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Part of responsible car ownership is keeping your ride clean and tidy at all times. Not only does it make your drivetime that much more pleasant, but it also helps keep the resale value high. However, we know some drivers are on a budget and it can be tough to buy expensive car detailing supplies when you're trying to cut costs. Toyota of Clermont is here to help with the assistance of our car detailing experts - our auto service techs! Check out these easy ways to detail your car while still sticking to your budget. Car detailing on a budget: the interior If your fabric seats need a little bit of freshening up, try using regular dish soap, warm water, and a sponge (make sure you give them plenty of time to dry). If you have a stubborn stain, you can mix baking soda and water (1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup warm water) to make a paste. Scrub the stain, wipe it clean, and let dry! Club soda is also a great stain remover if you're in a pinch, according to our Clermont auto service specialists. You don't have to buy expensive car detailing supplies to clean the interior of your car - believe it or not, some olive oil on a soft cloth is a great way to wipe down vinyl, SofTex, leather, and plastic and get it looking like new again. If your car has any odors lingering inside of it, they can be tough to get rid of. However, it's easy and inexpensive to get rid of them! You can put a small bag of charcoal under a front seat - charcoal is a great odor absorber. To freshen things up, putting some dryer sheets under the seats can help. Another easy fix? Sprinkle the upholstery, carpet, and any other fabric surfaces with scented baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. Car detailing on a budget: the exterior We know that special car detailing soaps can add up - but luckily, you don't have to buy them if you're on a budget. However, resist the urge to use regular dish soap on the exterior of your Clermont Toyota. It can actually do damage to your car's paint; the chemicals in it can strip your vehicle of its protective coating. It's a much more cost-effective solution to use a bit of hair conditioner in warm water. The exterior of your car will repel water AND look super shiny! Need to give your windows a once-over? Using ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex) can do damage to the glass and your tint, so avoid it. Instead, mix vinegar with warm water and clean your windows with that mixture and crumpled newspaper. Newspaper is actually more durable than paper towels, and it won't leave those tiny white flecks all over the window after you clean. Have questions about car detailing on a budget? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000!

Part of responsible car ownership is keeping your ride clean and tidy at all times. Not only does it make your drivetime that much more pleasant, but it also helps keep the resale value high. However, we know some drivers are on a budget and it can be tough to buy expensive car detailing supplies when you're trying to cut costs. Toyota of Clermont is here to help with the assistance of our car detailing experts - our auto service techs! Check out these easy ways to detail your car while still sticking to your budget. Car detailing on a budget: the interior If your fabric seats need a little bit of freshening up, try using regular dish soap, warm water, and a sponge (make sure you give them plenty of time to dry). If you have a stubborn stain, you can mix baking soda and water (1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup warm water) to make a paste. Scrub the stain, wipe it clean, and let dry! Club soda is also a great stain remover if you're in a pinch, according to our Clermont auto service specialists. You don't have to buy expensive car detailing supplies to clean the interior of your car - believe it or not, some olive oil on a soft cloth is a great way to wipe down vinyl, SofTex, leather, and plastic and get it looking like new again. If your car has any odors lingering inside of it, they can be tough to get rid of. However, it's easy and inexpensive to get rid of them! You can put a small bag of charcoal under a front seat - charcoal is a great odor absorber. To freshen things up, putting some dryer sheets under the seats can help. Another easy fix? Sprinkle the upholstery, carpet, and any other fabric surfaces with scented baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, and then vacuum it up. Car detailing on a budget: the exterior We know that special car detailing soaps can add up - but luckily, you don't have to buy them if you're on a budget. However, resist the urge to use regular dish soap on the exterior of your Clermont Toyota. It can actually do damage to your car's paint; the chemicals in it can strip your vehicle of its protective coating. It's a much more cost-effective solution to use a bit of hair conditioner in warm water. The exterior of your car will repel water AND look super shiny! Need to give your windows a once-over? Using ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex) can do damage to the glass and your tint, so avoid it. Instead, mix vinegar with warm water and clean your windows with that mixture and crumpled newspaper. Newspaper is actually more durable than paper towels, and it won't leave those tiny white flecks all over the window after you clean. Have questions about car detailing on a budget? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000!

When you make your list of car care to-dos, you probably have items like oil changes, tire rotations, and detailing near the top. However, you might want to add one more item up there in the top five section of the list - brake service. This auto service is critical to performance and safety, and it should be performed regularly at our Clermont Toyota service center to ensure that you have full stopping power on your side at all times. Toyota of Clermont is here to explain what brake service is and what you can expect when you drop your car off for it at our car care center. What's in your car's braking system? Before we can properly explain what happens during brake service at our Clermont car care center, we have to go into a little more depth concerning your brake system and what's in it. Here's the basic breakdown of the main components: Brake pads: Your brake pads are thin pads that, when you press your brake pedal, press against your rotor to create friction. This friction is what slows your vehicle and brings it to a safe stop. Calipers: The calipers are metal pieces that hold your brake pads in place and when you press the brake pedal, they press the pads against the rotors to create the aforementioned friction. Rotors: The rotors are metal discs that the brake pads press against to slow and stop your vehicle. Brake lines and fluid: Your brake lines connect your brake pedal to the rest of the braking system. Brake fluid ensures that the entire system runs smoothly. What happens during brake service at Toyota of Clermont Now, let's talk about what happens when you actually bring your car to Toyota of Clermont for brake service. We're walking you through it step-by-step (courtesy of our expert brake service techs) so you have a full understanding of what's going on in the service bays. First, our techs will do an inspection of the entire braking system from top to bottom. They'll look for any existing or developing issues to ensure that your system as a whole is in good shape and doesn't need any out-of-the-ordinary repairs or service. Next, they'll take a look at your car's brake pads. If the pads are thick enough, they'll call it a day; if the pads are too thin, they'll need to be replaced to prevent damage to the rotors. The next step is to inspect the calipers. If they're dirty or rusted, our Clermont auto service techs will sand them down so they offer optimal performance in the future. If they're clean and rust-free, our techs will just lubricate them and move on. Then it's time to take a peek at the rotors. Our brake service techs will inspect them for any damage or rusting and proceed accordingly. Finally, our techs will look at the brake lines and brake fluid. If the lines are in good shape (free of leaks or excessive wear) and the fluid is full and clean, they'll move on (or perform a brake fluid flush). Need to schedule brake service at Toyota of Clermont? Call us today at (352) 404-7000 and don't forget to ask about our Toyota service specials!

When you make your list of car care to-dos, you probably have items like oil changes, tire rotations, and detailing near the top. However, you might want to add one more item up there in the top five section of the list - brake service. This auto service is critical to performance and safety, and it should be performed regularly at our Clermont Toyota service center to ensure that you have full stopping power on your side at all times. Toyota of Clermont is here to explain what brake service is and what you can expect when you drop your car off for it at our car care center. What's in your car's braking system? Before we can properly explain what happens during brake service at our Clermont car care center, we have to go into a little more depth concerning your brake system and what's in it. Here's the basic breakdown of the main components: Brake pads: Your brake pads are thin pads that, when you press your brake pedal, press against your rotor to create friction. This friction is what slows your vehicle and brings it to a safe stop. Calipers: The calipers are metal pieces that hold your brake pads in place and when you press the brake pedal, they press the pads against the rotors to create the aforementioned friction. Rotors: The rotors are metal discs that the brake pads press against to slow and stop your vehicle. Brake lines and fluid: Your brake lines connect your brake pedal to the rest of the braking system. Brake fluid ensures that the entire system runs smoothly. What happens during brake service at Toyota of Clermont Now, let's talk about what happens when you actually bring your car to Toyota of Clermont for brake service. We're walking you through it step-by-step (courtesy of our expert brake service techs) so you have a full understanding of what's going on in the service bays. First, our techs will do an inspection of the entire braking system from top to bottom. They'll look for any existing or developing issues to ensure that your system as a whole is in good shape and doesn't need any out-of-the-ordinary repairs or service. Next, they'll take a look at your car's brake pads. If the pads are thick enough, they'll call it a day; if the pads are too thin, they'll need to be replaced to prevent damage to the rotors. The next step is to inspect the calipers. If they're dirty or rusted, our Clermont auto service techs will sand them down so they offer optimal performance in the future. If they're clean and rust-free, our techs will just lubricate them and move on. Then it's time to take a peek at the rotors. Our brake service techs will inspect them for any damage or rusting and proceed accordingly. Finally, our techs will look at the brake lines and brake fluid. If the lines are in good shape (free of leaks or excessive wear) and the fluid is full and clean, they'll move on (or perform a brake fluid flush). Need to schedule brake service at Toyota of Clermont? Call us today at (352) 404-7000 and don't forget to ask about our Toyota service specials!

Have you ever had to have auto glass repair handled for your car? It's a pretty important facet of car care - if your Clermont Toyota suffers damage to the windows or windshield, it's not something you can put off repairing or ignore for a few months. Your auto glass has an essential role in your drive time; it protects you from the elements, keeps the outside outside, and keeps you comfortable inside the cabin of your car. However, auto glass damage does occur in your day-to-day drivetime, and Toyota of Clermont is here to give you the ins and outs of it! Toyota of Clermont explains auto glass repair Auto glass damage can happen to your windows or windshield in the blink of an eye. It usually occurs because road debris flies up and hits the glass and damages it. This damage typically starts as a chip in the upper layer of the glass, but it slowly starts to weaken the glass' structure, which leads to cracks that spiderweb out from it. Even a pebble can do some serious damage to your car's glass if not attended to, which is why it's so critical to take care of auto glass repair as soon as you possibly can. Cracked or damaged glass poses a serious risk to you AND your passengers. So how do you know if you can repair the glass in your Clermont Toyota or if it needs to be replaced altogether? Here's the basic rule of thumb: if the damage is smaller than a quarter and doesn't have those spiderwebby cracks extending from it, you can usually just repair the glass. However, that may leave a small imperfection in the glass, so be sure to ask your technician if that's going to happen if you're not OK with it. If the damage is larger than a quarter or has cracks extending from it, you'll likely need an auto glass replacement. Here's the good news - in the great state of Florida, auto glass repair and replacement is FREE under your car insurance policy! That's right - you don't even have to pay a deductible. You should report the damage to your insurance company as quickly as possible and file a claim so they can direct you to or even send you a technician to repair or replace the glass in question. If you don't have insurance (by the way, you should) or live in a state that doesn't cover auto glass under insurance, you may need to pay a deductible at a Clermont body shop. It can cost upwards of $100 to repair a chip and upwards of $400 to replace a windshield, so be sure to ask your body shop what the costs will be so you're not shell-shocked when you get the bill. Call Toyota of Clermont with auto glass questions today! Have more questions? Our Clermont Toyota service center can help get you the answers you need. Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000 and were conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50!

Have you ever had to have auto glass repair handled for your car? It's a pretty important facet of car care - if your Clermont Toyota suffers damage to the windows or windshield, it's not something you can put off repairing or ignore for a few months. Your auto glass has an essential role in your drive time; it protects you from the elements, keeps the outside outside, and keeps you comfortable inside the cabin of your car. However, auto glass damage does occur in your day-to-day drivetime, and Toyota of Clermont is here to give you the ins and outs of it! Toyota of Clermont explains auto glass repair Auto glass damage can happen to your windows or windshield in the blink of an eye. It usually occurs because road debris flies up and hits the glass and damages it. This damage typically starts as a chip in the upper layer of the glass, but it slowly starts to weaken the glass' structure, which leads to cracks that spiderweb out from it. Even a pebble can do some serious damage to your car's glass if not attended to, which is why it's so critical to take care of auto glass repair as soon as you possibly can. Cracked or damaged glass poses a serious risk to you AND your passengers. So how do you know if you can repair the glass in your Clermont Toyota or if it needs to be replaced altogether? Here's the basic rule of thumb: if the damage is smaller than a quarter and doesn't have those spiderwebby cracks extending from it, you can usually just repair the glass. However, that may leave a small imperfection in the glass, so be sure to ask your technician if that's going to happen if you're not OK with it. If the damage is larger than a quarter or has cracks extending from it, you'll likely need an auto glass replacement. Here's the good news - in the great state of Florida, auto glass repair and replacement is FREE under your car insurance policy! That's right - you don't even have to pay a deductible. You should report the damage to your insurance company as quickly as possible and file a claim so they can direct you to or even send you a technician to repair or replace the glass in question. If you don't have insurance (by the way, you should) or live in a state that doesn't cover auto glass under insurance, you may need to pay a deductible at a Clermont body shop. It can cost upwards of $100 to repair a chip and upwards of $400 to replace a windshield, so be sure to ask your body shop what the costs will be so you're not shell-shocked when you get the bill. Call Toyota of Clermont with auto glass questions today! Have more questions? Our Clermont Toyota service center can help get you the answers you need. Call us today! We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000 and were conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50!

Are you sick of trying to keep your car clean and looking like new? It can be a challenge, we know. You face dirt, grime, road debris, sand from the beach, and water spots from the daily rain we seem to face here in Central Florida. It can be a serious challenge to keep your car's paint looking like new and requires a lot of elbow grease on your end. Plus, it's continuous upkeep that you have to stay on top of if you want to keep your car's resale value high. However, our Clermont auto service techs may have the solution - ceramic coating. Ceramic coating basics What is ceramic coating? To put it as simply as possible, it's sort of like a longer-lasting car wax. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that's applied by hand to your car's exterior paint; it's put on similarly to a coat of wax and requires special attention to ensure that it's applied evenly. However, it's different than wax in that it lasts A LOT longer. It's a permanent or semi-permanent bond (depending on the product you choose) and it doesn't break down easily as wax does. It won't come off when you wash your car, and you won't have to reapply it every few months as you do with a car wax. That in itself is a benefit; you won't have to spend an hour in the garage rewaxing your car every few months. However, there are multiple other benefits to ceramic coating and our Clermont auto repair techs are here to explain them to you. What are the benefits of this product for your Clermont Toyota? Benefit #1: Your car will be easier to clean. Ceramic coating is hydrophobic so it repels water. This means dirt, mud, and grime won't stick as easily to your car - instead, it'll bead up and slide off without a whole lot of effort (which means a lot more rinsing and a lot less scrubbing on your behalf). Benefit #2: You'll have a lot more protection for your paint and in turn, your car. Ceramic coating repels water, which means it repels moisture (and in turn can help ward off rust and other water-related damage). Additionally, it can protect your car's paint from fading and dulling due to UV rays and oxidization as well as chemical stains (like when you hit a cloud of lovebugs). It can even ward off some small chips and scratches from road debris. Benefit #3: Your car will just LOOK better. Ceramic coating keeps your paint's shine high so you'll always have a glossy look to it like you just drove off the lot. The different types of ceramic coating and how much they cost There are many different types of ceramic coating that you can choose from your Clermont Toyota. The different types come with different processes and prices. If you're inquiring about which type of ceramic coating is best for your Car, Toyota of Clermont experts are here to help you. Let's get into the details. Two different types of ceramic coating Professional Grade Ceramic Coatings: This kind of ceramic coating is a professional grade for your Clermont Toyota. Professional grade ceramic coatings are ones where you go to a specialist to apply this to your Car. These are usually more expensive than consumer-grade ceramic coatings, although they provide more quality and reliability. In addition, these can last up to 10 years. Consumer Grade Ceramic Coatings: These are ceramic coatings that you can do on your own. These run to be cheaper than the professional grade ceramic coatings, however, they require more work, and there's more room for possible error. There are also two types of consumer-grade ceramic coatings you can choose if you want to go the do-it-yourself route. Let's get into the details about both of these options. These can last up to one to three years. Spray Coatings: You can apply this from a spray can directly to your Car's exterior. It's similar to spray on wax, where you spray it on a clean surface and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. DIY Ceramic Coatings: These can be purchased by anyone online on Amazon or auto detailing websites. They are more affordable options and require more detailing experience. Different areas that you can apply it: Body Paint Glass Wheel Trim How much to ceramic coat a car? Professional Grade Ceramic Coating It can cost from $250 to $3000 Consumer Grade Ceramic Coating Spray coating: $15 to 100 DIY Ceramic Coating: $50 to $100 per ceramic coating kit. However, prices may vary based on location, process, where you're getting it done, and your car model. Why it can be worth the money? Ceramic Coatings are great for protecting your Car's exterior paint and durability. Unfortunately, you may have to pay extra for this to be done to your Car. However, it's worth the money because it adds convenience to everyday driving conditions like mud on your Clermont Toyota. In addition, it protects the integrity of your exterior and sustains a better quality appearance every day and in the long run. Are you looking for a place to get your ceramic coating done? Check out Toyota of Clermont's body shop for this service. How does it affect resale value? If you're looking to trade in your Car or sell your Car, there are a few things to consider. One of those is the condition of your Car. Ceramic coatings on your Clermont Toyota keep your Car's exterior paint maintained and, in return, affects your resale value by eliminating costs. Those costs could include retouching, repairing, or replacing the Car's paint over time. Again, this keeps your Car's value high. Curious as to how this unique product can protect and restore your car? We've got all the answers you need and can help you decide if this product is right for your ride. Call Toyota of Clermont to chat with one of our auto service techs! We're here seven days a week at (352) 404-7001. You can also swing by to see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike!

Are you sick of trying to keep your car clean and looking like new? It can be a challenge, we know. You face dirt, grime, road debris, sand from the beach, and water spots from the daily rain we seem to face here in Central Florida. It can be a serious challenge to keep your car's paint looking like new and requires a lot of elbow grease on your end. Plus, it's continuous upkeep that you have to stay on top of if you want to keep your car's resale value high. However, our Clermont auto service techs may have the solution - ceramic coating. Ceramic coating basics What is ceramic coating? To put it as simply as possible, it's sort of like a longer-lasting car wax. Ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that's applied by hand to your car's exterior paint; it's put on similarly to a coat of wax and requires special attention to ensure that it's applied evenly. However, it's different than wax in that it lasts A LOT longer. It's a permanent or semi-permanent bond (depending on the product you choose) and it doesn't break down easily as wax does. It won't come off when you wash your car, and you won't have to reapply it every few months as you do with a car wax. That in itself is a benefit; you won't have to spend an hour in the garage rewaxing your car every few months. However, there are multiple other benefits to ceramic coating and our Clermont auto repair techs are here to explain them to you. What are the benefits of this product for your Clermont Toyota? Benefit #1: Your car will be easier to clean. Ceramic coating is hydrophobic so it repels water. This means dirt, mud, and grime won't stick as easily to your car - instead, it'll bead up and slide off without a whole lot of effort (which means a lot more rinsing and a lot less scrubbing on your behalf). Benefit #2: You'll have a lot more protection for your paint and in turn, your car. Ceramic coating repels water, which means it repels moisture (and in turn can help ward off rust and other water-related damage). Additionally, it can protect your car's paint from fading and dulling due to UV rays and oxidization as well as chemical stains (like when you hit a cloud of lovebugs). It can even ward off some small chips and scratches from road debris. Benefit #3: Your car will just LOOK better. Ceramic coating keeps your paint's shine high so you'll always have a glossy look to it like you just drove off the lot. The different types of ceramic coating and how much they cost There are many different types of ceramic coating that you can choose from your Clermont Toyota. The different types come with different processes and prices. If you're inquiring about which type of ceramic coating is best for your Car, Toyota of Clermont experts are here to help you. Let's get into the details. Two different types of ceramic coating Professional Grade Ceramic Coatings: This kind of ceramic coating is a professional grade for your Clermont Toyota. Professional grade ceramic coatings are ones where you go to a specialist to apply this to your Car. These are usually more expensive than consumer-grade ceramic coatings, although they provide more quality and reliability. In addition, these can last up to 10 years. Consumer Grade Ceramic Coatings: These are ceramic coatings that you can do on your own. These run to be cheaper than the professional grade ceramic coatings, however, they require more work, and there's more room for possible error. There are also two types of consumer-grade ceramic coatings you can choose if you want to go the do-it-yourself route. Let's get into the details about both of these options. These can last up to one to three years. Spray Coatings: You can apply this from a spray can directly to your Car's exterior. It's similar to spray on wax, where you spray it on a clean surface and wipe it away with a microfiber cloth. DIY Ceramic Coatings: These can be purchased by anyone online on Amazon or auto detailing websites. They are more affordable options and require more detailing experience. Different areas that you can apply it: Body Paint Glass Wheel Trim How much to ceramic coat a car? Professional Grade Ceramic Coating It can cost from $250 to $3000 Consumer Grade Ceramic Coating Spray coating: $15 to 100 DIY Ceramic Coating: $50 to $100 per ceramic coating kit. However, prices may vary based on location, process, where you're getting it done, and your car model. Why it can be worth the money? Ceramic Coatings are great for protecting your Car's exterior paint and durability. Unfortunately, you may have to pay extra for this to be done to your Car. However, it's worth the money because it adds convenience to everyday driving conditions like mud on your Clermont Toyota. In addition, it protects the integrity of your exterior and sustains a better quality appearance every day and in the long run. Are you looking for a place to get your ceramic coating done? Check out Toyota of Clermont's body shop for this service. How does it affect resale value? If you're looking to trade in your Car or sell your Car, there are a few things to consider. One of those is the condition of your Car. Ceramic coatings on your Clermont Toyota keep your Car's exterior paint maintained and, in return, affects your resale value by eliminating costs. Those costs could include retouching, repairing, or replacing the Car's paint over time. Again, this keeps your Car's value high. Curious as to how this unique product can protect and restore your car? We've got all the answers you need and can help you decide if this product is right for your ride. Call Toyota of Clermont to chat with one of our auto service techs! We're here seven days a week at (352) 404-7001. You can also swing by to see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike!

Do you feel comfortable making decisions about car care and auto repairs? Not many drivers do. What does on under the hood is pretty much a mystery to a lot of people, and we get it - that's why we have Clermont Toyota service experts waiting to assist you with all of your car care needs. However, we feel that having a basic idea of how your car and its parts work can help you feel more confident when it comes to making decisions about your vehicle. Today we're taking on the serpentine belt - learn what it does, how to maintain it, what happens if it breaks, and be able to spot signs that you're due for a replacement. What is the purpose of the serpentine belt? Let's talk about what the serpentine belt is, first of all. This belt is essential to performance because it transports power to major accessories like your car's alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning. Without it, you're going nowhere fast (literally, because your car won't start without a working alternator). The serpentine belt is long and winding (thus its name) and is much more efficient at driving power to all of these parts. They all used to have individual belts attached to them, but that proved to be inefficient because they all wore at different rates and had to be replaced at different times, which means way more maintenance than necessary. Obviously, the serpentine belt plays an important role in performance. So what happens if it breaks? Not only will you have a ton of performance problems as important accessories lose power, but the belt can also damage other parts of your engine when it breaks. All in all, you're in for some expensive repairs to get your car up and running again. That's why it's essential to pay attention to this part; our Clermont Toyota service techs can do a quick visual inspection of it when you come in. And even better news? You shouldn't have to replace it often. Serpentine belts are made of thick, durable rubber and should last 60,000 - 100,000 miles on average. Signs you need Clermont auto repairs for this part So how do you know if it's about to break? There are a few telltale signs you can be on the lookout for whenever you're behind the wheel: You can see cracks or wear on the belt Pieces of rubber are flaking off of it The belt has a strange shiny or glazed look to it You can't start your car due to alternator issues Your power steering goes out You have issues with your air conditioning or water pump Squealing or chirping noises start coming from underneath the hood (this is due to a loose belt, which occurs because of wear and tear, stretching, a broken pulley, or a leak inside the engine) Your check engine light comes on (this can mean a lot of things, we know - but it's worth having our Clermont auto service techs take a look, especially if it happens alongside any of these other signs) Think you might need auto repairs or replacement for your serpentine belt? Schedule today at Toyota of Clermont - we're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, and you can call us at (352) 404-7001.

Do you feel comfortable making decisions about car care and auto repairs? Not many drivers do. What does on under the hood is pretty much a mystery to a lot of people, and we get it - that's why we have Clermont Toyota service experts waiting to assist you with all of your car care needs. However, we feel that having a basic idea of how your car and its parts work can help you feel more confident when it comes to making decisions about your vehicle. Today we're taking on the serpentine belt - learn what it does, how to maintain it, what happens if it breaks, and be able to spot signs that you're due for a replacement. What is the purpose of the serpentine belt? Let's talk about what the serpentine belt is, first of all. This belt is essential to performance because it transports power to major accessories like your car's alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning. Without it, you're going nowhere fast (literally, because your car won't start without a working alternator). The serpentine belt is long and winding (thus its name) and is much more efficient at driving power to all of these parts. They all used to have individual belts attached to them, but that proved to be inefficient because they all wore at different rates and had to be replaced at different times, which means way more maintenance than necessary. Obviously, the serpentine belt plays an important role in performance. So what happens if it breaks? Not only will you have a ton of performance problems as important accessories lose power, but the belt can also damage other parts of your engine when it breaks. All in all, you're in for some expensive repairs to get your car up and running again. That's why it's essential to pay attention to this part; our Clermont Toyota service techs can do a quick visual inspection of it when you come in. And even better news? You shouldn't have to replace it often. Serpentine belts are made of thick, durable rubber and should last 60,000 - 100,000 miles on average. Signs you need Clermont auto repairs for this part So how do you know if it's about to break? There are a few telltale signs you can be on the lookout for whenever you're behind the wheel: You can see cracks or wear on the belt Pieces of rubber are flaking off of it The belt has a strange shiny or glazed look to it You can't start your car due to alternator issues Your power steering goes out You have issues with your air conditioning or water pump Squealing or chirping noises start coming from underneath the hood (this is due to a loose belt, which occurs because of wear and tear, stretching, a broken pulley, or a leak inside the engine) Your check engine light comes on (this can mean a lot of things, we know - but it's worth having our Clermont auto service techs take a look, especially if it happens alongside any of these other signs) Think you might need auto repairs or replacement for your serpentine belt? Schedule today at Toyota of Clermont - we're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, and you can call us at (352) 404-7001.

Summer is on its way - we've already seen our temperatures here in Central Florida soar into the 90s, and it's only a matter of time until they climb even higher than that. Summer here can be brutal, and it can definitely take a toll on your car. The last thing you want to be stuck with is an unreliable ride, even if you're only using it for essential errands during social distancing. Don't let the season get the best of you - prep your car with seasonal car care both at Toyota of Clermont and at home to ensure you're ready to beat the heat. 7 seasonal car care items to check off your list Tip #1: Schedule a tire rotation Your tires take a beating in the summer. It's hot outside and the pavement - which they come in direct contact with - is even hotter. This can lead to blowouts and damage if they're not in good shape. Schedule a tire rotation as part of your seasonal car care and have our Clermont Toyota service techs inspect them while you're at it to ensure they're not getting excessive wear and tear and that they're inflated to the right PSI. Tip #2: Check your wiper blades Summer means rain in Central Florida, and you need quality wiper blades to keep your field of vision clear. Your wiper blades probably incurred some wear and tear last summer so check the condition of the rubber and if necessary, replace them. You can shop for new ones at our Clermont Toyota parts store and our techs can even help you install them on your car. Tip #3: Inspect what's under the hood When was the last time you took a peek under the hood? It's a good idea to incorporate it into your seasonal car care checklist. Be on the lookout for worn hoses and belts - these will undoubtedly have issues when the weather heats up and should be replaced now. Tip #4: Get an oil change Oil is responsible for keeping your engine cool and lubricated. When it's dirty or you don't have enough of it, you run the risk of doing serious (and expensive) damage to your car's engine. Schedule an oil change at Toyota of Clermont as part of your seasonal car care. Tip #5: Check coolant levels Take a peek at your coolant - this is also an important aspect when it comes to keeping everything under the hood cool. Check the reservoir to ensure that it's full of coolant and if it's not, add more to get you through the season. Tip #6: Have your air conditioning inspected You do NOT want to take on summer without a working air conditioning system in your car - trust us. Have our Clermont auto service techs check your system to ensure it's ready to help you beat the heat all summer long (don't wait for it to break!). Tip #7: Get your battery tested Have our auto service techs check your car battery - they can test the voltage and inspect its condition to ensure it can handle the summer heat without a problem (and without leaving you stranded). Schedule your summer auto service at Toyota of Clermont Have questions or want to schedule your seasonal car care? Call Toyota of Clermont - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Summer is on its way - we've already seen our temperatures here in Central Florida soar into the 90s, and it's only a matter of time until they climb even higher than that. Summer here can be brutal, and it can definitely take a toll on your car. The last thing you want to be stuck with is an unreliable ride, even if you're only using it for essential errands during social distancing. Don't let the season get the best of you - prep your car with seasonal car care both at Toyota of Clermont and at home to ensure you're ready to beat the heat. 7 seasonal car care items to check off your list Tip #1: Schedule a tire rotation Your tires take a beating in the summer. It's hot outside and the pavement - which they come in direct contact with - is even hotter. This can lead to blowouts and damage if they're not in good shape. Schedule a tire rotation as part of your seasonal car care and have our Clermont Toyota service techs inspect them while you're at it to ensure they're not getting excessive wear and tear and that they're inflated to the right PSI. Tip #2: Check your wiper blades Summer means rain in Central Florida, and you need quality wiper blades to keep your field of vision clear. Your wiper blades probably incurred some wear and tear last summer so check the condition of the rubber and if necessary, replace them. You can shop for new ones at our Clermont Toyota parts store and our techs can even help you install them on your car. Tip #3: Inspect what's under the hood When was the last time you took a peek under the hood? It's a good idea to incorporate it into your seasonal car care checklist. Be on the lookout for worn hoses and belts - these will undoubtedly have issues when the weather heats up and should be replaced now. Tip #4: Get an oil change Oil is responsible for keeping your engine cool and lubricated. When it's dirty or you don't have enough of it, you run the risk of doing serious (and expensive) damage to your car's engine. Schedule an oil change at Toyota of Clermont as part of your seasonal car care. Tip #5: Check coolant levels Take a peek at your coolant - this is also an important aspect when it comes to keeping everything under the hood cool. Check the reservoir to ensure that it's full of coolant and if it's not, add more to get you through the season. Tip #6: Have your air conditioning inspected You do NOT want to take on summer without a working air conditioning system in your car - trust us. Have our Clermont auto service techs check your system to ensure it's ready to help you beat the heat all summer long (don't wait for it to break!). Tip #7: Get your battery tested Have our auto service techs check your car battery - they can test the voltage and inspect its condition to ensure it can handle the summer heat without a problem (and without leaving you stranded). Schedule your summer auto service at Toyota of Clermont Have questions or want to schedule your seasonal car care? Call Toyota of Clermont - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.