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The fall is here and you know what that means! PSL’s, sweater weather, colorful leaves, and fall car care! We don’t mean to kill the mood with the latter, we tried to slip that in discreetly. Even though it’s the last thing you’d want to think about during this pumpkin spiced season, it is important to keep in mind for your Clermont Toyota. It’s pretty simple once broken down, just do the usual car maintenance you do but once the fall hits. There are specific parts that need extra care now that the temperatures are lowering. Not to worry, here at Toyota of Clermont, we’ll give you a breakdown of what fall car care maintenance you’ll be needing for this season. Check it out! Get Your Clermont Toyota Ready for the Fall 1.   Check your tires Did you know that when temperatures drop, so does the PSI level in your tires? With every 10 degrees of temperature change, your the tires in your Clermont Toyota lose 1-2 pounds. Thus, it’s good to check PSI levels are good. Something else you need to check for on your tires is to make sure that there’s enough tread depth and that there’s no wear and tear. Obviously being in Florida there’s no exposure to snow, but if you plan on road tripping to a place where snow isn’t a stranger, we recommend changing to snow tires for this season. 2. Inspect the battery Fall car care includes making sure the life source of the vehicle is still good. In this case, it’s the battery of the car. Make sure that the connections are tight, clean and corrosion-free. Winters can take a toll on your car battery so make sure you’re frequently checking it. If you need assistance, bring your car in for service to one of our auto service techs. They’ll be more than happy to help out! 3. Check your brakes Your brake system needs to be on point in the fall, because it’s the stepping stone to winter. What many people forget is that half of driving requires stopping—whether it be for a stop sign, red light, or pedestrians crossing. If you don’t have the ability the stop freely, then you’re in serious need of car care for your Clermont Toyota. 4. Check wiper blades, defrosters and heaters Make sure the cooling and heating system are functioning properly not only for your comfort, but for your safety. Defrosting and visibility will be important once the cold weather hits. Also, make sure your wiper blades are in good condition (they’re typically changed every 6 months). 5. Check your lights The final fall car care tip is to have your lights checked. Tis the season we have less daylight, so make sure your headlights and taillights are all in good shape. Check to see they’re not burnt out and that they have good clarity. If your Clermont Toyota is on a regular maintenance schedule then your car is going to have a longer life and you’ll stay safer on the road. Stop by Toyota of Clermont today to get that much needed fall car care. We’re located at 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida Turnpike.

There's no denying that SUVs are at the top of the food chain in the automotive industry. They're truly the most well-rounded vehicles. They sport plenty of interior to carry everything you need and everyone you want, they'r engineered with huge amounts of capability, and they can do everything a sedan can and can't. As big fans of the Toyota brand, you're definitely aware that we're big on off-roading and going where no vehicles have gone before. You might also be aware of the arrival of a new TRD family member, the new Toyota RAV4. Say hello to the Clermont Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Edition! While we've introduced you to this upcoming new ride before, we've received new details that we think you'll get excited about. Check out the latest on the new Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road edition from Toyota of Clermont. The TRD Family Keeps Getting Bigger The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road edition will be arriving to the dealership soon and we have some more details to give you before it gets here. But, before we dive into the finer details, here's a basic concerning pricing for this new Toyota vehicle: The starting price of the Clermont Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road will be $36,300. To put the pricing into perspective, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure edition is priced at $33,050. Now, with that out of the way, let's get into the specifics: Regarding the vehicle's aesthetics, the new Toyota RAV4 will feature new darkened front and rear fascias. Plus, drivers will have the option to pair the exclusive Ice Edge roof color with paint colors like Magnetic Gray Metallic and Lunar Rock. The interior will showcase the 2019 model year redesign complete with super comfy black SofTex seats with TRD embroidered headrests. You can also enjoy convenient features like five USB ports, two 12V auxiliary power outlets, and a 120V AC power outlet. To help you tackle tough terrain, take advantage of Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. Combine standard all-wheel drive with stylish light-weight 18-inch matte-black wheels for one excellent combo. Drivers can expect plenty of power with a 203 horsepower 4-cylinder engine to get them where they need to go. Falken WILDPEAK A/T trail tires will help you grip uneven terrain and blacked out accent pieces will give you that extra oomph on the exterior. To round out the package, the Clermont new Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road can tow up to 3,500-pounds, plus you can store extra cargo with optional roof-rack crossbars, and keep the interior clean with exclusive TRD all-weather cargo mats. Drive Home a New Toyota RAV4 from Toyota of Clermont Today We're beyond excited to welcome this new rendition on the favorite Toyota RAV4, we know you are too! We don't have to wait too long for it to arrive, but in the meantime you can still shop for a new Toyota RAV4 here at Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week and you can find us at 16851 State Road 50.

There's no denying that SUVs are at the top of the food chain in the automotive industry. They're truly the most well-rounded vehicles. They sport plenty of interior to carry everything you need and everyone you want, they'r engineered with huge amounts of capability, and they can do everything a sedan can and can't. As big fans of the Toyota brand, you're definitely aware that we're big on off-roading and going where no vehicles have gone before. You might also be aware of the arrival of a new TRD family member, the new Toyota RAV4. Say hello to the Clermont Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Edition! While we've introduced you to this upcoming new ride before, we've received new details that we think you'll get excited about. Check out the latest on the new Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road edition from Toyota of Clermont. The TRD Family Keeps Getting Bigger The 2020 Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road edition will be arriving to the dealership soon and we have some more details to give you before it gets here. But, before we dive into the finer details, here's a basic concerning pricing for this new Toyota vehicle: The starting price of the Clermont Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road will be $36,300. To put the pricing into perspective, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure edition is priced at $33,050. Now, with that out of the way, let's get into the specifics: Regarding the vehicle's aesthetics, the new Toyota RAV4 will feature new darkened front and rear fascias. Plus, drivers will have the option to pair the exclusive Ice Edge roof color with paint colors like Magnetic Gray Metallic and Lunar Rock. The interior will showcase the 2019 model year redesign complete with super comfy black SofTex seats with TRD embroidered headrests. You can also enjoy convenient features like five USB ports, two 12V auxiliary power outlets, and a 120V AC power outlet. To help you tackle tough terrain, take advantage of Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive. Combine standard all-wheel drive with stylish light-weight 18-inch matte-black wheels for one excellent combo. Drivers can expect plenty of power with a 203 horsepower 4-cylinder engine to get them where they need to go. Falken WILDPEAK A/T trail tires will help you grip uneven terrain and blacked out accent pieces will give you that extra oomph on the exterior. To round out the package, the Clermont new Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road can tow up to 3,500-pounds, plus you can store extra cargo with optional roof-rack crossbars, and keep the interior clean with exclusive TRD all-weather cargo mats. Drive Home a New Toyota RAV4 from Toyota of Clermont Today We're beyond excited to welcome this new rendition on the favorite Toyota RAV4, we know you are too! We don't have to wait too long for it to arrive, but in the meantime you can still shop for a new Toyota RAV4 here at Toyota of Clermont! We're open seven days a week and you can find us at 16851 State Road 50.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and no we're not talking about Christmas. Spooky season is in full swing and it's time to bust out the halloween decorations, drink PSLs, and wear sweaters (maybe not that last part because we live in Clermont). If you're like us (SUPER enthusiastic about Halloween) and you've already decorated your house and you're looking for another way to scratch that Halloween season itch, we've got just the idea for you. Adding halloween decorations to your Clermont Toyota car! Sounds crazy, right? If you're interest has been piqued by our wonderful idea, we have a guide right here that you should check out on how to best decorate your ride in time for Halloween! How to Add Halloween Decorations to Your Ride 1) Devise Your Ideal Theme Every great decoration plan is centered around a theme. If your kids are big Halloween fans, you might want to try out something more cutesy. Or you could always go the slasher-movie route or gore or whatever you'd like. The options are limitless when it comes to decorating your Clermont Toyota car, but you should start with a clear theme idea to keep everything cohesive. 2) Figure Out Where to Purchase Your Halloween Decorations This is when you really need to get creative. Now that you've developed a theme for your Clermont Toyota car, it's time to plot our your decoration layout and figure out where to buy all the supplies you'll need to make it happen. Get creative with different materials and supplies to give your ride a little extra oomph in the decoration department. Cut teeth out of styrofoam or cardboard, turn your vehicle's front end into a menacing face, the options are endless. 3) Make Sure Your Direction Schematic is Rooted in Safety While your mind might be running wild with ideas and themes to deck your Clermont Toyota ride to be as spooky as possible. But, you need to make sure your halloween decoration plan won't affect your overall safety while on the road. Here are a few things to keep in mind when putting your ride together for Halloween: Your front and rear windshield should be clear at all times. Don't put ANYTHING near your tires. There's always the chance that something could get caught in your tires and cause an accident. Don't put anything fragile on your vehicle that could fall off when traveling at high speeds. You'll regret losing the decoration item and it also poses a major hazard for others on the road. Don't hand anything from the rear end or near the exhaust. The exhaust gets very hot while driving and could result in a burning decorations on your ride. 4) Keep it Simple Unlike your house's front yard and roof space, there's limited room to work with on your ride and plenty of decorations can pose a hazard to you and others while on the road. At the end of the day, try to keep it simple and think your designs through to make sure nothing happens during your daily commutes. If you need halloween decoration tips or need to shop for a new ride in time for spooky season, come visit us at Toyota of Clermont today! We're open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and no we're not talking about Christmas. Spooky season is in full swing and it's time to bust out the halloween decorations, drink PSLs, and wear sweaters (maybe not that last part because we live in Clermont). If you're like us (SUPER enthusiastic about Halloween) and you've already decorated your house and you're looking for another way to scratch that Halloween season itch, we've got just the idea for you. Adding halloween decorations to your Clermont Toyota car! Sounds crazy, right? If you're interest has been piqued by our wonderful idea, we have a guide right here that you should check out on how to best decorate your ride in time for Halloween! How to Add Halloween Decorations to Your Ride 1) Devise Your Ideal Theme Every great decoration plan is centered around a theme. If your kids are big Halloween fans, you might want to try out something more cutesy. Or you could always go the slasher-movie route or gore or whatever you'd like. The options are limitless when it comes to decorating your Clermont Toyota car, but you should start with a clear theme idea to keep everything cohesive. 2) Figure Out Where to Purchase Your Halloween Decorations This is when you really need to get creative. Now that you've developed a theme for your Clermont Toyota car, it's time to plot our your decoration layout and figure out where to buy all the supplies you'll need to make it happen. Get creative with different materials and supplies to give your ride a little extra oomph in the decoration department. Cut teeth out of styrofoam or cardboard, turn your vehicle's front end into a menacing face, the options are endless. 3) Make Sure Your Direction Schematic is Rooted in Safety While your mind might be running wild with ideas and themes to deck your Clermont Toyota ride to be as spooky as possible. But, you need to make sure your halloween decoration plan won't affect your overall safety while on the road. Here are a few things to keep in mind when putting your ride together for Halloween: Your front and rear windshield should be clear at all times. Don't put ANYTHING near your tires. There's always the chance that something could get caught in your tires and cause an accident. Don't put anything fragile on your vehicle that could fall off when traveling at high speeds. You'll regret losing the decoration item and it also poses a major hazard for others on the road. Don't hand anything from the rear end or near the exhaust. The exhaust gets very hot while driving and could result in a burning decorations on your ride. 4) Keep it Simple Unlike your house's front yard and roof space, there's limited room to work with on your ride and plenty of decorations can pose a hazard to you and others while on the road. At the end of the day, try to keep it simple and think your designs through to make sure nothing happens during your daily commutes. If you need halloween decoration tips or need to shop for a new ride in time for spooky season, come visit us at Toyota of Clermont today! We're open seven days a week and located at 16851 State Road 50.

You drive your Clermont Toyota everyday, make sure it always has gas, detail it every once in a while, and even get oil changes and tire rotations. Something many Clermont Toyota customers fail to remember is the fact when it comes to driving, half of it is focused on the accelerator, but the other half is focused on the brake. Without stopping, you’ll get into car accidents and collisions. Think of your life without car brakes! It’d be a disaster. No matter how durable car brakes are, they still need to be replaced just like any other part of the vehicle. The unique things about them is that they could be replaced in pairs as opposed to having to replace all of them at once. If you’ve paid a visit to our expert auto service department for a brake replacement, you may have been wondering exactly why your car brakes need only be replaced in pairs rather than all at once. If this conundrum applies to you, don’t worry! Toyota of Clermont is here to help explain car brake replacements. Why Car Brakes are Replaced in Pairs Have you ever noticed that when you bring in your Clermont Toyota to our auto service techs, they usually recommend just replacing the front or rear car brakes? The reason behind this is because the front car brakes do the majority of the work when you stop the vehicle. So what do the rear brakes do? Check out this explanation behind the physics of Clermont Toyota brakes. If you’ve ever felt you’re moving forward when applying the car brakes, this means you felt the weight distribution. Voila, you learned something new in physics! Now back to the lesson, the brake system in your Clermont Toyota is designed this way to increase friction in the front wheel by applying additional weight and force. This creates a more efficient stop. The majority of Clermont Toyotas today had their engines in the front of the vehicle. Therefore the weight of the vehicle is in the front so your front brakes need to create more friction to bear the weight and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. When you press the car brake pedal, they receive the corresponding fluid from the master brake cylinder. Most of the fluid is diverted to the front brakes because if the fluid were to be routed to the rear brakes, the brakes would lock before the front brakes. This would result in very erratic movement from your vehicle. Evidently your Clermont Toyota car brakes work extra hard to make sure your car comes to a complete stop. Nevertheless, the front brakes put in more work than the others and if it weren’t for it, there’d be a lot more car accidents happening out in the streets. If you have any further questions as to how your car brakes work or want to bring your car in for service, call (352)404-7001. We’re located at 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida Turnpike.

You drive your Clermont Toyota everyday, make sure it always has gas, detail it every once in a while, and even get oil changes and tire rotations. Something many Clermont Toyota customers fail to remember is the fact when it comes to driving, half of it is focused on the accelerator, but the other half is focused on the brake. Without stopping, you’ll get into car accidents and collisions. Think of your life without car brakes! It’d be a disaster. No matter how durable car brakes are, they still need to be replaced just like any other part of the vehicle. The unique things about them is that they could be replaced in pairs as opposed to having to replace all of them at once. If you’ve paid a visit to our expert auto service department for a brake replacement, you may have been wondering exactly why your car brakes need only be replaced in pairs rather than all at once. If this conundrum applies to you, don’t worry! Toyota of Clermont is here to help explain car brake replacements. Why Car Brakes are Replaced in Pairs Have you ever noticed that when you bring in your Clermont Toyota to our auto service techs, they usually recommend just replacing the front or rear car brakes? The reason behind this is because the front car brakes do the majority of the work when you stop the vehicle. So what do the rear brakes do? Check out this explanation behind the physics of Clermont Toyota brakes. If you’ve ever felt you’re moving forward when applying the car brakes, this means you felt the weight distribution. Voila, you learned something new in physics! Now back to the lesson, the brake system in your Clermont Toyota is designed this way to increase friction in the front wheel by applying additional weight and force. This creates a more efficient stop. The majority of Clermont Toyotas today had their engines in the front of the vehicle. Therefore the weight of the vehicle is in the front so your front brakes need to create more friction to bear the weight and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. When you press the car brake pedal, they receive the corresponding fluid from the master brake cylinder. Most of the fluid is diverted to the front brakes because if the fluid were to be routed to the rear brakes, the brakes would lock before the front brakes. This would result in very erratic movement from your vehicle. Evidently your Clermont Toyota car brakes work extra hard to make sure your car comes to a complete stop. Nevertheless, the front brakes put in more work than the others and if it weren’t for it, there’d be a lot more car accidents happening out in the streets. If you have any further questions as to how your car brakes work or want to bring your car in for service, call (352)404-7001. We’re located at 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida Turnpike.

Do you consider yourself to be a big fan of the Toyota brand? Do you like to know the goings on of the automotive industry? Do you know which vehicles are coming out through the 2025 model year (impressive)? Whether you keep track of Toyota or not, there's always something going on in the world of cars. It's true, every time you turn around there's a new vehicle, a new piece of tech, some news coming out about something. Toyota being one of the biggest names in the automotive industry, that statement rings very true. Currently, the long awaited 2020 new Toyota GR Supra is currently available on our lot (they're going fast), the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is coming soon, plus the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition should be arriving soon too. With plenty of new things on the way to Toyota of Clermont, it's easy to lose track of it all. Lucky for you, we've compiled the most recent new Toyota news stories to make keeping up to date easy. Check it out right here! New Toyota Cars are Coming! 1) A new 2020 Toyota C-HR is Coming! The Toyota C-HR has made some pretty big waves here at Toyota of Clermont with its diamond-like exterior and its unique feature load-out. But, there's a new one on the way for the 2020 model year! The front end is getting a facelift for the new Toyota model year along with newly designed wheels. Supersonic Red, Hot Lava, and Silver R-Code roof paint options will be available for this model year for striking new designs. And new tech options like an adaptive front lighting system and an 8-way power driver's seat. Needless to say, we're excited to welcome this new gem of a ride to Toyota of Clermont when it releases. 2) 2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition Officially Announced The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is on the way and we're excited to welcome our fan-favorite SUV back for a new model year. If you're looking for even more space from your ride, this special edition is for you. The new Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition includes a Yakima Megawarrior roof rack system and is built on the TRD Pro trim level. 3) A New Toyota 86 is Racing to Toyota of Clermont Maybe not racing, but it's definitely coming soon! In a continued partnership with Subaru, Toyota will bring back the Toyota 86 in a future model year and Subaru will produce the twin BRZ. It's unknown when this vehicle will be coming, but the continued partnership with Subaru means big things are coming. Toyota recently increased their shares in Subaru from 16.83% to 20% to solidify their partnership and Subaru will now be branded as an "associated company of Toyota." There are also rumors that the two companies will collaborate on a pure EV at some point in time. Whatever comes from this exciting partnership, we can't wait to see them here at Toyota of Clermont! Keeping up with the latest new Toyota news can be difficult, but Toyota of Clermont is always here to help keep you up to date. If you're looking for the newest vehicles on our lot check out our website or give us a call at (352) 404-7000 today!

Do you consider yourself to be a big fan of the Toyota brand? Do you like to know the goings on of the automotive industry? Do you know which vehicles are coming out through the 2025 model year (impressive)? Whether you keep track of Toyota or not, there's always something going on in the world of cars. It's true, every time you turn around there's a new vehicle, a new piece of tech, some news coming out about something. Toyota being one of the biggest names in the automotive industry, that statement rings very true. Currently, the long awaited 2020 new Toyota GR Supra is currently available on our lot (they're going fast), the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is coming soon, plus the 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Heritage Edition should be arriving soon too. With plenty of new things on the way to Toyota of Clermont, it's easy to lose track of it all. Lucky for you, we've compiled the most recent new Toyota news stories to make keeping up to date easy. Check it out right here! New Toyota Cars are Coming! 1) A new 2020 Toyota C-HR is Coming! The Toyota C-HR has made some pretty big waves here at Toyota of Clermont with its diamond-like exterior and its unique feature load-out. But, there's a new one on the way for the 2020 model year! The front end is getting a facelift for the new Toyota model year along with newly designed wheels. Supersonic Red, Hot Lava, and Silver R-Code roof paint options will be available for this model year for striking new designs. And new tech options like an adaptive front lighting system and an 8-way power driver's seat. Needless to say, we're excited to welcome this new gem of a ride to Toyota of Clermont when it releases. 2) 2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition Officially Announced The 2020 Toyota 4Runner is on the way and we're excited to welcome our fan-favorite SUV back for a new model year. If you're looking for even more space from your ride, this special edition is for you. The new Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition includes a Yakima Megawarrior roof rack system and is built on the TRD Pro trim level. 3) A New Toyota 86 is Racing to Toyota of Clermont Maybe not racing, but it's definitely coming soon! In a continued partnership with Subaru, Toyota will bring back the Toyota 86 in a future model year and Subaru will produce the twin BRZ. It's unknown when this vehicle will be coming, but the continued partnership with Subaru means big things are coming. Toyota recently increased their shares in Subaru from 16.83% to 20% to solidify their partnership and Subaru will now be branded as an "associated company of Toyota." There are also rumors that the two companies will collaborate on a pure EV at some point in time. Whatever comes from this exciting partnership, we can't wait to see them here at Toyota of Clermont! Keeping up with the latest new Toyota news can be difficult, but Toyota of Clermont is always here to help keep you up to date. If you're looking for the newest vehicles on our lot check out our website or give us a call at (352) 404-7000 today!

Have you ever sat down and thought about all the different franchises, themes, and brands that are being currently rebooted? Old TV shows are being revived, retro games are more popular than they've ever been in recent memory, and the Toyota Supra is back at our dealership! Essentially, what's old eventually becomes new again, whether that be using old themes and ideas or just bringing an old thing back. People collectively love nostalgic things. Re-experiencing things from when we were younger takes us back to that time and gives us the warm fuzzy feelings. This is why there's such a huge market for classic Toyota cars right now. People both young and old are actively collecting and hunting for automotive relics to experience what they once had or to experience something that's downright cool. Collecting classics is an awesome hobby (it's also probably the most expensive ones you could get yourself into) but you need to know what you're getting into before getting started. Taking care of classic cars requires more patience, work, and discipline. If you're ready to take the plunge, Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide to get you started! Car Care for Classic Toyota Cars 1) Inspect and Have the Oil Changed The modern Clermont Toyota car sitting in your driveway is engineered using the latest technology to be as efficient and as tough as possible. Classic cars (while tough) are engineered much differently and future collectors must be aware of that. If you've purchased your classic Toyota car make sure to check the oil and likely have it replaced. Depending how long the vehicle has been sitting or what it's been through prior to you owning, the fluids inside the engine will likely be old and worn. Have the oil changed before turning the keys and starting the engine. 2) Repack the Wheel Bearings Today's Clermont Toyota cars use a different type of brake assembly than classic Toyota cars were engineered with. Modern vehicles use a rotor and pad to create friction and bring your vehicle to a stop. Classics use a drum and bearing assembly. This is a closed-off system that uses a small bearing to generate friction when you push the pedal. Repacking the wheel bearings with new grease is doable as a DIY project, but we recommend having one of our auto service experts help you out. 3) Keep it Clean Your new classic Toyota car might look cool, but it's been through a lot and is likely significantly older than many other vehicles on the road today. The paint, interior, and other parts are likely wearing after all this time. To keep all these part functioning and looking good you should spend at least one day a week cleaning your vehicle. Wipe down and condition the interior, wax the paint, and rinse the undercarriage to keep things looking like new. 4) Bleed and Pump the Brakes Like we said earlier, the brake system used in classics is very different than the system used in modern vehicles. Not only do the bearings need to be repacked, the brake lines need to be bled and pumped every so often to prevent fluid blockage. We won't dive into specifics regarding this procedure, but we recommend doing thorough research and seeking the help of a Clermont Toyota auto service expert before trying this one on your own. Collecting classic Toyota cars is a truly exciting and fun hobby to get into, but you need to make sure you're ready for what lies ahead regarding vehicle maintenance. If you need help maintaining your classic Toyota of Clermont is here to help at 16851 State Road 50. Happy hunting!

Have you ever sat down and thought about all the different franchises, themes, and brands that are being currently rebooted? Old TV shows are being revived, retro games are more popular than they've ever been in recent memory, and the Toyota Supra is back at our dealership! Essentially, what's old eventually becomes new again, whether that be using old themes and ideas or just bringing an old thing back. People collectively love nostalgic things. Re-experiencing things from when we were younger takes us back to that time and gives us the warm fuzzy feelings. This is why there's such a huge market for classic Toyota cars right now. People both young and old are actively collecting and hunting for automotive relics to experience what they once had or to experience something that's downright cool. Collecting classics is an awesome hobby (it's also probably the most expensive ones you could get yourself into) but you need to know what you're getting into before getting started. Taking care of classic cars requires more patience, work, and discipline. If you're ready to take the plunge, Toyota of Clermont is here with a guide to get you started! Car Care for Classic Toyota Cars 1) Inspect and Have the Oil Changed The modern Clermont Toyota car sitting in your driveway is engineered using the latest technology to be as efficient and as tough as possible. Classic cars (while tough) are engineered much differently and future collectors must be aware of that. If you've purchased your classic Toyota car make sure to check the oil and likely have it replaced. Depending how long the vehicle has been sitting or what it's been through prior to you owning, the fluids inside the engine will likely be old and worn. Have the oil changed before turning the keys and starting the engine. 2) Repack the Wheel Bearings Today's Clermont Toyota cars use a different type of brake assembly than classic Toyota cars were engineered with. Modern vehicles use a rotor and pad to create friction and bring your vehicle to a stop. Classics use a drum and bearing assembly. This is a closed-off system that uses a small bearing to generate friction when you push the pedal. Repacking the wheel bearings with new grease is doable as a DIY project, but we recommend having one of our auto service experts help you out. 3) Keep it Clean Your new classic Toyota car might look cool, but it's been through a lot and is likely significantly older than many other vehicles on the road today. The paint, interior, and other parts are likely wearing after all this time. To keep all these part functioning and looking good you should spend at least one day a week cleaning your vehicle. Wipe down and condition the interior, wax the paint, and rinse the undercarriage to keep things looking like new. 4) Bleed and Pump the Brakes Like we said earlier, the brake system used in classics is very different than the system used in modern vehicles. Not only do the bearings need to be repacked, the brake lines need to be bled and pumped every so often to prevent fluid blockage. We won't dive into specifics regarding this procedure, but we recommend doing thorough research and seeking the help of a Clermont Toyota auto service expert before trying this one on your own. Collecting classic Toyota cars is a truly exciting and fun hobby to get into, but you need to make sure you're ready for what lies ahead regarding vehicle maintenance. If you need help maintaining your classic Toyota of Clermont is here to help at 16851 State Road 50. Happy hunting!

Updated February 18, 2026 Executive Summary Your vehicle’s OBD-II system triggers the check engine light, and it doesn’t automatically mean a major repair -it signals that something in the engine or emissions system needs attention. Common causes include a faulty mass airflow (MAF) sensor, a bad oxygen (O 2) sensor, worn spark plugs, a failing catalytic converter, or even a loose gas cap; some simple, others more serious. Symptoms like rough idling, reduced fuel economy, poor acceleration, strange exhaust smells, or trouble starting can help narrow down the issue. Ignoring the check engine light can lead to larger, more expensive repairs over time and may impact performance, emissions, and overall vehicle lifespan. If you’ve ever seen the little check engine light appear on your dashboard, you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most common things drivers see, and it can cause a lot of confusion. Here’s the good news: it doesn’t automatically mean a huge repair bill is necessary! Sometimes it is super simple, but there may be the occasional larger issue. Either way, it’s important to know the common reasons behind the light appearing that can save you time, stress, and money. At Toyota of Clermont’s service center, we see this light all the time. Today, we’re Making It Simple® and explaining what might be causing the check engine light to turn on and what to do to make the best decision for your vehicle and budget! What The Check Engine Light Means The check engine light is part of your car’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, which is basically how your vehicle tells you something is operating within its normal parameters. This can cover any issue from emissions to engine performance to a loose gas cap. Just keep in mind the light itself doesn’t exactly tell you what’s wrong, but instead something triggered the vehicle’s internal system to flag a concern. That’s where knowing the common causes comes in handy, so let’s get into the top five reasons! A Check Engine Light Indicates: You Need A New Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor The mass airflow sensor helps your vehicle determine how much air is coming into the engine so it can balance fuel and air for optimal combustion. If the sensor notices something wrong (such as it's dirty, failing, or damaged), then it can end up throwing your engine’s balance. Symptoms besides the check engine light coming on may include: Trouble with acceleration Hesitation during normal driving Reduced fuel economy The sensor can get dirty over time, which then sends inaccurate readings to your engine’s system. In some cases, cleaning the sensor will solve the issue, but often a new MAF sensor is needed for long-term performance. Lucky for you, our technicians at Toyota of Clermont can run a sensor test and let you know if cleaning or replacing it is the best option. A Check Engine Light Indicates: Your Catalytic Converter Has Gone Bad Your Toyota’s catalytic converter is a key emissions component in your exhaust system. It converts harmful gases into less harmful ones before they exit the tailpipe. If it fails, your vehicle may still run, but it won’t run efficiently. You might notice other issues such as: Reduced fuel economy Higher exhaust heat Trouble passing emissions tests Strange smells (sometimes like rotten eggs) A failing catalytic converter is one of the more serious reasons your check engine light may come on. Since it’s so closely tied to emissions and overall engine efficiency, you’ll need to address this problem sooner rather than later to prevent it from escalating into something worse. At the Toyota of Clermont Service Center, we can verify if your catalytic converter is the culprit for your check engine light popping on, as well as help you understand your options and what replacement may involve. A Check Engine Light Indicates: Your Spark Plugs Need Replacing Spark plugs are important for your engine to start and run smoothly. They’re responsible for igniting the fuel-air mixture inside the engine combustion chamber. When they wear out, it can negatively impact everything from starting your car to maintaining speed on the road. Signs your spark plugs might be the cause behind your check engine light include: A rough idle state Trouble starting your car Reduced fuel efficiency Stalling or misfires Worn spark plugs also put extra stress on other components in your car, such as the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors. What may start as a spark plug problem may snowball into something much larger, so getting your regular car maintenance helps keep your engine performing well (and your check engine light off). A Check Engine Light Indicates: You Have A Bad Oxygen (O 2) Sensor Your oxygen sensor (also known as the O 2 sensor) plays a crucial role in monitoring the amount of unburned oxygen in your car’s exhaust. This data helps your vehicle determine if it’s running a rich or lean fuel mixture! When the oxygen sensor fails, the engine’s computer can't make accurate adjustments and will turn on the check engine light as a heads-up. You may also notice indicators such as: Inefficient engine performance Poor fuel mileage Increased emissions The O 2 sensor directly impacts your car’s burn efficiency and emissions control, so catching the issue before it grows worse is important. If you think there’s an issue with this sensor, bring your Toyota in for our technicians to check it out to help you avoid higher fuel costs and protect other components from damage. A Check Engine Light Indicates: Your Gas Cap Isn’t Tightened All The Way Believe it or not, this is often the simplest and most common cause of the check engine light turning on. Your gas cap helps to maintain the pressure inside your fuel tank and prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the air. If it’s loose or not sealed properly, your vehicle’s emissions system can interpret it as a leak and illuminate the check engine light. This is the easiest indicator to fix. Just safely pull over, turn your car off, then check your gas cap to see if it's tightened (make sure to hear it click at least a couple times). Usually, the light will turn off once you start driving again. What If You Ignore Your Check Engine Light? You might be tempted to ignore your check engine light if your car seems to be running fine, but modern vehicles are incredibly connected. One small problem left unchecked can lead to bigger, more costly issues over time. Even more importantly, ignoring warning lights can put extra stress on your engine and reduce the lifespan of key components in your Toyota. It can also lead to issues that affect performance and safety, which can be a greater risk. Visit our Service Center With Any Issue Today! Now you know what to do the next time your check engine light turns on, so no need to panic! If you need a technician to check out your engine, Toyota of Clermont is here to help. Schedule an appointment at our Service Center to get your car checked out by giving us a call at 352-404-7001 or booking online. Or, come visit us in person at 16851 State Road 50. Common FAQs for Check Engine Lights What is a catalytic converter? A catalytic converter is a crucial part of your car’s exhaust system that takes the toxic gases and pollutants from the engine’s exhaust and turns them into less harmful emissions through a chemical (redox) reaction. It helps reduce the amount of dangerous pollution released into the air and is required on gasoline-powered vehicles by law in many places. Why won’t my car start? Your car might not start for several reasons: the battery is dead and can’t power anything, the starter is broken so it can’t turn the engine over, the fuel filter is clogged and preventing gasoline from reaching the engine, the alternator isn’t charging the battery, or the spark plugs are worn out and can’t ignite the fuel. What are spark plugs? A spark plug is a small part that fits into your engine’s cylinder and creates a tiny electrical spark to ignite the air-and-fuel mixture so the engine can start and run. Without that spark to start combustion, your car wouldn’t be able to begin moving.