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When it comes to your car key, you probably don't put much thought into how you're going to maintain it. Tires, sure - you schedule your rotations and replace them as needed. Oil changes are a part of your car care routine and having your brakes serviced is familiar to you, too. But believe or not, your car key plays a vital function in your ability to hit the road, and Toyota of Orlando is here to tell you a bit more about this essential part as well as teach you how to maintain it. Let's talk a little bit about the history of car keys first. Did you know that the first car key wasn't even introduced until 1949 by Chrysler? Prior to its inception, getting your Orlando Toyota up and running would have been quite the task. You usually had to use a hand crank to get the engine up and running. push a button to activate the starter, and then turn a key to finish out the process. Time-consuming, right? And imagine doing it in bad weather. The introduction of the car key made getting up and running a whole lot simpler. Here are some highlights in its history: Like we said, Chrysler changed the game by introducing the first ignition system that could be put into motion with the single turn of a key. In 1965, the first double-sided key was introduced by Ford (up until then all keys were single-sided, which means they could only be put in the ignition one way). In 1987, the first car with remote keyless entry - the Cadillac Allante - was put on the market. In 1990, Lexus introduced the first laser-cut key to the market in its LS400 model. Laser cut keys increase the security of your vehicle because they're more difficult to make. Special equipment is required to cut them so they're harder to duplicate AND the locks are harder for thieves to pick. And since then, car keys have only continued to evolve. Many of our cars at Toyota of Orlando boast the Smart Key System, which lets you unlock your vehicle with the touch of a finger, and some vehicles even offer remote start capabilities. So how can you maintain your car key and give it a long life of unlocking doors and getting your ride started? Here are a few tips: If you use remote keyless entry, be sure to test your key in the locks periodically to ensure the locks aren't rusting. Replace the battery in your key fob every so often. You shouldn't need to do it often - maybe once every few years - but this way you'll always be up and running. Our Orlando Toyota service center can help you with this task. Always have a spare! You never know when you're going to lose your key or lock it inside of your car. Keep your spare somewhere OTHER than your vehicle, though. Have questions? Come see us - we're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.

Here at Toyota of Clermont we're doing everything we can to keep our guests and customers safe from the COVID-19 pandemic. Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us and we've implemented several measure out our dealership and our sister store, Toyota of Orlando, to ensure that you're protected during your shopping experience with us. As the pandemic continues, our doors remain open for your car shopping and auto service needs. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> However, we do recommend that you complete a majority of your vehicle purchase online to lessen the amount of time in the showroom. Believe it or not, a majority of your sales process can be completed online before you even visit our Clermont dealership. If you need a little help navigating the online world of shopping for a car, we're here for you! Check out this guide on how to shop for car online with Toyota of Clermont. Save Time and Stay Safe by Shopping Online Browse Our Online Inventory As you probably know by now, every vehicle we have available for sale is listed on our website's virtual inventory. This makes shopping for a car online easy by including all information on a vehicle including: Owner history Clermont Toyota vehicle specifications MSRP Applicable discounts A list of features included with the specific vehicle This will help you narrow down the exact vehicle you want from the comfort of your couch. Value Your Trade-In More than likely, you're going to have your previous Clermont vehicle to trade-in to reduce the final price of your new one. If this is the case, you can get a preliminary estimate online by using our Value Your Trade tool. You can input information like your vehicle's mileage, condition, VIN number, and more to get an estimate on your vehicle's worth and how that will factor into your final purchase price. Use the Online Shopper Tool Our Online Shopper tool makes shopping for a car online a piece of cake. Using this tool, you can shop for the best financing for you online and peruse various discounts you may receive based on your individual characteristics. You can get pre-approved for financing, figure out your down payment, your monthly payment amount,  or configure an ideal lease. This can greatly reduce your time in the store and provide a safer and more sanitary purchasing process. Use Our Website Chat Tool Shopping online for a car can be a bit of a confusing and uncertain process. Luckily, we're here to help! Our Website Chat Tool is conveniently located on various pages of our website for easy access. You can use this tool to speak with one of our Clermont store associates as you navigate through the purchase process. Help is just a click away and so is the vehicle you want and need. During the uncertainty and anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic, you can be rest assured that we at Toyota of Clermont are doing everything we can to normalize the situation and provide you with the safest way to purchasing a vehicle. If you have questions or want to get started on shopping for a car online, visit our website or give us a call at (352) 404 7000.

Is your car on a routine oil change schedule? It should be - your engine needs a tank full of clean oil in order to stay cool and keep things running without issue. When you don't have enough oil or the oil is too dirty to do its job, you run the risk of big problems (engine overheating, parts breaking, engine seizing up and having to be replaced... you're getting the gist, right?). That's why it's important to know when you're due for an oil change, and our Clermont Toyota service techs are here with a quick checklist for you to run through when you think it's time but you're not sure. 6 signs it's time to schedule a Clermont oil change Sign 1: The oil level isn't in between the two tic marks. When you pull the oil dipstick out of the engine, the oil level should be somewhere between the two tic marks on the stick. If it falls below the bottom tic mark, then you're running low on oil (which means your engine is at risk). If you see this, it's time to either add oil to the system or schedule an oil change at Toyota of Clermont. Sign 2: The oil is dark in color or has flecks of dirt in it. Your motor oil should be tan or caramel in color - that's the standard for clean oil. If it's darker in hue (dark brown or black) or you can see tiny flecks of dirt in it, you need to schedule an oil change. Dark and dirty oil can't properly cool and lubricate your car's engine so you're putting your engine at risk. Sign 3: You have exhaust smoke. It's find to see vapor coming out of your car's exhaust, especially when it's cold out. However, if you see actual smoke coming out of your car's exhaust, it may be because you have a problem with your car's oil. Let our auto service mechanics look under the hood to see what's going on. Sign 4: You can smell oil inside of your Clermont Toyota. Do you smell engine oil inside of your car's cabin? This can signify an oil leak, which can lead to low oil levels pretty quickly. Bring your car in for an oil change and a system inspection to pinpoint and fix the leak. Sign 5: You hear knocking or rumbling sounds inside your engine. Knocking or rumbling noises inside of your car's engine are a bad sign - typically, this means something is loose and knocking around, or metal is touching metal without lubrication (remember, the oil keeps things moving smoothly). Schedule oil change auto service immediately. Sign 6: Your oil change light comes on in your dash. Sign 6 is pretty obvious, but it's surefire indicator that you're due to visit us. If the oil light illuminates in your dash, bring your ride in for a quick car care appointment to get things back on track! Let Toyota of Clermont get your ride back on track Need to schedule a Clermont oil change? Call us at (352) 404-7001 OR stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

Ah, the Toyota Land Cruiser. Cultural icon, a living legend, a piece of major Toyota history, and current luxury icon. This massive SUV has it all. It can traverse the most uneven terrain, it's perfect for valet service at the fanciest of places, and it looks really cool. Needless to say, the Land Cruiser has a lot to live up to going forward as it's fulfilled many facets of the automotive world throughout its long history. While currently in its J200 generation, and with the recent release of the Land Cruiser Heritage Edition, the Cruiser is primed for a remodel. Recently we've been wowed by redesigns for the Clermont Toyota RAV4, Corolla, Highlander, Supra, and Avalon, but we're definitely ready for more. If you're anxiously waiting on pins and needles for more information on the new Toyota Land Cruiser, don't worry. Toyota of Clermont is here with the latest that you can expect from the 300 Series Land Cruiser. What We Know so far About the 300 Series Land Cruiser The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a mainstay in Toyota's lineup for generations and the J200 Series has been around since 2007, if you can believe it. After 13 years, it's about time for an update! Toyota has seemingly confirmed that a new model Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser will be arriving soon. Here are some of the rumors circulating the inter-webs concerning the new Cruiser: The new Land Cruiser may be receiving several new engine and drivetrain designs. These new options include a rumored 4.8-liter V8 gasoline powered engine and a potential 3.5-liter V6 paired with a hybrid drivetrain. The hybrid engine seems plausible for this model year Land Cruiser as Toyota currently produces that engine and drivetrain combo for the Lexus LS500. All engine options will likely be mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. There is a rumor circulating that there might be a potential Constant Variable Transmission (CVT) transmission option available on the Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser. However, this may not be likely due to Toyota's likelihood of maintaining the off-roading qualities of the traditional Cruiser. It's also likely that Toyota will use 4WD on all trim levels for the 300 Series Land Cruiser. This will ensure that each model will be able to have some off-roading capability. This would be consistent with the J200 Series (most recent model generation). It's obvious that the Toyota Land Cruiser has quite a high price tag (yes, we know). It is the most luxurious Toyota available on the lineup (unless you decide to go with a Lexus), but the high MSRP has barred many Clermont drivers from getting behind the wheel of one. Because of this, Toyota may offer the 300 Series at a lower entry price by including new engineering options. This would bring it into the realm of the Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner when it comes to off-roading accessibility. The new Toyota Land Cruiser will be here soon. Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's release date is speculated to be sometime in 2021. At Toyota of Clermont, we'll keep you updated with any new information we find! If you're excited or want to shop for a current year Land Cruiser, shop our inventory online or visit us at 16851 State Road 50.

Among all of our tips and tricks for auto service and Toyota related news that we've written about this week, we can't help but include information on the giant elephant in the room, the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully by now you've taken necessary steps and measures to practice safe social distancing. If you've made sure to plan out temporary learning outlets for your kids, purchased necessary supplies to limit your time out in public (again, ONLY WHAT YOU NEED!), and sanitized high touch surfaces in your home, you're in great shape! But, by now you're probably wondering how to stay entertained when you're not working or taking care of important duties. Luckily, at Toyota of Clermont, we've compiled a list of a few fun things that you can do while social distancing to keep things fresh and to keep you from slipping into existential boredom. Check it out! How to Practice Social Distancing Like a Pro Use the Internet It's already well known that the internet is an excellent place for entertainment. However, if you're like most people, you probably take it for granted on a daily basis and don't use it to its full potential. Luckily, with plenty of spare time on your hands, there's no limit to what you can do using the power of the internet. Many museums, state parks, and even theme parks are providing unique digital experiences to users. Museums are providing virtual exhibits, Disney World is allowing guests to ride their attractions virtually with a unique set of ride videos. Try a New Recipe If you're a foodie and need to get your food fix, we recommend making a new recipe or cooking something that you've always wanted to try. It's the perfect time! Think about it. You don't have many other commitments, your kitchen is likely clean, and there's plenty of time to devote to even the lengthiest of recipes. But, if cooking isn't really your thing, then you could always order take out or delivery. Many restaurants and hospitality employees are struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and need your help. Purchase gift certificates to use at a later date, order takeout from your favorite local restaurant, and use delivery services like UberEats and Postmates to have your favorite meals delivered. Bust Out the Board Games You probably haven't touched a board game since the last time you lost power or a natural disaster struck (i.e. Clermont's hurricane season). But board and card games are an excellent way to pass the time while social distancing. Try getting better at poker, betray your family members during a friendly game of UNO, or flip some tables when you lose at Monopoly. The options are endless! Watch a New Show Everyone has those few shows and movies in their Netflix queue that they've been saving for a rainy day. Well, the rain is here! While social distancing, we recommend checking out some of the movies and/or shows you've put on the back burner. Some film production companies are also early releasing movies for rent so, if you didn't get a chance to see them before theaters closed, you should check those out! We know social distancing can be a drag, but it's for the betterment of those around you and it helps limit the spread of this already highly contagious virus. Be safe everyone and embrace the cabin fever!

With the wake of COVID-19 - and cold and flu season in general- now is a great time to brush up on how to thoroughly clean and disinfect your car when you're car detailing. And Toyota of Clermont is here to help! We've got tips to help you disinfect your ride. After all, it doesn't matter how much you wash or sanitize your hands if you're continuously touching contaminated surfaces inside your Clermont Toyota. Use these simple tips to get your car clean and germ-free today. Tip #1: Get your supplies. Our Clermont Toyota dealership recommends that you keep supplies in your car when you're trying to ensure that it's thoroughly disinfected. It's a good idea to have disinfectant wipes on hand so you can quickly wipe things down on a routine basis, and we always recommend having hand sanitizer on deck for your hands. It's especially useful for when you have to pump gas, pay tolls, etc. and need to clean your hands before touching your vehicle again. Tip #2: Reconsider how you're cleaning different surfaces. When it comes to car detailing, you're probably using the typical car cleaning supplies. For disinfecting, you have to switch things up a little. Using an antibacterial soap and water mix can get your seats and any other fabric inside your car nice and clean (and dish soap is actually effective against COVID-19). If you have seat covers, strip them off and throw them into the washing machine. For your dash and any other plastic parts, disinfectant wipes are an easy way to decontaminate things. Tip #3: Remember to hit the car seats. Have car seats in the back? Don't forget to clean them, too! You can use the soap and water mixture we mentioned above to clean car seat fabrics, but also check to see if the fabric parts can be removed from the seat and thrown into the washer. Hit all the plastic parts with disinfectant wipes, and don't forget the cupholders. Tip #4: Put emphasis on cleaning high-touch surfaces. Certain parts of your Clermont Toyota are high-touch (i.e. you touch them A LOT) and you should pay them special attention when you're car detailing. Use disinfectant wipes to clean items like: Steering wheel Shifter Door handles (inside and out) Window buttons Infotainment system screen and buttons Turn signal and wiper controls Seat belt buckles A/C and heat buttons And all the other knobs and buttons inside your car. Don't forget to hit the passenger doors, too! Tip #5: Put it into practice. Once you've started working disinfecting into your car detailing routine, make it part of routine practice! Keeping disinfectant wipes in your car will make it easy to routinely wipe things down and keep your ride clean and germ-free. Have questions or want more car detailing tips? Call Toyota of Clermont! Our Toyota Service team is here seven days a week to give you all the info you need. You can reach us at (352) 404-7001.

This week has been a bit slow when it comes to the latest Toyota news in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (stay safe and healthy out there). Apart from the recent development of Toyota's new airless automotive paint atomizers (it decreases emissions by 7% and is far more efficient and definitely worth checking out, if you're interested), there's not too much to report on for this week. However, we at Toyota of Clermont have done some digging and we've found the perfect story to help you through your social distancing efforts. This week, we're taking you on a journey with the legendary classic Toyota, the AE86 and how that translated into the now iconic Toyota 86. Follow along with us at Toyota of Clermont as we chronicle the story behind this classic Toyota! The Fabled Toyota AE86 While a quick Google search of the Toyota AE86 will reveal little information about this vehicle (aside from its actual name being the Toyota Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno), but there's more to this 80s classic than meets the eye. While most of us here on the west side of the globe are probably unfamiliar with the Japanese racing scene, those who are will know the significance of this Clermont classic Toyota. In Japan, the AE86 is an iconic racing vehicle, especially along the Hakone turnpike. This windy roadway is famous for its racing passes and drift-ability and the AE86 has seen many a kilometer along this mountain pass. Keiichi Tsuchiya, better known as the "Drift King," drove his signature Toyota AE86 which catapulted the racing segment and the vehicle to stardom. A popular manga franchise, "Initial D" also made the AE86 iconic as the story, centered around a young street racer, and it's main character used an AE86 as his chosen vehicle. Despite the anime being adapted into movies, series, and a live-action stint, they all feature the AE86. The Clermont classic Toyota AE86 also won two British Touring Car Championship races in 1986 and 1987. The peppy Toyota hatchback raced past rival racing vehicles like the BMW M6, Volvo 240 Turbo, and Mazda 929. The infamous edition of this classic, the Black Limited, is by far the most valuable and most sought after trim level. Today, Toyota is revitalizing this drifting classic with a new limited edition Toyota 86! The New Black Limited Toyota 86 To commemorate the famous drift king Clermont Toyota AE86, a new special edition Toyota 86 is coming to Japan. The Black Limited trim level 86 will pay homage to the Corolla Levin will feature: An exclusive black paint color 17-inch bronze wheels Ventilated Brembo brakes A trunk lid spoiler And SACHS shock absorbers for improved comfort and stability. This model will also feature "Black Limited" interior badging on the passenger side dashboard as well as subtle bronze accents throughout. This trim level will be limited to only 86 vehicles with half and half split between manual and automatic transmissions. This will be limited to the Japanese market so we wish you luck if you wish to get your hands on it. If you're looking to shop for a new Toyota 86, swing by Toyota of Clermont! We have this classic Toyota and more on our lot right now. Visit us today at 16851 State Road 50 or shop our inventory online anytime!

If you've been paying attention to the news as of late, you're most likely aware of the presence of COVID-19/Coronavirus globally and in the central Florida area. It is now labeled a pandemic and that means it demands your attention and preparedness. Local and national news outlets have been very proactive in reporting the latest information on the virus' spread and its threat to the central Florida community. At Toyota of Clermont, we're here to help consolidate the latest information and provide you with some tips on navigating through this time. Essential Tips for Navigating Through COVID-19/Coronavirus Before we begin with some essential tips, an important thing we should all remember is to not panic. Pandemics are no laughing matter, but keeping calm during a crisis eases tension and helps you better navigate through them. Do your best to remain calm and take this time one day at a time. Stay Informed It's important to stay up to date with the latest information regarding the virus, it's affects on you and others, and how it's affecting society as a whole. Make sure you're receiving your information from reliable news sources like local reporting outlets or reputable national news outlets. To answer a few questions: No, COVID-19/Coronavirus is NOT the common cold and it is NOT the flu. This is a novel virus not previously identified in humans that can cause aggravated respiratory issues like difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fever, and cough. In some severe cases the virus could lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome, and kidney failure. It has also proven to be fatal in older populations and in those with pre-existing medical conditions. It also spreads aggressively and quickly. No, there is not currently an abundance of tests available or a vaccine/cure. And no, wearing a face mask if you have yet to contract the virus will NOT prevent you from getting it. Throughout the virus' course, stay informed with the latest information from the Center for Disease Control and from medical providers. These will be your most reliable sources if you need additional information or paths of treatment. Stock Up on Essentials, But Only What You Need Living in Clermont, we're used to hurricanes and other natural disasters drying up shelves of water and other perishable food. Dealing with a pandemic is quite a bit different. It's important to stock up on food items and cleaning supplies, but only what you need. Water will not stop running in your home and you will not lose power. It's important to only stock up on goods reasonably for you and your family. Hoarding cleaning supplies and other essentials leaves others disparaged and vulnerable. Limit Time In Public Places Large entities like the NBA, MLS, Disney World, and Universal Studios don't close their doors or postpone events without reason. This virus spreads quickly and aggressively and it will make its way to central Florida and the remainder of the state at large. Take notice and be sure to limit your time outside and at large public gatherings. Stay up to date with your children's schools as they will announce whether or not they will postpone classes and other measures that should be taken. You might be bummed out about the cancellation of your favorite sporting event or your planned trip to Disney, but these closures and cancellations are done to mitigate the spread of the virus. Wash Your Hands, Limit Physical Contact, Maintain Distance from Those Exhibiting Symptoms You've probably heard it many times by now, but we'll say it again so you don't forget. Wash your hands! It's important to wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 - 30 seconds with warm water and soap. This will help limit the spread of the virus. Another important step is to limit physical contact with others. This includes handshaking, hugging, kiss greetings, and other forms of physical interaction. Be sure to refrain from touching your face, especially around your eyes, mouth, nose, and ears. The Center for Disease Control also recommends maintaining a safe distance of 6 feet from those exhibiting symptoms. If you find yourself exhibiting symptoms, you can and should wear a face mask. Home Quarantine If you begin showing symptoms of the virus, it's important that you take measures to self-quarantine in your home. If you can, do not go to work. Inform your employer that you have contracted COVID-19 and that you need to remain home. If you want to seek testing, call your healthcare provider prior to your arrival and let them know that you contracted COVID-19.   During this time, be sure to stay informed and careful. Don't panic and be aware of those around you. At Toyota of Clermont we will keep you informed if we change our hours of operation in response to the virus. Stay safe!

Are you considering restoring a classic Toyota car? It's not a simple task - it's actually a big project, but many drivers choose to undertake it because they're looking for something truly one-of-a-kind that just can't be found in modern inventory. However, it's definitely rewarding when all is said and done. Toyota of Clermont is here with tips to help you tackle it - check out our beginner's guide to restoring a classic Toyota car. 3 things to keep in mind when restoring a classic Toyota car Tip #1: Find the right car in the right place. First things first - where are you going to find the perfect classic Toyota car for your restoration project? After all, you can't just walk into Toyota of Clermont and find a vintage car for a restoration project. Your best bet? To check the classifieds, whether you look online or in the newspaper. You can also look online for websites that specialize in listing classic car inventory. Tip #2: Expect to spend time and money on your project. You should be prepared to invest a fair amount of time AND money into your classic Toyota car, whether or not you do the work yourself. When it comes to time, it could take up to a year or more to get your ride road-ready. You'll need to find vintage parts if you're restoring it to its former glory and it can take time to track them down. If you're swapping the old parts out for more modern parts, you'll still need to find compatible elements and get them installed and working in your vehicle before you can hit the road. In terms of money, it's not cheap to restore a classic Toyota car. As mentioned, you need parts; you'll also need to pay either for labor to have a trained Clermont Toyota service tech install them or for a workspace and tools to do it yourself. Plus, you'll need to pay for the car itself before you can even get rolling. Tip #3: Have a workspace and tools lined up and ready to go before you start. If you're going to tackle the project yourself and revamp your classic Toyota car without a professional, you'll need to have the right workspace. It should be spacious and well-lit, as well as have access to electricity. And don't forget the tools! To get started, you'll need tools like screwdrivers, an air hose, wrenches, sockets, a drill with different bits, a reliable car jack, and pliers. You may also want to invest in tools like a blow torch, a car engine crane and stand to lift the engine out of the vehicle, and a welder. Just ensure you know how to safely use all of these tools before you start getting into the process. Let Toyota of Clermont help you through the process Whether you need help finding the right parts or need a trained technician to help you install them, Toyota of Clermont has got you covered! Call us today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7000.

Let's be real, organizing is fun. There, we said it. While some may think organizing your car is a mundane or boring thing, we know it's just about the coolest thing ever and gives you the best feeling. No more clutter, no more mess, just good old fashioned Clermont Toyota car interior efficiency to keep your commutes streamlined. If you're looking to majorly overhaul the functionality of your car's interior or you're just looking to tidy things up, Toyota of Clermont is here with an essential guide on organizing your car along with some impressive gadgets that can help you get the job done. Essential Organizational Tips for Your Car Start by Tidying Up The first step to organizing your car is to clean everything out of your Clermont Toyota vehicle's interior. Remove large items that you've left in the trunk or back seats, vacuum the carpets and seats to remove any crumbs or dirt left behind. Wipe down surfaces that look dirty and clean all the vehicle glass so you can have a clearer view when behind the wheel. After you've finished cleaning your vehicle's interior, it's time to get organizing. Make Use of Your Vehicle's Headrests Here at Toyota of Clermont, we're going to let you in on a little secret. Your car's headrests can do more than just rest your head. It's true! There are so many things you can do with your headrests and a little know how. Using carabiners or specifically designed cargo hooks, you can turn your headrest into a trash bag, iPad, grocery bag, and more holder! You can also attach things like shoe organizers to them and fill the organizer with snacks and toys for your kids. When it comes to your headrests and organizing your car, let your imagination run wild. Try Using Your Sun Visor Keeping the sun out of your eyes is a pretty useful utility, but your Clermont car sun visors can do so much more. To turn them into an organizational tool, you're going to need to get creative. Attach a facial tissue holder to your sun visor, use an elastic organizer to store a variety of items right within arm's reach, or use a binder clip as a sunglasses holder. Make Your Trunk More Efficient Your trunk is your largest and most prominent storage device your Clermont Toyota has at its disposal. Luckily, there's more you can do with it than just tossing things into it willy-nilly. If you drive an SUV you can hang organizers from the headrests into the trunk. You can also use a shower caddy to organize your in-car cleaners and other floor containers to organize your small items. If you have extra vertical space you can enhance your trunk by adding in a foldable shelf that can keep your groceries from getting crushed during your commute home.   Organizing your ride can be a lot of work, but if you have a knack for creativity then you can easily make your vehicle's space work for you. If you have questions on organizing your car or need to shop for the right gadgets, swing by Toyota of Clermont today! You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 or give us a call at (352) 404-7001.

In the land of sunshine and warm (most of the insufferably hot) weather), it's been rather cold as of late. With a cold front in full swing here near Orlando, it looks like your weekend plans of kayaking on the lake or hitting the beaches are all busts. But, there's no need to worry! There are still plenty of things to do in Clermont and Orlando that you'll forget all about how fun it is to clean your car after a day at the beach. Lucky for you, Toyota of Clermont has compiled a guide on things you can do this weekend despite it being cold outside. The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway SeaWorld's Seven Seas Food Festival Is there a better combination than food, music, and SeaWorld? Probably not. This weekend, visit SeaWorld Orlando for the Seven Seas Food Festival! Try over 180 different food offerings from different countries and cultures, enjoy local and imported craft beers, and enjoy live music from incredible artists. Orlando Solar Bears Food Festival Saturday, 2/29 @ Amway Center A game of hockey is the best way to enjoy the cold. Include some incredible food offerings and you're in business. The Orlando Solar Bears will be hosting their inaugural food festival this Saturday! A ticket to the food festival, which takes place on Church St. near the Amway Center, includes a ticket to that night's game against the Newfoundland Growlers. Come enjoy food from 15 local restaurants (included with your ticket purchase) plus drink specials throughout the evening. Lake Nona Farmers' Market Saturday, 2/29 @ 11:00 am Every Saturday, come experience local artisans, food, and more at the Lake Nona's farmers' market. It may be a bit chilly outside, but a brisk walk through the market in the sun will be sure to warm you up. Come check out the wide variety of vendors and kickstart your Saturday right. Outta Control Dinner Show Sunday, 3/1 @ Wonder Works Not only is the building upside down, but the events there are wonderfully crazy! Visit Wonder Works this Sunday for the Outta Control Dinner Show! You can purchase tickets to this unique online which includes unlimited hand tossed pizza, drinks, dessert, and a unique dinner show. Plus you'll receive admission to Wonder Works which houses over 100 interactive exhibits for attendees of all ages. Orlando Taco Festival Saturday and Sunday @ Drive Shack There's nothing like a good taco to spice things up. Visit Drive Shack on Lake Nona Blvd and enjoy over 25 different taco and food vendors. The event will also have a margarita bar, kids' play zone, lucha libre wrestling, live culturally authentic entertainment, a chili pepper and taco eating contest, mechanical bull rides, and more! Tickets can be purchased through Orlando Taco Festival's website and range from $15 - $55.   Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!

Pumping gas is pretty simple - right? You pull up to the station, insert the nozzle of the hose into your fuel tank, pump, and go. However, did you know that you could be making potentially dangerous mistakes without even realizing it? Toyota of Clermont is here to talk to you about some of the most common ones so you can adjust your habits at the gas pump and stay safe every time you fill up. Are you making these mistakes at the gas pump? Toyota of Clermont explains 1.  Climbing in and out of your car: It's tempting to climb back into the driver's seat when you're pumping gas, especially if it's cold or rainy outside. However, you should resist the urge to get in and out of your car while pumping. When you climb in and out of the driver's seat, it creates static electricity, and a small charge builds up on your body. If you reach for the gas nozzle and that charge sparks, you could end up with a fire on your hands (literally). Stay outside the car while at the gas pump, for safety's sake. 2. "Topping the tank off": A lot of people like to "top the tank off" because they think they're squeezing in a few last drops of gas and really getting their money's worth. This is actually a bad idea. Automatic shut-off valves exist for a reason - you know that "click" noise you hear when your tank is full? That indicates that maximum capacity has been met - gas expands inside the fuel tank, and it needs room to do it. If you overfill your tank, you run the risk of too much pressure inside the tank as the gas expands, which can quickly result in a gas leak. 3. Leaving your car running while you pump: Did you know it's dangerous to leave your car running while at the gas pump? When your car is turned on, it's putting off heat and static electricity. Both of these are extremely dangerous in the presence of gasoline or even gas vapors and can cause a major fire. Turn your ride off before you even start pumping. 4. Using your cell phone: Contrary to what many believe, your phone won't start a fire at the gas pump. However, it can be extremely distracting at best! When you're on your phone, you're a lot more likely to overfill your gas tank, lock your keys in the car, or even drive away with the hose nozzle still attached to your car. Put your phone up and do away with the distractions. 5. Not locking your car doors: When you leave your car unlocked at the gas pump, it's pretty easy to become a victim. While you're on one side of the car pumping fuel, it's easy for thieves to sneak into the other side and steal your belongings via an unlocked door or open window. Crack or close your windows and lock up. 6. Smoking while pumping gas: Believe it or not, some people still smoke while pumping gas. All it takes is one hot ash or tiny ember to cause a fire and possible explosion. Put it out! Let Toyota of Clermont answer your questions Want more tips? Call Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7002 and our Clermont Toyota service techs are happy to help.