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Are you due for a tire replacement? We know, we know - it's the last thing you want to contemplate. It's not always the cheapest endeavor to replace a car tire, but as a responsible car owner, it's part of the price you pay to have a well-maintained and reliable vehicle. Not to mention, your tires also play directly into your safety and fuel efficiency. But sometimes it can be hard to tell if the tire still has some life left in it, can be patched or plugged, or just simply needs to be replaced. Toyota of Clermont is here with 4 signs directly from our service techs to help you figure it out. Should you be scheduling a tire replacement? Sign #1: You can see obvious and serious physical damage. Can you spot serious damage to the tire? Sometimes a nail hole can be plugged or patched and you can get back on the road, but if your tire is damaged with tears, large punctures, bubbles, blisters, or sidewall separation, there's really no coming back from it. You'll need to get a tire replacement so you don't face a blowout in the near future, and our Clermont Toyota service center can help get you back out on the road quickly. Sign #2: One tire is losing pressure on a regular basis. Your tires lose pressure over time just because of wear and tear, and you may also notice them drop a little in terms of PSI when the weather gets cold (cold air is denser than warm air). However, if just one tire is regularly losing pressure and requiring you to add more air, then it may be time for a tire replacement. There's a reason for the leak and it's likely physical damage. Have our techs check it out. Sign #3: The tire fails the tread depth test. You need sufficient tread on your tires to provide you with traction to grip the road - when the tire has too little tread, you lose control of your vehicle, especially in slippery conditions. Put a penny in the tire tread with Abe Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, then your tread is too shallow and there's nothing you can do to fix it - it's time to just replace the tire and call it a day. Sign #4: Your car vibrates while in motion. Car vibrations can be caused by a host of issues but the tires are often a main culprit. When one tire is damaged, it knocks everything out of balance and causes an uncomfortable ride for you and your passengers. If you feel your car vibrating, bring it into Toyota of Clermont so our techs can check your tires and ensure you don't need a new one. Let Toyota of Clermont get you back out on the road Not sure if you're due for a tire replacement or looking for an affordable one? Come on in and see our Clermont auto service techs! We'll scope the situation and get you back on the road in no time. Call us at (352) 404-7001 or swing by 16851 State Road 50, seven days a week!

CONGRATULATIONS on buying your first car! It's a big investment, so being able to park your own vehicle in your driveway is a huge achievement. However, now that you've signed the dotted line it's time to think about how you're going to care for your new ride. Routine car care is essential to keep your vehicle performing at its peak and also to help keep its resale value high, so if you decide to sell it down the road you'll get the most bang for your buck. Unsure where to begin? Toyota of Clermont is here with 5 car care tips for first-time car buyers, straight from our expert auto service techs. Take care of your first car with these Toyota of Clermont tips #1: Get your vehicle on a car care schedule right away. Don't let car care slip to the wayside - get your ride on a schedule right away. It's essential to stay on a routine when it comes to basic car maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, inspections, etc. Luckily for you, our Toyota of Clermont techs can get you on a car maintenance schedule right away and then send you helpful reminders when you're due for your next appointment so you never have to worry. #2: Know how to handle car care emergencies before you hit the road. Do you know how to handle car care emergencies that might crop up? You should be able to deal efficiently with flat tires, overheated cars, and dead batteries, as well as know what to do after a car accident. Knowing how to handle these situations will save you time, stress, and money. #3: Get familiar with your owner's manual. You should always have your owner's manual nearby for reference - preferably in your glove box - but you should also familiarize yourself with it before you hit the road. This important manual can give you information about your car's recommended maintenance schedule, as well as the meanings of different warning lights. It'll also give you the basics, like which gasoline is best for your car and which oil you should use for oil changes. #4: Also get your car on a detailing schedule. It's important to get routine Clermont auto service for your car, but detailing it is another essential part of car care. You should make sure to vacuum, wipe down, and protect your car's interior (consider getting window tint or at least a sunshade) on a regular basis, as well as thoroughly wash the exterior and apply a coat of protective wax. This will defend your ride against rust, mold, and mildew as well as keep it looking like-new for higher resale value. #5: Do not ignore warning lights or odd smells/noises It's really, really tempting to pretend like you don't see that warning light in the dash or turn up the volume on the radio so you don't have to hear that weird sound. Don't give into it! Putting off a repair will almost always lead to a more expensive, serious, and time-consuming repair down the road. Nip the problem in the bud by bringing your ride to our Clermont car care specialists right away. Get on a car care schedule today Ready to get your ride on a routine car care schedule? Call us today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Summer is here! Temperatures have been climbing into the scorching territory lately and we're just in the beginning - it's going to heat up even more before the season calls it quits. When it's this hot out, you need to ensure that you're taking the proper precautions to keep your ride cool and protected. Check out these common summer car care mistakes that our Clermont auto service techs often see and make sure you're not making them. Read on! 5 summer car care mistakes you don't want to make #1: Not shielding your car from the sun The sun is strong during the summer and it can do major damage to your car both inside and out. You should stick to a car care schedule that includes washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis, using a sunshade to protect the dash, parking in the shade whenever possible, and getting your windows tinted to limit the sun exposure that your car's interior gets. #2: Not staying on an oil change schedule Oil is absolutely, positively essential in preventing your car from overheating. It keeps your engine cool so all the parts can move fluidly, the engine doesn't overheat, and you don't end up with a completely dead car that needs a replacement engine. Make sure you stick to a Clermont oil change schedule at all times, but especially in summer when temps are high and your engine is working overtime to maintain itself. #3: Not giving your tires the attention they deserve Hot weather can also take a toll on your tires. The pavement is hot, the hot air causes the air inside your tires to expand, and this combined with the friction of the tires moving on the pavement means you have the perfect storm for a blowout or flat. The best way to combat it? Stick to a car care schedule with your tires that encompasses visual inspections on a weekly basis for damage, checking the PSI often, and getting tire rotations as recommended so all four tires wear evenly. Toyota of Clermont can keep you on track all season long #4: Neglecting your cooling system As noted, your car has to work overtime to maintain its internal temps when the weather is hot. You should ensure that you lend a dose of car care to your cooling system - make sure you always have plenty of clean coolant in the tank and have the system inspected regularly at Toyota of Clermont so it can continue to do its job properly. #5: Not replacing your windshield wiper blades Summer means sun, but here in Clermont it also means almost regular daily downpours. Don't neglect your windshield wipers, as it can major impair your vision out on the road. Replace the blades regularly and inspect them for damage. You should be on the lookout for damage to the rubber strip, squealing noises, and smeared water when the wipers are in use. Need some help getting on a car care schedule, or want to shop car maintenance supplies? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

When it comes to buying a new car, you probably always feel a little nervous. After all, a car is a big, long-term investment. And that nervous feeling can be even worse when you're treading into unknown territories, like when you buy a hybrid car or an electric car after a lifetime of driving a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. However, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! One of the things we see customers get most nervous about is maintaining an electric car, which is a huge part of ownership. Will it cost more, or be more difficult? Check out our answers below. What does it cost to maintain an electric car? MAINTAINING You'd think that maintaining an electric car would be expensive and difficult. You'd also be wrong! Electric vehicles are actually cheaper and easier to maintain than their traditional internal combustion counterparts. Why? They have fewer parts, for starters. Internal combustion engines have hundreds of parts, including hoses, electrical components, and other elements that deteriorate over time and have to be both maintained and replaced to keep the car running. Electric cars, on the other hand, have maybe a dozen parts involved in keeping things up and running, with the big one being the lithium-ion battery. This means you'll have fewer parts to maintain and replace and subsequently, cheaper car maintenance costs. One caveat - the lithium-ion battery that we mentioned is expensive to replace. We're talking between $5,000 and $6,000. It's a far cry from the $15,000 repair it used to be, but it still can put a dent in your budget. That's why it's essential to stick to a car maintenance schedule at Toyota of Clermont so our techs can routinely inspect your car battery and ensure there are no leaks or defects that need to be addressed before the battery drains or fails. WARRANTIES But before you start worrying about the battery, let's talk about warranties. Many electric cars - including our Clermont Toyotas - come with extensive warranties that stretch 8 years/100,000 miles. This is to give you peace of mind that you won't have to ante up for major mechanical defects or issues on your new electric vehicle. You can additionally purchase extended warranties if you want to make the coverage last even longer. FUEL We have to mention fuel when it comes to electric cars because it's a very different experience to "fuel up" your electric Clermont Toyota. There are charging stations located throughout Central Florida, and these typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to charge your car completely. If you charge at home in the comfort of your own garage, you're looking at anywhere up to 12 hours to get a full charge. However, although this may take longer than gassing up at a gas station, it's vastly cheaper than getting gas and much more eco-friendly. Test drive today at Toyota of Clermont Are you ready to jump headfirst into the world of electric cars? Then head down to Toyota of Clermont to see what we have in store for you! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

Do you like to take a DIY approach to your car repairs? You're not alone - plenty of people prefer to tackle auto care in the comfort of their own garage with their own tools and expertise. However, some repairs are so intensive that they need to be left to the experts to prevent you from getting a huge repair bill down the road. Toyota of Clermont is here to tell you about 5 car repairs you should leave to our auto service experts for the best possible outcome! Which auto repairs should you avoid doing on your own? #1: Radiator replacement Replacing your radiator is no easy feat - it may sound like a simple swap, but your cooling system is a lot more intricate than you think. Plus, if you install this part incorrectly, you could face your vehicle overheating or even a blown engine... which can cost upwards of $5,000 to fix. Your cooling system is too important to your car's performance - leave it to our Clermont auto service experts. #2: Electrical issues The electrical system in your car is also pretty intricate. While replacing burnt out bulbs, fuses, and spark plugs may seem like child's play, larger issues require the expertise of a professional. It's easy to get confused with all the wiring and different assemblies, and a small mistake can lead to a big car repair bill down the road. #3: Timing belt replacement Your timing belt is crucial to so many key processes in the engine that it's considered to be a major repair. It's often expensive, unfortunately, because it's so labor-intensive, but there's no getting around it. Our Clermont auto service techs don't recommend tackling this car repair at home because you have disassemble a large chunk of your engine to even reach the belt in the first place and there's a lot of room for error. Let Toyota of Clermont's expert techs help you get your ride up and running again #4: Car computer issues In new cars, more and more processes are being controlled via computer systems. This means you need special tools AND expert knowledge to repair them and if you don't have both, you could do serious damage to your car. Remember, car computer systems control different sensors and perform diagnostics to keep your vehicle in top shape. When they go on the fritz, you'll have drive time issues to contend with and you don't want to make them worse by messing up the system. #5: Transmission repairs Your car's transmission is responsible for its ability to shift gears and get you where you need to go - and it's a BIG part. The transmission is a large chunk of the undercarriage of the car and there's a lot of room for mistakes when you attempt to repair it. Not only that, you'll often need special tools and expert knowledge to get the car repairs accomplished when it comes to the transmission. Our Clermont Toyota service techs highly recommend leaving this one to the pros. Think it's time to schedule car repairs with the experts? Call Toyota of Clermont today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000.

Auto repairs are inevitable when you own a vehicle. After all, a car is a financial investment and it costs money to maintain and keep in good condition. However, although some repairs are bound to be necessary, the more expensive ones can typically be avoided by giving your car a little TLC and sticking to a routine maintenance schedule (which our Clermont auto service techs are happy to set for you). Today we're talking some of the more expensive auto repairs and how you can do your best to avoid ever needing them. Don't let these auto repairs happen to you Repair #1: Blown head gasket A blown head gasket is actually a more common auto repair than you might think and it can spell big trouble for your car's engine - we're talking overheating, white smoke pouring out, and oil and/or coolant sprays inside the engine bay. Even worse, it can run you close to $2,000 to repair. Don't let it happen to you! Your best bet is to stick to a routine car care schedule where you give your coolant attention on a regular basis to ensure it's filled and clean at all times. Repair #2: Mass airflow sensor replacement Your engine depends on air circulating through it to work. The two main parts in charge of this are the air filter and the mass airflow sensor, and they're obviously linked. So when your air filter doesn't get replaced often enough, it can cause an issue with your mass airflow sensor that leads to you needing a replacement. This auto repair usually costs around $400... ouch. Instead of setting yourself up for it, just change your air filter on a routine basis to ensure clean air gets where it needs to go in the engine. Repair #3: Broken air conditioner compressor No one - we repeat, no one - wants to deal with summer in Florida with a busted air conditioner in their car. But if your A/C compressor gives out, you're either shelling out close to $500 or spending your summer sweaty. You can keep adding freon to the system for a quick fix, but it won't last long and that expense can add up over time. Prevent this auto repair by scheduling Clermont Toyota service for your car's A/C system on a routine basis and letting our techs check it out so they can fix problems before they become big issues. Repair #4: Brake line replacement A brake line may seem like a small part in the grand scheme of things and it is - but when it needs to be replaced, it can cost you big bucks. We're talking close to $1,000. Plus, it's affecting your car's braking system, which means you're putting your safety at risk. Don't let this auto repair come to fruition; instead, schedule routine Clermont brake service so our techs can stop issues before they start. Toyota of Clermont can help you stick to a service schedule Don't let your wallet take a hit - head off these repairs before they're needed! Let our Clermont car service techs get you on a schedule today and come in for a free multi-point inspection. We're conveniently located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike, and you can schedule service at (352) 404-7001.

It’s rainy season in Central Florida and that means having the most reliable pair of car wiper blades for your vehicle is key to safe summer driving. Whether it’s a pop-up storm cloud or day-long thunderstorm, maintaining optimum driving visibility means knowing when your wiper blades need a replacement, and Toyota of Clermont is happy to help! While car wiper blades aren’t the most glamorous of car fixings, maintenance of your blades will keep you and your passengers safe while you travel this summer. Not sure how to troubleshoot? Look at the rubber! Over time, wear and tear can cause the lining of the car wiper blades to crack and split. If the streaks and lines on your windshield are starting to annoy you, chances are your car wiper blades are too dirty and you might be overdue for a new pair. Other signs of car wiper damage include: Loud grinding noises Bent frames Windshield grime and dirt left on the glass The inability for your blades to reach their full resting position in between wipes. If you need help identifying other worrisome signs, contact one of our Toyota of Clermont auto service techs for assistance! What are the different types of car wiper blades? Our Toyota of Clermont store offers a variety of car wiper blades to suit your very specific needs. Some of our options include: Traditional frame-style wipers Traditional car wiper blades usually have metal framing and a backed-strip made of halogen-hardened rubber or squeegee rubber. These are the most common windshield wipers because of their affordability. Winter wipers Winter wipers provide optimal functionality for harsh weather conditions like ice and snow. These blades carry a rubber shell which allows the wiper framing to remain untouched by these conditions. You won’t see many of these in Central Florida. Beam-style wipers Beam-style wiper blades are made of a solid piece of rubber. Providing a multitude of pressure points and flat design, these car wiper blades hug your Toyota of Clermont vehicle for maximum visibility efficiency. These are usually the most expensive, but maintain a higher life-span and provide the most sleek design. Now that you’ve figured out which car wiper blades suit your specific needs, you might be wondering where to begin the purchasing and installation process. Make sure to check your car’s manual to identify the right wiper blade size for your vehicle or contact an auto service expert at our Clermont location. After you’ve chosen the right blade for your vehicle, here are some tips on installing and maintaining your blades for a maximum lifespan: Remembering to check and replace your blades may often skip your mind, but one way to alleviate that problem is by keeping tabs on your wiper look during your monthly car maintenance checks. When in doubt, check your blades every six months and change them once every year. Make sure to install your wiper blades in pairs. It could be quite troublesome to remember how old each individual blade is at the end of every year. Replace them at the same time for optimal performance. Gently wipe your car blades with a squeegee to remove any loose dirt, oil or debris from the rubber to increase longevity. To install your wipers, follow the instructions provided on the back of the packaging. When in doubt, contact the Toyota of Clermont auto service team for help! Streaky, noisy, grimey blades? Toyota of Clermont can help! If you have any questions or concerns, we’ve got your back! Our friendly, highly- trained auto service techs at Toyota of Clermont are eager to help you with your new blades at a price you’ll love. Call us at (352) 404-7000 to speak with a representative and schedule an appointment today!

Is lovebug season bringing you down? You're not alone - the Southeast is plagued with these pesky insects a few times a year and the damage they can do to your ride is seriously stressful. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here to help you battle lovebug season like a pro and save your car's paint from major damage. Check it out! Why do lovebugs do so much damage to your car? Before we talk tips, let's talk lovebugs and the ins and outs of these pests. While some people believe the myth that these insects were created in a lab at the University of Florida and accidentally released, they're actually native to Central and South America. They don't bite or sting and they also don't do any damage to plants or crops - really, the only damage they manage is to your car's paint because they're highly acidic and can eat right through it. They're even useful when it comes to natural recycling, as their larvae eat decomposing plant and animal products. But they're annoying nonetheless and like we mentioned, they can ruin your ride's paint if you're not careful. Check out our Clermont Toyota service tips for combating them below. #1: Wash your car often and ASAP. Wash your car often - daily, if you can - and as soon as you get home. The longer you leave lovebugs on your car's paint the more likely they are to do damage to it and the harder it will be to scrub them off. Do your best to remove them from your vehicle every time you drive as soon as you can to avoid or minimize damage. #2: Apply two coats of high-quality wax. After you wash your car, our Clermont Toyota service reps recommend applying two coats of high-quality wax. This will create a barrier between your ride and the bugs, meaning less chance of paint damage. Not sure which wax to use? Our Toyota of Clermont parts store can point you in the right direction. #3: Use dryer sheets when washing. Believe it or not, washing your car and using dryer sheets to gently scrub the dead bugs off can really make things look like-new again. Just be careful not to scrub too hard - you don't want to leave scuff marks in the paint. #4: Try driving at night instead of during the day if you're traveling long distances. Lovebugs tend to swarm during the day so if you're going to do some distance driving, try to plan it after sundown so you're less likely to encounter them. #5: Invest in a car mask, a grille filter, or a wind screen. All of these car accessories can be ordered through our parts store and they'll help protect the paint on your car from the acidity of the bugs. #6: Consider cooking spray as a last resort. Cooking spray can sometimes help the onslaught by making the surface of your car slick, but be sure to check that the oils won't damage your car's paint and be sure to wash all oil off thoroughly so it doesn't leave streaks after you wash. Shop battle supplies at Toyota of Clermont Want more tips or need to shop for supplies to battle the season? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7001!

Does shopping for car parts confuse you? You're not alone - a vehicle is a complex object and if you don't understand all the ins and outs of how it operates, it can be pretty intimidating to buy the components to keep it running. However, you're in good hands with Toyota of Clermont. We have skilled parts specialists at our dealership who can help you choose, locate, and order/purchase the right car parts for your ride. We also have a fully stocked parts store onsite for you to browse. And to top it all off, we've gathered answers to some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to auto parts. Start building your parts knowledge below! What do you need to know about car parts before you start shopping? Question #1: What's the difference between OEM and Aftermarket parts? OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer - these parts are made by the manufacturer that makes the car. For example, Toyota makes Toyota parts. These parts are designed by the manufacturer specifically for the makes and models they offer. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are designed by non-manufacturer companies. When you use aftermarket car parts, you'll want to check that they're compatible with your car and also that they don't void any warranties or lease agreements that you might have on the vehicle. Question #2: Where can I buy OEM parts? Toyota of Clermont! We're a retailer of Toyota parts, making your life easy. Come in and shop our store or chat with one of our specialists to place an online order for the car parts you need. Question #3: Where can I buy aftermarket parts? You can buy aftermarket parts a lot of places - the internet, auto shops, etc. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller and always ask if there are any warranties available. And don't forget to check compatibility, your existing warranties, and your lease agreement if you have one. Question #4: Can I buy used car parts for my vehicle? Technically, yes. Do we recommend it? No. Buying used parts isn't a smart investment, in our opinion. Yes, they're cheaper. But they've already gone through wear and tear on another vehicle which means they'll likely need repairs or wear out faster than a new part, costing you more money. Is it worth it long-term? Question #5: What should I do with my old parts when I'm done with them? You can't just throw old parts in the trash - it's not that simple. If you need to get rid of old or damaged parts, try selling them back to a parts dealer or parts shop, selling them for scrap metal, or if all else fails, recycle them. Let Toyota of Clermont help you find and purchase the right parts for your ride Want some assistance when it comes to shopping and ordering Toyota parts? Or maybe you just need an expert opinion. Either way, contact Toyota of Clermont today! You can reach us seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

When it comes to car care, are you a bit baffled by what goes on under the hood? You're not the only one. Plenty of people are unnerved by the inner workings of their car and would prefer to pass the keys off to someone more experienced. However, even that can be anxiety-inducing - how do you know if they're really on your side and are going to give you the best advice AND pricing to keep your car in the best shape? Toyota of Clermont wants to help by educating you when it comes to what's under the hood. We've answered five common car care questions and you can explore the information below. What do you want to know about car care? Question #1: Can I switch from conventional oil to synthetic? What about synthetic to conventional? Yes - most of the time. Some drivers like to use conventional oil because it's what they're accustomed to and because it's cheaper than synthetic (but doesn't last as long). Other drivers lean toward synthetic because it burns cleaner, lasts longer, and some swear it even improves performance. You can choose whichever you like as long as your car doesn't call for a specific type of motor oil. Ask our car care experts - some cars HAVE to use synthetic oil and using conventional could damage them. Question #2: Should I pay more attention to my owner's manual, my technician, or my instrument panel when it comes to routine car service? You should always pay the most attention to your instrument panel in your car. The warning lights illuminate for a reason, after all. Next, listen to your car care technician. When they're working on your car at Toyota of Clermont, they'll do a multi-point inspection to look for any other issues and can advise you as to which services you need and when. Finally, use your owner's manual as a backup reference for a car care schedule. Question #3: Are winter tires really necessary? Not all the time, but sometimes, yes. If you're a resident in the southern United States, chances are your all-weather tires will suit you just fine throughout the winter. If you live in a colder climate that sees heavy snow, extreme cold, and lots of ice, then you need to schedule a car care appointment to change out your tires. Winter tires are better suited to extreme cold and are more pliable in these conditions, giving them better traction. Question #4: Do I have to replace my timing belt? YES. There's no getting around it - we know that it's expensive, but it's totally necessary. Your timing belt ensures that everything is running smoothly under the hood and if it gives out, you could face a whole host of other issues. Additionally, did you know that if it breaks while the car is in motion, it can damage other parts of your engine? Visit Toyota of Clermont for this car care appointment today. Question #5: Will using premium gasoline improve my fuel efficiency? Nope. This is a common myth. Using premium gasoline won't improve any aspect of your car's performance. In fact, you only need it if your car specifically calls for it. Save yourself some money at the pump! Schedule your car's service at Toyota of Clermont Have more car care questions? Think it's time to schedule service for your ride? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7001.

Did you know that hurricane season officially kicks off in Central Florida on June 1? It may seem like it's ages away, but in all actuality, it's less than 8 weeks away. If you want to save yourself a major headache when the time arrives, then you should prep your car with the appropriate auto service NOW. Whether you plan to stay in town and weather the storm or evacuate and hit the highway,  you want your car to be in top-notch condition when the time arrives for your safety and sanity. Toyota of Clermont's auto service techs are here with a few suggestions to help you get ready for hurricane season 2019. Which auto services should you schedule ahead of hurricane season? Tip 1: Take care of all the auto repairs you've been putting off. It's easy to put off auto repairs that don't seem like a big deal now. Why rush to fix that small crack in your windshield? Your tires may be on their last leg, but they'll do for a little while longer. However, the last thing you want is an auto repair emergency when you're trying to deal with a hurricane - that small crack could quickly become larger and spiderweb out, and worn tires can lead to a blowout. Take care of any Clermont auto repairs that you've been delaying NOW so you don't have to deal with them while you're also dealing with dangerous weather. Tip 2: Get on a routine auto service schedule NOW. Are you on an auto service schedule? You should be. Getting routine car maintenance like oil changes, coolant checks, brake service, battery inspections, and tire rotations is imperative to your car's longevity and reliable performance. You don't want to face an overheated engine or a dead battery when you're trying to get out of town. Let Toyota of Clermont's techs get you on a schedule today. They can set up your initial service and then send you reminders at the right intervals when you need to come back for another visit. Tip 3: Get regular multi-point inspections. A multi-point inspection can save you a lot of time and money. (And good news - we conduct them for free at Toyota of Clermont when you visit us for auto service.) During your inspection, our techs will make sure everything is in working order. They'll also be able to spot developing issues and fix them BEFORE they become major and costly repairs. Plus, they can make recommendations on how to keep your car in the best shape possible. Schedule yours today! And don't forget to stock your car. Keep a flashlight, jumper cables, a first air kit, a spare tire and jack, a paper map, and a cell phone charger with you at all times so when the time to evacuate comes, you can concentrate on the important things. Let Toyota of Clermont help you make hurricane prep simple Want to get on a routine auto service schedule? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7001 or swing by and see us in person at 16851 State Road 50. We're just off the Florida Turnpike.

Here in the shiny city of Clermont, Florida, it’s almost time for summer and that means its time to break out your best swimsuit and plan a trip to the beach. But, before you head to the sandy shores to carve some waves, it’s a great time to soak up some sun with a good old-fashioned car wash! Summer time means hotter temperatures and more intense sun rays and that can do a number on your car if left unchecked with dirt and grime on the paint. If you’re unsure how to put that bucket and sponge set to good use, check out this guide from us at Toyota of Clermont and optimize your car wash! Car Wash Tips for the Pros Make Sure you ACTUALLY Need a Car Wash We know you’re excited to bust out the hose, the buckets, and the sponges, but you need to evaluate your vehicle’s level of dirt and what kind of wash you’re going to need. Not every car wash requires an arsenal of sponges and powerful scrubbing. Depending on how dirty your Clermont Toyota vehicle is, you could just need a simple waxing or the works. Make Sure to Read the Labels on Your Cleaning Supplies With a bucket full of car wash products, it can get confusing figuring out exactly what these products all do. Make sure you read the labels before using any of the products at your disposal to ensure that you don’t cause damage to your car. Use the 2 or 3 Bucket System Traditionally, using one bucket during your car wash seemed like a good idea. But, when you think about it, if you’re rinsing your sponge and getting soap out of the same bucket, are you really getting a clean wash for your Clermont Toyota car? By using an additional bucket or two during the wash, you can use one specifically for rinsing and keep your sponges and water clean. Rinse Before Washing Do you put water on your tooth brush before brushing your teeth? If so, rinsing your car before washing is a lot like that. Giving your vehicle a good rinse before the rest of your car wash will help loosen up dirt and grime before taking a sponge to the paint. Check for Scratches and Blemishes The dirt on your Clermont Toyota vehicle can hide a lot, including blemishes and damage that you didn’t know was there. Make sure to look for these problem spots after your car wash. Don’t Forget the Windows Your car’s windows are your only way to see into the outside world and they need to be cleaned to ensure a perfect view. To wash your windows, use an auto glass cleaner that isn’t ammonia based. Give Your Car a Shoe Shine (Wash the Wheels and Tires) Having a clean vehicle with dirty wheels just looks silly and breaks the clean look. Make sure you pay special attention to the wheels and tires during the wash. Use a sponge that can get into the nooks and crannies of your rims and use a tire shine to give your tires a youthful look. Need more car wash tips or a wash from our auto service experts? Come visit Toyota of Clermont today! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50 and open seven days a week.