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Taking a summer road trip is a great way to explore the country and reach your vacation destination in an affordable and fun way. However, it can also be a little stressful! Long hours in the car can take their toll, especially if you're traveling with kids. Toyota of Clermont is here with tips to help make your journey safe, stress-free, and sane. Check it out! Toyota of Clermont wants to make your summer travels safe and stress-free Tip #1: Make car safety rules clear. Make sure that before you head out on your road trip, you make safety rules very clear to everyone in the car. It can be tempting to slip out of your seatbelt when you want to nap, but everyone should be buckled in at all times. You should also ensure that whoever is behind the wheel is focused on the road, not engaging in distracted driving habits like texting, turning to talk to people, or fiddling with the radio. Tip #2: Consider making your drive time happen at night. Driving at night can be tiring, but it's worth it, especially if you're traveling with small children. If all goes to plan, they'll sleep most of the drive away and leave you in peace to focus on the road. However, make sure you monitor how you feel. If you feel tired, pull over and get a hotel room. Driving while fatigued is extremely dangerous, as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Tip #3: Allow for stops and be realistic about your timeline. We know it's more efficient to just suck it up and power through a road trip so you can reach your final destination quickly, but that's not always possible with kids. You should plan to stop for bathroom breaks, for food and drinks, and to let them stretch their legs. Whether they're running around in the grass at a rest stop or checking out a roadside attraction, letting them stretch their legs during the trip will benefit everyone. Know how to prep and what to pack for your next road trip Tip #4: Bring snacks and drinks for the trip. A good way to ensure crankiness and chaos is to not eat or drink during the trip. Make sure you pack snacks and drinks for everyone; just avoid messy, sticky, or crumbly foods that will trash your Clermont Toyota's interior. Also, if you have young children in the car you should avoid any snacks that pose choking hazards. Tip #5: Keep everyone entertained... or else. Boredom is another way to ensure fighting and whining during your road trip. Keep everyone occupied so the miles fly! You can bring tablets, books, coloring items, toys, and games along to keep kids entertained as the drive progresses; if you own a Clermont Toyota with a rear seat entertainment system, then you can pack DVDs and Blu-Rays. Consider making singalong playlists and download podcasts for older kids, too. Want more tips? Call Toyota of Clermont today - we're open until 10 pm at (352) 404-7000. From our Clermont Toyota family to yours, we hope you have a safe and happy summer road trip!

CONGRATULATIONS on buying your first car! It's a big investment, so being able to park your own vehicle in your driveway is a huge achievement. However, now that you've signed the dotted line it's time to think about how you're going to care for your new ride. Routine car care is essential to keep your vehicle performing at its peak and also to help keep its resale value high, so if you decide to sell it down the road you'll get the most bang for your buck. Unsure where to begin? Toyota of Clermont is here with 5 car care tips for first-time car buyers, straight from our expert auto service techs. Take care of your first car with these Toyota of Clermont tips #1: Get your vehicle on a car care schedule right away. Don't let car care slip to the wayside - get your ride on a schedule right away. It's essential to stay on a routine when it comes to basic car maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, brake service, inspections, etc. Luckily for you, our Toyota of Clermont techs can get you on a car maintenance schedule right away and then send you helpful reminders when you're due for your next appointment so you never have to worry. #2: Know how to handle car care emergencies before you hit the road. Do you know how to handle car care emergencies that might crop up? You should be able to deal efficiently with flat tires, overheated cars, and dead batteries, as well as know what to do after a car accident. Knowing how to handle these situations will save you time, stress, and money. #3: Get familiar with your owner's manual. You should always have your owner's manual nearby for reference - preferably in your glove box - but you should also familiarize yourself with it before you hit the road. This important manual can give you information about your car's recommended maintenance schedule, as well as the meanings of different warning lights. It'll also give you the basics, like which gasoline is best for your car and which oil you should use for oil changes. #4: Also get your car on a detailing schedule. It's important to get routine Clermont auto service for your car, but detailing it is another essential part of car care. You should make sure to vacuum, wipe down, and protect your car's interior (consider getting window tint or at least a sunshade) on a regular basis, as well as thoroughly wash the exterior and apply a coat of protective wax. This will defend your ride against rust, mold, and mildew as well as keep it looking like-new for higher resale value. #5: Do not ignore warning lights or odd smells/noises It's really, really tempting to pretend like you don't see that warning light in the dash or turn up the volume on the radio so you don't have to hear that weird sound. Don't give into it! Putting off a repair will almost always lead to a more expensive, serious, and time-consuming repair down the road. Nip the problem in the bud by bringing your ride to our Clermont car care specialists right away. Get on a car care schedule today Ready to get your ride on a routine car care schedule? Call us today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

If you've been out on the road lately, you've probably noticed the abundance of Toyota SUVs and larger vehicles driving around. It's true, drivers prefer larger vehicles to sedans and it looks like this is a trend that's here to stay. With all the space, capabilities, and new technology, it's easy to see why. If you're looking to hop on the bandwagon, you've likely been shopping different makes and models to find the perfect one for you and your passengers. Luckily, at Toyota of Clermont, we're comparing the 2019 Toyota Highlander and the 2020 Subaru Ascent to help you make your final decision on a Toyota SUV. Highlander vs Ascent Both Toyota and Subaru are excellent auto manufacturers. In fact, they've collaborated on a few vehicles here and there (think Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86). Both the Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander and the Subaru Ascent sport great features that you'll enjoy, regardless of which you choose. But we've compiled the differences between the two models in case you're on the fence about which you should sign on the dotted line for. Exterior Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent feature rounded exterior designs with prominent front grilles. The Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander is available in 9 different colors while the Subaru Ascent is only available in 8. The Subaru Ascent is equipped with roof storage racks while the Highlander is not. The Highlander maintains a ground clearance of 8-inches while the Ascent maintains 8.7-inches. Interior Both the Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander and Subaru Ascent feature 7 or 8-passenger seating with various upholstery options like perforated leather, fabric, stain-resistant cloth, and leather. Both models also feature optional second-row captain's chairs and front seat ventilation and heating. The Subaru Ascent's cargo area is slightly larger than the Toyota Highlander's with the Ascent clocking in at 83.7 cubic feet and the Ascent at 86.5 cubic feet. Both the Ascent and Highlander feature 8-inch touchscreen infotainment displays with optional navigation. The Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander uses a 12 speaker JBL sound system in the Limited model while the Subaru Ascent uses a 14 speaker Harman Kardon Quantum system in its Limited model. Engineering The Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander offers a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that gets 185 horsepower and 184 lb./ft. of torque, a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gets 295 horsepower and 263 lb./ft. of torque, and a hybrid variation of the V6 models. The Subaru Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder engine across all trim levels that gets 260 horsepower and 277 lb./ft. of torque. All trim levels of the Ascent use symmetrical all-wheel drive while the Highlander offers it as an option. The Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent get an EPA estimated 21 MPG city and 27 highway. Both the Subaru Ascent and Clermont Toyota SUV Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds off their trailer hitches. Safety The Subaru Ascent and Toyota Highlander both feature a suite of safety technology. However, the Highlander provides the suite standard on all trim levels while some features of the Ascent's safety suite are limited by trim level. The Winner? Both the Toyota Highlander and Subaru Ascent are reliable vehicles that come equipped with excellent features that make them great to drive. Crowning a winner here is difficult as they both have an equal footing overall. They both also sit at a similar price point, the Highlander having a starting MSRP of $31,680 and the Ascent at $31,995. If you still can't decide between the two, come test drive the Toyota Highlander and other Toyota SUVs today at Toyota of Clermont! We also have a great selection of used vehicles to choose from. You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 and we're open seven days a week!

Fireworks, cookouts, and a long weekend is almost here! 4th of July is next week and we're excited to see all the fireworks and celebrate. In fact, Toyota of Clermont is celebrating with our 4th of July Sales Event where you can get the best prices of the summer! If you're planning on celebrating Independence Day with a bang, check out these events going on near Orlando! Fireworks at the Fountain July 4th, Lake Eola Park from 4 pm - 10 pm Right in downtown Orlando, Fireworks at the Fountain provides the scenic backdrop of Lake Eola with colorful sky fire. Food trucks, games for kids, live music, and cold drinks from the Relax Bar and Grille and World of Beer. The fireworks show starts at 9:10 pm so make sure to get there early to set up your viewing spot. Independence Day at Magic Kingdom July 4th, Magic Kingdom in Disney World Disney is the go to for fireworks near Orlando and you can bet that 4th of July is going to be big. The park will be having a special fireworks display on both the 3rd and 4th at 9:15 pm along with Independence Day themed dance parties. You can also catch the muppets reenacting important American history moments in Liberty Square all day. Red, White, and Boom July 4th, Waterfront Park, Clermont 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Back for its fourth year, Clermont's Red, White, and Boom is a perfect local event for families looking to catch some amazing fireworks. This year you can catch live music, pie-eating and costume contests, food, drinks, and more! The 4th of July fireworks are set to go off on 9:15 pm. Smoke on the Water and Fire in the Sky July 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, Port Canaveral/Cocoa/Cocoa Beach Three different cities and three nights of nonstop 4th of July fun! For July 2nd you can catch a street party with live entertainment and kids' activities along with a fireworks show around 9:30 pm. On the 3rd, Cocoa Beach will host a fireworks show at 8:45 pm on the beach. For the 4th you can expect another street party, family activities, and fireworks in Cocoa's Riverfront Park. Baldwin Park Independence Day Bash July 3rd, 3710 Maguire Blvd., Orlando, FL 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm Baldwin Park, near Orlando, will be hosting a free Independence Day Bash complete with kids' activities, food trucks, a beer garden, and more! There will be live music, a battle of the bands, and a choreographed fireworks show at 9:15 pm.   There are plenty of wonderful and fun events going on during this long holiday weekend so make sure to get out there and check them out. From our Toyota family to yours, have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!

Here at Toyota of Clermont, it’s important for us to get involved in our local community. We love to give back and while we make up just a small portion of what our entire community has to offer, we love being the change we wish to see. Our local residents mean the world to us - both two-legged and four-legged! That’s why our Clermont dealership is so proud to be working side-by-side with DreamCatcher Horse Ranch Rescue Center! What's DreamCatcher all about? DreamCatcher Horse Ranch Rescue Center in Clermont was founded in 2010 to help with horse neglect and cruelty prevention, and while this organization didn’t originally plan on opening a rescue center, it sort of just happened. Every year, DreamCatcher cares for horses who need veterinary care, food, a home, and most importantly - love! These amazing animals learn how to grow and function like any other horse and the care team at DreamCatcher works every single day to help these horses trust humans again. Not only does the DreamCatcher team work really hard to take care of their amazing horses, they also strive to create awareness within the local Clermont community. To achieve this goal, the rescue remains open 7 days a week and offers various programs and fun activities that resonate with all ages. The Clermont rescue is also open to the public for educational and family programs that get you up close and personal with some of DreamCatchers’ favorite four-legged friends! DramCatcher needs our help Continued success and bright futures for these magnificent creatures doesn’t come cheap though. Want to get involved and help out? Sponsor a horse! Your contributions to the rescue provide the horses with food supplies, veterinary care, and shelter. Any amount helps, but to give you a better look at how DreamCatcher utilizes your contribution, there is a breakdown list of all of the things our horses need including: $25 will buy a bag of feed or treatment for sand in the horse’s belly $30 will pay for steroid treatment for 1 month $40 will buy 2 bales of quality hay for protein or a weight supplement or a farrier treatment (needed every 6 weeks) $50 pays for 2 bags of feed or a coggins blood test to ensure horse has no infectious diseases $75 pays for annual shots or 3 bags of feed or a joint supplement. $100 buys enough grain to feed a horse for a month $150 pays for annual dentist care for 1 horse $250 will cover the cost to feed and care for a horse for a month $750 for 3 months $1500 for 6 months $3000 for a year. To contribute, call or text DreamCatcher Horse Ranch and Rescue at (407)702-8332 or visit at 10639 Toad Rd in Clermont!

Summer is here! Temperatures have been climbing into the scorching territory lately and we're just in the beginning - it's going to heat up even more before the season calls it quits. When it's this hot out, you need to ensure that you're taking the proper precautions to keep your ride cool and protected. Check out these common summer car care mistakes that our Clermont auto service techs often see and make sure you're not making them. Read on! 5 summer car care mistakes you don't want to make #1: Not shielding your car from the sun The sun is strong during the summer and it can do major damage to your car both inside and out. You should stick to a car care schedule that includes washing and waxing your vehicle on a regular basis, using a sunshade to protect the dash, parking in the shade whenever possible, and getting your windows tinted to limit the sun exposure that your car's interior gets. #2: Not staying on an oil change schedule Oil is absolutely, positively essential in preventing your car from overheating. It keeps your engine cool so all the parts can move fluidly, the engine doesn't overheat, and you don't end up with a completely dead car that needs a replacement engine. Make sure you stick to a Clermont oil change schedule at all times, but especially in summer when temps are high and your engine is working overtime to maintain itself. #3: Not giving your tires the attention they deserve Hot weather can also take a toll on your tires. The pavement is hot, the hot air causes the air inside your tires to expand, and this combined with the friction of the tires moving on the pavement means you have the perfect storm for a blowout or flat. The best way to combat it? Stick to a car care schedule with your tires that encompasses visual inspections on a weekly basis for damage, checking the PSI often, and getting tire rotations as recommended so all four tires wear evenly. Toyota of Clermont can keep you on track all season long #4: Neglecting your cooling system As noted, your car has to work overtime to maintain its internal temps when the weather is hot. You should ensure that you lend a dose of car care to your cooling system - make sure you always have plenty of clean coolant in the tank and have the system inspected regularly at Toyota of Clermont so it can continue to do its job properly. #5: Not replacing your windshield wiper blades Summer means sun, but here in Clermont it also means almost regular daily downpours. Don't neglect your windshield wipers, as it can major impair your vision out on the road. Replace the blades regularly and inspect them for damage. You should be on the lookout for damage to the rubber strip, squealing noises, and smeared water when the wipers are in use. Need some help getting on a car care schedule, or want to shop car maintenance supplies? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by and see us at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

Fireworks, cookouts, and fun are aplenty of July 4th and it's just around the corner, if you can believe it! But, with all the great things to be had on this holiday, it's still one of the most dangerous times of the year to be out on the road. If you need to brush up on your driving safety, you're in luck! Toyota of Clermont is here with a quick and easy guide on driving safety tips for this year's July 4th. Check out these Driving Safety Tips for July 4th Tip 1) Watch out for Motorcycles Excessive rain in Clermont aside, summer is arguably the best time for motorcyclists to cruise the roadways and enjoy the open air. This means that those driving cars need to be extra cautious to avoid a fatal or serious accident. For our driving safety tips, we recommend always checking your blind spots before changing lanes and not following motorcyclists while on the road. A fender bender may not harm the driver of a car, but it can be fatal to a motorcyclist. Be vigilant and watch out. 2) Never Drink and Drive Drinking and driving is one of the worst things a driver can do. Impaired judgement, slowed reaction time, and diminished vision are sure to land you in an accident or with a DUI. On July 4th people are traveling more frequently and an accident is bound to happen. Plus, you could run into a DUI checkpoint and land yourself in a bad spot. Make sure to have a reliable designated driver or call an Uber or Lyft if need be. You can always return and pick up your Clermont Toyota vehicle later. 3) Get Home or Where you Plan on Staying Early Drunk drivers will likely be out despite the driving safety hazard they pose and the later it is the more likely they'll be out. Make sure to get to where you plan on staying early to avoid a run in with a drunk driver. 4) Don't Get Distracted by the Fireworks You need fireworks on July 4th, you just do. But, they can pose a distraction while on the road. Those who have driven by Disney in the evening know what we're talking about. Even a small glance from the road can get you into an accident. If you want to watch, pick a safe spot along the road to park your Clermont Toyota vehicle and watch the show. 5) Be Watchful for Pedestrians and Pets In suburban areas it's likely that people will be out and about visiting friends, neighbors, and trying to see fireworks. If you have to drive through any heavily populated areas on the night of the 4th of the July, be very careful. This driving safety tip is essential and will help you make sure no one gets injured during your commute. Stop and look at stop signs, obey crosswalks, and don't run red lights. You'll also want to watch out for any pets that may be out with their owners as they get spooked because of the loud fireworks. Driving on July 4th has no shortage of hazards so make sure you follow these driving safety tips to protect yourself and your ride while on the road. If you have any questions on how you can stay safe during the holiday give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 - 7000 today!

When it comes to buying a new car, you probably always feel a little nervous. After all, a car is a big, long-term investment. And that nervous feeling can be even worse when you're treading into unknown territories, like when you buy a hybrid car or an electric car after a lifetime of driving a traditional gasoline-powered vehicle. However, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! One of the things we see customers get most nervous about is maintaining an electric car, which is a huge part of ownership. Will it cost more, or be more difficult? Check out our answers below. What does it cost to maintain an electric car? MAINTAINING You'd think that maintaining an electric car would be expensive and difficult. You'd also be wrong! Electric vehicles are actually cheaper and easier to maintain than their traditional internal combustion counterparts. Why? They have fewer parts, for starters. Internal combustion engines have hundreds of parts, including hoses, electrical components, and other elements that deteriorate over time and have to be both maintained and replaced to keep the car running. Electric cars, on the other hand, have maybe a dozen parts involved in keeping things up and running, with the big one being the lithium-ion battery. This means you'll have fewer parts to maintain and replace and subsequently, cheaper car maintenance costs. One caveat - the lithium-ion battery that we mentioned is expensive to replace. We're talking between $5,000 and $6,000. It's a far cry from the $15,000 repair it used to be, but it still can put a dent in your budget. That's why it's essential to stick to a car maintenance schedule at Toyota of Clermont so our techs can routinely inspect your car battery and ensure there are no leaks or defects that need to be addressed before the battery drains or fails. WARRANTIES But before you start worrying about the battery, let's talk about warranties. Many electric cars - including our Clermont Toyotas - come with extensive warranties that stretch 8 years/100,000 miles. This is to give you peace of mind that you won't have to ante up for major mechanical defects or issues on your new electric vehicle. You can additionally purchase extended warranties if you want to make the coverage last even longer. FUEL We have to mention fuel when it comes to electric cars because it's a very different experience to "fuel up" your electric Clermont Toyota. There are charging stations located throughout Central Florida, and these typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours to charge your car completely. If you charge at home in the comfort of your own garage, you're looking at anywhere up to 12 hours to get a full charge. However, although this may take longer than gassing up at a gas station, it's vastly cheaper than getting gas and much more eco-friendly. Test drive today at Toyota of Clermont Are you ready to jump headfirst into the world of electric cars? Then head down to Toyota of Clermont to see what we have in store for you! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

Needless to say, 2019 has brought some pretty incredible new models to the Toyota lineup that have wowed us and other Clermont drivers. The Toyota Corolla Hatchback, the new 2020 Toyota Corolla, the Toyota GR Supra, the new RAV4, and a new Avalon. The current model year has been marked with new features and technology that truly sets this year apart from many others. But in the automotive industry that's old news. Things move remarkably quick in the world of cars and just when you think we've hit a production standstill, you'll find that manufacturers are already posed to send the next vehicle update to dealerships. Speaking of sending updates, we've heard some rumors about a few upcoming Toyota trucks that we're excited to see if they're true. Check out the latest details from us at Toyota of Clermont now! What's New with Toyota Trucks for 2020? 2020 Toyota 4Runner For the 2020 Toyota 4Runner, drivers can expect to retain the same aesthetic that's been preserved throughout the recent years of the 4Runner but TRD Pro models will likely see a redesigned grille. Toyota Safety Sense will likely be added on all trim levels and two additional USB ports may be added for rear-seat passengers. This new Clermont Toyota truck is expected to arrive at dealerships later this year. 2020 Toyota Tacoma The Clermont Toyota Tacoma will likely retain a large amount of its physical look, but drivers and fans can expect to see a few different features for the 2020 model year including: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic and undercarriage cameras for better clearance observation while off-roading, a power driver's seat, and more! The suspected due date for this vehicle is sometime in late summer. 2020 Toyota Sequoia While it's been a long time coming, the Clermont Toyota Sequoia has joined the TRD Pro fold and will be coming with a new trim level bearing the same name for the 2020 model year. Drivers can take advantage of more off-roading friendly features on this new Toyota truck along with other features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, remote keyless entry, and push-button start. While it should also be retaining large amounts of the previous model years' aesthetic, 2020 Toyota Tundra The much beloved and tough Toyota Tundra is returning for the 2020 model year with a few adjustments that make improve on this powerful Toyota truck. Drivers can expect to see features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, and push button start on the TRD Pro model. Clermont Toyota drivers can also select different cab styles and an extended cab option if you're looking to upgrade the amount of working interior space. Shop New Toyota Trucks at Toyota of Clermont If you're looking for a vehicle that can put in the work and handle whatever you need to tow or haul, make sure to shop for a Toyota truck from Toyota of Clermont! If you need a pickup that's big on capability or a truck that's stylish, we've got the ride for you. Check them all out at 16851 State Road 50 seven days a week!

If you're a native or long-time resident of the Clermont area or to Florida in general, you've probably come to the same conclusion that most others have. Florida is just all sand and heat. While you wouldn't be entirely wrong in your thinking, it only takes a small sense of adventure to learn that there's more to this luscious and tropical state than just theme parks and beaches. There are so many interesting things to do around Florida, it's hard to decide on what to do during your weekend. Luckily, we at Toyota of Clermont have put together a short guide on cool activities and destinations that we're sure you'll love. So Many Fun Things to Do Near Clermont 1) Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales Located off the beaten path in Lake Wales, Florida, the Bok Tower Gardens is truly a destination to behold. Visitors can experience a variety of flora and capture pictures till their heart's content. It's hard to miss, but make sure to visit the Bok Tower in the center of the gardens during your visit. This unique structure plays bell tunes periodically and creates an amazingly peaceful atmosphere. 2) Scuba Dive and Snorkel at Devil's Den, Levy County If you're looking to take a trip back in time to one of North America's most pre-historic natural springs. Visitors can scuba dive and snorkel in the spring and see ancient rock formations and 33 million year-old fossil beds in 72 degree water. 3) Visit and Kayak Through the Brevard Zoo, Melbourne Educating yourself on conservation and seeing so many unique animals is a guaranteed way to take your weekend up a notch. But what makes the Brevard Zoo a unique location is the variety of things to do. It's only a short drive from Clermont and you can experience things like a kayaking tour, giraffe feeding, tree climbing, and a splash lagoon play park. 4) Take Selfies at the Wynwood Walls, Miami While Orlando and areas around Clermont have some wall graffiti art scattered around, the Wynwood Walls are known throughout the state (and Instagram) as the place to take awesome aesthetic pictures and admire local artists. This groovy neighborhood features art piece after art piece so visitors can take selfies and portraits to fill their camera rolls to capacity. 5) Catch a Mermaid Show at Weeki Watchee Springs, Spring Hill It's not every day you get to see a mermaid up close, but you can at Weeki Watchee springs! It's not far from Clermont and easily makes our top list of things to do in Florida. Guests can view mermaid show performances, go on scenic boat tours, and partake in wildlife education shows. You can always rent a kayak or canoe if you feel like experiencing the spring for yourself. 6) Dine on the Water at Marina Jack, Sarasota Sarasota is probably best known as the home of Siesta and Lido Key beaches, but Marina Jack is a true gem that you don't want to pass up. Make sure to take an evening dining cruise full of delicious food and great views. You can soak up some sun right in the park or entertain the kids at the splash park. From all of us at Toyota of Clermont, have an amazing weekend and try these unique things to do while you're out and about!

Do you have a roadside emergency kit in your car? If you do, what's in it? While you can typically buy these kits prepackaged, they usually don't have all the ins and outs you need to face an emergency out on the road. However, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Our parts store at our dealership is stocked with all sorts of supplies that can come in handy when life throws the unexpected at you, and we've also compiled a list of all the necessary elements you'd want in a roadside emergency kit so you can build your own. Check out what our Clermont auto service techs recommend having on hand. Build your own basic roadside emergency kit To build a basic roadside emergency kit, we suggest you include the following items: A fully inflated spare tire - be sure to consistently check the spare for damage and inflation levels - as well as a tire jack and a lug wrench. This makes it easy to handle flat tires and blowouts. Jumper cables in case your battery goes dead Paper towels or rags to clean up messes fast A flashlight with extra batteries in case you need to deal with an emergency at night Road flares, glow sticks, or reflective signs so you can draw attention to your vehicle and avoid being hit by other drivers A non-explosive can of Fix-a-Flat as a backup to the spare tire A small first aid kit with all the basics you need to deal with minor injuries when you're out on the road A cell phone charger so you can always keep your devices charged up on the go A basic tool kit with duct tape OR a multi-purpose tool and a roll of duct tape Bottled water (be sure to rotate it out frequently) and non-perishable snacks, like nuts or granola An extra umbrella and a rain poncho (especially during Florida summers) And if you live in areas prone to cold weather, be sure to pack seasonal supplies. This means including items like a small foldable shovel, blankets, a bag of kitty litter (for traction on ice), an ice scraper, and an extra pair of gloves and a hat. Shop supplies for your kit at Toyota of Clermont If you REALLY want to take preparation up a level, here are a few other things our Clermont Toyota service techs recommend packing in your roadside emergency kit: Extra oil, coolant, and wiper fluid Spare fuses and lightbulbs so you can make quick repairs out on the road Tow ropes or straps Paper maps in case your navigation or GPS conks out An empty gas can A portable air pump for your tires A portable battery charger for a dead battery A car escape tool (it has a seatbelt cutter on one end and a window breaker on the other), which you should keep in your glovebox for easy access Want more tips on how to build a roadside emergency kit, or want to shop supplies at Toyota of Clermont's parts store? Stop by and see us today! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

Keeping your children safe in the car is one of your top priorities if you're a parent. You look for the vehicles with the best safety technology, top reliability, and great convenience features to make each and every commute as family-friendly as it can possibly be. We've got good news - Toyota is making your decision even easier for you! Not only do all of our Clermont Toyotas feature incredible safety technology and incredible reliability, but 5 models have also been voted the top choices when it comes to car seat installation (as rated by the IIHS). Which Clermont Toyotas earned a Good + rating when it comes to car seats? IIHS recently ranked a wide selection of vehicles from across different makes to see which vehicles offered the best ease of installation and security when it comes to car seats. Toyota earned a "Good +" rating - the highest rating you can get - for 5 models, including: Toyota RAV4 Toyota Prius Toyota Avalon Toyota Corolla Hatchback Toyota Camry In order to achieve a "Good +" rating, cars have to meet six stringent criteria. Here's what these Clermont Toyotas have to offer: The tether anchor doesn't feature any other hardware that could be confused as the tether itself Lower anchors are no more than 3/4 of an inch deep where the seatback meets the seat cushion (so they're easy to access) Tether anchors are present on the rear deck or middle of the seatback Lower anchors have a 54 degrees or greater clearance angle The force required to attach the seat is fewer than 40 pounds There must be extra LATCH-equipped seating positions in the vehicle However, while ease of installation and security for car seats are important, you also want as much peace of mind as you can get when it comes to keeping your precious cargo safe. Here are some other safety features featured on our Clermont Toyotas that we love: Toyota Safety Sense P, which is a suite of safety features that includes tech like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control A Driver and Front Passenger Advanced Airbag System 3-point seatbelts for all seating positions as well as emergency locking retractors on all seatbelts Hill Start Assist and Downhill Assist Control for tackling hilly terrain with ease Safety Connect Services, which provides you with Stolen Vehicle Locator, Emergency Assistance, Roadside Assistance, and Automatic Collision Notification A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert Driver and front passenger Whiplash-Injury-Reducing seats The Star Safety System with Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brake System, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, and Smart Stop Technology Not to mention, you'll find top convenience technology woven into the design of our family-friendly Clermont Toyotas as well. Why make your commute anything but comfortable, safe, and efficient? Get a family-friendly Clermont Toyota today Shop any and all of them - they're waiting for you at Toyota of Clermont today. We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50 just off the Florida Turnpike, and you can call to schedule a test drive and learn more about our inventory at (352) 404-7000.