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Summer is here - with humidity included, temperatures outside are well on their way into the 100 range. It can be miserable to step into a hot car after a long day at work, especially when your car's A/C isn't working. Toyota of Clermont is here with help, as always. We have tips on how to keep your car cooler in general and also how to deal when your A/C is on the fritz until you can get into our Clermont auto service center for auto repairs. Read on! Clermont summer car care tips to keep you cool behind the wheel Tip #1: Keep your car cooler from the get-go. No one wants to slide into a hot car at the end of a long day. Choose your parking carefully to help alleviate the buildup of heat inside the cabin! Park in a parking garage if you can, or at least under cover. Covered parking or even a shady spot will help keep the cabin of your car cooler during the day so it's not as unbearable when it's time to hit the road. Parking in shade will also help protect your car's paint, by the way! Tip #2: Get the heat out quickly. There's really no worse feeling than opening your car door after work and feeling what wave of heat escape - it's like sitting down in an oven. However, there are a few easy car care tricks to help prevent it. First, leave your windows cracked during the day. This will let hot air escape - just make sure you check the weather because if it rains, you'll want to roll your windows back up in time! We also recommend opening all of your car doors for a minute or two before you climb into the driver's seat to let heat escape. Finally, as soon as you hit the road, roll all of your windows down and crank the A/C. This will help circulate hot air out and cool air around, and as soon as the interior of your Clermont Toyota is tolerable, roll the windows back up to seal in the cold. Tip #3: Cover your steering wheel. Your car's steering wheel can get seriously hot if it's in the sun all day, leaving it unpleasant to handle. An easy way to prevent this is to put a sunshade up in the windshield to shield the steering wheel, or to throw a hand towel over the wheel itself. You can also turn the wheel 180 degrees after you park so when it's time to leave, you just turn it back 180 degrees and put your hands on the cool side. Tip #4: Fix your A/C immediately. Driving around in Central Florida without air conditioning is literally the worst. But if you have to wait a bit to schedule Clermont car care for your A/C, here are a few ways to deal. First, buy a small battery-operated or solar-powered fan - this will help move air around the cabin. You can also put a wet, cold towel over the A/C vent nearest you to try and cool down the air coming into your car. Toyota of Clermont can take care of your A/C car care needs Need car care for summer? Let Toyota of Clermont help. We're open seven days a week and you can call us at (352) 404-7001. Schedule your summer car care at our Clermont auto service center today!

There's nothing worse than wanting something you can't have. If you're a fan of Toyota and it's diverse lineup, you know exactly what we mean. The Toyota Century, HiAce, Land Cruiser Pickup, and Corolla Wagon are just a few iconic and eye-catching Toyota models that we'll likely never see on this side of the globe. Don't get us wrong, we at Toyota of Clermont are grateful and happy with the stacked lineup we have at our dealership, but haven't you longed for a different new Toyota? While we're definitely grateful for the Camry, RAV4, Highlander, 86, and so on, we can't help but be a little envious of the new Toyota models other markets enjoy. In recent news two models we're huge fans of, the new Toyota Hilux and Fortuner, have undergone quite a few upgrades for the upcoming 2021 model year. If you're interesting in the latest details on these new models, check it all out right here from Toyota of Clermont! What's New with the Toyota Hilux? The Toyota Hilux was, at one point, a mainstay truck in North America. However, it was replaced by the Toyota Tacoma but still sold internationally. This iconic Clermont new Toyota truck has a reputation for being virtually indestructible and one of the most reliable Toyota models out there. Here's what's in store for this iconic truck for the 2021 model year: The 2021 Clermont Toyota Hilux has undergone a dramatic facelift to completely change the look of the front grille, rear end, and interior space. It will be engineered with a 2.8-liter turbo-diesel inline 4-cylinder engine that can rep 201 horsepower and 369 horsepower. Drivers can also select a 2.7-liter turbodiesel or a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Several comfort engineering features like retuned shock absorbers, improved design leaf spring suspension, improvements to the steering, and new stability control features. A new "Invincible" trim level that includes several unique design features. Unfortunately, it's not likely we'll be getting a new Toyota Hilux at Toyota of Clermont anytime soon. But, we can dream right? What's New with the Toyota Fortuner? Built on the same platform as the Toyota Hilux, the Toyota Fortuner is truly one to behold. Imbued with the endurance of the Hilux and the style flair of a Lexus, the Fortuner is one we really wish we had here at Toyota of Clermont. This particular model has only been in commission since 2015 and the 2021 model year suggests that this new Toyota SUV is in it for the long haul. Here's what's new: The Fortuner will feature some new aesthetic exterior upgrades that make it cleaner and sleeker than ever before. This Toyota SUV rides on the same platform as the Hilux and uses the same 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine. The 4-cylinder will be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it's unfortunate that we won't be receiving the Hilux or the Fortuner at Toyota of Clermont, we still have a lot to look forward to with the new Venza and Sienna heading our way soon. Shop our inventory of new Toyotas and used models online 24/7 or visit us at 16851 State Road 50 today!

As someone who pays close attention to the automotive industry, you're probably aware of how busy Toyota stays when it comes to putting out new products and developing new technology. Just within the last few weeks Toyota has revealed that the Toyota Venza is making a comeback, the Sienna is being rebuilt from the ground up, the Corolla Hatchback is getting a special edition, and the GR hot hatch continues to be teased. The revival of the Venza is incredible news along with the rebuild of the Sienna, but what's even more interesting about these upcoming vehicles is the new Toyota hybrid system being used in both of them. If you're wondering what this means for these two upcoming new Toyota hybrids, check out our guide on the new hybrid system from Toyota of Clermont. Toyota and Its History with Hybrids Toyota began its journey into the world of Charlotte alternative fuel vehicles all the way back in 1997 with the introduction of the Toyota Prius. This iconic ride is credited as the first commercial Toyota hybrid in the automotive world and it continues to make waves for renewable fuel cars. A lot has changed since 1997, including the way Toyota hybrids operate. Today we have the upcoming Toyota Hybrid System II, but to understand how we got here we need to take a dive into what makes a Clermont hybrid a hybrid. There's a plethora of hybrid vehicles on Toyota's lineup and you likely know the basics of how one works. These alternative fuel vehicles work by combining the fuel efficiency of an electric motor with the power of an internal combustion engine. The Prius and other Toyota hybrids use a "full hybrid" system that allows both the electric motor and internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle independently to some degree. Other vehicles can use a parallel system that only uses the electric motor in limited capacity and series system in which the electric motor pilots the vehicle and the internal combustion engine charges the battery. What Makes the Toyota Hybrid System II Different? Everything gets better with time and the same can easily be said for the Clermont Toyota hybrid system. Here are a few of the key differences the Toyota Hybrid System II does differently than its predecessor system: Right off the bat the new hybrid system has undergone a significant weight reduction to improve performance and efficiency. A crucial part of the Clermont hybrid system, the Power Control Unit (PCU), has undergone a 10% size reduction and 20% weight reduction and placed above the transaxle. The transaxle has been redesigned using a rolling coil structure plus less wiring. A new gear structure has also allowed vehicles using this new system to better preserve power over distance and time. The Venza and Sienna will be equipped with a new nickel-metal hydride battery that's smaller, lighter, and more efficient in expressing power. The 2021 Toyota Sienna and Venza will be arriving at Toyota of Clermont very soon! We can't wait to join you on a test drive of these new Toyota hybrids. You can check our inventory online anytime to see their arrival or give us a call at (352) 404 7000 with any questions.

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!

Leaks are often indicative of a problem if you're out on a watercraft or if you're trying to keep a big piece of news under wraps. Ultimately, it depends on how you look at it. Nobody likes spoilers, but sometimes leaks and other unintended news can draw excitement and get people ready with anticipation for what's to come. In this case, we're really happy there was a leak in the great ship of Toyota because it's showed us that there are several new models on the way that will definitely shake things up for drivers and loyal fans. If we've peaked your interest, let's take it a step further with some additional details from us at Toyota of Clermont! New Toyota Models Are On The Way Leaks can be very polarizing for a variety of reasons. Some people don't like spoilers, they can be a nightmare for those trying to keep the news discreet, and they can also generate a lot of excitement for the future of a product or event. In the case of Toyota, we think it's safe to say that this leak about some upcoming new Toyota models is generating a lot of excitement among us and other Clermont drivers. Here are some of the details covered and what we might have coming our way: A New Toyota GR86 It's been speculated for some time that the Clermont Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ has been due for a facelift and that might become reality soon. The new Toyota sport coupe will be a little sibling to the new Supra that will receive GR branding, a turbocharged engine, a new construction platform, and a 50 horsepower bump. According to the leak, this new Toyota model will release sometime in summer 2021. The 300 Series Land Cruiser We currently have a piece regarding this possible upcoming vehicle and this leak seems to suggest that the 300 Series Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser is happening. It will likely strip away many of the luxury features that made the J200 Series so expensive and instead opt for a off-roading friendly version favored by longtime fans of this Toyota classic. New Toyota Tundra Allegedly releasing in the 4th quarter of 2021, a new Clermont new Toyota model Tundra is slated to be released with a plethora of changes in store. A new chassis will be used, there's a rumor of a hybrid version, and it may ditch the traditional V8 engine for a twin-turbo V6. Toyota Corolla Wagon While trademark filings don't always mean that a new something is on the way (some are taken out for insurance policies or for *possible* future use), we're hopeful this one comes to fruition. In Europe and Australia there exists a version of the Clermont Toyota Corolla called the Corolla Touring Sport and it might be making its way to North America in the form of a Corolla Wagon. Toyota recently filed the trademark for this new Toyota model so we're hopeful it may make its way to this side of the pond. Are you excited for the arrival of these new Toyota models? You can shop the latest here at Toyota of Clermont! Visit our dealership seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50.

With yet another article about the risks of purchasing a used car, you might be getting the impression that we have something against them. Actually, we love pre-owned vehicles and always encourage our many guests to shop for one! It's the easiest and most cost-effective way to get behind the wheel of a ride you love and you can avoid the harshest parts of vehicle depreciation. Toyota also makes Clermont used car shopping easy through its Toyota Certified Used Vehicle program that ensures every pre-owned vehicle is quality checked and largely damage free. But not every car meets that standard and that's why you need to be careful when shopping for a used vehicle. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> There are measures in place, like vehicle history reports and lemon laws, that protect consumers from spending their hard-earned money on a vehicle that's been compromised. However, there's still the possibility of unknowingly purchasing a vehicle that has accident damage. We at Toyota of Clermont are here with some tips to help you spot hidden or covered up damage on a used vehicle so you can shop smart and safe. Spotting Hidden Accident Damage on a Used Car Mismatched or Misplaced Paint For your Clermont vehicle to be properly painted the bulk of the engine block and interior needs to be removed to ensure a uniform color throughout. In the event of an accident paint can be scraped away and damaged. People trying to unload a damaged used car will often cover up the damage with a hasty mismatched paint job rather than having it done professionally. If you see different paint colors on the vehicle or patches of color that don't quite match the overall color, then you should consider a different ride. Misaligned Body Pieces New vehicles are meticulously crafted using accurate machines and skilled professionals and they should be perfectly aligned and shapely when you drive it off the lot. A damaged Clermont used car could have a slightly askew bumper or a door that doesn't close just right or a trunk lid that looks a little lopsided. These misaligned imperfections can spell trouble and are a sure sign of damage. Bondo Body Work Bondo is a type of vehicle body filler that's used to patch up accident damage before being repainted. It's used often in a professional setting for a nice and clean look, but can make a bad damage coverup look more obvious. Be sure to meticulously check each panel and body piece for uneven textures or raised surfaces under the paint. A Cracked Windshield Windshield cracks and dents happen to all of us, but your Clermont used car should be spotless before you sign on the dotted line. Depending on the type of crack or ding it could mean that the vehicle's glass was never repaired or the frame is misaligned. Missing Screws and Fasteners You wheel weld is probably the last place you'd think to check for used car accident damage, but it's one of the most obvious spots for spotting damage. If you notice a missing screw or fastener from this area it could mean that the bumper has been removed at home point in time or the wheel weld was compromised. Either way, find a different car. Shopping for a quality used car doesn't have to be complicated. Let us help you out at Toyota of Clermont! We're open for seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50 and have a great stock of quality pre-owned cars.

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!

When you buy a used car, you want to know with absolute certainty that you're not only getting a great deal, but also getting a reliable car that's going to last you for years down the road without any major issues. That's why it's so important to do your homework when shopping for a used car in Clermont. You should take a test drive, do a walkaround inspection, ask questions, and request the CarFax report and auto service records (if available) so you have a solid idea of the car's history and how it's been cared for. What is flood damage? One of the big things you want to be on the lookout for in our state is flood damage. We get our fair share of hurricanes over the years, and cars that are part of the coastal community are always in danger of flooding. Plus, you never know if a used car has been brought in from another state where it endured a flood. Being able to spot flood damage is a critical part of your car shopping process, and Toyota of Clermont is here to help you learn how. Before you can spot flood damage, you need to know what it is. Basically, when a car endures a flood, the water can do damage to the exterior, interior, and under the hood. However, it's not always easy to spot. Exterior damage and interior damage are a bit more noticeable, but when water floods the engine block and exhaust system it can do major damage that can't be seen outright. This results in serious problems with the transmission, exhaust, ignition, hoses, and more. And in turn, you'll find yourself with costly repairs on your hands. Typically, you should be able to spot flood damage just by looking at the car's title - usually these cars are deemed "salvaged" or "flooded" there. However, not all states require this to be disclosed, so it's best to know how to spot flood damage on your own. Check out these signs from our Clermont auto service techs. Surefire signs a used car has flood damage 1. The carpet. If a car's interior has been flooded, it may have new carpet inside that either doesn't match or is a lot newer than the rest of the car. It's also a telltale sign of flooding if the carpet is stained or has a musty smell to it from dampness. 2. Rust. Any unpainted metal that was exposed to a flood will likely develop rust, so check for this surefire sign and examine the door handles, pedals, under the hood, and anywhere else in the cabin where you see unpainted metal. 3. New seat mounting screws. When you replace the carpet in a car, you have to remove the seats. If the seats have new mounting screws, then it's likely they've been removed at least once. 4. Mud. If you spot mud or debris inside the engine bad or under the trunk lid, you can pretty much bet on flood damage to the rest of the car. 5. Fog or moisture. If you see fog or moisture droplets in the headlights, interior lights, or instrument panel, you likely have flood damage on your hands. And don't forget, you can always have a mechanic check the car out if you're in doubt! Get the peace of mind you deserve - shop Toyota of Clermont's used car inventory today. We're open seven days a week until 10pm at 16861 State Road 50!

Today has been an eventful day in the world of Toyota. Two new models have been confirmed for the 2021 model year and we're super excited here at Toyota of Clermont! In a livestream this morning confirmed the upcoming arrival of both a new generation Toyota Sienna and a revival of the Toyota Venza. If you're anxious for the latest on these two upcoming Toyota hybrids, we've got you! The Latest on the Toyota Venza For months we've been speculating the arrival of a new Clermont Toyota SUV in North America and it seems we finally have it! The Toyota Venza is being revived for the 2021 model year after being discontinued in 2015. The second generation of this Toyota hybrid will feature a slew of upgrades and new engineering that set it apart from it's cousins the RAV4 and Highlander. Here are a few new features you can look forward to checking out at Toyota of Clermont soon: The Venza will be available in several trim levels and include a hybrid option that's equipped with Toyota Hybrid System II and advanced Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive. A 12.3-inch touchscreen display with nine JBL speakers. Toyota first fixed panoramic glass roof. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 standard for all grades. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Predictive Efficient Drive (PED) that uses the Clermont Venza's navigation system to analyze driving habits and memorize roads and traffic to help optimize the use of the hybrid battery system. This Toyota hybrid will be built on the new TNGA-K platform for better handling and a quieter ride. The Latest on the new Toyota Sienna In a surprising turn of events, the Toyota Sienna will be getting a much needed refresher and image facelift for the 2021 model year. Along with a totally new exterior design comes a hybrid drivetrain system that's standard across all trim levels of the Clermont Sienna. Here are a few of the exciting new features you can expect to see on this new revamped minivan: Premium features like kick-open sliding doors and rear liftgate, four-zone climate control, heated second-row long slide captain's chair second row seating with ottomans, an onboard vacuum and refrigerator, and more. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 across all trim levels New driving TNGA-K platform Optional tow hitch and Yakima accessories Optional 1080p HD rear entertainment system Driver Easy Speak Seating for up to seven, several USB ports throughout the cabin, and 18 cup holders. Available digital rear-view mirror Toyota Hybrid System II equipped which 243 total horsepower with an estimated 33 combined MPG. Amid all the commotion of COVID-19, these upcoming Toyota hybrids are much welcomed news and we can't wait to see them here at Toyota of Clermont. There's also the highly anticipated and expected Toyota hot hatch coming soon to the dealership (more details on that to follow). If you're looking for more information on these two new upcoming models or if you'd like to shop for current Toyota hybrids and SUVs, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Visit our dealership at 16851 State Road 50 today!

Without getting too existential, the world is truly an unforgiving place. Around every corner there's always something that can jump out at you and just scratch up your whole day. You may be thinking that we're talking about life, but we're actually talking about your vehicle and its paint! Driving around just about anywhere, especially around the Clermont area (I4, right?), has its hazards and you could wind up with a few new scratches and dings in your paint by the time you pull back into your driveway. While we offer various forms of vehicle paint repairs, we know it can get pricey when you factor in the labor and parts necessary to get the job done. Luckily, if you're a fan of DIY car care, we've got the perfect project for you. At Toyota of Clermont we're going to walk you through how to repair simple vehicle paint scratches so your vehicle paint can get back to looking shiny and new again! Fixing Scratches in Your Vehicle's Paint Before you dive into the buffing, sanding, and polishing that goes along with vehicle paint repair, there are a few things you should do first. One, you should begin by assessing the type of scratch you're working with. Your Clermont vehicle's paint is created and achieves its shine by using several layers of products including the: base body panel, primer, body coat of paint, and clear coat. Scratches, depending on how deep they are, can penetrate all the way down to the body panel. Before you get started, check to see which type of scratch you're working with. A clear coat scratch fades when wet but reappears when dry, a body coat scratch doesn't fade but appears white, and a primer or body panel scratch looks black or gray. You should also make sure you have the right tools on hand including: sand paper, fine scratch polish, several clean and debris free microfiber cloths, a power polisher, and soapy water. Step 1) Clean the Area and Tape it Off Before you start sanding the area where you have a vehicle paint issues. This will keep you from sanding or polishing dirt and other debris into the scratch on your Clermont Toyota. Use plenty of soapy water and a microfiber cloth to wipe the area clean. After it's been cleaned then use painter's tape to cordon off the area so you know where you need to work. Step 2) Start Sanding Sanding out a scratch is one of the most essential steps of the process, but you need to be careful when you do it. You should use either 3000 or 5000 fine grit sandpaper to prevent additional scratches from forming on your car's paint. Pro tip, wrap a dish sponge with the sandpaper to start sanding to avoid pressure points caused by your fingers. Apply soapy water and start sanding with a medium amount of pressure and the 3000 grit sandpaper. Sand until the scratch is no longer visible and the sanded area has a hazy look. 3) Apply Polish and Wax If the scratch is no longer visible then you're ready for the next step! You're going to follow up the sanding on the scratch with some additional sanding in the surrounding area to feather the hazing. Use the 5000 grit paper to do this. After that's finished, grab another microfiber cloth and apply polish to the hazy area. The polish will finely sand the area and start to restore the reflective shine of your clearcoat. Once the hazy area has cleared up then it's time to start using wax. Apply a solid clay-bar wax to the area and your vehicle paint's shine should return with the scratch gone! If you need additional help taking care of minor scratches or need auto body work on more major scratches, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! We have a great selection of products to help you get the job done and we can refer you to our sister store, Toyota of Orlando, for major body work. Reach out to us online or by calling (352) 404 7000 today!

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.

By now you've likely heard that Florida is gradually reopening with the hope of resuming normalcy. While this is well-intended, the process is going to be slow, touch and go, and full of adjustments. What we're trying to say is that you're likely going to be spending the weekend in your house needing something to do. For us fans of Toyota and the automotive industry in general, we couldn't think of a better way to spend the weekend than watching our favorite car movies. There are many out there, but only a few make Toyota of Clermont's cut. Check out our list and start watching! The Best Car Movies to Watch This Weekend Drive (2011) While many know Ryan Gosling for The Notebook, Drive presents an interesting take on a car movie. Gosling's character is an unnamed stunt-driver who doubles as a getaway wheelman for hire. The Driver is tasked with transportation for a job that endangers him and everyone else involved. While it sounds like a typical heisty movie, it's the interesting blend of several decades of culture and the great performance of its cast that make it a memorable and highly watchable car movie. Cars How can you make a list of car movies and not include a movie that's characters are literally all cars? Cars is an excellent movie for people of all ages that follows the adventure of a race car, Lightning McQueen, as he falls down on his luck and seeks to make his way back to race track. If you're looking for lighthearted fun, cute characters, and something the whole family can watch, this one's for you! Transformers Series While it's technically a movie about aliens and not really about cars, we at Toyota of Clermont think it still qualifies. The first in the series features Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox befriending Bumblebee, an Autobot disguised as a truly iconic Chevy Camaro, and engaging in an interplanetary battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. From there the cars get cooler and the story even more ludicrous. The most recent installment, Bumblebee, is an excellent origin story with great performances from the cast and a nice vintage vibe (it's arguably our favorite one). Baby Driver There's nothing better than a perfect pairing of music and cars and Baby Driver nails it. Ansel Elgort stars as a music-obsessed driver under hire from a mob boss. Surreal car chases, impressive driving, and a good mix of comedy, romance, and action make this an excellent choice. Fast and Furious Series Who doesn't know about the Fast and Furious movies? With 8 mainline movies, a spin-off with Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, and a 9th mainline movie coming next year, this is a series you can get lost in. The early iterations popularized street racing and tuner subcultures while providing some of the best car eye-candy of any modern movie. Fast Five took the series to new heights with more action, Bond-esque plots, and crazy stunt work and the rest is history from there. If you want to get invested in a series that outdoes itself with every subsequent movie, sit down and watch these movies. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) While you won't see any of the vehicles featured in Mad Max on any road, unless you live in a dystopian future where gasoline is a currency, but it features some of the craziest contraptions you'll ever see on screen. This series was originally released in 1979 and starred Mel Gibson. The 2015 remake stars Tom Hardy as the lead and ups the ante with special effects and action. Definitely check this out if you're looking for a bit of gritty apocalyptic overtones with your car movie. Being stuck inside doesn't have to be boring. Check out these movies, make some popcorn, and kick back and enjoy the ride!