drop a new engine into the compartment and start plugging everything back together. Reconnecting everything takes an insane amount of time and there's always the chance that it doesn't take. Need quality auto repair work? Look no further than Toyota of Clermont! Visit us at 16851 State Road 50 seven days a week.

Being a driver involves a lot more than just driving. Granted, that is a large part of it, but taking care of your car warrants just as much attention and effort. Auto services are essential to keep your car running as it should and needs to. These services can be intimidating to navigate, but having a reliable and trusted mechanic in your pocket can make all the difference. At Toyota of Clermont, we have some of the best auto service techs around. But, the personalization and trust you get from a mechanic you visit consistently are undeniable. If you're looking for this type of service experience, follow along with us at Toyota of Clermont for a few tips. Finding a Mechanic You Trust and Depend On Find a Shop Specific to Your Vehicle's Make When it comes to Clermont auto service, not every mechanic is well-versed in servicing every vehicle out there. Every car is unique and every mechanic skill set is as well. The best way to start narrowing down the field of mechanics out there is to visit a shop that services your specific make. Dealerships are great places to visit for this reason, but a more personal touch could definitely be lost in lieu of convenience. Ask Friends and Family Naturally, we hold the opinions of our friends and family in fairly high regard. Because of this, they're the perfect candidates when it comes to auto service recommendations. If they have a dedicated mechanic they trust, it's probably safe to give them a try as well. Do Some Research Online Obviously, it wouldn't be realistic to sample every single mechanic in Clermont. Luckily, we have the power of the internet. Start by searching for auto service shops in your general area and then check finer things like reviews and services offered. Certifications can also help weed out the unlikely choices. This can help you determine the services that a particular shop offers so they can best take care of your ride and needs. Just Give it a Try For some, researching and doing homework is tedious. If you're looking for a more fast-paced and cut-to-the-chase process of finding an auto service mechanic, you could always just give it a try. Pick a shop for a factor like proximity or a good shop name and pay them a visit. But, pro-tip, only visit for a run-of-the-mill repair or service like an oil change or brake resurfacing. This way you can gauge how the shop performs with simple services and you can assess their customer relations and personality. We recommend trying a different method than this one, but you can still make this one work.   Top-quality auto service can be difficult to find at times. But, with plenty of time and these tips at hand, finding a trustworthy and personable mechanic will be much easier. Ready to visit Toyota of Clermont for auto service? Find us at 16851 State Road 50 today!

Driving is all about moving forward and backward and going here and there. But, you can't forget that stopping is an essential part to commuting and your car brakes are what makes that happen. They're the most original and essential form of safety feature and maintaining them is absolutely crucial. Servicing your brakes might be a tad mysterious and you might be wondering what exactly goes into a typical brake job. It's not always replacing pads and sanding down rotors. Toyota of Clermont is here to help unravel the mystery and explain what goes into a typical car brake service. Let's check it out! Brake Service Explained Inspecting the Rotor and Brake Pads The most visible, and some of the most important, parts of your Clermont car brakes are the rotor and brake pads. Your auto service will typically start with a visual inspection of these 2 components to check their wear and condition. When you apply your brakes, you brake pads rub against the rotor and create friction to bring your ride to a stop. Over time these parts can wear down and become inefficient. This is the typically the first step in the process and helps the auto service tech determine what else needs to be repaired and/or replaced. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Flushing the Brake Fluid Rotors and brakes don't provide all the force necessary to bring your car to a stop. Without the brake lines there'd be no way to determine the amount of force needed to stop your vehicle. Your brake fluid needs to be periodically flushed to avoid rust buildup in the lines. This will often need to be done every few years or if there's a leak. Bleeding the Brake Line Flushing the car brake line is only one step in the process that helps remove moisture. Fine amounts of oxygen can eek into the brake line and cause a loss of stopping power. Bleeding the Clermont line can remove any built up air and should be done every 2-3 years. Replace and/or Upgrade Parts During your Clermont car brake service you might want to consider upgrading components like the rotors and the brake pads to get more time in between replacements or reduce the amount of dust build up. Changing components out for higher quality parts can have drastic effects on your stopping power. Plus, resurfacing your rotors can only get you so far before those parts will need replacing. Service Your Car Brakes with Toyota of Clermont Today Servicing your brakes can be quite a daunting and mysterious auto service. It's often hard to know exactly what your brakes need by feel alone. So, enlist the help of one of our auto service experts here at Toyota of Clermont! We can give your car brakes a thorough inspection and determine the best course for part repair or replacement in little to no time at all. Visit the dealership at 16851 State Road 50 or schedule an appointment online today!

Auto service is one of the most essential things that you, a vehicle owner, need to do to make sure your ride stays working. For some people, this process gives them peace of mind and can be therapeutic when done DIY style. But, for some people it's more of an annoying obligatory expense that seems without reward. Here at Toyota of Clermont, we pride ourselves on giving you the best in auto service at reasonable prices so it doesn't feel like you're spending an arm and a leg for an oil change. One auto service that's particularly easy and can save you a lot of money with a little DIY adventurism is replacing your car battery. If you've tried this one before or are interested in doing this as your next DIY project, we're here to help! Let's dive into our guide and get you on your way with a new battery! Replacing Your Clermont Car Battery. Easier Than You Think Different types of auto service jobs can definitely be intimidating or near impossible if you don't have the right tools. It's not likely you'll be doing a DIY alignment anytime soon or even installing a tire onto a wheel as you need the right machines for those. But, if you have a socket wrench lying around, you're more than ready to tackle a car battery replacement. Before you dive in though, here are a few things to consider: Replacing your battery is simple, but there's still plenty that could go wrong. The first thing you should do is find the correct battery to use in your Clermont Toyota car. Your local Toyota dealership can definitely help you out, but a battery from a certified dealer parts store can often be expensive. You can save money by shopping for an aftermarket battery at a popular auto parts retailer. But make sure you're getting the exact right battery for your make and model. You should also assess the condition of your old car battery before starting the replacement. Sometimes corrosion can build up on the terminals and make it difficult to remove the clamps. If this happens, you need to do some cleaning before getting started. Make sure you have the right supplies handy. Replacing your Clermont car battery is simple and there aren't many tools needed to get the job done. But, you need to make sure you have the right equipment to make the process smooth. A socket wrench, petroleum jelly, gloves, and protective eyewear are all recommended for this type of auto service job. Now that you've done your prep work, it's time to get into the actual replacement. Here's how to do it: Using your socket wrench, start removing the clamps that are attached to the battery's terminals. **Make sure to remove the NEGATIVE (Black,  -) cable BEFORE the POSITIVE (Red, +) one!** Once the clamps are loose, remove them from the terminals and set them aside. Next, remove the car battery from its housing completely and set aside. Put the new battery into the housing slot of your engine compartment and apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the terminals. This will act as a more stable conductor between the terminals and the clamps and prevent corrosion from building up. Replace the clamps onto the terminals. **Reverse the process above! POSITIVE (Red, +) clamp goes first followed by the NEGATIVE (Black, -) one!** Tighten the clamps into place, close the hood, and start your car. If it starts up normally or better than it did before, you did it! Need more tips or want someone else to finish your DIY car battery replacement? Toyota of Clermont is here to help at 16851 State Road 50!

As is the way with most things in life, moderation is the key. Keeping everything in stable moderation is a great way to stay healthy and to live a balanced existence. While we're not life coaches here at Toyota of Clermont, we can definitely attest to that. In fact, one essential component to the combustion process, heat, is something best used in moderation too. Heat is central to the combustion process that powers our cars, but too much could cause a lot of damage. Not to mention a degradation in fuel efficiency over time, especially if you drive a hybrid. If you drive one of our amazing hybrid cars and have noticed a steady drop in your fuel economy, Toyota of Clermont is here to help. Let's check it out! Heat is Essential. But it Can Kill Your Fuel Efficiency Most of the vehicles we drive today operate using an internal combustion engine (ICE). A hybrid Clermont Toyota car works by combining ICE engineering with the added power and fuel sipping potential of a large battery. Every car has a battery that's integral to its function, but hybrids stand a lot to lose if their battery system is compromised. For your hybrid car's fuel efficiency, excessive heat can be quite the killer. Here's a brief outline of what can happen to your car's battery if it suffers from excessive heat: Car batteries work best when exposed to a moderate amount of heat/energy. But, heat can actually cause batteries to stop working due to electrolyte evaporation. This can cause bulging, bubbling, and difficulty recharging. For Clermont Toyota hybrid cars this means a dramatic loss in fuel efficiency. The car battery will stop functioning over time and cause the ICE engine to overcompensate. Thus, a loss in fuel economy. This happens as electrolytes are evaporated from the battery due to high heat. Now that we've outlined some obvious issues for our fellow Clermont residents that have no choice but to tolerate the heat on a daily basis, how do we deal with it? <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Helping Your Overheated Hybrid Battery Getting your peak fuel efficiency back isn't a difficult feat by any means. For many Clermont drivers, it only involves a few simple adjustments. Here are a few simple tips to consider trying: Many hybrids on Toyota's lineup place the large battery pack in a spot that doesn't obstruct the undercarriage or the cabin. Naturally, this place is under the back seats. To keep the batteries cool and operating at peak efficiency, Toyota designed an air cooling system that uses air from inside the cabin and circulates it over the battery as you drive. So, a helpful tip is to keep the cabin cool. This means running your A/C when it's hot outside and making sure it's not damaged. Having tint on your Clermont Toyota auto glass can also help keep your fuel efficiency higher. This keeps your cabin cool without overexerting the A/C system. In extreme cases, you could always route a pipeline from an air vent in your Clermont Toyota cabin to a fan inlet for the battery. This is a great way to boost your fuel efficiency in your Toyota hybrid, but it might be a bit excessive if your issues are minimal. Need more help to boost the fuel efficiency in your Toyota hybrid? Visit Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50.

Your ride is a delicate machine that needs a steady and consistent hand to make it tick. Timing is everything, especially when it comes to auto services. While you might think you're paying an arm and a leg every time you get an oil change or an alignment, you're actually saving yourself quite a lot of future money. Keeping a routine service schedule can make all the difference when it comes to the health of your ride. At Toyota of Clermont, we're here to explain a few auto services you probably don't want to skip. Because, if you do, you'll likely be spending more money than you needed to in the first place. If You Want to Preserve Your Cash, Don't Skip These 1) Oil Changes While it's an exceedingly simple Clermont auto service, the oil change is one of the most important to have done regularly. Motor oil is needed for your vehicle to function and going too long without a change can lead to terrible consequences. As debris and grime builds up in the engine your oil can become a detriment to your engine. Make sure to get your oil changed on a scheduled basis here at our Clermont Toyota auto service center. 2) Brake Pads A huge part of driving your Clermont Toyota car is stopping it, right? Your brake pads need to be maintained regularly as you tack on mileage. Brake pads can become thin over time and often need to be replaced to protect the rotors and keep your ride stopping consistently. If the rotors become compromised, you could be looking at a bill ranging into the hundreds of dollars. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> 3) Air Filter Replacement Your engine, unless you drive a Clermont Toyota EV, takes in air to combust fuel and drive. To keep bad air from entering into your engine compartment, your car uses an air filter. Naturally, this part can get dirty over time and needs to be cleaned and/or replaced as part of your auto service schedule. If you suspect that this part is compromised, make sure to have it inspected ASAP to avoid any long term damage. 4) Timing Belt Apart from intaking air and lighting gasoline on fire, your engine needs to be timed perfectly to run the way it's supposed to. To do this your Clermont Toyota car uses a timing belt. And yes, you guessed it, this part can eventually break or have issues. If this part were to snap or come dislodged while you're driving, it could severely damage other various pieces of your ride. Have this inspected regularly to keep your wallet in better fashion. 5) Tire Rotations Everyone hates paying for tires (it's not quite like paying for shoes) because they're so expensive to replace. While inevitably you'll have to replace your tires you can make them last longer while preserving your suspension system and wheels. It's recommended by our Clermont auto service techs that you have a tire rotation done each time you get an oil change. This will keep your tires lasting longer and will create an even wear pattern over time, keeping your suspension system in the best shape possible. Ready to schedule an appointment with Toyota of Clermont? Visit our website or swing by our auto service center at 16851 State Road 50 today!

Living in Clermont, we know a thing or two about summer. In the land of perpetual sunshine, it's no mystery that the sun can be a devastating thing for your ride. Your paint suffers and begins to fade away, your interior damaged from the heat, and your engine compartment will be working harder to stay cool. The best way to keep this process going is to make sure your car coolant is working correctly and add more if you need to. Toyota of Clermont is here with a quick guide on checking your coolant levels and how to troubleshoot should issues arise. Check it out! Summers are Hot. Keep it Cool(ant) The first step in troubleshooting or monitoring your Clermont car coolant levels is knowing how and where to look. Your coolant reservoir will be labeled with a yellow cap that reads "COOLANT" on many makes and models. You have to be careful, though. Pressure builds in the reservoir as you drive and could explode hot fluids on you if you open the cap too soon after driving. The best thing to do is wait until your engine is cool and then check. Your coolant reservoir should clock in or near the full line near the top of the container. If it's not, feel free to add some car coolant until you hit the right level. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the correct coolant type or talk to one of our auto service technicians here at Toyota of Clermont. Things to Watch Out For If you've done your coolant check and saw that it was low, it's time to go into auto service tech mode and diagnose the issue. Here are a few things to watch out for if you have an auto service issue or simply need to add more: Your actual reservoir level is low. This can be caused by a variety of things, but if you can't find any other issues it could be simply caused by your vehicle expending it over time. Your dashboard warning lights will indicate when you car coolant is low. The temperature gauge on your dash is too high. This is an obvious and alarming issue that could eventually lead to your engine overheating. This can be caused by low car coolant or your Clermont Toyota car has a blockage somewhere. There are odd puddles under your ride. Water is expelled naturally by your A/C condenser. If you notice different colored fluid leaking under your car, there's a problem for sure. You can smell coolant. Because of the antifreeze in many coolant types, there's a sickly-sweet smell attached. If you catch a whiff or an air of it, it's probably leaking somewhere. Driving with a low amount of car coolant can lead to a plethora of problems for your ride. Namely, an overheating engine. Closely monitor your coolant levels throughout the summer months and visit Toyota of Clermont if you have an issue you can't solve on your own. You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 today!

If you've stepped outside even for a moment recently, then you know that things are heating up pretty quickly. The infamous Central Florida summer is coming whether we like it or not, but the best way to make it tolerable is to be armed and ready for it... and by that, we mean having your car fully prepared to take on the rising temps. Hot weather means your car has to work even harder than it already is to stay cool, especially if you're moving at high speeds or traveling a long way, like highway driving. Your tires will also take a beating because the pavement gets so hot. Six ways to protect your car from the heat this summer Luckily, it doesn't have to cost you a ton of money or time to get your car prepped and ready to beat the heat. Check out these six quick tips from our Clermont car maintenance experts and take on summer with confidence. #1: Wax your car. Believe it or not, a coat or two of quality wax can protect your Clermont Toyota's paint from fading and other sun damage. Take the time to wash and wax your car regularly and if you need a little guidance our car care techs can point you in the right direction when it comes to an affordable but quality wax. #2: Check all fluids under the hood. Now is the time to check any and all fluids under the hood. Remember, fluids keep things working properly and also help keep your car cool under the hood so it can function properly. Make sure that your oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and wiper fluid are all full and clean before you try to take on the summer heat. #3: Give your tires a little TLC. As we said, your tires are going to be in direct contact with hot pavement all summer long. This can really do a number on them if they're already in bad shape. Have our Toyota of Clermont car care technicians examine them for you to ensure they're in good condition and are properly inflated to the right PSI level. This will not only save you money but also keep you safe. #4: Examine your wiper blades. Ah, the infamous summer thunderstorms. We get our fair share of rain in the Sunshine State during the summer season, and you need to be ready to drive in wet weather. Check the rubber on your wiper blades to make sure it's in good condition - if you see streaks or smears when you use them, you need new blades. #5: Make sure your A/C is up to par. There's nothing worse than having to tough out your commute without air-conditioning in the car. Make sure your A/C system is in top-notch shape BEFORE the heat arrives; have our Clermont Toyota techs examine it and take care of any necessary maintenance or repairs now so you can stay cool later. #6: Invest in tint and other accessories. Now would also be the time to maybe splurge a little. Tinting your windows will not only protect you and your car's interior from the sun but also keep the cabin cooler, and a sunshade is perfect for shielding the interior when you park. Additionally, a steering wheel cover and seat covers can protect your interior from sun damage over time. Let Toyota of Clermont's car care techs help you out Have questions or need to shop for  car care accessories? Call us! Toyota of Clermont is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001 and we're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.