Blog

All Clermont Toyota Tips New Toyota Clermont Toyota News Toyota Service Fun Friday Used Cars Clermont Toyota Service Toyota of Clermont Service
hybrid cars for sale

Toyota hybrids vs other hybrid cars: Which should you choose?

Are you considering switching things up for your drive time and going green? We get it - hybrid, electric, and other alternative fuel options are becoming more and more popular as people try to save on gas and cut back on emissions. But what makes Toyota hybrids stand apart from the rest of the pack, and why should you choose to put one in your garage? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain. What makes Toyota hybrids different from other hybrid options on the market? We know we're biased, but we've got the facts to back it up. Check out these four reasons why you should choose a Clermont Toyota hybrid over other makes and models for your next hybrid car! Reason #1: Hybrid Synergy Drive powers them. Toyota hybrids - and Toyota hybrids alone - have Toyota's renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive technology powering them under the hood. This unique tech utilizes both a gasoline engine and an electric motor simultaneously; it swaps off between the two so you can get the performance you need when you need it. Both can power the car on their own, so you can get the efficiency you need as well as the power when performance calls for it. Additionally, Hybrid Synergy Drive tech uses regenerative braking to help keep the battery charged up and ready to roll. Reason #2: There's more research and better quality involved. Toyota is the OG when it comes to hybrid technology - the Clermont Toyota Prius was the frontrunner of the hybrid car movement. Toyota has been working on alternative fuel technology for quite some time, pushing it to the limits and refining it year after year. Not to mention, hybrid car sales are booming, which has led to reinvestment of profit into more research and development for alternative fuel solutions. When you buy a Toyota hybrid, you know you've got quality on your side. Reason #3: They produce fewer emissions. Did you know that Toyota hybrids are actually better for the environment than other hybrid cars? They're more efficient with gas, which in turn means they use fewer natural resources. Additionally, Toyota hybrids emit the smallest amount of NOx, which is an exhaust emission that's damaging to the planet. Reason #4: You'll have the most options with Toyota. Toyota has more hybrid car options than any other automotive production company out there. We've got cars, hatchbacks, SUVs, trucks, and minivans to help you complete your mission to go green with ease. Whether you want a family-friendly Toyota Sienna, a sporty and fun Toyota RAV4, or an affordable and incredibly efficient Toyota Corolla, you're in good hands shopping at Toyota of Clermont. Shop for a new hybrid car at Toyota of Clermont Why choose any other make? Book a test drive in a Toyota hybrid today at Toyota of Clermont. We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. You can call ahead of time to schedule at (352) 404-7000 OR shop all of our new Toyota hybrid inventory online. Go green today!

comparing SUVs

How does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 compare to the 2022 Kia Sportage?

Trying to figure out which compact SUV is going to be the right fit for your drive time? You've got plenty of options on the market (including here at Toyota of Clermont) - this segment is one of the hottest and most popular things to buy right now. However, too many choices can be overwhelming and our Clermont Toyota dealership is here to help you whittle down the options - were comparing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 to the 2022 Kia Sportage. See how the 2022 Kia Sportage stacks up against the 2022 Toyota RAV4 First, let's discuss performance - we know it can be a deal-breaker for some drivers. Here's the breakdown of how the 2022 Toyota RAV4 compares to the 2022 Kia Sportage in this arena. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 outperforms the 2022 Kia Sportage when it comes to horsepower - its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine gets 22 more horsepower and is also faster. It's faster than the Kia Sportage in the 0-30, 0-60, 45-65, and quarter mile speed tests. It's also more fuel-efficient. The FWD model gets 27/35 mpg in comparison to the Sportage's 23.30 mpg, and the AWD model gets 27/34 mpg compared to the Sportage's 22/26 mpg. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 additionally offers an automatic engine start/stop system - this is when the engine turns off at stoplights, in traffic, etc. to conserve fuel and cut down on emissions. This Orlando Toyota has a shorter stopping distance than its Kia competition - 161 feet compared to 174 feet for coming to a complete stop from 70 mph. Further, the Toyota RAV4's standard 8-speed automatic transmission is better for acceleration and a smoother ride, while the Kia Sportage only has a 6-speed automatic transmission under the hood. You'll be able to tow more in this Orlando Toyota, too. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs behind it while the Kia competition maxes out at 2,000 lbs. The new Toyota RAV4 also surpasses the Kia Sportage in terms of safety. It offers advantages like standard front AND rear seatbelt pretensioners, a driver's side knee airbag, a standard secondary collision brake to prevent further collisions in an accident, parking assist with automatic braking, and Safety Connect Services with GPS tracking. It also brings an optional Bird's Eye View camera into the picture, something that the Kia competition doesn't offer. Further, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 performed better in NHTSA tests including the side-impact and refined side-impact tests, and the 35 mph front crash tests. What about comfort? The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has some obvious advantages when compared to its Kia competition, including: Power memory seats, a power parking brake with power and automatic release, and one-touch up-down power front and rear windows. Some models that offer automatic windshield wipers (on the Kia, you have to manually adjust them yourself) More front headroom and shoulder room, as well as more rear headroom and shoulder room More cargo space in the rear. With the back seats up, it offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space vs. the Kia's 30.7, and with the back seats down it offers 69.8 cubic feet vs. the Kia's 60.1 cubic feet. And let's not forget about value and reliability. Consumer Reports reported that Toyota (ranked 2nd) is a more reliable brand than Kia (ranked 15th), and this particular Orlando Toyota offers much better resale value than its Kia counterpart. Here are a few other things to consider: You'll get 2 years or 25,000 miles of no-cost car maintenance in a new Toyota RAV4; the Kia Sportage offers no free maintenance. According to the CarBook and IntelliChoice, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is cheaper to own. It offers cheaper repairs and more affordable fuel, fees, insurance, maintenance, financing, and less depreciation. It also has a 5-year corrosion warranty with no mileage limits, while the Kia Sportage maxes out at 100,000 miles. Make this new Toyota yours at Toyota of Clermont Why not see for yourself? Take the 2022 Toyota RAV4 for a test drive at Toyota of Clermont today. We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

comparing SUVs

How does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 compare to the 2022 Kia Sportage?

Trying to figure out which compact SUV is going to be the right fit for your drive time? You've got plenty of options on the market (including here at Toyota of Clermont) - this segment is one of the hottest and most popular things to buy right now. However, too many choices can be overwhelming and our Clermont Toyota dealership is here to help you whittle down the options - were comparing the 2022 Toyota RAV4 to the 2022 Kia Sportage. See how the 2022 Kia Sportage stacks up against the 2022 Toyota RAV4 First, let's discuss performance - we know it can be a deal-breaker for some drivers. Here's the breakdown of how the 2022 Toyota RAV4 compares to the 2022 Kia Sportage in this arena. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 outperforms the 2022 Kia Sportage when it comes to horsepower - its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine gets 22 more horsepower and is also faster. It's faster than the Kia Sportage in the 0-30, 0-60, 45-65, and quarter mile speed tests. It's also more fuel-efficient. The FWD model gets 27/35 mpg in comparison to the Sportage's 23.30 mpg, and the AWD model gets 27/34 mpg compared to the Sportage's 22/26 mpg. The 2022 Toyota RAV4 additionally offers an automatic engine start/stop system - this is when the engine turns off at stoplights, in traffic, etc. to conserve fuel and cut down on emissions. This Orlando Toyota has a shorter stopping distance than its Kia competition - 161 feet compared to 174 feet for coming to a complete stop from 70 mph. Further, the Toyota RAV4's standard 8-speed automatic transmission is better for acceleration and a smoother ride, while the Kia Sportage only has a 6-speed automatic transmission under the hood. You'll be able to tow more in this Orlando Toyota, too. It can tow up to 3,500 lbs behind it while the Kia competition maxes out at 2,000 lbs. The new Toyota RAV4 also surpasses the Kia Sportage in terms of safety. It offers advantages like standard front AND rear seatbelt pretensioners, a driver's side knee airbag, a standard secondary collision brake to prevent further collisions in an accident, parking assist with automatic braking, and Safety Connect Services with GPS tracking. It also brings an optional Bird's Eye View camera into the picture, something that the Kia competition doesn't offer. Further, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 performed better in NHTSA tests including the side-impact and refined side-impact tests, and the 35 mph front crash tests. What about comfort? The 2022 Toyota RAV4 has some obvious advantages when compared to its Kia competition, including: Power memory seats, a power parking brake with power and automatic release, and one-touch up-down power front and rear windows. Some models that offer automatic windshield wipers (on the Kia, you have to manually adjust them yourself) More front headroom and shoulder room, as well as more rear headroom and shoulder room More cargo space in the rear. With the back seats up, it offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space vs. the Kia's 30.7, and with the back seats down it offers 69.8 cubic feet vs. the Kia's 60.1 cubic feet. And let's not forget about value and reliability. Consumer Reports reported that Toyota (ranked 2nd) is a more reliable brand than Kia (ranked 15th), and this particular Orlando Toyota offers much better resale value than its Kia counterpart. Here are a few other things to consider: You'll get 2 years or 25,000 miles of no-cost car maintenance in a new Toyota RAV4; the Kia Sportage offers no free maintenance. According to the CarBook and IntelliChoice, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is cheaper to own. It offers cheaper repairs and more affordable fuel, fees, insurance, maintenance, financing, and less depreciation. It also has a 5-year corrosion warranty with no mileage limits, while the Kia Sportage maxes out at 100,000 miles. Make this new Toyota yours at Toyota of Clermont Why not see for yourself? Take the 2022 Toyota RAV4 for a test drive at Toyota of Clermont today. We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

spring break road trip

Six tips for a spring break road trip from Toyota of Clermont

Are you going to hit the highway for a spring break road trip this month? 'Tis the season, which means highways (especially around tourist destinations) are more crowded than ever before. If you want to make the most of your time in the sun, you need to ensure that your drive time is as safe and efficient as possible, and Toyota of Clermont is here to help. Check out these spring break road safety tips straight from the experts. Use these tips for a safe spring break road trip Tip: Prep your car BEFORE you leave. Make sure that your car is ready for a spring break road trip before you actually hit the highway by bringing it by Toyota of Clermont. Our auto service techs will check things like your tires, brakes, battery, headlights, wipers, coolant, oil, and wiper fluid to ensure your car is up to the fast speeds and long drives that the highway requires of it. Tip: Check traffic. Before you leave Clermont, check the live traffic map. What does your route look like? If it's already congested or you see a lot of delays and accidents, you may want to look for an alternate way to your final destination. Not only can it save you time (and your sanity), but driving on less congested roads also means you have a lower chance of getting into a car accident or fender bender. Tip: Buckle up. You should also make sure that every single person in the car is buckled up before you leave the driveway, including you. Every passenger should be in a seat with a seatbelt - no one should be riding in the cargo area or bed. And make sure that all children are buckled into the appropriate car seat for their age and size. Tip: Follow all the rules of the road. When you're out on a spring break road trip, make sure you follow the rules of the road to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Follow the speed limits, come to complete stops at stoplights and stop signs, use your turn signals, and don't drive aggressively. Additionally, be sure to watch for and yield to pedestrians, especially in urban and suburban areas where you'll likely see a lot more foot traffic and more bicyclists during spring break. Tip: Leave distance. Make sure you leave space in between your Clermont Toyota and the car in front of you. This way, you have the time to come to a quick stop should they slam on their brakes, and you lessen the risk of getting into a rear-end collision. Tip: NEVER drive drunk. Regardless of whether you had one drink or multiple, you shouldn't drive. You should have a zero-tolerance policy for getting behind the wheel, period. And if you spot a drunk driver, do something about it. You should never try to follow a drunk driver; instead, call the police and give them details like: The current location of the driver and which direction they're headed The make, model, color, plate number, and any distinguishing characteristics of the car they're driving So the police can apprehend them themselves. Schedule spring break auto service at Toyota of Clermont Need spring break auto service or want more tips? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

spring break road trip

Six tips for a spring break road trip from Toyota of Clermont

Are you going to hit the highway for a spring break road trip this month? 'Tis the season, which means highways (especially around tourist destinations) are more crowded than ever before. If you want to make the most of your time in the sun, you need to ensure that your drive time is as safe and efficient as possible, and Toyota of Clermont is here to help. Check out these spring break road safety tips straight from the experts. Use these tips for a safe spring break road trip Tip: Prep your car BEFORE you leave. Make sure that your car is ready for a spring break road trip before you actually hit the highway by bringing it by Toyota of Clermont. Our auto service techs will check things like your tires, brakes, battery, headlights, wipers, coolant, oil, and wiper fluid to ensure your car is up to the fast speeds and long drives that the highway requires of it. Tip: Check traffic. Before you leave Clermont, check the live traffic map. What does your route look like? If it's already congested or you see a lot of delays and accidents, you may want to look for an alternate way to your final destination. Not only can it save you time (and your sanity), but driving on less congested roads also means you have a lower chance of getting into a car accident or fender bender. Tip: Buckle up. You should also make sure that every single person in the car is buckled up before you leave the driveway, including you. Every passenger should be in a seat with a seatbelt - no one should be riding in the cargo area or bed. And make sure that all children are buckled into the appropriate car seat for their age and size. Tip: Follow all the rules of the road. When you're out on a spring break road trip, make sure you follow the rules of the road to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Follow the speed limits, come to complete stops at stoplights and stop signs, use your turn signals, and don't drive aggressively. Additionally, be sure to watch for and yield to pedestrians, especially in urban and suburban areas where you'll likely see a lot more foot traffic and more bicyclists during spring break. Tip: Leave distance. Make sure you leave space in between your Clermont Toyota and the car in front of you. This way, you have the time to come to a quick stop should they slam on their brakes, and you lessen the risk of getting into a rear-end collision. Tip: NEVER drive drunk. Regardless of whether you had one drink or multiple, you shouldn't drive. You should have a zero-tolerance policy for getting behind the wheel, period. And if you spot a drunk driver, do something about it. You should never try to follow a drunk driver; instead, call the police and give them details like: The current location of the driver and which direction they're headed The make, model, color, plate number, and any distinguishing characteristics of the car they're driving So the police can apprehend them themselves. Schedule spring break auto service at Toyota of Clermont Need spring break auto service or want more tips? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike.

Toyota of Clermont tips

Car tires: How to shop for ones best suited for the rain

If you live in an area of the country that sees a fair amount of rain, you know just how tricky it can be to drive in it. It requires a certain degree of preparation as well as skill, and it also means your car has to be in the right shape to handle it. We've given you tons of tips on how to drive in the rain and also how to prepare your car, but today our Clermont Toyota service techs are here to explain how to choose the right car tires in the rain. Six tips for finding the right car tires for the rain #1: Know your budget. What's your budget going to be for tires? They're definitely an investment and you'll have to spend some money to get them, but you want to ensure they fit within your budget. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont's knowledgeable techs can help you find the right option in our extensive inventory. #2: Know your weather. What's the weather like where you live? Do you find yourself driving in the rain a lot? If wet weather is a constant in your area, you probably could benefit from tires that are designed for the rain. If you live in an area where you only see rain every once in a while, then it's likely you can get by with all-season tires. #3: Know your driving style. What's your driving style? Are you a road warrior who has a lot of stops, or someone who has a long commute on a daily basis? If you spend a lot of time on the road, you'll likely spend a lot more time in the rain. Factor this into your decision of which car tires to buy. #4: Know your car type. Some cars handle rainy weather better than others. For example, sports cars and front-wheel-drive cars perform better in the rain than trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars. You'll also have to buy car tires that fit your particular car, so ask our Clermont Toyota service techs which ones work best for your ride. #5: Know the rubber type. Car tires come in different types of rubber; this can affect the comfort and stability of your ride, especially if you're driving in the rain. Be sure to get the right type for your drive time needs. #6: Know the tread you need. You should also look at the treads on the car tires you're going to buy. Tires that are made for rain have special treads that push water away from the tire to improve traction and handling when the road is slippery. Shop for new car tires today at Toyota of Clermont Have questions about which car tires are best for the rain? Come on by Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. You can call us to ask questions or make an appointment at (352) 404-7001.

Toyota of Clermont tips

Car tires: How to shop for ones best suited for the rain

If you live in an area of the country that sees a fair amount of rain, you know just how tricky it can be to drive in it. It requires a certain degree of preparation as well as skill, and it also means your car has to be in the right shape to handle it. We've given you tons of tips on how to drive in the rain and also how to prepare your car, but today our Clermont Toyota service techs are here to explain how to choose the right car tires in the rain. Six tips for finding the right car tires for the rain #1: Know your budget. What's your budget going to be for tires? They're definitely an investment and you'll have to spend some money to get them, but you want to ensure they fit within your budget. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont's knowledgeable techs can help you find the right option in our extensive inventory. #2: Know your weather. What's the weather like where you live? Do you find yourself driving in the rain a lot? If wet weather is a constant in your area, you probably could benefit from tires that are designed for the rain. If you live in an area where you only see rain every once in a while, then it's likely you can get by with all-season tires. #3: Know your driving style. What's your driving style? Are you a road warrior who has a lot of stops, or someone who has a long commute on a daily basis? If you spend a lot of time on the road, you'll likely spend a lot more time in the rain. Factor this into your decision of which car tires to buy. #4: Know your car type. Some cars handle rainy weather better than others. For example, sports cars and front-wheel-drive cars perform better in the rain than trucks and rear-wheel-drive cars. You'll also have to buy car tires that fit your particular car, so ask our Clermont Toyota service techs which ones work best for your ride. #5: Know the rubber type. Car tires come in different types of rubber; this can affect the comfort and stability of your ride, especially if you're driving in the rain. Be sure to get the right type for your drive time needs. #6: Know the tread you need. You should also look at the treads on the car tires you're going to buy. Tires that are made for rain have special treads that push water away from the tire to improve traction and handling when the road is slippery. Shop for new car tires today at Toyota of Clermont Have questions about which car tires are best for the rain? Come on by Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. You can call us to ask questions or make an appointment at (352) 404-7001.

Over seven million Toyota Certified Vehicles sold... but why?

We know that shopping for a used vehicle can be a little unnerving, especially if you're not feeling exceptionally confident about it. After all, when you buy a new car you know exactly where it's coming from and that if it has problems, you can bring it back to the dealership to get them remedied. You don't always get that peace of mind when you buy a used car... unless, that is, you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Why buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle? And we're not the only ones that think buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle is a good idea - in fact, plenty of other people do because Toyota officially just hit the 7 million TCUVs sold marker. But what makes these particular used cars so popular? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain. When you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at Toyota of Clermont, you can leave the dealership worry-free thanks to this incredible program. Here are the details: Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have certain parameters that they have to meet before they can even be considered. They must be six model years back or newer (so this year, they would have to be a 2016 or newer) and additionally, they must have fewer than 85,000 miles on their odometer. Their CarFax reports are also inspected to ensure they're in good condition in that respect and are safe to sell and drive. They have to undergo a very rigorous inspection conducted by Toyota trained technicians. It's 160 points total and stretches from bumper to bumper, inspected elements including: Interior Exterior Engine performance Suspension Brake system Electronics system Tires Transmission Transaxle Obviously, they're thoroughly vetted before they even set foot (wheel?) on our lot. But the peace of mind that you're investing in something reliable and dependable isn't the only thing you'll get if you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at Toyota of Clermont. Here are some of the other benefits you can expect to reap: Incredible warranties. You'll get not only a 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty but also a seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Plus, extended warranty coverage is available if you're interested in it. Roadside assistance. Each TCUV sold comes with seven years/100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance to give you a hand if you find yourself stuck. A free CarFax report so you can see where your car has been before you decide where it's going. Available new car financing rates so you can get the best deal possible on your Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. Over 1,400 dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada that will honor the aforementioned warranties. The ability to apply your trade-in toward the deal. Plus, you'll benefit from the fact that your vehicle has been reconditioned to a like-new state to give you the best drive time experience possible. Shop TCUV at Toyota of Clermont What are you waiting for? Toyota Certified Used Vehicles await at Toyota of Clermont, and we're open until 10 pm every single night. Stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike, or call us. We can set you up for a test drive today at (352) 404-7000!

Over seven million Toyota Certified Vehicles sold... but why?

We know that shopping for a used vehicle can be a little unnerving, especially if you're not feeling exceptionally confident about it. After all, when you buy a new car you know exactly where it's coming from and that if it has problems, you can bring it back to the dealership to get them remedied. You don't always get that peace of mind when you buy a used car... unless, that is, you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. <span data-mce-type="bookmark" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> Why buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle? And we're not the only ones that think buying a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle is a good idea - in fact, plenty of other people do because Toyota officially just hit the 7 million TCUVs sold marker. But what makes these particular used cars so popular? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain. When you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at Toyota of Clermont, you can leave the dealership worry-free thanks to this incredible program. Here are the details: Toyota Certified Used Vehicles have certain parameters that they have to meet before they can even be considered. They must be six model years back or newer (so this year, they would have to be a 2016 or newer) and additionally, they must have fewer than 85,000 miles on their odometer. Their CarFax reports are also inspected to ensure they're in good condition in that respect and are safe to sell and drive. They have to undergo a very rigorous inspection conducted by Toyota trained technicians. It's 160 points total and stretches from bumper to bumper, inspected elements including: Interior Exterior Engine performance Suspension Brake system Electronics system Tires Transmission Transaxle Obviously, they're thoroughly vetted before they even set foot (wheel?) on our lot. But the peace of mind that you're investing in something reliable and dependable isn't the only thing you'll get if you buy a Toyota Certified Used Vehicle at Toyota of Clermont. Here are some of the other benefits you can expect to reap: Incredible warranties. You'll get not only a 12-month/12,000-mile limited comprehensive warranty but also a seven-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty. Plus, extended warranty coverage is available if you're interested in it. Roadside assistance. Each TCUV sold comes with seven years/100,000 miles of Roadside Assistance to give you a hand if you find yourself stuck. A free CarFax report so you can see where your car has been before you decide where it's going. Available new car financing rates so you can get the best deal possible on your Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. Over 1,400 dealers throughout the U.S. and Canada that will honor the aforementioned warranties. The ability to apply your trade-in toward the deal. Plus, you'll benefit from the fact that your vehicle has been reconditioned to a like-new state to give you the best drive time experience possible. Shop TCUV at Toyota of Clermont What are you waiting for? Toyota Certified Used Vehicles await at Toyota of Clermont, and we're open until 10 pm every single night. Stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike, or call us. We can set you up for a test drive today at (352) 404-7000!

Clermont kayaking

The best places to kayak and canoe around Clermont

Spring is here and with it brings plenty of warm weather and sunshine. We're ready to get outside and start enjoying watersports again now that the lakes, springs and rivers around Clermont won't be so icy cold. Check out Toyota of Clermont 's top picks for the best places to kayak and canoe around our community, and start packing up your car to hit the road! Lake Louisa State Park: If you live in Clermont and you haven't been to Lake Louisa State Park yet, we don't really know what you're doing with your life. This incredible park has three separate lakes to explore and sits mere minutes from downtown Clermont on US-27. As long as you can hand-carry your vessel to the water, you can use it (but no gasoline motors). Plus, Dixie Lake Outpost rents two-person canoes as well as single and tandem kayaks if you don't have them or don't want to bring your own gear. There's also hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping, to name just a few other activities you can do off the water. Lake Minneola: Lake Minneola has a beautiful waterfront park - Waterfront Park - in Clermont where you can launch your kayaks, canoes, and boats. Plus, there's a beachfront area with a cabana, playground, and water park for the kids to relax in and enjoy when you get back from exploring Lake Minneola, which is 1,906 acres big (so plenty to see). There's even a pier you can walk out on, as well as a nearby restaurant where you can enjoy food and drink waterside. And don't forget about the biking and walking trail around the lake when you're ready to get off the water! Palatlahaka River Park: This beautiful park offers access to the Clermont Chain of Lakes and the Crooked River via a launch for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. It has two fishing piers you can use to catch freshwater fish, as well as a playground for the kids and a pavilion with grills for when you return. See what Florida marsh wilderness REALLY looks like in this 2.5 mile loop that also allows you to head out into the scenic nearby river. Crooked River Preserve: Crooked River Preserve is beautiful, but it's also got some pretty cool history attached to it. It sits at the northernmost edge of Lake Wales Ridge and used to be an island when Florida was still mostly underwater in ancient seas. There's a hiking trail (biking not recommended - it's soft sand) as well as a canoe launch near the trailhead. You can reserve canoes in advance and bring your lunch to enjoy a day on the water. Cypress Cove Marina on Lake Minnehaha: This beautiful lakeside getaway is one-of-a-kind. Not only can you rent tiny homes on the water (they're amazing) and RV sites for camping, but you can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore Lake Minnehaha. Plus, there's a lakeside bar that boasts live music and food trucks on the weekend, as well as boat slips if you want to bring your boat along for the ride. The time change is this weekend which means we get an extra hour of daylight - don't let it go to waste! Explore Clermont and from our Clermont Toyota family to yours, enjoy it!

Clermont kayaking

The best places to kayak and canoe around Clermont

Spring is here and with it brings plenty of warm weather and sunshine. We're ready to get outside and start enjoying watersports again now that the lakes, springs and rivers around Clermont won't be so icy cold. Check out Toyota of Clermont 's top picks for the best places to kayak and canoe around our community, and start packing up your car to hit the road! Lake Louisa State Park: If you live in Clermont and you haven't been to Lake Louisa State Park yet, we don't really know what you're doing with your life. This incredible park has three separate lakes to explore and sits mere minutes from downtown Clermont on US-27. As long as you can hand-carry your vessel to the water, you can use it (but no gasoline motors). Plus, Dixie Lake Outpost rents two-person canoes as well as single and tandem kayaks if you don't have them or don't want to bring your own gear. There's also hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and camping, to name just a few other activities you can do off the water. Lake Minneola: Lake Minneola has a beautiful waterfront park - Waterfront Park - in Clermont where you can launch your kayaks, canoes, and boats. Plus, there's a beachfront area with a cabana, playground, and water park for the kids to relax in and enjoy when you get back from exploring Lake Minneola, which is 1,906 acres big (so plenty to see). There's even a pier you can walk out on, as well as a nearby restaurant where you can enjoy food and drink waterside. And don't forget about the biking and walking trail around the lake when you're ready to get off the water! Palatlahaka River Park: This beautiful park offers access to the Clermont Chain of Lakes and the Crooked River via a launch for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes. It has two fishing piers you can use to catch freshwater fish, as well as a playground for the kids and a pavilion with grills for when you return. See what Florida marsh wilderness REALLY looks like in this 2.5 mile loop that also allows you to head out into the scenic nearby river. Crooked River Preserve: Crooked River Preserve is beautiful, but it's also got some pretty cool history attached to it. It sits at the northernmost edge of Lake Wales Ridge and used to be an island when Florida was still mostly underwater in ancient seas. There's a hiking trail (biking not recommended - it's soft sand) as well as a canoe launch near the trailhead. You can reserve canoes in advance and bring your lunch to enjoy a day on the water. Cypress Cove Marina on Lake Minnehaha: This beautiful lakeside getaway is one-of-a-kind. Not only can you rent tiny homes on the water (they're amazing) and RV sites for camping, but you can also rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards to explore Lake Minnehaha. Plus, there's a lakeside bar that boasts live music and food trucks on the weekend, as well as boat slips if you want to bring your boat along for the ride. The time change is this weekend which means we get an extra hour of daylight - don't let it go to waste! Explore Clermont and from our Clermont Toyota family to yours, enjoy it!

snakes in your car

Snakes in your car: Is it a real thing?

Social media can be a great place to connect, learn, explore, and get creative - but it can also be a source of nightmare fuel, as evidenced by the woman who posted pictures of a snake crawling out of her car's A/C vent while she was driving. Can snakes really get into your HVAC system and slither into the cabin of your car? What should you do if you're in this situation? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain the facts behind snakes in your car and how to handle this scary scenario. Can you really get snakes in your car? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain. Unfortunately, snakes in your car are a real possibility (sorry). This is especially true in Florida, where we have a decently sized snake population and lots of new construction that's ousting them from their homes. Snakes seem to have a certain affinity for your Clermont Toyota's engine compartment in particular, and here's why: Snakes prefer to hide in dark, warm places. They're cold-blooded, so they have to seek warmth from external sources (like a nice, warm engine). Plus, your engine compartment is a safe place to hide out from predators - not only are there lots of nooks and crannies to take cover in, it also provides the snake a great advantage in that they can strike before a predator can reach them. On top of that, your car's engine bay is easy to reach. It's open to the ground and easy access for a snake who happens to be slithering underneath and looks up. So yup, you can get snakes in your car... at least in the engine compartment. However, it's rare for them to get inside the cabin of your Clermont Toyota. Your car's cabin is pretty much sealed off from the outside except for the doors and windows. So if you keep them closed when you're not in the vehicle, you should be good to go. And yes, you need to keep the windows closed - snakes are great climbers and can scale the side of your car to plop in the open window faster than you'd think. But what about the A/C system, like the lady who had a snake crawl out of a vent? This is super uncommon. Your HVAC system is sealed from the outside, so nothing can get in through it. What's more likely is that a snake found its way into the woman's car and slipped into the A/C vent, hanging out there until she turned the air on and forced it out. OK, so what do you do if you get a snake in your car? Here are a few Clermont Toyota tips: Don't try to grab it with your hands. Remember, the snake has an advantage and can likely strike and bite you before you can get it. Instead, use a long pole, broom, etc. to try and remove it from your car. If you can't get it (or can't stomach getting it), call animal control or wildlife services to help you. Don't just leave it in the engine compartment and hope it finds its way out. Snakes can get wrapped up in moving belts and also cause electrical fires, so it definitely needs to be removed. We've got answers to all of your car care questions! Still have questions or want advice on car care in general? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7001. We're open seven days a week and conveniently located at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike!

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields