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Do you know what engine size your ride is currently rocking? If you don't it's no big deal - most drivers aren't really aware of what's going on under the hood. Unless you're an auto enthusiast or worried about aspects of performance like off-roading or towing, engine size probably isn't a big concern of yours and isn't high up on your list of requirements for a new car. However, it's definitely something to take into consideration when car shopping! Toyota of Clermont has taken the time to break down the basics of engine size so you can shop with confidence next time you hit our lot. Which engine size best suits your needs? Before you can really shop for a particular engine size, you need to know the basics, and that includes the common terminology associated with engines. Here are the main three terms you're likely to hear: Horsepower: Horsepower is really just how much power the car produces. For example, our 2019 Toyota Camry gets up to 301 horsepower, depending on which engine size you choose. Cylinders: Cylinders is basically how many cylinders the engine has. For example, our Clermont Toyotas range - you can choose options like 4-cylinder, V6 (6-cylinder), or V8 (8-cylinder). Displacement: Displacement is measured in liters and is basically how much internal space the engine has. You'll find options like 2.5L, 3.5L, 4.0L. 5.7L, and more at Toyota of Clermont. Hopefully, now you'll feel a little bit more comfortable when thinking about and discussing engine size. But what about actually settling on a size? Here are some helpful hints to help you sort through the options: Smaller engines with less horsepower tend to offer better fuel efficiency so if you want to save on gas, consider a smaller engine under the hood. Larger engines with more horsepower are better for performance-based needs, like towing, hauling, and off-roading. A smaller engine won't be able to cut it, so factor your drive time needs into your shopping. Make sure you carefully consider ALL of the features you want on your ride. Some features only come with specific engine sizes, so you'll need to make sure everything lines up before you sign the dotted line. Cars with smaller engines are usually less expensive so if budgeting is big on your list, shoot for a smaller option. Test drive all of the options at Toyota of Clermont Ready to shop? If you're still feeling a little bit unsure about which engine size is best for you, our product specialists can help. They know our inventory inside and out and can help you choose the right car for your performance needs and drive time preferences. And don't forget your test drive - this can also play a big part in your final decision! You may decide that the smaller, more fuel-efficient engine you thought you wanted just doesn't have the get-up-and-go you need. Conversely, you may find that the bigger, more powerful engine you thought you'd prefer isn't what you want from a day-to-day drive time solution! Get behind the wheel today - call Toyota of Clermont at (352) 404-7000 to get the shopping process started!

Clermont Toyota vehicles are meant to go places and, if you’ve been observing the automotive industry as of late, it looks like autonomous vehicles are the next big thing. Toyota has been making several investments into and dedicating a large amount of resources for this new wave of automotive technology. An investment partnership with Uber, the acquisition of an India based ride-sharing company, and now a new partnership with SoftBank on a new venture called Monet Technologies. Something this big can only mean that amazing autonomous vehicle technology will soon follow, and Toyota of Clermont is here with all the details! Toyota + SoftBank = autonomous vehicles The latest in Toyota’s quest for vehicle autonomation is an investment partnership with SoftBank, a multi-national holding conglomerate. Through their partnership, SoftBank and Toyota have developed a venture company by the name of Monet Technologies. The goal of this partnership is to combine big data resources, like SoftBank’s internet of things, with Clermont Toyota autonomous vehicle technology to streamline development and eventual use. Toyota plans to use their concept e-Palette self-driving vehicle as part of Monet Technologies’ development of Clermont Toyota vehicle autonomy. Toyota’s e-Palette is an autonomous vehicle currently in development with the intention of being used for a variety of commuter functions. This Clermont Toyota vehicle is designed to transport/deliver a variety of products and passengers without the use of a driver and by using zero-emission technology. Currently, this technology is being developed with the intention of being showcased at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where it will transport athletes and supplies throughout the event. This SoftBank and Toyota venture is slated to begin development in April 2019 with a second operational phase beginning in 2025. SoftBank will act as the majority shareholder while Toyota acts as the minor. An initial investment of $17.5 million and second future scheduled investment of $87.8 million ensure that Clermont Toyota autonomous vehicle development goes smoothly. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see this technology at Toyota of Clermont one day! Shop new Toyota technology at Toyota of Clermont While autonomous vehicles are a ways away from being available on our lot at Toyota of Clermont, that doesn’t mean you can’t shop all new advanced technology in our current model year vehicles! Check out features like: Toyota Safety Sense P: Toyota’s all new advanced safety suite that includes autonomous vehicle features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, and Lane Tracing Assist. Entune 3.0 infotainment: Includes a variety of convenience features and apps like Apple CarPlay, optional WiFi Connect from Verizon, Dynamic Navigation, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, music streaming app integration with programs like Pandora and iHeartRadio, and local weather and traffic reports/alerts. Integrated backup cameras and the optional Bird’s Eye Camera to assist drivers with parking. Clermont Toyota technology gets better and better, so what are you waiting for? Come shop these new models at Toyota of Clermont! You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 or give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 seven days a week!

You slide into the driver's seat, put the key in the ignition, and turn it... to no avail. Your car won't start, but you have no idea why and no idea what to do next. Toyota of Clermont can help. It's a major inconvenience when your car won't start, but it's not the end of the world. Our Orlando auto service techs are here to give you some of the main reasons your car won't start and also help you figure out what to do when you're stuck in this predicament. Your car won't start... but why? Let's talk why first—why won't your car start? Here are some of the big reasons you may not be able to get the engine going: 1) Your battery is dead. If your battery is dead, there's no way your car is going to get going. How do you know if your battery is dead? If you turn the key and hear silence and notice that your radio and lights won't turn on, you've got a dead battery. If this is the case, call a tow or try to find someone with jumper cables so you can bring your car into our Clermont Toyota service center. 2) Your starter is broken. Your starter is an electrical motor that's connected to the battery; it gets the engine going when you turn your key in the ignition. If it's not working, neither is your engine. A dead giveaway that you're in need of a new starter is that you hear a clicking noise when you turn your key instead of the engine roaring to life. 3) Your fuel filter is clogged. Your fuel filter ensures that clean fuel gets where it needs to go under the hood. If it gets clogged, gasoline won't be able to reach the engine to be utilized! Luckily, this is an easy fix - just bring your car by Toyota of Clermont. 4) Your alternator isn't doing its job. The alternator helps to ensure that your battery is charged which, in turn, means the battery can't get things moving under the hood. If your alternator conks out on you a warning light should come on in the dash to give you an alert. 5) You need new spark plugs. Your spark plugs need to be replaced every 100,000 miles or so; they provide the spark needed to ignite your fuel. When they give out, you're not going anywhere fast. Spark plugs are easy and affordable to replace, so schedule auto service at Toyota of Clermont. Schedule Orlando auto service NOW! So, what should you do when your car won't start? Your best bet is to schedule auto service soon. Even if you can get a jump or get your car to eventually start, chances are the issue will arise again. Bring your ride by Toyota of Clermont to let our trained techs take a peek! We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

The 2019 Toyota Tacoma, ideal sized truck, off-roading champion, and powerful pickup, is back for the new model year to solidify its place as the king of versatility. This new Toyota truck is available now at Toyota of Clermont and it’s ready for adventure! As excited as we are to dive into all the features of the new 2019 Clermont Toyota Tacoma, let’s go over some basics for the model year: Six available trim levels give drivers the perfect amount of options for customizing this new Toyota truck. Trim levels include: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro. All new Voodoo Blue paint color option and exterior accent pieces. Advanced safety features like Toyota Safety Sense P are there to keep you protected no matter where you drive. On or off the road, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma performs Performance Whether you’re driving the highway or the trails, the 2019 Clermont Toyota Tacoma can handle it all and then some. Here are the powerful features going to work under the hood: A 3.5L V6 engine that gets 278 horsepower and 265 lb./ft. of torque. Optional 6-speed manual or Electronically Controlled Automatic transmission. Active Traction Control 4WDemand part-time 4WD with Automatic Limited-Slip Differential. Coil-spring double-wishbone front suspension and leaf spring rear suspension. Optional TRD-tuned off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX shocks available on the TRD Pro trim level. EPA estimated 18 city/22 highway mpg. 640-pound tongue load and towing capacity of 6400 pounds. Multi-terrain Select and CRAWL Control. Technology Even when you go off the beaten path, you need a little bit of technology to keep you connected. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with the latest in Toyota technology, so you can enjoy convenient features right from your center console. Available Qi wireless charging for compatible devices. Entune infotainment accessible from a 6.1-inch high-resolution touch-screen with available integrated navigation and premium JBL enhanced sound. Three USB ports in the cabin, one for media and two for charging. Smart Key System with push button start. 2-inch color multi-information display. Style It performs, it’s comfortable, and it’s got style too. The Clermont Toyota Tacoma can really do it all and look good too. Here are the style features of this Toyota truck you’ll definitely take notice of: Projector beam headlights with LED daytime running lights and integrated fog lights. Heritage-inspired, silver, gray, charcoal, and dark gray grille color options. Power moonroof. Styled steel, black alloy, silver alloy, machined alloy, machined contrast alloy, TRD Pro black alloy, and polished alloy wheels available in 16-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch sizes. Power sliding rear window with privacy glass. TRD Pro front skid plate available on the TRD Pro trim level. Front and rear mudguards. Safety With safety being almost every driver’s most important feature, it’s only fitting that the 2019 Clermont Toyota Tacoma be outfitted with the latest in Toyota’s advanced safety features. Working to keep you protected on the road are features like: Toyota Safety Sense P Star Safety System Advanced Airbag System in the front and passenger seats. LATCH tethers Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert Rear Parking Assist Sonar Hill Start Assist Control Go on an adventure in the new 2019 Clermont Toyota Tacoma The road awaits, so what are you waiting for? Come check out and test drive the all new 2019 Toyota Tacoma at Toyota of Clermont today! We’re open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

With special edition trim levels and accessory packages, these new Toyota models just keep getting better and better! In fact, Toyota recently revealed the arrival of the all new Nightshade Special Edition Clermont Toyota 4Runner and SX accessory packages for the all new Toyota Tundra and Tacoma. Stylish looks that garner attention on the road is an important feature that most drivers look for in their vehicles and these new Toyota models deliver. Toyota of Clermont is here with all the details on what to expect from these vehicles! Accessories galore While the Clermont Toyota Tundra, Tacoma, and 4Runner all wow with their iconic designs and stylish options, these new trim/accessory packages truly put the icing on the cake. The SX package for the Toyota Tundra adds accessories like: A cleaner exterior free of badging. The addition of body color keyed front and rear bumper end caps and grille surrounds. Upgraded front bucket seats for enhanced comfort. Black painted 18-inch alloy wheels. For the Clermont Toyota Tundra, the SX accessory package is available with Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Barcelona Red Metallic paint options. The SX package is currently available on the double cab model and SR5 trim level with the optional 5.7L V8 engine and will cost $1,630. This will give your new Toyota truck the perfect look while driving around town. For the Clermont Toyota 4Runner, the Limited trim level has been given a few extra style enhancers to complete the sleek and aggressive look of this iconic Toyota SUV. The Nightshade Special Edition sports more than just a cool name. Here’s what you can expect to see from this accessory package: Black exterior accents on the front and rear bumper spoilers, outer mirrors, window moldings, rocker panels, badging, roof rails, and door handles. Black chrome moldings on the grille along with black-tipped exhaust. 20-inch black colored wheels. The interior is also decked out with new black accents. You’ll notice the steering wheel, shifter panel and knob, instrument cluster, center console panels, and inner door grips are given a fresh coat of black paint to complement the nightshade theme of the exterior. This special edition Clermont Toyota trim level is available with Midnight Black, Magnetic Grey Metallic, and Blizzard Pearl exterior colors for the perfect look. The Nightshade Special Edition package will cost $1,740 and must be purchased with the Limited trim level. The new Toyota Tacoma will also receive an SX accessory package similar to the Clermont Toyota Tundra. This trim package will include features like: Blacked out accent pieces like badging, mirror caps, grille, door handles, headlight bezels, and overfenders. Matte black 16-inch alloy wheels. This accessory package is only available on the SR trim, in Super White, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Barcelona Red, Quicksand, and Silver Metallic, and will cost an additional $560. Shop new Toyota models at Toyota of Clermont With all these new Toyota accessory packages and trim levels, it’s hard to resist getting excited! Until these new models arrive to our lot, come check out our current inventory at Toyota of Clermont! We have all new decked out Toyotas that are sure to satisfy your need for style. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 for more details!

Adulting is hard. We get it - there's a lot to deal with and a lot of responsibilities and obligations to juggle when you're trying to be your best adult self. We're here to help! Owning and maintaining a car is a big part of adulting that can get really, really expensive if forgotten. Toyota of Clermont has easy, quick tips to make caring for your used car as easy as it gets! Don't make used car ownership harder than it needs to be Tip #1: Put your car on a routine car maintenance schedule. Want to keep your used car's resale value high and repairs low? Then get on a routine Clermont car maintenance schedule for service like tire rotations, battery checks, oil changes, coolant checks, and brake service. Our techs will both put you on a schedule AND remind you when you're due for service so you can save big bucks. Hang onto those service records, too - they'll come in handy when it's time to sell. Tip #2: DON'T drive it like you stole it. Aggressive acceleration and braking puts a lot of wear and tear on your car. Accelerate and brake gently, take turns at a normal speed, and basically just drive like a civilized human being to lower your need for repairs and your risk of getting into a collision. Tip #3: Never ignore dashboard lights. It is, quite frankly, terrifying when your dashboard lights turn on. We get it. However, ignoring the light makes the problem bigger and more expensive than it needs to be. Bite the bullet and bring your used car into our Clermont Toyota service center so our techs can pinpoint and price out the problem for you. Tip #4: Invest in a solid detailing every month. Keep your car's interior cleaned out with a wipedown and vacuum on a regular basis, and make sure you wash and wax the exterior. Once a month should do it, and these small steps can keep your used car looking like-new for a long time after purchase. Wax will also protect your car's paint from scratches, moisture, and fading. Tip #5: Park wisely. Park in the shade whenever you can - parking under cover is even better. Also, don't park in bad areas; it heightens your chances of your car being broken into. Toyota of Clermont can help keep your car like-new Tip #6: Protect your car from the seasons. Summer is extremely intense here in Clermont. Give your car the protection it needs from the UV rays and the heat. You should invest in a good car wax, tint, and a sunshade at the very least. Seat covers and a steering wheel cover can also help protect your car's interior from sun damage. If you have a leather interior, be sure to condition it often. Tip #7: Do your best to avoid potholes. Potholes can do a real number on your car and cost you a ton of money in repairs - try to go around them if you can, and if you can't, take things very, very slowly. We know you hate talking on the phone, so make it easy on yourself. Schedule your auto service online now at Toyota of Clermont and we'll see you soon!

Car accidents are a common occurrence to see driving around the Clermont area, but that doesn’t make them any less harmful and scary. Whether the accident is severe or simple, like a fender bender, the last thing anyone wants is to be stuck in one. Distracted driving is a huge contributor to this growing issue that comes in many forms. If the activity diverts your attention from driving, then it’s causing a distraction and can lead to a potential accident. To help you avoid distracted driving, Toyota of Clermont has put together an easy-to-follow guide that you should check out! Tips to prevent distracted driving Make sure to stay focused on the road throughout your drive. Always observe your surroundings and use the mirrors in your Clermont Toyota vehicle to scan the road for objects and pedestrians. Loose items like groceries, tissues, and other objects rolling around during your drive can cause distracted driving. Stow these items in a secure place before putting your car in drive to avoid the temptation to fix them during your drive. Eating while driving your Clermont Toyota vehicle is distracted driving. Enjoying a snack while driving is safe and sometimes necessary if you haven’t eaten recently, but make sure to choose the right foods. Avoid eating foods that are messy or difficult to eat on the road and try not to consume whole meals while behind the wheel. Before you leave the house, finish all personal grooming and dressing. Sitting at stop lights or in traffic jams before you get to your destination seems like the perfect opportunity for doing last minute or skipped parts of your morning routine. But, this keeps your attention off the road and qualifies as distracted driving. If you’re carpooling with passengers, ask them for help! Your passengers can keep you free of distractions by picking out music and getting driving directions. However, make sure they keep their activity to a minimum to avoid distracting you. Make any necessary adjustments to your Clermont Toyota vehicle before leaving your driveway. Find the right seat position, queue up your music, adjust all your mirrors, check traffic conditions, and set your A/C temperature. If you have to make any of these adjustments while on the road, pull over and park in a safe spot first to avoid distracted driving. Put all your electronic devices away before getting on the road. Cell phones are the number one distraction many drivers encounter while on the road and the cause of many accidents. Unless it’s an emergency, don’t use your phone and stow it in an area of your Clermont Toyota vehicle that can’t be easily accessed. Drive safe with Toyota of Clermont Distracted driving is a severe issue that can be prevented by taking responsible steps as a driver. You can also use helpful convenience tools like windshield and dashboard phone mounts available from our auto parts department at Toyota of Clermont! Our expert auto service team can also help you if you have any questions. Visit us at 16851 State Road 50 seven days a week!

Living in the land of perpetual summer, sun and heat are always a threat to the condition of your Clermont Toyota vehicle. In fact, State Farm recently conducted a study on just how hot your car can get because of sun and heat. After the vehicle they tested spent some time in the sun, the interior reached temperature in excess of 145° F and the exterior clocked in at 195° F. With summer-like temperatures sticking around into the fall season, protecting your car from sun and heat damage seems like an impossible task. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide to keep your car cool! Tips for protecting your car The exterior of your Clermont Toyota vehicle is always exposed to harsh and hot conditions so keeping it protected can seem like a handful. But here are a few things you can do to protect your paint and tires: Wash and dry your Clermont Toyota vehicle frequently. This will remove dirt and dust from your paint and prevent fading from sun and heat damage over time. After you’ve washed and dried your car, apply a layer of wax to the paint. Wax can help lessen the damaging affects of UV rays and keep your car looking shiny. Check your tire pressure frequently using an accurate PSI gauge. Having low tire pressure and combining that with hot pavement is a recipe for a blow-out. Keeping the interior of your Clermont Toyota vehicle protected from sun and heat can be done in a few easy steps: Our Toyota of Clermont expert auto service team recommends using a sunshade to keep out harmful UV rays from entering your car’s interior. They are a bit bulky, but they’re perfect for keeping the heat out of your car. Parking in the shade is always a great way to keep your car cool. Consider using seat covers. Fabric seats are somewhat resistant to sun and heat conditions, but they can still suffer from fading overtime. Make sure to wipe your dashboard off frequently. Dust and other particles can collect overtime and not only make a mess, but they can make your dashboard more prone to cracking and fading. If you have leather seats in your Clermont Toyota vehicle, clean them frequently with a leather specific conditioner. Leather is very prone to cracking and fading because of the sun and heat. Protect your car from sun and heat with Toyota of Clermont When Florida gets hot (which is usually all the time) you need to make sure your car is protected. Following these steps is a great way to keep your exterior and interior in perfect shape, but if you need a little extra help, Toyota of Clermont is here to help! Our expert auto service department can keep your vehicle clean and get you on a regular maintenance schedule. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 to schedule an appointment today!

Thinking about starting up a carpool to take some of the pain out of your daily commute? It's a smart idea - driving and riding in a carpool has a ton of perks. You'll cut down on costs because you aren't using as much fuel and you're reducing mileage and wear and tear on your car, so you don't need maintenance as frequently. You'll also be doing the planet a favor by cutting down on traffic, emissions, and fuel consumption. Altogether, it's a win-win situation. However, it's not always as simple as it seems, and Toyota of Clermont is here with tips to make your transition into carpooling easy and efficient. Make the most of the carpool with these 6 tips Tip #1: Be punctual. When you're late, you make everyone else late, too. It can make carpooling seriously stressful, so do your best to always be punctual whether you're riding or driving. If you're running late, let your fellow riders know and also consider finding an alternate way to get to work or school so you don't hold everyone else up. Tip #2: Save the stops for afterwards. If you're driving that day, save your stops for later. It may not seem like a big deal to you to run a quick errand, pick up an extra person, or stop off for gas. However, it delays your passengers and disrupts their days. Save your errands for after you've dropped everyone off! Same with riders - don't ask the driver to stop anywhere that's not on the schedule. Tip #3: Make a schedule. Make a schedule for everyone in the carpool so they know who's driving and who's riding every single day. It's also a smart idea to make a contact sheet with everyone's name, address, and phone number just in case changes arise and they need to be contacted. Tip #4: Be considerate whether you're driving or riding. Be a considerate passenger and driver! Avoid making extra stops, as noted, but also follow the driver's rules. If they don't want food or drink in the car, don't bring it. Don't listen to music out loud or watch videos with sound; some people like quiet in the car. And don't be late! Tip #5: Keep your car clean and organized. Keep your car clean and organized! No one wants to ride around in a dirty car - get your ride detailed at Toyota of Clermont so it's fresh and ready to hit the road. Also, keep your car organized. Clutter is annoying and can be dangerous in an accident; clutter also means it's easier for your passengers to lose their own belongings. Tip #6: Insist on safety. Make sure that everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt or buckled into a carseat, and reiterate that the car doesn't move until they are. Put safety first! Let our Clermont Toyota dealership get your car ready to hit the road Need to schedule Clermont car detailing? Call us today - our Toyota service center is open seven days a week! They can get your car spic and span in no time. You can reach us at (352) 404-7001!

For the future of the automobile industry, fuel efficiency is the name of the game. While some Clermont Toyota drivers like fuel conscious vehicles for money they save or for their lessened environmental impact, fuel efficiency remains an important engineering feature for vehicle buyers at large. One feature of fuel efficiency that many drivers may be familiar with, but not really know about, is flex fuel. This feature of fuel saving technology is equipped on several different types of Clermont Toyota vehicles to help boost fuel economy and improve engine operation efficiency. If you’re curious about this feature, then check out this guide from Toyota of Clermont! Technology just got a little more efficient As the automotive industry moves toward a future that’s more fuel efficient, various types of technology are being equipped on a variety of Clermont Toyota vehicles. However, flex fuel is a feature that’s unique in the way it processes gasoline and different fuel types. This type of fuel saving technology still relies on a traditional internal combustion engine rather than using alternative engines like hybrid and electric. Instead, flex fuel uses a different type of fuel tank technology that allows vehicles to process blended gasoline and fuel types. The most common blend types consist of ethanol or methanol and the engine processes these fuel types differently using a fuel composition sensor. Some fuel efficiency equipped Clermont Toyota vehicles using flex fuel can run on other fuels like compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, or hydrogen. Flex fuel is a common and easily accessed fuel efficiency technology, but other forms of fuel saving technology can be used on several Clermont Toyota vehicles that reduce emissions and get you more for your dollar at the pump. Here are a few fuel efficiency technology features you’ll find on several Clermont Toyota vehicles: ECO driving modes for fuel conscious acceleration and shifting throughout your drive to save on fuel. Hybrid engines on Clermont Toyota models like the Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Camry, and Avalon. This fuel efficiency engine type uses partial electric engineering to use gasoline when operating at slower speeds. Hydrogen fuel cell is a new type of fuel efficiency technology that’s currently only available in the Clermont Toyota Mirai. This type of engineering uses hydrogen as its only fuel source and only produces water as a byproduct. Hydrogen fuel cell engines can run just as efficiently, if not better than internal combustion engines. Unfortunately, hydrogen fill stations are limited to the California area and it’s uncertain when this technology will be available in the Clermont area. All new body designs for vehicles like the Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Avalon, Yaris, and Prius models for upgraded fuel efficiency in addition to their mechanical engineering. Explore fuel efficient technology at Toyota of Clermont If you’re looking for a vehicle that can get you more for your dollar at the pump or reduce your environmental impact, then check out our inventory of fuel-efficient vehicles at Toyota of Clermont! We’re open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

Caring for your tires diligently is something every driver should do to prevent getting a flat when you’re out and about. Regularly checking the current PSI with an accurate tire pressure gauge, inspecting the car tire tread monthly, and having them rotated each time your vehicle gets serviced will keep your car tires in good shape longer. But, one tire that most drivers forget about is the spare tire. While it may be a car tire only used when your Clermont Toyota vehicle gets a flat, you need to make sure it’s ready to take on the road when you need it to. Luckily, Toyota of Clermont is here with an easy guide on how to get your spare tire ready and maintain it so it’s ready when you need it. Check for wear and tear. While you may not have need of your spare tire often, they have less material and they’re much smaller than your typical Clermont Toyota car tire. Dry rot and deterioration over time is always possible due to lack of use. Because your spare car tire needs to be inflated to a much higher PSI than your regular tires, be sure to look out for bubbling and sidewall separation. Check your exterior mounted car tire more closely. Typically, spare car tires are stored in the trunk of your Clermont Toyota vehicle. However, some vehicles have their spare tires stored on the backside of the trunk or near the rear bumper in the undercarriage. This exposes them to higher amounts of heat and harsher conditions than an interior stored tire. Our auto service techs at Toyota of Clermont recommend dismounting your spare tire one to two times a month to check for damage. Take stock of your spare car tire’s equipment. Having your spare tire when you need it is all well and good, but if you don’t have the equipment to install it then changing your flat is going to be a little difficult. You need the included jack to get your car off the ground and there should be a provided lug wrench to remove the lug nuts from your current tire. Having these tools is absolutely essential to changing your car tire. If you’re missing any of these tools, visit Toyota of Clermont and our auto parts specialists can take care of you. Maintain your spare car tire with Toyota of Clermont Making sure your spare tire is ready when you need it can save you a lot of stress if one of your tires ever goes flat. If you’re missing equipment, need a new spare, or just need to make sure yours is in good shape, come visit Toyota of Clermont! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike, and open seven days a week!

If you're thinking about making some extra cash by becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft, props to you! It's a great way to make money, explore your city, and meet new people while you're working. However, you can't just jump in feet-first without prepping your car for the job. Toyota of Clermont is here to help you get your ride ready to take on your new adventure with three helpful tips. Tip #1: Check out the company/state guidelines for equipment. Most Uber drivers are required to have a mount for their phone installed in their car (you can get one that hangs off the windshield or attaches to the dash). That way your phone isn't in your hands and you're not engaging in distracted driving. You'll also probably be required to have a charger on hand at all times so your phone doesn't go dead. Finally, consider stocking your car with things that make the customer's ride time a little more efficient! Bottled water doesn't hurt, and tissues, wipes, and mints are always crowd-pleasers. Tip #2: Have your car inspected and serviced. If you're going to be an Uber of Lyft driver, you're going to be putting a lot more mileage on your car than it's used to. Your first step should be to have a multi-point inspection conducted (Toyota of Clermont can help you out there). Our auto service techs can check your car from bumper to bumper to ensure everything is in good shape and pinpoint any problems or issues that might need to be remedied. You'll also want to consider the following car maintenance: Oil change: You're going to be upping your mileage, which means your engine is about to be put to work. Make sure it stays cool and lubricated by keeping the right amount of clean oil in it and getting routine oil changes as needed. Tire rotation, inflation, and balance: You need your tires to be properly balanced, rotated, and inflated to ensure the best possible performance AND fuel efficiency. Have our Clermont Toyota service techs check them for you! Battery check: You don't want to end up with a dead battery when you're on your way to pick up a fare - have our techs check your car battery's voltage levels and overall condition. Brake service: A brake system that's in good shape is essential to the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers. Have your entire brake system inspected before you hit the road. Tip #3: Detail your car. Whether you schedule car detailing at Toyota of Clermont or do it yourself, a clean car is necessary if you want happy passengers. Wipe down and vacuum the interior, and shampoo any stains. Wash and wax the exterior and shine your tires—first impressions are everything! Have questions or want to schedule Clermont auto service to have your car detailed or inspected? Call us today at (352) 404-7001!