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High winds tips from Toyota of Clermont

Essential Tips for Driving in High Winds

Throughout the seasons of summer and summer, we see quite a few different weather conditions in Clermont. Between all the rain and more rain, we experience quite a few hazardous weather conditions that can make our driving experience a tad unsafe. By now, many of us are used to the constant rain that happens throughout the year (although some of you still need to learn not to turn on your hazard lights the minute water hits your windshield). But, what about driving in a situation where there's high winds? This particular driving situation happens quite often here in Florida and, when combined with rain, can lead to a dangerous driving experience. If you've been stuck in this situation or you're afraid of driving in high winds, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with some essential tips to remember when driving in these conditions. Check them out! The Dangers of High Winds Driving in rain presents a plethora of problems like loss of traction less visibility, and panicked drivers. Driving in high winds presents several different problems that you and other drivers should be aware of if you're to make it to your destination safely. Here are some of the hazards of driving in these conditions: Road Debris: The wind can blow objects onto the road and create several hazards for driving. Running over objects can wreak havoc on your vehicle's exterior and could land you with a flat tire or undercarriage leak. Knocked Down Trees: Clermont is home to a large tree population. This also means there's more of a chance for these trees to fall when the wind starts to pick up. These can block entire roads and/or down power lines. Trailer Sway: If you're a Clermont Toyota Tundra driver and like to tow things, you'll need to take extra care in the event of high winds. Gusts can cause your trailer and other towable objects to sway on the road and possibly tip over. How to Stay Safe During High Winds Driving in high winds in Clermont is inevitable and you need to do your best to stay safe when out in these conditions. There are several easy ways to maintain your safety while driving out in these conditions. Here are some essential tips to stay safe when driving in high winds: Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. This will help you maintain optimal control of the vehicle and react accordingly if you encounter a random gust. Drive under the speed limit. Speeding during windy conditions makes it difficult to maintain control of your Clermont Toyota vehicle. Drive a little under the speed limit to maintain better control. Scan the road ahead. Wind can bring a lot of debris into your path. Make sure to scan the road ahead for any foreign objects and safely avoid them without putting other drivers at risk. Avoid parking under a large tree when you arrive at your destination. Trees can fall during high winds and walking out to find your ride crushed is truly awful. Avoid this by parking in a clear space. When things get windy, stay safe with Toyota of Clermont! If you need additional tips, we're here for you! Stop by and see us today at 16851 State Road 50.

2020 Toyota Supra

What is a turbocharged engine and how does it affect your drive time?

When you hear the term "turbocharged", you probably automatically associate it with the word "fast". And you wouldn't be wrong - this type of engine has a reputation for letting you really put the pedal to the metal. However, do you know exactly how a turbocharged engine works and what it does for your drive time? Toyota of Clermont is here with answers. What are turbocharged engines? Turbocharged engines are typically found in vehicles built for speed, like the new Clermont Toyota Supra. It's got a turbocharger under the hood for its inline-six engine, and rumor has it that the 2021 model year will bring TWO turbocharged engine options to the market for drivers to choose between. But to really understand how this type of charger can benefit your drive time, let's take a closer look. A turbocharged or "turbo" engine has the ability to enhance fuel efficiency and boost your car's power (again, why it's so popular for drivers who like to get where they're going fast). Here's a basic breakdown of what goes on under the hood in this scenario: Turbine power is used to create forced induction - basically, extra compressed air is pushed into your engine's combustion chamber. Turbocharger, supercharger, or both? The extra air being pushed into the chamber means that in turn, more fuel will be pulled into the chamber. This improves power and gives your engine a boost because the extra fuel combusts at a faster rate than an engine that uses "normal" aspiration. However, turbocharged engines haven't always been called by that name - they were originally designated as turbosuperchargers because back in the day, "supercharger" meant any engine that used forced induction (or forced compressed air) to boost power and fuel efficiency. However, there's a distinction between the two types of chargers now - here's the lay of the land: A turbocharged engine uses a turbine that's powered by the engine's exhaust gas to subsequently force that extra compressed air into the combustion chamber. A supercharged engine, on the other hand, uses a mechanically-driven process. This type of charger is usually powered by a belt attached to a crankshaft. And just for reference's sake, a twincharger is an engine that uses both. Which one should you aim for when trying to boost horsepower in your vehicle? Here are some key points to consider before decking out your Clermont Toyota: Turbocharged engines do have lag. Why? Because there's a brief period of time between when you demand increased power (or when the throttle opens) and the actual act of pushing the extra compressed air into the combustion chamber. Why? Because turbochargers rely on that exhaust gas to power the turbine, and when your Clermont Toyota is idling or traveling at a low speed, it takes a bit more time to build up the exhaust gases needed. Supercharged engines aren't without disadvantages, either. This type of charger puts the engine through extra wear and tear since it's mechanically-driven. Additionally, it uses some of the horsepower that the engine is initially creating to create MORE horsepower. You'll come out ahead in terms of power, but not without extra wear on the engine. These types of chargers also create more excess heat, which makes your engine work harder to stay cool. Ready to check out a turbocharged engine in person? Come down to Toyota of Clermont and see what's under the hood of a 2020 Toyota Supra! We're open seven days a week at 3575 Vineland Road.

New Clermont Toyota news

Toyota News Update (2/17): Slow News Week

Oftentimes, we at Toyota of Clermont love to mention that large amount of headlines that Toyota accrues each week. We're proud of the fact that our favorite auto make is so active in the automotive world and is always introducing something new for drivers everywhere. However, the newsworthy momentum isn't a permanent stay with anything, even Toyota (sad face). While this week may be slow for Toyota news, that doesn't mean we don't have anything new to report to our avid readers! Follow along with us at Toyota of Clermont as we report the latest in Toyota news, plus a bonus story for fans of a popular vehicles based movie franchise! New Supra Models are on the way! At the Daytona 500 this past weekend, Toyota revealed some exciting news regarding their modern revival of the beloved Clermont Toyota Supra! In 2021, expect to see a new version of the Supra, the 2.0, that features a lighter body and a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine. The Supra 3.0 will also be re-engineered with some power upgrades like an enhanced chassis and the inclusion of a twin-scroll turbo. These new models will be coming soon! North America and the GR Yaris Ever since the reveal of the Clermont GR Yaris, we've been clamoring to see it on this side of the globe! Unfortunately, it's not likely we'll see one here (unless one of our readers would like to have one imported and bring it to Toyota of Clermont). But, there's hope after all because we might be getting our own version of a hot hatch here! Toyota's executive VP, Bob Carter, disclosed that Toyota has an answer for the GR Yaris meant for the N American market. Our best guess is a conversion of the Clermont Toyota Corolla Hatchback that features the engine and drivetrain of the GR Yaris. Fingers crossed on this one! Bad News: An MR2 Revival 'Not a Priority' It's no secret that we at Toyota of Clermont love a good revival. Which is why when we heard the Toyota news rumor that the famous MR2 was rumored to be getting the revival treatment like the Supra, we were over the moon! But, it looks like those rumors will not come to fruition. In a sad turn of events for the MR2, Matt Harrison, Toyota's Europe Executive VP of sales, disclosed that the MR2 revival is not a priority. While we won't see a modernized MR2 on our roads anytime soon, we at least have a new generation of Toyota 86 to look forward to along with a third mystery sports car to complete the trio consisting so far of the Supra and 86. Bonus Story: Brian O'Conner's Mk IV Supra If you haven't seen the first Fast and Furious films, what are you doing? Just kidding. But, seriously. Most people, whether or not they've seen the movies, recognize the Mk IV Toyota Supra as the most iconic car from them. Arguably, Paul Walker's character, Brian O'Conner, is responsible for popularizing this fabled Toyota Supra. Something you probably didn't know about the particular Supra that Walker drove in the films is that it belonged to Craig Leiberman, the technical editor of The Fast and the Furious. Leiberman had a wide variety and tastes in cars and purchased a white factory 1994 Targa top Mk IV. After modifying the vehicle, even painting it in a Mazda paint job called "Competition Yellow," it caught the eye of Universal Studios and was put into the film!   Thank you for staying up to date on the latest in Toyota news! Tune in next week for the latest and visit Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50.

Valentine's Day plans from Toyota of Clermont

Valentine's Day Ideas Near Orlando

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! It's the official day of love and that means flowers, presents, hearts, and expressions of affection for those you hold close in your life. If you're a pro at this holiday, you probably have everything scheduled and reservations made for you and that special someone (or family and friends). But, if you're like many of us, you procrastinated and now you're left wondering what to do. Dinner (if you can get a table) and a movie is always a solid plan, but you probably want something with a little more of a romantic touch to celebrate this special holiday. If you're grasping at straws for Valentine's Day ideas, we've got your back! Check out our list of things to do near Orlando from Toyota of Clermont. Romantic Carriage Tours 2/14, 6 - 10pm @ 104 S Lakeview Ave, Winter Garden Who doesn't dream of having a romantic evening complete with a carriage ride akin to Cinderella (thankfully without the evil step-family)? Today you have the chance to take a carriage ride around downtown Winter Garden and make that dream come true! Tours are $80 per carriage and fill up fast so we advise calling first. Harbor Nights Romantico 2/14, 6:30pm @ Loew's Portifino Bay Hotel, Universal Orlando If you had planned to take a flight to Italy for Valentine's Day but forgot to book it, you're saved! Universal Orlando's Loew's Portifino Bay Hotel is hosting a Valentine's Day event that encapsulates Mediterranean romance. Gourmet food, music, dancing, and more for just $65 a ticket. Red Out Skate Night 2/14, 8 - 11pm @ 866 Goldenrod Rd, Astro Skate You're going to want to wear red to this one! Astro Skate is hosting a red out night in celebration of Valentine's Day. It's only $6 to enter or $4 if you're wearing a red shirt and shoes. There will be a red out contest to see who's wearing the most red and the winner will be awarded a pair of "crazy skates." Afternoon Tea 2/14 - 2/16, various times @ 420 E Church St, The Tea Room Experience Tea time is so relaxing, especially with loved ones. Come visit downtown Orlando and enjoy a special tea drinking experience, courtesy of the Tea Room Experience. Tickets are $30 and include a spread of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, unlimited tea, and a complimentary mimosa. SAK Comedy Lab Valentine's Day Shows 2/14, 7:30 pm @ SAK Comedy Club in Downtown Orlando Everyone needs a good laugh, even on Valentine's Day (unless you plan on pranking your Valentine). Visit the SAK Comedy Club in downtown Orlando for a series of knee-slapping improv shows. Tickets start at $23 and can be upgraded to include things like soda, popcorn, beer/wine, and a special photo message for the ending slideshow. Sunset Paddle 2/14, 4:40 - 6:40 pm @ Dinky Dock in Winter Park The sunset is the perfect romantic backdrop next to a rose patterned backdrop. Take your Valentine out on a paddling adventure to see the sunset at Dinky Dock in Winter Park. The event is sponsored by Get Up and Go Kayaking and includes clear kayak rentals. Tickets are $50 per person.   Have a wonderful Valentine's Day everyone!

stuck in mud

How to get unstuck in off road situations

Are you a fan of taking things off road? You're not the only one - central Florida is full of enthusiasts who love to hit the sandy beaches and take things off the pavement and into the woods. However, when you leave the pavement there's always a chance that you'll find yourself stuck, whether in the sand or mud. Toyota of Clermont is here with helpful tips to get you out of sticky situations - check it out! When you're stuck in the mud It's easy to get stuck in the mud when you're out off road in the woods, but it's not quite so simple to get yourself out. Check out these Toyota of Clermont tips to help you when you lose traction: Stop hitting the accelerator - it'll only dig your wheels in deeper. Try to carry a bag of kitty litter in your trunk. You can also look around the vicinity for sand, although kitty litter tends to work better in this situation. You'll want to dump a generous amount of litter in front of your power wheels (in a front-wheel drive car, the front wheels and in a rear-wheel drive car, the back wheels). The litter will help them grip better and give you some extra traction. You can also use your floor mats, but they WILL get muddy. Accelerate evenly but not too slowly once you have your traction devices in place. If that doesn't work, use a tow rope to haul yourself out of the mud. You can have another vehicle pull you; just make sure to use an actual tow rope (that can withstand the weight and pressure) and hook it up to the proper places on each vehicle (i.e. not the bumper or any part of the suspension). When you're stuck in the sand New Smyrna is notorious for its beautiful beaches, especially because you can drive right onto them. However, driving in the sand can be tricky and ultimately end up with you getting your ride stuck. If you're going off road on the beach, try to drive close to the water where the sand is firmer, but not IN the water. Here are a few Clermont Toyota tips for when you're stuck in the sand: Just like in the mud, stop hitting the gas - your wheels will just spin and dig you in deeper. Try to dig your wheels out. The soft sand is what's preventing them from getting traction, so if you can use a shovel or your hands to dig them out a bit and let the wheels hit the firmer sand underneath, you may be able to get unstuck. If that doesn't work, place your floor mats or even pieces of cardboard or palm fronts under your tires - this will give them something to grip onto so hopefully, you can steadily hit the gas and pull yourself out of the sand. Want more tips? Think you need to do a little shopping to get your ride ready for off road terrain? Call us! Our Clermont Toyota parts store is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Clermont New Toyota news

The Latest Update on Toyota News

It's a new week and that means new Toyota news! Every week, there's something new in the world of Toyota. A new investment, new vehicle on the way, or new technology being used, there's always something going on. While some weeks may be packed with more news than others, it can be difficult to keep up with all the goings on with Toyota. If you're excited to dive into all new Toyota news this week, follow along with us at Toyota of Clermont! New Toyota News This Week New Toyota News for the Daytona 500 One of the nation's largest NASCAR racing events will also be host to a new reveal for the GR Supra! Toyota has released a teaser for a new announcement regarding the 2021 model year Clermont Toyota GR Supra. We won't know for sure what Toyota is planning until the reveal on Thursday, February 13th. But, some sources claim that Toyota may reveal a 4-cylinder variant of the revived the classic Toyota sportscar as Japan already has this variant type available. The Toyota TJ Cruiser is Getting a May Release At Toyota of Clermont, we're fans of all Toyota models and the TJ Cruiser is a unique offering we want to see at our dealership. Unfortunately, there's no word of whether or not it'll make its way to the North America market (sad face). The TJ was originally showcased during the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and was revealed as a wagon/SUV hybrid engineered vehicle. The interior is very versatile with completely foldable passenger and back seats, optional third row, and even scratch and dent resistant body panels. Toyota will release the TJ Cruiser in May of this year. New Special Editions from the Chicago Auto Show Everyone knows that Toyota loves to give it their all when it comes to auto shows. For the Chicago Auto Show this year, Toyota brought its A-game! Right off the bat, the Toyota Highlander will be receiving a new trim level for the 2021 model year, XSE. This new trim level blends together family-values and sporty aesthetics to satisfy the cool mom in all of us. This new trim level includes new exterior designs and convenience features like multi-terrain select, retuned power steering, and more. Toyota also revealed new Trail Edition for the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner. The new special editions will be based off the SR5 trim levels, offer 2WD and AWD options, and can be paired with paint color options like Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White. These special editions will be in limited quantity, specifically 7,000 Clermont Toyota Tacoma copies, 5,000 Tundra copies, and 4,000 4Runners. Each model will include unique upgrades. For example, the Tacoma will include 18-inch TRD Off-Road wheels with Kevlar All-Terrain tires, the Tundra will include a lockable bed storage container on the driver's side, and the 4Runner a Yakima LoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket and a custom 40-quart cooler. That's all for this week's Toyota news! We can't wait to see what Toyota has in store for the Supra and for these special edition models to make their way to our dealership. If you're interested in more Toyota news, connect with Toyota of Clermont! You can chat with us online or visit us seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50.

Clermont Toyota drive modes

How to Use Your Toyota Drive Modes

Getting behind the wheel used to be so simple. Get in the driver's seat, turn the key in the ignition, put it in drive, and go. If you drove or drive a manual, then it's a little more detailed than that. But, you get the idea. Driving, at a glance, is a pretty straightforward process that involves a wheel and pedal. However, just like cars have changed drastically over the years, so has the technology that powers them and gets them moving. Many Clermont Toyota vehicles come equipped with various drive modes that change the handling and responsiveness of the engine while you drive. If this is all sounding new to you or you want to know more about how drive modes work, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on how these helpful tools work. What Exactly Are Drive Modes? Drive modes are different than transmission gears. Essentially, they're modes activated via switch that change how your Clermont Toyota engine responds and drives. This doesn't change the engine too drastically, but just enough to notice when you're commuting. It allows drivers to tailor their driving experience. The most common that many Toyota vehicles are equipped with are Normal, ECO, Sport, and EV if you drive a hybrid. Different Types and What They Do Normal This driving mode is pretty self-explanatory. With no other drive modes active, your vehicle drives in Normal. This will provide drivers with promised horsepower, torque, and power with no adjustments. ECO Fuel efficiency is the objective when driving in ECO mode. This drive mode slows your throttle, adjust the climate control, and the amount of work your engine is exerting. Sport Sport mode optimizes the engine to improve the response from your engine when pressing the gas pedal. It can also create more tension in your power steering and shifting cleaner. Overall, this Clermont Toyota drive mode provides a sportier experience to your vehicle when active. Snow Some vehicles, if they're equipped with AWD or 4WD, will have a snow mode that makes it easier to grip the road during icy conditions. When active, this modes eases the amount of torque that your vehicle outputs to provide better grip and traction control. EV While Toyota doesn't produce any strictly electric powered vehicles, we do have several hybrid and plug-in hybrid models on our lot. These Clermont Toyota vehicles are often equipped with an EV drive mode that allows you to drive them using only electricity for a short period of time. Drivers can take advantage of this mode when traveling short distances or at lower speeds. If you're anxious to see what different drive modes can do for your driving experience, swing by Toyota of Clermont. Many of the vehicles on our lot are equipped with different modes to enhance your experience from behind the wheel. Check them all out today at 16851 State Road 50. We're open seven days a week and you can shop our total inventory online anytime!

Clermont Toyota News

An Update on the Latest Toyota News

If you're like us and you're always on the hunt for all things Toyota, then you know that there's never a slow news period for our favorite auto make. There's always something going on in the wide world of Toyota and it's not always having to do with the incredible vehicles available on our lot here at Toyota of Clermont. It can be a bit daunting trying to keep track of every piece of Toyota news out there, but you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on all the latest in Toyota news so you can stay caught up! The Latest Toyota Headlines Accelerator Suppression Function Toyota's are arguably some of the safest vehicles on the road today through their use of revolutionary safety tech like Toyota Safety Sense. In addition to its already advanced suite of safety features, Toyota is developing a new feature, accelerator suppression function. This feature uses a variety of data to determine if the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal by mistake and then ignores the input. This is in response to a growing amount of accidents among elderly Japanese drivers. Did You See the Highlander During the Super Bowl? What do you get when you pair Cobie Smulders and the 2020 Toyota Highlander? One heroic dynamic duo. During Toyota's 2020 Super Bowl advertisement, Smulders acts as a heroic figure who drives the Clermont Toyota Highlander through various heroic movie scenarios where someone gets left behind. She rescues the various characters by using the large amount of room and capability in the new Highlander. Toyota + Panasonic = EV Batteries The future of the automotive industry is electric power and Toyota is getting its head in the EV game. In a partnership with Panasonic (and a strange turn of Toyota news events), Toyota is hoping to develop a line of automotive batteries for use in hybrid and electric vehicles. **Maybe** The GR Yaris Will Come to N America? Since the reveal of the Clermont Toyota GR Yaris, we've been head over heels along with many others. This impressive 268 horsepower pocket rocket is currently exclusive to European and Japanese roads (sad face), but a tweet from Toyota might suggest otherwise! Toyota retweeted a post from Jalopnik that contained the Yaris and captioned it, "Does the North American market need another hot hatch? Let us know what you think!" We can dream, right? Toyota to Develop Flying Cars Remember Back to the Future? The images in the iconic cultural classic movie might not be so farfetch'd. Toyota recently invested $394 million into Joby Aviation, an aerospace company, and is lending engineering expertise to develop commercial all-electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles. The investment demonstrates Toyota's dedication to provide mobility for all by exploring the skies as an ideal travel space in tandem with roads. Now that you've caught up on the latest Toyota news, it's time to see your favorite auto make in action. Come explore your next Toyota ride today at Toyota of Clermont. You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 seven days a week and online 24/7!

Things to do Near Orlando This Weekend

Finally, the weekend! The work week is finally over and it's time to kick back, relax, and have some fun. Living near Orlando, there's always something going on. Unfortunately, it can get a bit difficult keeping track of everything you want to do in a single weekend. If you plan on taking your weekend out on the town, but you're not sure what to do, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide on the biggest events going on this week near Orlando. Check it out! What's Going on Near Orlando This Weekend? Brews and Tunes Orlando Brewing Friday, 1/17 at 8:30 pm   What better way to kick off the weekend than with Brews and Tunes at Orlando Brewing? Come enjoy Orlando Brewing's excellent selection of craft beer and great live music. The event is free! Jurassic World Live Tour Amway Center Friday 1/17 - Monday 1/20   Dinosaurs are pretty great, when you don't think about the claws and razor sharp teeth. If you're a fan of the Jurassic Park series or your kids are fans thanks to Jurassic World, or you and your family just have a fondness for those cuddly fossils, then this is for you! The Amway Center will be hosting Jurassic World Live this weekend and you don't want to miss it. Experience life-sized puppets, crazy special effects, stunt work, music from the series, and more! Tickets range from $18.75 - $145 and showtimes vary throughout the weekend. Family Fish Fry Fun Spot Orlando Friday 1/17 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm   If you're looking for real fun near Orlando, everyone knows that Fun Spot is the place to go! What makes this weekend even more special is an awesome Family Fish Fry! Admission to the park is free and food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event. Visitors can also enjoy live music from Crenshaw and the Brown Bag Bass Band plus all the Fun Spot rides. The event will be hosted on the grass field next to the Fun Stage, so we recommend bringing some chairs and a blanket. Central Florida Highland Games Central Winds Park Saturday 1/18 at 8:00 am and Sunday 1/19 at 8:45 am   Are you a big fan of Scottish culture? Or maybe you're Scottish yourself? Or maybe you just own a kelt? Either way, the Central Florida Highland Games are this weekend and they're a sight to behold. Experience unique sports like axe throwing, caber toss, archery, bagpiping, dancing, and more! Enjoy Scottish food, whiskey, beer, and a Border Collie herding demonstration. Admission prices range from $15 - $25 and you don't want to miss this! Orlando Farmers Market Lake Eola Park Sunday 1/19 from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm   A farmers market visit on a beautiful Sunday morning sounds so perfect. You should add it to your weekend plans! The Orlando Farmers Market is happening this Sunday at Lake Eola Park and there's so much to see. Come see and purchase everything from miniature bonsais to hand-crafted soap and enjoy a variety of foods and sweets.   The weekend is finally here. Get out and enjoy it! From all of us at Toyota of Clermont, have a great weekend!

Why is my car overheating

Why is my car overheating? What to do

We face some pretty intense heat here in Central Florida, especially over the summer. That alone can take a toll on your vehicle, but it can have even more of an effect on your car when you combine it with highway driving, towing, or any other type of driving that puts more stress on your car. Unfortunately, if you're not up to date on your routine car care then this can lead to you asking yourself "Why is my car overheating?". Toyota of Orlando is here with tips straight from our service techs to help you deal with the stressful situation with a cool head. Why is my car overheating? The main reasons Your car overheating can happen for a multitude of reasons, but the most common occurs because things simply aren't staying cool enough under the hood. This can happen because of a lack of coolant or a leak in the cooling system, a broken water pump, problems with your radiator, or blocked hoses. When these issues arise, your engine gets too hot to function and typically will shut down. The damage can be fixable or permanent, but either way, it'll cost money to repair. Here's how you should proceed when you face your car overheating. Why is my car overheating: How to deal with this car care emergency 1) Pull over. Never try to keep driving, hoping that you'll make it home, if you see the temperature gauge rising. This can do serious and irreparable damage to your vehicle - the minute it starts to overheat, you should pull over and park in a safe space. Turn your car off, but don't open the hood until the temperature gauge has dropped back down to cool and the engine block is cooled off. You risk serious injury otherwise. 2) See what's going on under the hood. Once your vehicle has cooled off, open the hood to take a peek and see what's going on. You should check the coolant reservoir to see if there's any coolant left and if not, look for any leaks or broken/disconnected hoses that could be preventing the coolant from getting where it needs to go. You can add coolant to the radiator, but be very careful taking the radiator cap off as hot steam may escape and could burn you (our Clermont Toyota service techs recommend using a towel or rag to take the cap off). 3) Restart your car. Once you've checked things out under the hood and the temperature gauge is on cool, restart your car. If the gauge stays on cool after a few minutes of running, you can try to hit the road again (especially if you added coolant to the system) but watch the gauge carefully to ensure the temperatures don't shoot up again. You should also book an auto service appointment as soon as you can to let our Clermont Toyota service techs get to the bottom of the issue. 4) Call a tow truck. If your car immediately overheats when you turn it on or you see the temperature gauge climbing after you've restarted it and hit the road, pull over again and call a tow truck to have your vehicle brought to Toyota of Clermont's service center. Still asking yourself why your car is overheating? Let us get you back on the road in no time - call us at (352) 404-7001.

Teen driving tips from Toyota of Clermont

Essential Tips for Teaching Your Teen Driver

Do you remember your first time getting behind the wheel? Do you remember how nervous you were? How many mistakes you made the first time you tried to drive? It may seem like a distant memory, but you'll likely find yourself remembering your forgotten (or suppressed) memories when you child gets behind the wheel for the first time. Teaching your new teen driver the rules of the road and how to be safe behind the wheel is a nerve-wracking experience for both parent and child. Driving is inherently dangerous, but a necessary part of life that we all should know how to do. If you're nervous about what's to come, don't worry! Toyota of Clermont is here with some helpful tips to make the process of teaching your teen driver as painless as possible. Teaching Your Teen Driver Made Easier 1) Make Sure They're Ready to Get Behind the Wheel While it's common for many teens to start learning how to drive when they get their learner's permit at 15, some may not be ready to get behind the wheel just yet. If your teen driver has expressed interest in getting their learner's permit and getting in the driver's seat, then you should definitely start teaching. But, if they're clearly not ready, don't force it. 2) Start with the Basics Every good teaching regimen starts with the basics. Make sure your teen driver has completed the basic driving course and received their learner's permit, familiarize them with the Clermont Toyota car they'll be practicing with, and see if there's an optional defensive driving course they can enroll in. This will help them feel more comfortable behind the wheel. 3) Don't Dive in the Deep End First Learning how to drive shouldn't be based on the "sink or swim" mentality. Your teen driver will benefit from starting in small, controlled spaces when driving their Orlando Toyota car for the first time. Try an empty parking lot and have them work up to less populated streets before getting out on the main road or highway. 4) Pick a Good Time to Practice You should start practicing with your teen driver when visibility is high. Try to avoid starting them off driving early in the morning or late in the afternoon/evening. Rainy days, nighttime, early morning, and other low visibility times are best reserved for when they have more experience driving your Clermont Toyota vehicle. 5) Be Positive It's easy to get stressed as a coach to your new driver, but this will only make things worse. Be a positive and reinforcing coach and encourage good behavior while calmly pointing out mistakes rather than losing your patience. 6) Rather than Lecture, Ask Questions Going hand in hand with being a positive reinforcer, try to ask questions rather than lecture your new teen driver. For example, if you know they're speeding, instead of lecturing them about how to obey the speed limit ask them what the speed limit is instead. This will encourage your child to acknowledge the mistake and correct it on their own. This makes for a better and more effective learning experience as they get their bearings with your Clermont Toyota car. 7) Lead by Example Do you have bad driving habits? Your teen driver will likely imitate those behaviors. Before you start your teaching, make sure to nip your bad habits in the bud or at least acknowledge that they're not good ones to have. Need more tips on how to coach your new teen driver or help shopping for their first car? Give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 7000 today!

car tire care

Wheel balancing, wheel alignments, and tire rotations: the main differences

In order to get the best possible performance and the longest life out of your car tires, you need to keep them on a routine maintenance schedule that includes tire rotations, wheel balances, and wheel alignments. However, not too many people are aware of how these three services differ and why each is important for the health of your car tires. Toyota of Clermont is here with a quick guide to these three car maintenances - read on. Which of these car tire services should you be scheduling? Tire rotations Tire rotations are essential and are the most frequently performed of these three car tire services. Basically, our Clermont Toyota techs will rotate your tires from left to right AND from front to back. This ensures that all four tires are wearing evenly and will last the length of time they're supposed to. You should schedule tire rotations for your ride every six months or every 6,000 - 8,000 miles for the best results. Wheel balancing Wheel balancing also helps to ensure great performance from your car tires but the process is nothing like tire rotations. When your tires meet the road, the undergo a certain amount of wear and tear that causes blemishes and imperfections in the rubber. Additionally, accident and collisions can damage the tire and the rims. All of this leads to imbalanced weight with a tire that has "heavier" spots than others. This uneven weight distribution makes your car wobble or bounce when you hit the road, and you'll notice vibrations in your steering wheel, seat, and floor boards. You might also see scalloped or cupped marks on your tires. This leads to uneven wear, bad performance, and issues with your tires in terms of flats and blowouts. The solution? Our Clermont Toyota techs will use weight to counterbalance the "heavy" spots and even things out when the tire is in motion, giving you a smooth performance. You should schedule wheel balancing every time you get a tire rotation or tire repairs performed. Wheel alignments Unlike wheel balancing and using weights to fix an issue, wheel alignments are all about using angles. When you get your new car, the factory has aligned the wheels with certain angles to ensure that all tires are perpendicular to the road and parallel to one another. Over time, wear and tear (and accidents, collisions, and even hitting a curb) can knock your car out of alignment. During a wheel alignment our Clermont auto service techs will realign your tires to the proper angles. This ensures that they wear evenly so you don't have to replace them frequently. You should schedule a wheel alignment every two years or so, or if you get into an accident or get new tires. Schedule your car care at Toyota of Clermont Need to schedule any of these three auto services? Call us today! Our service techs are waiting to get you on the calendar at (352) 404-7001 and we're open seven days a week for your convenience. You can also stop by our dealership to chat with one of our techs at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

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