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Shopping for a new car often involves an extensive checklist. On that list you'll likely have necessity features like stylish looks, comfy seats, good acceleration and so on. Whatever your order of features, safety features are likely high on your list. No matter which automotive brand you shop you'll likely find that they all have their own suite of safety technology on their vehicles. But nothing can come close to Toyota Safety Sense and the advanced safety tech in every Toyota on our lineup. Check out the finer details right here from Toyota of Clermont! Explaining How Advanced Toyota Safety Features Work Toyota uses a specific suite of Clermont safety features called the Toyota Safety Suite. This advanced system includes several programs that most would think are reserved for luxury cars. Today we're breaking down the different programs used on Toyota vehicles and how they work. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Cruise control is great to use when cruising the highway but it can be rendered useless if you're in a trafficky spot. The answer? Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. By using a variety of advanced exterior cameras your Clermont Toyota model can engage in highway cruise control driving and maintain a specified distance between it and the car in front. The system can also adjust the speed of your car depending on the flow of traffic. Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection This Clermont safety feature is used to avoid or lessen the impact of a potential collision with another vehicle. The Pre-Collision System also comes with an optional feature, Bicyclist Detection, that can detect cyclists on the road during the daytime. In the event of an oncoming collision with a pedestrian or other vehicle your vehicle with provide warning sounds and haptic feedback. If the driver doesn't respond quickly enough then the system can automatically break for the driver. Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist The Lane Departure Alert system works by sensing white or yellow lane markers and then warning the vehicle driver if they start to drift or accidentally switch lanes. Sounds and haptic feedback are used to warn the driver and small driving corrections can be made if there's not a reaction quickly enough. Automatic High Beams High beams are helpful for drivers in low visibility conditions but other drivers can be harmed by them. Automatic High Beams are used to illuminate the road ahead while still being courteous to other drivers. Sensors in the front of the Clermont Toyota car sense other light sources and automatically activate and deactivate the high beams accordingly. Road Sign Assist This Toyota safety feature uses cameras on the exterior to sense and display road signs for the driver to see more easily. Road signs are then displayed on the vehicle's dashboard so drivers can see them without being too heavily distracted or having to adjust their gaze. Shop Safety Features with Toyota of Clermont Toyota is an automotive brand with the best of the best when it comes to safety features. Shop our huge inventory of safe Toyota vehicles today at 16851 State Road 50 or online anytime!

2021 is almost here! While you're sending 2020 out the door, don't forget to make a few New Year's Resolutions to get the new year off to a fresh start. While you're vowing to exercise more, eat healthier, and save more money, however, don't forget to include a few extra resolutions to take better care of your car. After all, it's meant to last you a while and is probably one of your most expensive investments! Toyota of Clermont is here to share a few car care resolutions we think you should keep in 2021 - read on. Five car care resolutions you should keep this year #1: Make sure you know how to change a flat tire. Do you know how to deal with a flat tire or a blowout by yourself? It's an essential skill for any driver and one you should make it a point to learn in 2021. Luckily for you, Toyota of Clermont has step-by-step instructions that you can print out or screenshot. When you're stowing them away in your car, also make sure that you have a spare tire, a lug wrench, a jack, and a tire pressure gauge at the ready for this roadside emergency. #2: Speaking of tires, you should inspect them regularly. When's the last time you checked your tires? You should make it a point to give them a solid once-over on a weekly basis, checking their general condition for damage, sidewall separation, and any blisters or bulges. You should also check the tread depth to ensure it's sufficient for traction, as well as check the PSI to ensure they're properly inflated. And don't forget to check your spare tire, too - you don't want to be stuck with a flat spare when you have a flat tire! #3: Put oil changes on your calendar for the year. Plan on getting routine oil changes this year and putting them on your schedule. Our Clermont car care techs can send you reminders when you're due to come in. Routine oil changes will ensure that your engine stays cool and lubricated all year long no matter how hard your car is working. #4: Learn how to jump-start your car. If your battery died today, would you know how to jump-start your car to get it to Toyota of Clermont for a replacement battery? This skill is important to learn and we say you do it in 2021. We have step-by-step instructions on our website that you can easily access when you need to get things up and running. Make sure you always have a set of jumper cables in your car, too. #5: Make car detailing a priority. Make it a priority to detail your car on a routine basis - monthly is ideal. You should wash, wax, wipe and vacuum the interior, and empty out all trash and clutter. Also, clean the glass and shine the tires before you call it a day. Let Toyota of Clermont help you keep your car care resolutions this year! Have questions? Need car care supplies? Want pointers on how to fulfill these car care resolutions? Call us! Toyota of Clermont's auto service center is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

2021 is almost here! While you're sending 2020 out the door, don't forget to make a few New Year's Resolutions to get the new year off to a fresh start. While you're vowing to exercise more, eat healthier, and save more money, however, don't forget to include a few extra resolutions to take better care of your car. After all, it's meant to last you a while and is probably one of your most expensive investments! Toyota of Clermont is here to share a few car care resolutions we think you should keep in 2021 - read on. Five car care resolutions you should keep this year #1: Make sure you know how to change a flat tire. Do you know how to deal with a flat tire or a blowout by yourself? It's an essential skill for any driver and one you should make it a point to learn in 2021. Luckily for you, Toyota of Clermont has step-by-step instructions that you can print out or screenshot. When you're stowing them away in your car, also make sure that you have a spare tire, a lug wrench, a jack, and a tire pressure gauge at the ready for this roadside emergency. #2: Speaking of tires, you should inspect them regularly. When's the last time you checked your tires? You should make it a point to give them a solid once-over on a weekly basis, checking their general condition for damage, sidewall separation, and any blisters or bulges. You should also check the tread depth to ensure it's sufficient for traction, as well as check the PSI to ensure they're properly inflated. And don't forget to check your spare tire, too - you don't want to be stuck with a flat spare when you have a flat tire! #3: Put oil changes on your calendar for the year. Plan on getting routine oil changes this year and putting them on your schedule. Our Clermont car care techs can send you reminders when you're due to come in. Routine oil changes will ensure that your engine stays cool and lubricated all year long no matter how hard your car is working. #4: Learn how to jump-start your car. If your battery died today, would you know how to jump-start your car to get it to Toyota of Clermont for a replacement battery? This skill is important to learn and we say you do it in 2021. We have step-by-step instructions on our website that you can easily access when you need to get things up and running. Make sure you always have a set of jumper cables in your car, too. #5: Make car detailing a priority. Make it a priority to detail your car on a routine basis - monthly is ideal. You should wash, wax, wipe and vacuum the interior, and empty out all trash and clutter. Also, clean the glass and shine the tires before you call it a day. Let Toyota of Clermont help you keep your car care resolutions this year! Have questions? Need car care supplies? Want pointers on how to fulfill these car care resolutions? Call us! Toyota of Clermont's auto service center is open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Not too long ago we at Toyota of Clermont were the bearer of bad news. When we shared with you that the idea to retire to the Toyota Land Cruiser was floating around, we never expected it to become reality. Unfortunately we're once again the bearer of bad news when we say that it's been confirmed that the historical Cruiser will be retired after the 2021 model year. Just like you, we're reaching for the tissue box. But, we have to report the news all the same. Check out the latest right here! Bidding Farewell to a True Legend What began as a military vehicle meant to tackle any number of terrain types has evolved repeatedly with an uncountable number of features in its catalog. The Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser has been a main staple of Toyota's lineup for decades and is hailed as one of the longest production nameplates out there. This Toyota SUV has always enjoyed a sustained popularity and there's never been doubt of its capability after all these years. However, supreme capability and history can't save the Toyota Land Cruiser from it's inevitable retirement. So, what happened? Why is Toyota retiring this Clermont classic? The answer lies mostly with drivers. Old Dog, New Tricks The truth behind the Land Cruiser's retirement may lie in it's lack of overall sales figures. In fact, the Cruiser only sold a dismal 3,536 units in 2019 and then the Coronavirus arrived and shook the automotive industry to its core. The Cruiser has become more of a niche ride as opposed to the mainstream powerhouse Toyota was hoping for. This is likely due to a few reasons: The Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser has been stagnant in its current 200 Series since 2008 and little has changed. This removes much incentive for many prospective drivers to get behind the wheel. Its price point is exceedingly high. The Cruiser, when all is said and done, can cost one around $90,ooo. This high of a price point commands many options and there are many drivers out there who would rather pay for something a little more luxurious in comparison. The engineering hasn't adapted either. Currently, the Cruiser borrows its 5.7L V8 engine from the Tundra and hasn't changed it once throughout its current generation. Consequently the Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser only reaps 14 combined mpg and burns gas faster than a match to lighter fluid. Yes, the Land Cruiser carries a legendary nameplate and historical adaptability, but it's time has come. But, there's a bit of a silver-lining. The Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser will continue to thrive in other global markets and it's Lexus counterpart, the LX, will continue to be sold in North America. There's also speculation that the Cruiser nameplate will be revived after a brief hibernation, much like the Venza did. After a few years of design and engineering tweaking the Land Cruiser just might return to North America (fingers crossed). Shop the Toyota Land Cruiser Before it's too Late The Land Cruiser will be leaving Toyota of Clermont soon so get yours while you can! Visit us at 16851 State Road 50 today or shop our inventory online anytime.

Not too long ago we at Toyota of Clermont were the bearer of bad news. When we shared with you that the idea to retire to the Toyota Land Cruiser was floating around, we never expected it to become reality. Unfortunately we're once again the bearer of bad news when we say that it's been confirmed that the historical Cruiser will be retired after the 2021 model year. Just like you, we're reaching for the tissue box. But, we have to report the news all the same. Check out the latest right here! Bidding Farewell to a True Legend What began as a military vehicle meant to tackle any number of terrain types has evolved repeatedly with an uncountable number of features in its catalog. The Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser has been a main staple of Toyota's lineup for decades and is hailed as one of the longest production nameplates out there. This Toyota SUV has always enjoyed a sustained popularity and there's never been doubt of its capability after all these years. However, supreme capability and history can't save the Toyota Land Cruiser from it's inevitable retirement. So, what happened? Why is Toyota retiring this Clermont classic? The answer lies mostly with drivers. Old Dog, New Tricks The truth behind the Land Cruiser's retirement may lie in it's lack of overall sales figures. In fact, the Cruiser only sold a dismal 3,536 units in 2019 and then the Coronavirus arrived and shook the automotive industry to its core. The Cruiser has become more of a niche ride as opposed to the mainstream powerhouse Toyota was hoping for. This is likely due to a few reasons: The Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser has been stagnant in its current 200 Series since 2008 and little has changed. This removes much incentive for many prospective drivers to get behind the wheel. Its price point is exceedingly high. The Cruiser, when all is said and done, can cost one around $90,ooo. This high of a price point commands many options and there are many drivers out there who would rather pay for something a little more luxurious in comparison. The engineering hasn't adapted either. Currently, the Cruiser borrows its 5.7L V8 engine from the Tundra and hasn't changed it once throughout its current generation. Consequently the Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser only reaps 14 combined mpg and burns gas faster than a match to lighter fluid. Yes, the Land Cruiser carries a legendary nameplate and historical adaptability, but it's time has come. But, there's a bit of a silver-lining. The Clermont Toyota Land Cruiser will continue to thrive in other global markets and it's Lexus counterpart, the LX, will continue to be sold in North America. There's also speculation that the Cruiser nameplate will be revived after a brief hibernation, much like the Venza did. After a few years of design and engineering tweaking the Land Cruiser just might return to North America (fingers crossed). Shop the Toyota Land Cruiser Before it's too Late The Land Cruiser will be leaving Toyota of Clermont soon so get yours while you can! Visit us at 16851 State Road 50 today or shop our inventory online anytime.

Each year Toyota takes the vehicles that we know and love and gives them a unique hypothetical remix that makes us all clamor and beg for production. The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) event happens each year and Toyota always shows up and shows out. While this year has thrown many things through a loop, the show must go on and we're beyond excited that we've gotten to take a look what SEMA has to offer this year and that we get to share it all with you. With a second wave of loadouts here, Toyota of Clermont is ready to show you some amazing new Toyota hypotheticals! Custom Loadouts from SEMA are Here and Wow! The SEMA show each year displays amazing custom hypothetical models that leave many drivers itching for a genuine production model. This year's second wave of new Toyota loadouts look incredible and here they are: 2021 GR Supra Sport Top Last year, Toyota unveiled a unique Heritage Edition for the Clermont Toyota Supra that hearkened to Mk4 generation. For this year Toyota had a goal to provide the throwback model with a companion. The Supra Hot Top also takes things back by removing the roof from the Supra. Like a typical convertible, the Supra Sport Top has been bolstered in its body design to provide for an open air experience up top with no perpendicular running bar that would suggest a T-Top design. This model is also designed with Mk4 details like a special basket handle and round taillights. TRD Sport Trailer The bed of a truck is truly the most useful feature of a Clermont new Toyota car. You can haul just about anything in there and get things done more efficiently. But, what if you detached it from say a Tacoma and loaded it with enough gear to make camping a tad more glamorous (glamping?)? You'd likely find yourself with the TRD Sport Trailer. This unique hypothetical Toyota accessory takes a Tacoma pickup bed and outfits it with a variety of Overlanding off-roading and camping accessories. The new Toyota concept is designed with features like a remote-operated scissor lift, a Yakima tent with awning, a custom-built toilet with trash can, refrigerator, hot water heater, slide out sink and stove, lighting system, and tanks for both fresh and gray water. With this unique setup, your next camping trip is bound to be more comfortable. 2020 GR Supra Heritage Edition Toyota brought back the iconic new Toyota Supra Heritage Edition for the SEMA lineup this year and it has us at Toyota of Clermont excited about the possibilities of a future production model. This year's model adds a few key features to the design, like large brakes, turbocharger and ECU, custom front and rear suspension, and a tuned engine. Shop Unique New Toyota Models at Toyota of Clermont While the models you see here from this year's SEMA show aren't in production just yet, that doesn't mean you can't behind the wheel of a unique special edition new Toyota model. Shop with Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50.

Each year Toyota takes the vehicles that we know and love and gives them a unique hypothetical remix that makes us all clamor and beg for production. The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) event happens each year and Toyota always shows up and shows out. While this year has thrown many things through a loop, the show must go on and we're beyond excited that we've gotten to take a look what SEMA has to offer this year and that we get to share it all with you. With a second wave of loadouts here, Toyota of Clermont is ready to show you some amazing new Toyota hypotheticals! Custom Loadouts from SEMA are Here and Wow! The SEMA show each year displays amazing custom hypothetical models that leave many drivers itching for a genuine production model. This year's second wave of new Toyota loadouts look incredible and here they are: 2021 GR Supra Sport Top Last year, Toyota unveiled a unique Heritage Edition for the Clermont Toyota Supra that hearkened to Mk4 generation. For this year Toyota had a goal to provide the throwback model with a companion. The Supra Hot Top also takes things back by removing the roof from the Supra. Like a typical convertible, the Supra Sport Top has been bolstered in its body design to provide for an open air experience up top with no perpendicular running bar that would suggest a T-Top design. This model is also designed with Mk4 details like a special basket handle and round taillights. TRD Sport Trailer The bed of a truck is truly the most useful feature of a Clermont new Toyota car. You can haul just about anything in there and get things done more efficiently. But, what if you detached it from say a Tacoma and loaded it with enough gear to make camping a tad more glamorous (glamping?)? You'd likely find yourself with the TRD Sport Trailer. This unique hypothetical Toyota accessory takes a Tacoma pickup bed and outfits it with a variety of Overlanding off-roading and camping accessories. The new Toyota concept is designed with features like a remote-operated scissor lift, a Yakima tent with awning, a custom-built toilet with trash can, refrigerator, hot water heater, slide out sink and stove, lighting system, and tanks for both fresh and gray water. With this unique setup, your next camping trip is bound to be more comfortable. 2020 GR Supra Heritage Edition Toyota brought back the iconic new Toyota Supra Heritage Edition for the SEMA lineup this year and it has us at Toyota of Clermont excited about the possibilities of a future production model. This year's model adds a few key features to the design, like large brakes, turbocharger and ECU, custom front and rear suspension, and a tuned engine. Shop Unique New Toyota Models at Toyota of Clermont While the models you see here from this year's SEMA show aren't in production just yet, that doesn't mean you can't behind the wheel of a unique special edition new Toyota model. Shop with Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50.

The Toyota Supra. A legend in its own right and a truly iconic sportscar. This Toyota coupe has had quite the historical ride and follow up resurrection that was long overdue. In honor of this iconic moniker, we at Toyota of Clermont are chronicling the journey of the Supra, so far. Check out this car's history and more below! Where the Toyota Supra has Been and Where it's Going Beginning in 1978 the Clermont Toyota Supra was introduced to the world and since then we've been graced with 5 generations. Here are the finer points of the Supra's history on and off the Toyota lineup. Gen 1) A40/A50 The first generation of the Toyota Supra was actually born as an offshoot of the Toyota Celica that was widely popular at the time. In fact, the Toyota Supra carried the name Celica Supra for a while before getting its own moniker. For the Japanese market the Supra was known as the Celica XX and Celica Supra in the states. Some features of the original iteration included a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, four-link rear suspension, MacPherson strut front suspension, and disc brakes. This generation lasted until 1980. Gen 2) A60 For the second generation, the Clermont Toyota Supra was introduced in 1981 and was available in either a Performance (P-Type) and Luxury (L-Type) submodel. Mechanically, these two models were identical but presented different exterior looks. The L-Type made use of bougie aesthetics with leather seating, digital instrumentation, and more. The P-Type upped the horsepower significantly and included different exterior styling to give off speedier vibe. Gen 3) A70 Jumping to 1986, the third generation Clermont Toyota Supra, the A70, was made available. This is generation in which the Supra went solo and dropped the "Celica" from its name. The A70 was engineered with 200 horsepower and a 3.0L inline six cylinder under the hood along with a rear-wheel drivetrain. Customers could also add an optional turbocharger if they were looking for a little extra kick. Not only was this model more powerful, it also included features like 3-channel ABS, Acoustic Control Induction System, and double wishbone suspension. Gen 4) A80 What was to be the final generation of the iconic Toyota Supra. The A80 generation  was offered with two engine options including a naturally aspirated inline-six engine that repped 210 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged that could push 276 horsepower. This generation came equipped with integral features like dual airbags, traction control, and more. But, it was built lighter so as to achieve higher speeds. Unfortunately, due to declining sales and lack of enthusiasm from the North American market, the Supra was retired. For the moment. Gen 5) GR Supra Fast forward to today and you have the new Clermont GR Toyota Supra that was introduced in 2019. This collaborative project with BMW is based on the Z4. This new model Toyota sportscar is quite a step up aesthetically and engineering-wise from its predecessor and we're head over heels with how it turned out. If you're ready to check out the Toyota Supra, come shop for one with us at Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50.

The Toyota Supra. A legend in its own right and a truly iconic sportscar. This Toyota coupe has had quite the historical ride and follow up resurrection that was long overdue. In honor of this iconic moniker, we at Toyota of Clermont are chronicling the journey of the Supra, so far. Check out this car's history and more below! Where the Toyota Supra has Been and Where it's Going Beginning in 1978 the Clermont Toyota Supra was introduced to the world and since then we've been graced with 5 generations. Here are the finer points of the Supra's history on and off the Toyota lineup. Gen 1) A40/A50 The first generation of the Toyota Supra was actually born as an offshoot of the Toyota Celica that was widely popular at the time. In fact, the Toyota Supra carried the name Celica Supra for a while before getting its own moniker. For the Japanese market the Supra was known as the Celica XX and Celica Supra in the states. Some features of the original iteration included a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, four-link rear suspension, MacPherson strut front suspension, and disc brakes. This generation lasted until 1980. Gen 2) A60 For the second generation, the Clermont Toyota Supra was introduced in 1981 and was available in either a Performance (P-Type) and Luxury (L-Type) submodel. Mechanically, these two models were identical but presented different exterior looks. The L-Type made use of bougie aesthetics with leather seating, digital instrumentation, and more. The P-Type upped the horsepower significantly and included different exterior styling to give off speedier vibe. Gen 3) A70 Jumping to 1986, the third generation Clermont Toyota Supra, the A70, was made available. This is generation in which the Supra went solo and dropped the "Celica" from its name. The A70 was engineered with 200 horsepower and a 3.0L inline six cylinder under the hood along with a rear-wheel drivetrain. Customers could also add an optional turbocharger if they were looking for a little extra kick. Not only was this model more powerful, it also included features like 3-channel ABS, Acoustic Control Induction System, and double wishbone suspension. Gen 4) A80 What was to be the final generation of the iconic Toyota Supra. The A80 generation  was offered with two engine options including a naturally aspirated inline-six engine that repped 210 horsepower and a twin-turbocharged that could push 276 horsepower. This generation came equipped with integral features like dual airbags, traction control, and more. But, it was built lighter so as to achieve higher speeds. Unfortunately, due to declining sales and lack of enthusiasm from the North American market, the Supra was retired. For the moment. Gen 5) GR Supra Fast forward to today and you have the new Clermont GR Toyota Supra that was introduced in 2019. This collaborative project with BMW is based on the Z4. This new model Toyota sportscar is quite a step up aesthetically and engineering-wise from its predecessor and we're head over heels with how it turned out. If you're ready to check out the Toyota Supra, come shop for one with us at Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50.

Driving in winter here in Central Florida is easy - you may have to scrap a thin layer of frost off of your windshield every once in a blue moon, but other than that, the arrival of winter doesn't really affect our drive times. However, if you live up north you know that winter has a very big effect both on your vehicle and also on your driving habits. Since the holiday season is here and people may be heading north to see family and friends, Toyota of Clermont is here to provide tips on driving in winter weather; particularly, driving in icy conditions. Tip #1: Remember that bridges ice before the road. Even if the road doesn't have any ice on it, you should prepare for the bridge ahead to. Because bridges have cold air flowing both under and over them, they tend to ice before the road does. Be prepared for slick conditions as you cross and be ready to act should your tires slide out. Tip #2: Don't slam on the gas or brakes. Try to avoid sudden movements like slamming on the gas or brakes when you're driving in winter weather, especially when conditions are icy. If the roads are slick from ice and you hit the gas or brakes hard, it's likely that your tires won't be able to gain traction quickly enough and will actually spin instead. Tip #3: Drive slower than usual. You should also drive more slowly than you usually do - even if it's under the speed limit. Driving in winter means you'll need more reaction time due to slick surfaces and other vehicles losing control. Driving slower will also allow you to retain better control of your car. Tip #4: Always wear your seatbelt. ALWAYS wear your seatbelt when driving in winter weather. You should always wear your seatbelt, period, but it's especially critical in winter weather like ice and snow when an accident is much more likely. Tip #5: Avoid hills if possible. Try to avoid driving on hills if you can when conditions are icy. Slick surfaces combined with steep grades can leave you sliding back down the hill while your tires desperately try to regain traction. This almost always results in a collision, so avoid hills and stick to roads that don't have as much of an incline/decline if you can. Tip #6: Steer into a slide. It sounds weird, but if you do start to slide on ice, steer in the same direction that you're sliding. If you pull the wheel the opposite way, you can send your car into a spin and make things much worse than they actually are. Instead, take your foot off the gas and steer into the slide, being gentle with more movements so you don't make the spin worse. Have questions about driving in winter weather or how to prepare your car for icy roads? Toyota of Clermont has the information you need. Call our Toyota Service Center today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by and see us. We're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.

Driving in winter here in Central Florida is easy - you may have to scrap a thin layer of frost off of your windshield every once in a blue moon, but other than that, the arrival of winter doesn't really affect our drive times. However, if you live up north you know that winter has a very big effect both on your vehicle and also on your driving habits. Since the holiday season is here and people may be heading north to see family and friends, Toyota of Clermont is here to provide tips on driving in winter weather; particularly, driving in icy conditions. Tip #1: Remember that bridges ice before the road. Even if the road doesn't have any ice on it, you should prepare for the bridge ahead to. Because bridges have cold air flowing both under and over them, they tend to ice before the road does. Be prepared for slick conditions as you cross and be ready to act should your tires slide out. Tip #2: Don't slam on the gas or brakes. Try to avoid sudden movements like slamming on the gas or brakes when you're driving in winter weather, especially when conditions are icy. If the roads are slick from ice and you hit the gas or brakes hard, it's likely that your tires won't be able to gain traction quickly enough and will actually spin instead. Tip #3: Drive slower than usual. You should also drive more slowly than you usually do - even if it's under the speed limit. Driving in winter means you'll need more reaction time due to slick surfaces and other vehicles losing control. Driving slower will also allow you to retain better control of your car. Tip #4: Always wear your seatbelt. ALWAYS wear your seatbelt when driving in winter weather. You should always wear your seatbelt, period, but it's especially critical in winter weather like ice and snow when an accident is much more likely. Tip #5: Avoid hills if possible. Try to avoid driving on hills if you can when conditions are icy. Slick surfaces combined with steep grades can leave you sliding back down the hill while your tires desperately try to regain traction. This almost always results in a collision, so avoid hills and stick to roads that don't have as much of an incline/decline if you can. Tip #6: Steer into a slide. It sounds weird, but if you do start to slide on ice, steer in the same direction that you're sliding. If you pull the wheel the opposite way, you can send your car into a spin and make things much worse than they actually are. Instead, take your foot off the gas and steer into the slide, being gentle with more movements so you don't make the spin worse. Have questions about driving in winter weather or how to prepare your car for icy roads? Toyota of Clermont has the information you need. Call our Toyota Service Center today at (352) 404-7000 or stop by and see us. We're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.

Pretty recently we at Toyota of Clermont had to do some walking back on some opinions we shared regarding Toyota's general lack of EVs on its lineup. A few days after publishing our piece Toyota released a teaser for an upcoming electric car set to be released for the European market soon. While this is great news for our neighbors across the pond, it still means that North America won't get its hands on an EV from Toyota yet. But, there's still great news we'd like to report. Toyota is currently working on producing a solid-state EV car battery! If you're anxious to hear the news, check out the latest info right here. What's the Deal with a Solid-State Car Battery? Solid state car batteries have been in talks for several years now. Electric cars are true wonders of the automotive world but they do come with several drawbacks. Mainly, gradual degradation, loss of charge, long charge times, and more. The technology has vastly improved since the days of the RAV4 EV, but we still have a ways to go. Toyota believes the future, and it's long-term investment in Clermont EVs, lies in the solid state car battery. What makes this technology so special and how did it come to be? Toyota is planning on producing a prototype solid-state battery by 2021. The large claim regarding these Clermont car batteries is that they can reach a full charge in 10 minutes, have larger range sizes, hold charges better, and more. Toyota has partnered with Panasonic to make the solid state car battery a reality. The initial European EV teased last week likely won't have this technology available, but it could when it makes its way to North America. Toyota is on track to limitedly manufacture the batteries by 2025. The solid state car battery is seen as a figurative "holy grail" in the world of EVs and as the technological puzzle piece that will inspire widespread adoption of the car type. While this image sounds amazing and we'd love to have this technology here at Toyota of Clermont, solid state batteries aren't without their limitations. In fact, the solid state car battery, while having a long life and charge span, has been plagued by failure after repeated charging. Lithium-ion batteries, the technology we currently use for almost anything that runs on batteries, has been worked for several years and is reliable. Solid state technology still has some hurdles to jump over before it can be used widely. Toyota must not only perfect this error in the technology, they must also bring it to a wider production range. Shop Electrified Toyota Models at Toyota of Clermont Unfortunately, EVs with solid state car batteries are a decent ways off. But you can still shop for for an electrified Toyota model with us at Toyota of Clermont today. Get behind the wheel of a Toyota Highlander Hybrid or the RAV4 Prime now at 16851 State Road 50.