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Spotting a car fluid leak is a surefire way to stress to the max. It makes you wonder if your car is able to be driven and what will happen if it’s left unchecked. That’s why Toyota of Clermont is here to ease your stress and answer your car fluid leak questions. Follow this guide from our auto service experts to better identify leaks and what to do if they happen. Our Clermont auto service experts can help identify that leak Maintenance issues like these spell trouble for your vehicle and could be an indication of other underlying issues. The easiest way to identify car fluid leaks is to look at the color. Unfortunately, trying to find the specific leak spot is difficult unless you’re a seasoned maintenance pro. But, the color can tell you the type of fluid and which major engine part it came from. Here are the different types of fluid color to look for: Dark Brown: If you’re seeing this color of Clermont auto fluid underneath your car, it’s likely motor oil. A car fluid leak like this could cause some serious maintenance issues, even engine failure. Be sure to take the vehicle to an auto service technician immediately to find the source of the leak. Clear: Out of the several possible car fluid leaks, clear fluid is perfectly normal and is actually just water. When driving with the air conditioning on, condensation builds up on the exhaust or radiator and then falls when stopped. There’s no cause for worry with this one. Pink: A transmission car fluid leak is likely the culprit here. Having a low amount of this fluid can cause your Clermont vehicle to have difficult shifting in between gears or other maintenance issues like transmission slipping and failure. Blue: This is another one that isn’t a major cause for worry, but our auto service technicians still recommend having fixed. Windshield wiper fluid is likely what’s leaking and this can be caused by a damaged reservoir due to age or extreme weather conditions. Yellow: A car fluid leak like this could mean that you have a radiator coolant maintenance issue. It could be caused by a loose clamp or misaligned O-ring, but should be inspected and repaired immediately. Orange: Unfortunately, orange fluid could be coming from several different sources and it’s difficult to determine where without the help of a Clermont auto service technician. It could be coming from radiator rust or it could be old transmission fluid. Regardless, if you see a car fluid leak like this, consult an auto service technician immediately. Toyota of Clermont can fix your leak and other maintenance issues If you’ve found a car fluid leak and need help fixing it, Toyota of Clermont is your answer. We have a great team of expert auto service technicians who can find your leak and repair it quickly so you can get back on the road. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 to schedule an appointment with our auto service department or visit us at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike!

Are you ready for hurricane season? It's officially here - it kicked off June 1 (although we did have a few "disturbances" swirling around even before then) and stretches all the way into November. Hopefully, you took advantage of the tax-free week and stocked up on supplies and have a plan of defense for your home. However, what about your car? And what if you have to evacuate in your vehicle? Toyota of Clermont is here with tips. Prep your car for hurricane season with these tips 1) Know where to park your car. If you live near the coast, it's a smart idea to find higher ground for parking during a hurricane. You don't want your car to sustain damage in flood waters. Protected parking is best, like a garage, parking garage, or even a carport. If you can't find protected parking for your ride then at least try to park away from trees and power poles that can fall and damage your car. 2) Check your insurance policy. What kind of coverage does your insurance policy offer in the case of a hurricane? Be sure to call your insurance company or review your papers, and make adjustments if you feel like what you have isn't going to be enough to protect your vehicle. 3) Gas up beforehand. Be sure to fill up your tank with gas BEFORE the storm hits. Plan to do it 48 hours beforehand if you possibly can (and limit your driving after that) so you're not stuck waiting in long lines right before or right after the storm. Also, you don't want to have to do an emergency evacuation and have an empty tank! 4) Remove all valuables and take plenty of pictures. Take pictures of your car to help out on your insurance claim and prove the condition it was in before the storm. Also, be sure to get any and all valuables and paperwork out of the car before you park it. Use these Clermont Toyota tips in the case of an evacuation Forced to evacuate? Check out these Clermont Toyota tips for that situation: 1) Have a route planned before. Everyone knows to get away from the storm, but what specific roads will you take to get out of dodge? What if those roads are backed up with traffic - are there alternate routes for you to take? Plot everything out beforehand and make sure you know how to use the navigation in your vehicle. 2) Pack early. Pack early so you're not rushing and forgetting things. Be sure to bring food and water (especially if you're going to a shelter), clothes, medications, phone and tablet chargers, important papers, cash, and valuables. And don't forget about your pets - you'll need food, water, treats, toys, and medications for them, too. 3) Keep your car in good shape. Make sure you stay up to date on brakes, tires, oil changes, coolant, batteries, headlights, and wipers so you're ready to hit the road at a moment's notice. Are you and your car ready for hurricane season? Get your ride prepped today at Toyota of Clermont - we're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

Buying your first car is all parts rewarding and stressful. Making sure you get the features you want for a good price can be challenging, but Toyota of Clermont is here with some tips and tricks for getting the right car for you. Whether you’re buying new or used, doing your research, having a form of payment lined up, and choosing the right seller will make the process all the better. Toyota of Clermont has a wide selection of new and certified pre-owned vehicles to fit within any budget and sales experts there to help you every step of the way. Finding the right car for you Out of all the cars out there, finding the right one can seem like a daunting process. It takes time, patience, and determination to get the vehicle fit for you and your budget. By following these helpful tips, buying your first car will be a breeze. Be honest and realistic with your vehicle needs. Getting caught up in all of the feature packages of a new or used car is easy to do, but to maximize your budget you have to be realistic. Maybe you don’t need four-wheel drive, or the sport package, or the upgraded infotainment system. When shopping for your first car, be practical and find features you really need and want while staying within your budget. Keep your budget straight. Keeping your budget inflexible will save you money when buying your first car. Make sure to shop at or below your maximum price and keep that in mind throughout your buying process. Toyota of Clermont has a great inventory of new and used vehicles to suit any budget! Know your credit score and/or have financing lined up. Finding the right way to pay for your first car is one of the most important and stressful processes during the buying process. Making sure that your credit score is good and that you have financing lined up with either your bank or Toyota of Clermont will save you time and stress. Get multiple quotes. Shopping around for your first car seems exhausting, but being exhaustive will save you money on this important purchase. Whether it be for different Clermont Toyota vehicles or quotes from different dealerships, make sure that you’re getting the lowest price for your vehicle. Get all of the info you can about your ideal vehicle. Now that you’ve shopped prices for your first car, it’s time to get serious about what you’re buying. Inquiring about vehicle history and checking maintenance records are highly recommended by our expert sales staff before signing on the dotted line. Look everywhere. When inspecting your Clermont Toyota, be sure to check every nook and cranny, even if the vehicle is new. Verifying that the vehicle matches its history report and doesn’t show signs of significant damage or engineering issues is important when shopping for your vehicle. There’s always the chance of buying a lemon and you can protect yourself by inspecting everything first. Test drive. Taking your first car for a spin before crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s will solidify your confidence that this is the vehicle for you. Our Toyota of Clermont sales experts are always happy to test drive with you while sharing additional information about the vehicle. Sign on the dotted line. Now that you’ve taken these steps to purchasing your first car, you’re ready to sign the papers and get the keys to your new Clermont Toyota! Toyota of Clermont is here to help If you’re still a little nervous about buying your first car, have no fear, Toyota of Clermont is here! Our expert sales and service representatives are more than happy to answer any questions and will be there to help you throughout the purchasing process. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 or visit us at 16851 State Road 50 to check out our inventory of new and certified pre-owned vehicles. We’re open seven days a week!

New trim levels, new features, and a new design. The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback is a highly anticipated vehicle from our new model year lineup and we have some new details that you have to read to believe! A new Corolla for a new year The Clermont Toyota Corolla of yesteryear is out and making way for a brand new design. With all new features and trim packages, this Toyota hatchback is ready to hit the roads this summer and we’re excited!  Toyota of Clermont has all of the feature and pricing details to get you excited for this stunning new hatchback. Pricing: The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback will have a starting MSRP of $20,910, which includes a $920 destination charge. There will be an optional CVT (Constant Variable Transmission) option for an additional $1,100. With additional trim levels, features like blind spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and premium Blizzard Pearl White paint will tack on additional charges to the MSRP, depending on the trim level. Trim levels: The SE (standard edition) includes the Entune 3.0 infotainment system that comes equipped with Apply CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Next up is the SE Preferred that includes some additional features like: a full app suite incorporated in the infotainment system, Toyota.com telematics, an optional blind spot monitoring system, and 17” wheels. At the top of the trim levels is the XSE Preferred with an MSRP of $23,910. This Clermont Toyota hatchback includes features such as: an eight JBL speaker system, Toyota connect on-board navigation, and Qi wireless charging for compatible devices, and 18” wheels. Exterior features: In addition to its all new suite of interior hardware, the Corolla also boasts some new exterior features to complete the package. The base vehicle design sports sleek new lines with a mean front end that make this Toyota hatchback look tough. Additional features on this vehicle, depending on trim level, include a rear spoiler, fog lamps, adaptive headlights, and a new premium paint option. With all of these awesome features inside and out, you might be asking yourself, what more could there be? It’s time to take a look under the hood to check out what this new Clermont Toyota hatchback has to offer in the engineering department. Ditching the 1.8L, the 2019 Clermont Toyota hatchback has an upgraded 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine with 168 HP and 151 lb-ft of torque. Better fuel efficiency is also new with this Toyota hatchback. The SE trim level with an added CVT has an EPA estimated 32 city, 42 highway, and 36 combined mpg to keep you saving on gas while looking sporty. The XSE model has an estimated 30 city, 38 highway, and 33 combined mpg. The 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback is almost here Are you excited for the new 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback? Come visit Toyota of Clermont and talk to one of our experts for more information on this new vehicle. Give us a call at (352) 404 – 7000 or visit us at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

Summer traffic slowing down your commute? School may be out, but rush hour is still crazy and an influx of tourists to Central Florida is about to jam up the roads even more. With Memorial Day Weekend hours away, we're here to share traffic tips to help you beat the heat and stay cool behind the wheel no matter how packed the roads are. Check out our best Clermont Toyota advice! Don't let traffic slow you down this summer Tip #1: Plan ahead for both time and route. Check traffic and weather before you leave the house - we all know that rain can slow things down in Clermont. If it's going to be crowded on the roads or you know of a crash or wet weather, be sure to leave yourself extra time to get where you need to go. Also, plan an extra route! If you know your way around town then try using back roads to beat the rush, or use the navigation found in so many of our Clermont Toyota cars to get you around the jam. Tip #2: Get comfortable. If you're in for a long drive, make sure you're in comfortable clothes and that you have a snack and drink within arm's reach (although be careful what you choose to eat - you want to be able to keep your attention on the road). You should also use the bathroom before you get behind the wheel, and cool things down in the cabin by running the A/C for a few minutes before you leave. Tip #3: Don't give in to frustration. It's easy to give into frustration and drive aggressively in traffic, but it won't serve you well. It won't make things go any faster and actually ups your chances of getting into a collision or accident. Stay calm and collected, and try not to react to other drivers' bad behavior. Tip #4: Keep your mind occupied. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, but distract your mind from the frustration at hand. Make good playlists before you leave or download an audiobook or podcast to listen to. You can also learn a new language from behind the wheel or use the hands-free controls in your Clermont Toyota to call a friend and catch up. Tip #5: Get gas before you hit the road. The last thing you want is to be stuck in traffic with an empty gas tank. Fill up before you leave so you have plenty and then some to get through the congestion and to your final destination. Tip #6: Follow road rules. Follow the rules of the road even if others aren't - use your turn signals, don't tailgate, follow the speed limit, etc. This will help you lessen your chances of getting into an accident in crowded road conditions. Get more tips from Toyota of Clermont today! Want more traffic tips or need to find a cool ride to beat the heat this summer? Call Toyota of Clermont today at (352) 404-7000!

Against sports cars and a fiercely long test, three teams of new Toyota drivers came out on top at this year’s One Lap of America competition. This test covered 3,675 miles over eight days and more than 70 vehicles competed. Not only did these Toyota teams finish the competition, they earned hardware using the new Toyota Camry and Prius. These vehicles are packed with award winning features and our Clermont dealership has a wide selection to choose from. Read on to see what these cars and teams took home and which model best suits you! New Toyota accomplishments The Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana teams gave it their all for this difficult event and it paid off tremendously. In a demonstration of the performance of the new Toyota Camry and 2017 Prius, the three teams received first and second place awards in the alternate fuel class category and third place in both economy and mid-priced sedan classes. This places these new models ahead of several other makes and models that are more known for racing. These two Clermont Toyota models are well deserving of their accomplishments and the teams even more so. Demonstrating that the Toyota Camry and Prius are more than just commuter vehicles was no easy task, but these teams proved that and more with their One Lap winnings. Let’s dive deeper into what makes these vehicles worthy of the awards. 2018 Toyota Camry With several trim options and a hybrid model, the Clermont Toyota Camry is a versatile vehicle with a sleek new design and loads of new features. Here are some of the features that make this Clermont Toyota more than just a sedan: An all new Toyota exterior design with a meaner looking grille, 19-inch black alloy wheels, LED head and tail lighting, and a chrome tipped dual exhaust. A panoramic sunroof for great natural lighting. Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) that comes equipped with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, automatic high beam lights, and dynamic radar cruise control. Two engine choices of a 2.5L 4-cylinder or a 3.5L V6 for added power and performance. 8-speed automatic transmission with ECO, normal, and sport driving modes. An 8-inch touch screen coupled with the new Entune 3.0 infotainment system as well as a 10-inch heads-up display make for a more engaging technologically savvy driving experience in this Toyota. 2018 Toyota Prius The Toyota Prius has always walked the line between hybrid and a conventional vehicle and this one still hold true. With an estimated 58 mpg city, this is a vehicle that cuts back on emissions with style. Here are a few of our favorite features from the new Toyota model: New exterior design with LED lighting and 17-inch alloy wheels. Updated multi-information display, Qi-compatible wireless charging, an optional moon roof, and Bluetooth capability with hands-free calling. Safety features include a blind spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, a back-up camera integrated into the infotainment display and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Schedule a test drive with Toyota of Clermont Now that you’ve read about the accomplishments and the features of these vehicles, it’s time to schedule a test drive with us at Toyota of Clermont! Call us at (352) 404 – 7000 or visit us at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike.

With the new lineup of 2019 Toyota models coming soon, it’s hard not to get excited. One vehicle that stands out is the 2019 Toyota C-HR. This Toyota crossover captivates with its modern design and still has all the interior space you could possibly want from a vehicle in this class. We at Toyota of Clermont have received some exciting news regarding the 2019 Toyota C-HR, including a new lineup of vehicle trim packages, some additional features, and new pricing points. Newly announced features and pricing The 2019 Toyota C-HR is expected to maintain some similarity to the previous year model, but the new Clermont Toyota model will include some new features. With the addition of several new trim options, Toyota crossover buyers will have the ability to pick and choose a model to fit their budget. The Limited trim package option also offers buyers a more affordable Toyota crossover that comes equipped with numerous features to satisfy every driver. Although new trim packages have been announced, all 2019 Toyota C-HR models will come standard with Apple CarPlay. This feature allows iPhone users to integrate several functions of their phones directly with the Clermont Toyota’s satnav system. Drivers of the Toyota crossover can use their phone, music, maps, and several other apps hands free or by touch without ever having to use their cellphone. However, this vehicle does not offer a form of Android integration. The 2019 vehicle offers two new trim options, the LE and Limited, in addition to the XLE package. These trim packages offer a Toyota C-HR buyer numerous choices with regards to both budget and choice of features. At the lowest price point, the LE Clermont Toyota crossover trim package will have a starting MSRP of $21,990, including a $1,045 destination charge. This model will include all standard features. The XLE package’s MSRP will start at $24,025 and include all standard features with some additional upgrades. These include, keyless ignition, 18 inch alloy wheels, lighted vanity mirrors, auto folding exterior mirrors, a blue flame exterior paint option, and puddle illumination. The newly announced Limited trim package for the Clermont Toyota crossover will have a starting MSRP $27,045 and will include leather upholstery, an Entune 3.0 infotainment system, new exterior accents, and rain sensing windshield wipers as well as the features from the XLE model. Included with the XLE and Limited trim packages of this Clermont Toyota are safety features like rear blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts. The exterior design of the Clermont Toyota is similar to its 2018 predecessor, but there could be some possible additional accents like a black painted roof option and/or chrome window trim. Come test drive a Toyota C-HR today! If you’re excited for the new Toyota C-HR, come test drive one our 2018 models! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50, in between the Florida Turnpike and Highway 27. Call us at (352) 404 – 7000 to schedule your test drive today!

A car that forgoes excitement for comfort and perhaps, to some, comes off as a little bland with its inconspicuous design. This may sound like an apt description for the Toyota Avalon, but not this one. The 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring boasts a sleek new body style, enhanced performance, and a world of new features that make this vehicle something to behold. Toyota of Clermont has some new details that’ll definitely surprise you. New performance and interior features Although it looks cool with its new exterior design, arguably the best part about the 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring is its performance package. A brand new enhanced driving mode, better stability and handling, and greater horsepower are just a few of the notable differences between this vehicle and other Clermont luxury Toyota models. The 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring features a performance package that is surprising for this model. A 3.5 liter V6 engine that sports 301 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque give this vehicle the power needed to create a driving experience unique to this luxury Toyota model. This particular Clermont luxury Toyota model comes equipped with four different drive modes, 22/31 mpg city/highway, and an 8-speed automatic gearshift. Because of the 8 speed gear mapping, this Clermont luxury Toyota is reported to be more precise than ever during shifting and even comes equipped with paddle shifters behind the sides of the steering wheel. Unique to this Clermont luxury Toyota trim model is the sport + drive mode. While the car does have an eco, normal, and sport mode, the sport + mode enhances the driving experience by tightening the suspension, increasing steering weight, and boosting the engine sound enhancement function. This truly gives this Clermont Toyota model that sports car feel with more responsive acceleration that’s complete with engine noise via the Intake Sound Generator. This vehicle also includes something that is unheard of at this price point, adaptive variable suspension. This feature is common in many luxury brands and sports cars that are equipped with different drive modes. Essentially, this allows for a more grounded and balanced ride experience. The interior design of the luxury Toyota has been streamlined to include larger screens and soft touch materials for added comfort and style. A heated steering wheel, 14 speaker JBL audio system, Toyota Entune 3.0 infotainment with Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and WiFi capability are some additional features that can be added to the Touring sub-model. Toyota Safety Sense P also comes standard in this luxury Clermont Toyota. Putting the new 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring to the test In its first track test, the 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring’s performance was a world of difference compared to older models and other vehicles in its class. The Clermont Toyota Avalon Touring’s 0-60 mph time clocks in at 6.0 seconds, putting it ahead of other comparable midsize sedans. Its quarter mile time was recorded as 14.3 seconds at 99.5 mph and the figure 8 track time at 26.9 seconds. With regards to safety, the 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring has great stopping power. A stopping distance of 115 feet from 60 mph speeds puts this vehicle ahead of other midsize sedans as well as the 2018 Avalon, which had 122 feet as its stopping distance. Are you excited about the new 2019 Toyota Avalon Touring? Be sure to swing by Toyota of Clermont to check out our inventory. You can find us at 16851 State Road 50, just off the Florida Turnpike. We look forward to seeing you!

Get top dollar when you trade in your car at Toyota of Clermont Are you considering trading in your car? If so, you’ve come to the right spot. At our Toyota dealership in Clermont, we are always looking for more used cars to add to our inventory. We’ll make sure you get the best deal possible for your current set of wheels and that the process is a breeze. However, if you’re unfamiliar with the trade-in process we’re here to help. Keep on reading to find out exactly how to trade in your car and how to prepare for it. How to prepare your car for trade in Before you come to trade in your car you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Here are the steps you need to check off your to-do list before you pull into our Clermont Toyota lot: Research your car’s trade-in value. Knowing your car’s value ahead of time will help you determine if you’re happy with the deal our team puts on the table. Get your car detailed. Doing a deep cleaning of the exterior and interior will make your car instantly worth more. Be sure to wax it as well. A coat of wax can make your paint job look brand new! Fix any scratches, dents, or dings. You can correct cosmetic issues like these with very little effort and at a low cost. Shampoo your interior carpets and upholstery to make your car smell fresh and stain-free. Make sure you have all of your paperwork together and organized. You will be asked to provide any maintenance records as well as the car’s title. Also, remember to bring any spare keys you have to hand in. Get all necessary repairs taken care of - brake pad replacements, old windshield wipers, or a burnt out headlight. These are small fixes that will raise the offer of your trade-in. Trade in your car at Toyota of Clermont Once you have prepped your car, it’s time to head to Toyota of Clermont. Here is what to expect when you come to trade in your car: When you pull into our lot find a salesperson and let them know you’re here for a trade-in. Be prepared to provide them your information and vehicle history report so they can put your car in the system. Next, our Clermont used car director will collect your keys. Our service staff will conduct a thorough visual inspection of your car. From there, they’ll inspect under the hood and turn on your vehicle to ensure everything is running as it should. They may also take your car for a test drive if they feel it’s necessary. Then, our team will determine the trade in value of your vehicle based on the information they pull and the current condition of the car. Finally, we’ll make you an offer. If you are pleased with the offer and decide you don’t want to trade up with us, we can provide a full cash payout right then and there. Is your car ready to trade in? Come see us at Toyota of Clermont. We’re located at 16851 State Road 50 just off the Florida Turnpike.

Your teen is approaching legal driving age and couldn’t be more excited, so naturally, you couldn’t be more terrified. Teen driving safety is a huge deal. Busy roads can be a scary place for first-time drivers. That’s why it’s essential to teach your newbie safe driving practices and Toyota of Clermont wants to help. We’ve compiled a list of teen driving safety essentials to ensure your teen is ready to go and give you some peace of mind – let’s get started! 5 Rules of Teen Driving Safety Always, always, ALWAYS buckle up: This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how often teens blow off the importance of seatbelts. Multiple studies prove that wearing your seatbelt significantly reduces injuries and mortality rates associated with traffic accidents. Be sure your teen makes it a habit to buckle up every time they get in the car. Avoid Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is the main teen driving safety tip you need to stress with your new driver. Distractions such as texting, eating, putting on makeup, and toying with the radio are the most common causes of accidents among teen drivers. Make it very clear you have a zero-tolerance policy for any distracted driving. You can also download a distracted driver app that will disable your teen’s phone while their car is in motion to eliminate temptation. Drive Defensively: When you start teaching your teen how to drive make sure you incorporate defensive driving skills into your lessons. These skills include: Anticipating other driver mistakes Being mindful of other vehicles, pedestrians, & motorists Obeying the speed limit Placing the proper distance between you and other cars Keeping your eyes on the road You can also enroll your new driver in a defensive driving course. Set a Passenger Limit: Even the most capable of drivers can become distracted when there are too many people in the vehicle. Our Clermont dealership recommends sitting down and deciding on a passenger limit for your teen’s first year on the road. A good range to start with is 2 to 3. This way, they can still enjoy their newfound freedom with friends but things won’t get out of hand. Select a Safe Vehicle: You want to make sure your teen is behind the wheel of a safe and reliable car. Fortunately, all of our Clermont Toyotas are composed of high-grade materials and come with state-of-the-art safety systems ( Toyota Safety Sense) to help avoid and mitigate the seriousness of traffic accidents. Plus, your teen is sure to fall in love with the look of some of our safest models like the Toyota Camry, the Toyota RAV4, and the Toyota C-HR. Have your teen join the Clermont Toyota family Follow these teen driving safety tips and have some confidence that your first-timer is well prepared. Stop by our Clermont dealership to find the perfect set of your wheels for your teen! We’re open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50 just off the Florida Turnpike.

When shopping for a used car, you want quality. After all, you're sinking your hard-earned money into something that should last you for years to come. That's why it's so important to inspect the car thoroughly. Here at Toyota of Clermont, we offer high-quality used cars and each one of them comes with a CarFax history report. However, that's not always the case at other car lots and in private sales. We're here to list the warning signs you should be on the lookout for when shopping used cars. Toyota of Clermont shares car shopping tips to save you from buying a lemon Sign #1: Rust. Rust can be expensive to fix and it also indicates that this used car was not very well cared for - who knows what other maintenance the owner has skimped on? This could mean big-time auto repairs in your very near future. If you see rust, take a pass. Sign #2: Odometer doesn't match vehicle history report. If the odometer doesn't match the mileage that's listed on the used car history report (which should also have the car's VIN number on it), then you're most likely dealing with a shady seller who has tampered with the odometer to make the car seem like it has less miles. You don't want to buy a car from this person, as you don't know what else they're trying to disguise. Sign #3: Mismatched panels or paint. If you see panels that are mismatched or don't quite meet, or you notice a different paint color on one part of the car, start asking questions. These are all indicators that the car has been in an accident. The accident should be listed on a vehicle history report, and you need to keep in mind that previous accidents can bring down a vehicle's value, which can affect your resale plans. Sign #4: Check engine light doesn't come on. If the check engine light doesn't come on at all, you've got issues. It should light up for a few seconds when you first turn the car on so if you don't see it glowing in the dash, chances are the owner has messed with it to ensure it doesn't light up at all (probably because it turns on all the time due to actual issues with the vehicle). Sign #5: Leaks under the car. If you see any leaks under the car, immediately question what's going on under the hood. You shouldn't see any leaks of any kind pooling underneath the vehicle so if you do, be sure to bring the car to a mechanic before you purchase. Sign #6: Car is turned on when you arrive. If the car is already turned on when you get there for your test drive, the seller is probably trying to hide an issue that acts up when it's being started. Ask them to turn it off, let it cool, and then try turning it on yourself. Make sure it starts up smoothly and easily. Sign #7: You smell mildew. If you smell mildew in the car, be wary. This usually indicates water damage and even if it's just from someone leaving the window open in the rain, the mildew smell is very hard to get rid of. Sign #8: The airbag warning light is on. Seeing an airbag warning light in the dash can mean that the airbag was deployed (so the car got into an accident) and was improperly reinstalled. This can be very dangerous for you and your passengers! Shop our Clermont Toyota inventory today! Ready to shop reliable used cars? Come to Toyota of Clermont today - we're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50!

Think you may be having problems with your car’s suspension? Find out easy ways to troubleshoot them with our Toyota of Clermont auto tech experts! The Importance of your Car Suspension Before we get into how you can troubleshoot your car suspension, you should be in the know about the details of this vital automotive component. This system’s main responsibility is to provide you with a smooth and enjoyable ride. Your suspension gives you control over the direction of your wheels through the steering wheel. It also plays an important role when you press on the brakes. Needless to say, it is of the utmost importance you keep your car suspension in tip-top shape. If it’s not, your car will suffer some pretty serious damages. With this system, you have five different types to choose from – Trailing Arm, Swing Axle, MacPherson Strut, Double Wishbone, and Leading Arm. MacPherson Strut being the most commonly used system with Double Wishbone close behind it. High-performance suspension systems are also available for purchase for vehicles specifically built for racing, towing, or off-roading. Toyota of Clermont Tells you the Symptoms Keeping your car’s suspension in good condition is easy if you stay on top of its maintenance. Our Clermont service center can put you on a good car maintenance routine so all you’ll have to do is drive in at your appointment times. Plus, each time you come in for maintenance, our certified auto techs will conduct a multi-point inspection to catch any car malfunctions that may be developing before they become serious. How can you tell if there is a problem with your suspension? Here is a list of the tell-tale signs straight from our Clermont experts: You’re having difficulty steering. Your car is riding more rough than normal. A good way to spot this symptom is by going over potholes or speed bumps. If these driving obstacles are more noticeable than usual, you most likely have a suspension issue. Your vehicle isn’t driving straight. If you take your hands off the wheel and your car veers to the side, this is a good indicator there is a suspension problem. Your steering wheel vibrates or shudders when you drive. Your car makes knocking or squeaking noises when you turn. You hear knocking, squeaking, or clunking noises every time you make a turn. Your steering feels looser than it usually does. If your steering feels loose, you will have to turn your wheel further to make the same turns you normally would. Is your car exhibiting any of these symptoms? Then you most likely have a suspension issue on your hands. Don’t let the situation worsen and bring your set of wheels into our Toyota of Clermont dealership. You can find us at 16851 State Road 50 just off the Florida Turnpike. We’re open seven days a week for your convenience and are always running service specials. Call and schedule your appointment today at (352) 404-7001.