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Driving your Clermont Toyota vehicle comes with a variety of benefits. You’re free to drive wherever you want and that opens up a world of possibility. But your car is a machine and machines inevitably need maintenance and auto repairs to stay running mile after mile. Vehicle ownership means dealing with things like oil changes, tire rotations, and belt replacements as time goes on and you need to be prepared for it. While some auto repairs on your Clermont Toyota vehicle can be put on the back burner, there are a few that you probably shouldn’t skip, unless you want to risk your car breaking down. Lucky for you, Toyota of Clermont is here to help with our list of four essential car repair jobs you should never skip. 1) Car battery issues Just like your tv remote stops working when the batteries need to be changed, the same happens to your Clermont Toyota vehicle. If there’s a problem with this essential auto part, your battery light will turn on (seen in your dashboard cluster). This auto repair should be done immediately as other problems will follow. A dead battery or alternator can keep your vehicle from starting and essential electric components in your car will stop working. If your car has stopped working, you’ll need to either get someone to jump your battery you get a tow to our auto service center here at Toyota of Clermont. 2) Faulty brakes A big part of driving is being able to stop at the right time to avoid an accident with either the car in front of you or a pedestrian. If you can’t stop your vehicle, you shouldn’t be driving it. While driving, if you notice that your brakes are taking longer to bring your Clermont Toyota car to a stop or letting off the gas is better than using the brakes, then you need to put up the keys and call a towing service. Have this auto repair job done as soon as possible to avoid an accident. Some obvious signs of failing brakes include squealing or shuddering when you apply the brakes. 3) Timing belt A lot of things in life depend on perfect timing, including your Clermont Toyota car’s engine. The timing belt is what makes this possible and if there are problems with this auto part, you’re in for some serious auto repair. Typical signs for this issue include ticking noises when starting the car, engine misfires, and an inability to start. Don’t ignore this, bring your car by now. 4) Engine overheating You should never see smoke rising from the engine compartment of your car, if you do, your car has a problem. Driving on an overheating engine can do some serious damage to your Clermont Toyota car and you’ll be looking at some serious auto repair expenses. Get that fixed before it’s too late! Auto Repairs made easy at Toyota of Clermont Some auto repair jobs shouldn’t be ignored. If you have questions or need to get your car repaired, schedule an appointment at Toyota of Clermont today! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50 and open seven days a week.

Are you thinking about taking up a DIY car maintenance routine to keep your car in excellent running shape? Good on you - not many people are confident enough to tackle what's going on under the hood. If you're about to give it a shot, make sure you're well-versed in how the parts you're maintaining work, and be sure to give us a call at Toyota of Clermont with any questions or concerns you may have. Also, make sure you have the right tools. You don't want to attempt DIY car maintenance without the six tools listed below. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> What tools should you own for DIY car maintenance? Tool 1: Extension bars for socket wrenches You may have to get deep down into the engine to fix or maintain something and sometimes, a regular socket wrench just won't cut it. Invest in extension bars for your wrench set so you have extra length to work with in those tough-to-reach situations. Tool 2: Stubby screwdrivers Similarly, sometimes you're working in tight spots where regular-sized tools won't fit. A stubby screwdriver can be your new best friend in these situations - it's short enough to fit but still gives you the control you need. Tool 3: A headlamp and a work light You need the best lighting possible when you're working on your vehicle, especially if you're doing car maintenance. Invest in a good work light to illuminate your workspace, but our Clermont Toyota service techs also recommend buying a headlamp. This will help you see better down in the engine bay but you won't have to hold a flashlight - you can stay hands-free. Tool 4: A multi-meter A multi-meter can be used for a lot of things - basically, it measures currents, power levels, and resistance of various parts. However, you can also use this car maintenance tool to test your car battery's voltage to see if you need to replace it soon (which can save you time AND money in the long-run). Tool 5: A high-quality non-hydraulic jack If you're working under your car at all or performing car maintenance on your tires, you need a high-quality jack to hoist your car into the air. Our Clermont auto service techs also recommend steering clear of a hydraulic jack - they're more likely to fail and pose a big safety issue. Tool 6: An air compressor An air compressor can really come in handy when you want to fill your tires or blow out the vents of your A/C when you're detailing your ride. However, you can also use an air compressor to run your power tools, and it'll give you a consistent and efficient performance to make your car maintenance easy breezy. Let Toyota of Clermont point you in the right direction And the best news? Toyota of Clermont can help you find all of these parts and more. Just ask our parts team! If we can't order it for you, we can at least point you in the direction. We can also answer any and all of your car maintenance questions. Give us a call at (352) 404-7001 today. We're open seven days a week for your convenience.

Living in Clermont and driving in the Orlando area, you’re no stranger to construction and poorly maintained roads. It seems like every corner you turn and every road you drive on is riddled with debris, uneven surfaces, and, the worst part, potholes! If you’ve ever hit one, you know that these pesky road depressions can spell the end for several important parts of your vehicle. If you’re looking for better ways to avoid pothole damage, you’re in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on how to avoid these road hazards and what kind of damage you could be looking at if you have the misfortune of running into one. Why is pothole damage so bad? A pro tip you should always follow while driving is to avoid hitting potholes at all costs. However, we know that’s not always the case. However, if you see one coming and you can make a clean getaway without putting any other drivers and yourself in danger, then you should definitely do it. But what if you wind up running into a pothole? Unfortunately, the damage your Clermont Toyota vehicle could sustain could wind up being severe. Here are a few of the ways you could see pothole damage on your car: Alignment: Hitting a pothole at a high enough speed could do a number on your Clermont Toyota car’s wheel alignment. Signs of this type of pothole damage could be in the form of your car drifting on the road, pulling to one side, or a vibration sensation in your steering wheel. Tires: Needless to say, your tires take quite a lot of punishment from the road, especially when it comes to pothole damage. Hitting a pothole can cause your tire to go flat, it could bend the rim of your wheel, break the seal between your tire and the wheel, and misalign your tire and cause uneven wear over time. Suspension: Your Clermont Toyota car’s suspension system is the main reason behind your smooth rides, easy turns, and the reason why the body of your car doesn’t rub up against the tires. Pothole damage can affect your car drastically and cause your vehicle to slouch in certain places, have difficulty with turns, and cause vibrations in the seat and steering wheel. Fixing pothole damage Unfortunately, potholes are a dime a dozen in the Clermont and Orlando areas between all the construction and general condition of the roads. In the event that you run into one, make sure to visit our auto service department here at Toyota of Clermont! Our auto service techs can repair the damages of pothole damage at an affordable price. We can realign your wheels, get you a brand-new set of tires that will last, and repair your vehicle’s suspension issues to get you back on the road with peace of mind. We’re open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

Have you ever gotten behind the wheel, started your car, and gotten an overwhelming whiff of just... gross? It happens. Cars have lots of moving parts and oftentimes, problems with said parts are indicated by odd sounds and weird smells. The sounds can be annoying, but the smells can be downright unpleasant. Toyota of Clermont is here to talk to you about 5 common car smells and why you should never ignore them - check out this wisdom from our Toyota service center! Our auto service techs explain which car smells should always be addressed Smell #1: Maple syrup sweetness Do you catch a whiff of Sunday morning pancakes when you start your car? Kidding, but not really. If you smell a sweet, syrupy smell that's reminiscent of maple syrup when your car gets up and going, then you likely have an issue with an ethylene glycol leak - in other words, a coolant leak. It could be from a hose,  your radiator, or any other component of your cooling system. When you leak coolant your car has a harder time staying cool and preventing overheating, so if you notice this car smell bring your ride into Toyota of Clermont for service ASAP. Smell #2: Burning carpet If you're smelling a burning carpet odor when you're out and about, it means you've got brake pads issues. Typically this smell is caused by your brake pads working overtime and overheating, like if you're driving in a hilly area and putting them to work. However, if the smell doesn't go away or gets worse over time, you might want to consider Clermont brake service to have them checked and if necessary, replaced. Remember, worn out brake pads can lead to damaged rotors and big bills. Smell #3: A dirty gym locker room Feel like you're in a high school locker room when you turn on your A/C? You likely have mold or mildew growing inside your air-conditioning system. It could originate in the condensor so it's not really a DIY repair - instead, if you catch this car smell bring your ride to Toyota of Clermont for a thorough cleaning. Smell #4: Like a gas station Does the inside of your car reek like you've been sitting outside of a gas pump too long? This can be dangerous, so don't ignore it. This odor means you most likely have a leak in the fuel tank vent hose or a fuel injector line and your car is leaking gas (which remember, is harmful to inhale and VERY flammable). Plus, you're wasting gas and blowing your fuel efficiency. Bring your car to our auto service center for an inspection! Smell #5: Rotten eggs Rotten eggs are never pleasant and in this particular scenario, they can indicate that you have sulfur in your gasoline and/or hydrogen sulfide in your exhaust system. You could be facing an issue with your fuel injection system or your catalytic converter with this car smell, so don't delay getting your car checked. Let Toyota of Clermont put you back on the road Want to schedule service today for odd car smells? Visit Toyota of Clermont at 16851 State Road 50 or call us at (352) 404-7001.

Driving on the highway with no traffic, things are smooth sailing, you’re playing your favorite music, all is good. Until you hear a loud tap and suddenly find your windshield with a ding and a growing spider-web crack. Your heart sinks knowing that you’re going to have to deal with that before it gets any worse. Unfortunately, we’ve all been there. Getting a cracked windshield on your Clermont Toyota car is actually more common than you think. Every time you drive on the highway you run the risk of debris flying up and hitting your car. A small pebble can have the most devastating impact when traveling at such high speeds and there’s nothing to do but deal with the damage. If you’ve cracked your windshield recently, don’t stress! Toyota of Clermont is here to help! So, you got a cracked windshield While super inconvenient and annoying to look at, most drivers are able to ignore an obvious crack or ding in their windshield and we’re here to tell you to not do that. Even the most unnoticeable of cracks and dings can spiderweb and create terrible damage to your windshield that can threaten the structural integrity of your vehicle. Not only could your vehicle be negatively affected long term, but you can get in some legal trouble if you leave a cracked windshield unchecked. A police officer can pull you over, inspect your vehicle, and issue you a citation if your vehicle is deemed unsafe to operate (Florida Statute 316.610). So, if it’s illegal to drive with a cracked windshield in Clermont, but you have a small amount of damage that’s barely noticeable, what are you supposed to do? Luckily, in conjunction with Florida Statute 316.610, there’s a coupling statute that states that damages windshields are to be repaired without a deductible charge. In other words, if you have comprehensive auto insurance (which is required by law in Clermont and Florida as a whole), then your cracked windshield can be repaired free of charge. Next steps Now, the big question, what do you do next? Getting a brand-new crack-free windshield on your Clermont Toyota vehicle is actually a simple and very stress-free process. Start by calling your auto insurance company. They’ll ask you several questions about the extent of the damage and you’ll likely be asked to determine if the size of the ding or crack is more or less than the area of a dollar bill. This is asked to gauge whether or not your cracked windshield can be repaired of if it needs to be completely replaced. They’ll then refer you to the closest trusted auto body shop to your address to have the repair completed. You also have the option to book your repair with a mobile glass company if you’d rather not go to a shop! If you still have questions about how to repair your cracked windshield and how to repair it, no worries! Toyota of Clermont is here to answer your questions and help you every step of the way. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 for more information.

Experiencing the winter in Clermont is like that one Katy Perry song, it’s hot and it’s cold and it’s yes and it’s no. While the weather won’t get unbearably cold, layering and bundling up is important to staying warm and comfortable during the holiday season. As far as your car is concerned, you don’t need to do an extensive winterizing to keep everything working. But, if you’re planning on venturing up north, it pays to know just how much cold weather can bring about winter auto service issues for your vehicle if you’re not careful. Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide on winter auto service issues and how the cold can affect your vehicle during this holiday season. Drop in Tire Pressure There’s nothing worse than walking outside in the cold, sitting in your cold car, and turning the key only to find your tire pressure light come on. While annoying, a drop in tire pressure is actually a common winter auto service issue that affects many Clermont Toyota cars when things get a little chilly outside. If your tire pressure light comes on, be sure to inspect your tires immediately for punctures or any physical damage. If there isn’t, make sure you inflate your tires before driving too far. Drained Battery Warming up your car before hitting the road during the winter is always a good idea (as long as you don’t warm up your Clermont Toyota car in the garage). But there’s always the chance that your vehicle’s engine won’t turn over due to a drained battery. Failed start-ups are a pesky winter auto service issue that can be caused by the cold draining your battery’s starting capacity. This typically happens to batteries that are older and should be replaced to solve the issue. Fluid Leaks Frequent temperature fluctuations can be a nightmare for your undercarriage and engine compartment. With the majority of your vehicle being made of materials like metal and plastic, condensation and leaks can form. Fluid Thickening While your engine can get pretty hot when it’s running, as soon as your take the keys out of the ignition it begins to cool. Your Clermont Toyota vehicle’s engine fluid can freeze over if you’re not careful. To prevent this winter auto service issue, have your fluids inspected, replaced, or topped off by one of our Clermont Toyota auto service experts and make sure to start your vehicle 10-15 minutes before driving to your destination. Corrosion The cold won’t cause rust and corrosion to form on your Clermont Toyota vehicle, but the salted road will. With excessive exposure to this harsh material, your vehicle can experience severe winter auto service issues like rusting components. The cold weather can really do a number on your car and cause a number of winter auto service issues to occur. To make sure you get your vehicle ready for the cold, come visit us at Toyota of Clermont! We’re open seven days a week and you can give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 to set up an appointment today.

Do you know your way around under the hood of your car? You don't need to be an expert - that's what our Toyota of Clermont service techs are here for. However, it does help to have a basic knowledge of how things work so you can perform easy at-home car maintenance when necessary. DIY car care between service appointments can ensure your car stays in top shape and offers you the best performance possible. We're here to tell you about some common car maintenance mistakes that a lot of drivers make but you don't have to. Not checking oil. If you get routine oil changes you're already ahead of the game, but it's also important to check your oil in between changes. Work this into your car maintenance routine - just check the oil levels on the dipstick and ensure the oil is the right color at least once a month. (Spoiler alert: it should be a caramel hue and the level should fall in between the two tic marks on the dipstick.) U sing the wrong cleaning products. It's great to detail your car regularly but using the wrong cleaning products can do more harm than good. You should use special car soap - not dish soap - when washing the exterior, as dish soap can strip protective qualities off the paint and leave you susceptible to paint damage. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaners like Windex on the windows and windshields, as these can damage tint and also keep your windshields from defrosting properly. Our Toyota of Clermont parts store can help you find the products you need for safe and efficient car detailing. Not checking tire pressure. You need routine tire rotations and wheel alignments, but you also need to check your tire pressure in between car maintenance appointments. Changes in the weather and wear and tear on your tires can make the pressure levels drop, which can ruin your fuel efficiency, lower traction, and put you at risk for damage and a blowout. Check your tire pressure every few weeks to ensure it's where it needs to be. Ignoring the check engine light. Listen, your check engine light comes on for a reason. It could be as simple as your gas cap not being tightened or something more serious, but the longer you let it go, the more costly and serious the issues can get. Bite the bullet and get your car checked by our Clermont Toyota service techs. Neglecting your wiper blades. Your wipers ensure that you have a clear field of vision even in the worst of weather. The blades to be replaced every 6-12 months depending on wear and tear, so don't neglect them. Signs you need new blades include streaking, squeaking, or smearing water around instead of clearing it. Have questions? Need help with car maintenance? Call Toyota of Clermont today. Our techs are here 7 days a week for your convenience at (352) 404-7001.

Do you feel like you just don't have the time to schedule simple auto repairs and get your car back in like-new condition? We get it - you're busy and it's time out of your day to get your automotive service and repair needs handled. However, the more you ignore a problem the more likely it is to get bigger and more expensive as time goes on. Toyota of Clermont is here to give you tips about some simple at-home auto repairs that you can take on from your own garage or driveway without too much stress. Let's get started! Toyota of Clermont walks you through easy at home auto repairs #1: Change your tire. Do you know how to get rid of a flat or damaged tire and put a new one on? It's pretty simple as long as you have the tools you need (a spare tire, lug wrench, and jack). Park your car on a flat, solid surface and loosen the lug nuts on the damaged tire. Jack the car up - be sure to put the jack in the correct spot so you don't damage your car - and then remove the lug nuts and pull the bad tire off. Put the new tire on and fasten the lug nuts. Jack your car back down and be sure to tighten the lug nuts one more time before you head out. #2: Swap out your battery. Dead battery? If you can change it at home, you don't have to worry about getting a jump or a tow. You'll want to remove any mounting brackets from the battery and then disconnect the negative cable - use pliers to do this. Next, remove the positive cable and pull the old battery out. Put the new battery in its place and reconnect the positive cable first, followed by the negative cable (use the pliers!). Reinstall mounting brackets and you're ready to hit the road. #3: Change your oil. Is your oil dirty or too low and in need of a change? Grab your tools - you'll need an oil pan, a new oil filter, a wrench, and fresh oil. Turn your car off and let it cool down a little; set the oil pan under the car and loosen the oil plug with the wrench to drain the dirty oil into the pan. Pull out the dirty oil filter and pop the clean one in; then you'll want to put the plug back in and tighten it. Add fresh oil in the engine compartment and then pull out the dipstick to ensure the level is right and you're ready to roll. #4: Install new wiper blades. Think your wiper blades are worse for the wear? Swap them out! Just lift the blades and pull up the tabs - this will release the old blades so you can slide them off the wiper arms. Put the new blades on and push the tabs down to secure them, and you're ready to go, auto repairs complete. Schedule your Clermont Toyota service today! Feel like you need a little assistance with your auto repairs? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7001!

Do you feel a tingle of fear every time you notice there's something wrong with your car? You're not alone - most people have a serious fear factor when it comes to car maintenance. After all, unless you're well-versed in what's going on under the hood, it's hard to know what the problem is and how much it's going to cost to fix it. It's easy to get seriously spooked, but Toyota of Clermont is here to help! We're taking on four common but scary car maintenance issues so you can hit the road without fear. Don't let these 4 scary car maintenance issues fill you with fear Scary Car Issue #1: Dead battery. Instead of letting a dead battery scare the life out of you, play Dr. Frankenstein! Always carry jumper cables with you so you can recharge a dead battery. It's also smart to routinely inspect your car battery for any issues like swelling, leaks, or corrosion and replace it when it's due to be replaced. Toyota of Clermont can also check your voltage levels to ensure you've got enough charge. Scary Car Issue #2: Flat tire. Don't let a flat tire take the treat out of trick-or-treating. Instead, carry a spare! You should always have a spare tire, a jack, and a wrench in the back of your car so you can quickly change a flat tire. Toyota of Clermont also recommends stopping flats in their tracks by routinely inspecting your tires - look for blisters, any damage like punctures or tears, and sidewall separation. Additionally, get routine tire rotations are part of your car maintenance plan. Scary Car Issue #3: Overheated car. An overheated car can be seriously scary, but if you have the tools to handle it, you'll survive. Remember to stick to a car maintenance schedule that routinely checks and replenishes fluids under the hood, especially coolant and oil. You should also carry extra coolant or water with you to top things off if your car overheats from lack of this important fluid. Finally, never drive an overheated car! You can do deadly damage to your engine. Have it towed to our Clermont car maintenance center ASAP. Scary Car Issue #4: Dashboard lights. Do you feel a chill run down your spine when you see a dashboard light illuminate? We get it—it's spooky. Your first step should be to see which light turned on - if it's the check engine light, go tighten your gas cap and check again. If it's still on or you see any other lights illuminated, it's time to schedule car service at our Toyota service center. The longer you ignore a light, the more damaging and more expensive the outcome. Toyota of Clermont can help you face your fears about car care this year Why wait? Tackle your fears head on and enjoy your spooky season. Schedule car maintenance at Toyota of Clermont—we're all treats and no tricks over here. You can reach us at (352) 404-7001, or just swing by and see us at 16851 State Road 50.

You slide into the driver's seat, put the key in the ignition, and turn it... to no avail. Your car won't start, but you have no idea why and no idea what to do next. Toyota of Clermont can help. It's a major inconvenience when your car won't start, but it's not the end of the world. Our Orlando auto service techs are here to give you some of the main reasons your car won't start and also help you figure out what to do when you're stuck in this predicament. Your car won't start... but why? Let's talk why first—why won't your car start? Here are some of the big reasons you may not be able to get the engine going: 1) Your battery is dead. If your battery is dead, there's no way your car is going to get going. How do you know if your battery is dead? If you turn the key and hear silence and notice that your radio and lights won't turn on, you've got a dead battery. If this is the case, call a tow or try to find someone with jumper cables so you can bring your car into our Clermont Toyota service center. 2) Your starter is broken. Your starter is an electrical motor that's connected to the battery; it gets the engine going when you turn your key in the ignition. If it's not working, neither is your engine. A dead giveaway that you're in need of a new starter is that you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key instead of the engine roaring to life. 3) Your fuel filter is clogged. Your fuel filter ensures that clean fuel gets where it needs to go under the hood. If it gets clogged, gasoline won't be able to reach the engine to be utilized! Luckily, this is an easy fix - just bring your car by Toyota of Clermont. 4) Your alternator isn't doing its job. The alternator helps to ensure that your battery is charged which, in turn, means the battery can't get things moving under the hood. If your alternator conks out on you a warning light should come on in the dash to give you an alert. 5) You need new spark plugs. Your spark plugs need to be replaced every 100,000 miles or so; they provide the spark needed to ignite your fuel. When they give out, you're not going anywhere fast. Spark plugs are easy and affordable to replace, so schedule auto service at Toyota of Clermont. Schedule Orlando auto service NOW! So, what should you do when your car won't start? Your best bet is to schedule auto service soon. Even if you can get a jump or get your car to eventually start, chances are the issue will arise again. Bring your ride by Toyota of Clermont to let our trained techs take a peek! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

For the future of the automobile industry, fuel efficiency is the name of the game. While some Clermont Toyota drivers like fuel conscious vehicles for money they save or for their lessened environmental impact, fuel efficiency remains an important engineering feature for vehicle buyers at large. One feature of fuel efficiency that many drivers may be familiar with, but not really know about, is flex fuel. This feature of fuel saving technology is equipped on several different types of Clermont Toyota vehicles to help boost fuel economy and improve engine operation efficiency. If you’re curious about this feature, then check out this guide from Toyota of Clermont! Technology just got a little more efficient As the automotive industry moves toward a future that’s more fuel efficient, various types of technology are being equipped on a variety of Clermont Toyota vehicles. However, flex fuel is a feature that’s unique in the way it processes gasoline and different fuel types. This type of fuel saving technology still relies on a traditional internal combustion engine rather than using alternative engines like hybrid and electric. Instead, flex fuel uses a different type of fuel tank technology that allows vehicles to process blended gasoline and fuel types. The most common blend types consist of ethanol or methanol and the engine processes these fuel types differently using a fuel composition sensor. Some fuel efficiency equipped Clermont Toyota vehicles using flex fuel can run on other fuels like compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or hydrogen. Flex fuel is a common and easily accessed fuel efficiency technology, but other forms of fuel saving technology can be used on several Clermont Toyota vehicles that reduce emissions and get you more for your dollar at the pump. Here are a few fuel efficiency technology features you’ll find on several Clermont Toyota vehicles: ECO driving modes for fuel conscious acceleration and shifting throughout your drive to save on fuel. Hybrid engines on Clermont Toyota models like the Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Camry, and Avalon. This fuel efficiency engine type uses partial electric engineering to use gasoline when operating at slower speeds. Hydrogen fuel cell is a new type of fuel efficiency technology that’s currently only available in the Clermont Toyota Mirai. This type of engineering uses hydrogen as its only fuel source and only produces water as a byproduct. Hydrogen fuel cell engines can run just as efficiently, if not better than internal combustion engines. Unfortunately, hydrogen fill stations are limited to the California area and it’s uncertain when this technology will be available in the Clermont area. All new body designs for vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Avalon, Yaris, and Prius models for upgraded fuel efficiency in addition to their mechanical engineering. Explore fuel efficient technology at Toyota of Clermont If you’re looking for a vehicle that can get you more for your dollar at the pump or reduce your environmental impact, then check out our inventory of fuel-efficient vehicles at Toyota of Clermont! We’re open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

Caring for your tires diligently is something every driver should do to prevent getting a flat when you’re out and about. Regularly checking the current PSI with an accurate tire pressure gauge, inspecting the car tire tread monthly, and having them rotated each time your vehicle gets serviced will keep your car tires in good shape longer. But, one tire that most drivers forget about is the spare tire. While it may be a car tire only used when your Clermont Toyota vehicle gets a flat, you need to make sure it’s ready to take on the road when you need it to. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on how to get your spare tire ready and maintain it so it’s ready when you need it. Check for wear and tear. While you may not have need of your spare tire often, they have less material and they’re much smaller than your typical Clermont Toyota car tire. Dry rot and deterioration over time is always possible due to lack of use. Because your spare car tire needs to be inflated to a much higher PSI than your regular tires, be sure to look out for bubbling and sidewall separation. Check your exterior mounted car tire more closely. Typically, spare car tires are stored in the trunk of your Clermont Toyota vehicle. However, some vehicles have their spare tires stored on the backside of the trunk or near the rear bumper in the undercarriage. This exposes them to higher amounts of heat and harsher conditions than an interior stored tire. Our auto service techs at Toyota of Clermont recommend dismounting your spare tire one to two times a month to check for damage. Take stock of your spare car tire’s equipment. Having your spare tire when you need it is all well and good, but if you don’t have the equipment to install it then changing your flat is going to be a little difficult. You need the included jack to get your car off the ground and there should be a provided lug wrench to remove the lug nuts from your current tire. Having these tools is absolutely essential to changing your car tire. If you’re missing any of these tools, visit Toyota of Clermont and our auto parts specialists can take care of you. Maintain your spare car tire with Toyota of Clermont Making sure your spare tire is ready when you need it can save you a lot of stress if one of your tires ever goes flat. If you’re missing equipment, need a new spare, or just need to make sure yours is in good shape, come visit Toyota of Clermont! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike, and open seven days a week!