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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.

In recent decades, Japanese auto makes have invested a lot into U.S. based manufacturing and production. In fact, the Toyota Camry is constructed using almost no imported components and it arguably one of the most home-produced vehicles you can buy. Here at Toyota of Clermont, we have some very impressive and remarkable vehicles on our lot that buyers get to experience and call their own every day. The Toyota Corolla, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Yaris and more are all excellent vehicles to drive and own, but sometimes you can't help but want more. Especially if it's something you can't have. Yes, even in the automotive industry there's also a forbidden fruit of a car that you can't have because it's only available in a specific country or area. Just in case you were getting over your long distance car crush, think again! Toyota of Clermont is here with a list of awesome new Toyotas that you can't get your hands on in the U.S. You'll Have to Admire These New Toyotas from Afar 1) Toyota Hilux While today we have the Clermont new Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner to satisfy our rugged off-roading needs, we used to have the legendary Toyota Hilux. This iconic Toyota pickup has developed a reputation for being able to take the brunt of just about anything you could throw at it and keep going with a smile on its face. Before it was discontinued in 1995 in North America, it was the preferred vehicle of one Marty McFly in Back to the Future and the go-to Toyota compact pickup. Today, it's in its eighth generation and continues to be sold internationally. 2) Toyota Crown While we have the Clermont new Toyota Corolla (small crown), the Toyota Crown is something else. While it looks like it should belong to very high-end luxury auto make, it's 100% Toyota and it's 100% not available in the U.S. (womp womp). This luxury model is only available in Japan and a few other select Asian markets. It has been long used as the main mode of transportation for political figures and as a chosen company vehicle for many executives. It's also customizable with three different engine options. 3) Toyota Century If you're looking for something classy, exclusive, and still with the Toyota nameplate then this one's for you (if you live in Japan), then this one's for you! The Toyota Century is the pinnacle of new Toyota luxury and it's super exclusive. So exclusive that only about 50 are produced each month and you need to be someone with money and notoriety if you want to get in the back seat. In fact, the vehicle was with the idea that the owner would never get behind the wheel. With wool-trimmed upholstery, a back seat foldable ottoman, and 20-speaker sound system (to name a few things), it's hard to not want this ride. 4) Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup For 68 years, the new Toyota Land Cruiser has been an off-roading, rugged, and luxurious staple of the Toyota brand. It has a rich history filled with diverse land its traversed and plenty of off-shoot models that are difficult to come by. One in particular is the Land Cruiser Pickup. This no frills truck is meant for those looking to get off the pavement or put in the work. The only issue is that you can't get one state-side. This truck is available in South Africa and Australia currently and likely won't find its way here anytime soon. This version of the beloved Land Cruiser forsakes the luxury options and is just about as bare-bones as it gets. It's meant for tackling the road and that's it.   While you can't come by these legendary Toyota models here in the U.S., you can still shop for other amazing new Toyota models at Toyota of Clermont today! Come visit us seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50

In recent decades, Japanese auto makes have invested a lot into U.S. based manufacturing and production. In fact, the Toyota Camry is constructed using almost no imported components and it arguably one of the most home-produced vehicles you can buy. Here at Toyota of Clermont, we have some very impressive and remarkable vehicles on our lot that buyers get to experience and call their own every day. The Toyota Corolla, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, Yaris and more are all excellent vehicles to drive and own, but sometimes you can't help but want more. Especially if it's something you can't have. Yes, even in the automotive industry there's also a forbidden fruit of a car that you can't have because it's only available in a specific country or area. Just in case you were getting over your long distance car crush, think again! Toyota of Clermont is here with a list of awesome new Toyotas that you can't get your hands on in the U.S. You'll Have to Admire These New Toyotas from Afar 1) Toyota Hilux While today we have the Clermont new Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner to satisfy our rugged off-roading needs, we used to have the legendary Toyota Hilux. This iconic Toyota pickup has developed a reputation for being able to take the brunt of just about anything you could throw at it and keep going with a smile on its face. Before it was discontinued in 1995 in North America, it was the preferred vehicle of one Marty McFly in Back to the Future and the go-to Toyota compact pickup. Today, it's in its eighth generation and continues to be sold internationally. 2) Toyota Crown While we have the Clermont new Toyota Corolla (small crown), the Toyota Crown is something else. While it looks like it should belong to very high-end luxury auto make, it's 100% Toyota and it's 100% not available in the U.S. (womp womp). This luxury model is only available in Japan and a few other select Asian markets. It has been long used as the main mode of transportation for political figures and as a chosen company vehicle for many executives. It's also customizable with three different engine options. 3) Toyota Century If you're looking for something classy, exclusive, and still with the Toyota nameplate then this one's for you (if you live in Japan), then this one's for you! The Toyota Century is the pinnacle of new Toyota luxury and it's super exclusive. So exclusive that only about 50 are produced each month and you need to be someone with money and notoriety if you want to get in the back seat. In fact, the vehicle was with the idea that the owner would never get behind the wheel. With wool-trimmed upholstery, a back seat foldable ottoman, and 20-speaker sound system (to name a few things), it's hard to not want this ride. 4) Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup For 68 years, the new Toyota Land Cruiser has been an off-roading, rugged, and luxurious staple of the Toyota brand. It has a rich history filled with diverse land its traversed and plenty of off-shoot models that are difficult to come by. One in particular is the Land Cruiser Pickup. This no frills truck is meant for those looking to get off the pavement or put in the work. The only issue is that you can't get one state-side. This truck is available in South Africa and Australia currently and likely won't find its way here anytime soon. This version of the beloved Land Cruiser forsakes the luxury options and is just about as bare-bones as it gets. It's meant for tackling the road and that's it.   While you can't come by these legendary Toyota models here in the U.S., you can still shop for other amazing new Toyota models at Toyota of Clermont today! Come visit us seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50

Ah, spooky season is upon us. You know what that means...costumes, candy, and SCARES. And what better place to get your scare on in Central Florida than Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando? This eerie event is known to draw large crowds of of scary super-fans and their friends to the park. Because of this, it can be difficult to navigate all ten houses and all five scare zones in one night without an Express pass. On busy nights, sometimes you’re lucky to get into as many as three houses. In order to help you make the most of your time at Horror Nights, your Toyota of Clermont dealership has compiled a short list of the go-to houses you should aim to visit in a time crunch. In no particular order, the following list acts as a guide to some of the best houses in the Universal Orlando park this year. 1. Universal Monsters This house is objectively the scariest of them all. If you can get past the usual jump scares that come with the average haunted house scene, this one will offer a secondary scare when you take a closer look. The makeup and prosthetics used on these monstrous characters will leave you with chills for the rest of the night. 2. Yeti: Terror of the Yukon We all know fall nights in Orlando are still hot, so the Yeti house is an obvious choice for those looking to cool down. As you step into the Yukon, you get hit immediately with an icy, arctic freeze that remains with you as you attempt to resist running from the Abominable Snowman’s towering doom. 3. Ghostbusters An instant ‘80s classic, Ghostbusters is a must-see stop. This house is less of a haunt and more of a cinematic homage to the film. The set is so well designed that you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life version of the movie itself. This house is highly-recommended for those with a nostalgic side. 4. Killer Klowns from Outer Space If you’re looking for a good cult classic, plan on stopping by to play with the Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Clowns are scary enough as it is, but these alien Klowns take creepy to a whole new level. 5. House of 1,000 Corpses Speaking of cult classics, Rob Zombie’s world of terror has come to Orlando’s Horror Nights not only as a scare zone, but in the form of his well-known gory masterpiece, House of 1,000 Corpses. This house is sure to spook you as you wander the path through the horrifyingly iconic movie scenes. Reminder: It is highly recommended that children under the age of 13 refrain from entering the park during these haunting hours, as the acting tends to be quite realistic and is deemed inappropriate for young kids. We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween season! Be sure to give our Toyota of Clermont location a call at (352) 404-7001 or stop on by 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida Turnpike to discuss getting a scary good deal on a new ride today!

Ah, spooky season is upon us. You know what that means...costumes, candy, and SCARES. And what better place to get your scare on in Central Florida than Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Orlando? This eerie event is known to draw large crowds of of scary super-fans and their friends to the park. Because of this, it can be difficult to navigate all ten houses and all five scare zones in one night without an Express pass. On busy nights, sometimes you’re lucky to get into as many as three houses. In order to help you make the most of your time at Horror Nights, your Toyota of Clermont dealership has compiled a short list of the go-to houses you should aim to visit in a time crunch. In no particular order, the following list acts as a guide to some of the best houses in the Universal Orlando park this year. 1. Universal Monsters This house is objectively the scariest of them all. If you can get past the usual jump scares that come with the average haunted house scene, this one will offer a secondary scare when you take a closer look. The makeup and prosthetics used on these monstrous characters will leave you with chills for the rest of the night. 2. Yeti: Terror of the Yukon We all know fall nights in Orlando are still hot, so the Yeti house is an obvious choice for those looking to cool down. As you step into the Yukon, you get hit immediately with an icy, arctic freeze that remains with you as you attempt to resist running from the Abominable Snowman’s towering doom. 3. Ghostbusters An instant ‘80s classic, Ghostbusters is a must-see stop. This house is less of a haunt and more of a cinematic homage to the film. The set is so well designed that you’ll feel like you’re in a real-life version of the movie itself. This house is highly-recommended for those with a nostalgic side. 4. Killer Klowns from Outer Space If you’re looking for a good cult classic, plan on stopping by to play with the Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Clowns are scary enough as it is, but these alien Klowns take creepy to a whole new level. 5. House of 1,000 Corpses Speaking of cult classics, Rob Zombie’s world of terror has come to Orlando’s Horror Nights not only as a scare zone, but in the form of his well-known gory masterpiece, House of 1,000 Corpses. This house is sure to spook you as you wander the path through the horrifyingly iconic movie scenes. Reminder: It is highly recommended that children under the age of 13 refrain from entering the park during these haunting hours, as the acting tends to be quite realistic and is deemed inappropriate for young kids. We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween season! Be sure to give our Toyota of Clermont location a call at (352) 404-7001 or stop on by 16851 State Rd 50 just off the Florida Turnpike to discuss getting a scary good deal on a new ride today!

Do you have aspirations to become a better defensive driver? Honing this skill when you're behind the wheel is important - defensive driving basically means that instead of reacting to an accident or collision as it's happening, you use your skills to avoid it before it even becomes an issue. It takes practice and focus, but becoming a better defensive driver doesn't rest solely on you - it also requires that your vehicle has the tools you need for a safe drive time. Our Clermont auto service techs are here to explain and give you four car care suggestions to enhance your defensive driver skills. Schedule these car care appointments to improve your drive time safety 1) Brake service Being able to bring your vehicle to a quick, safe, and efficient stop is a huge part of being a great defensive driver, especially when you're driving in slick conditions like rain, snow, or icy weather, or even in heavy traffic. However, it's impossible to do so if your brake system isn't in top shape. Bring your ride to Toyota of Clermont for routine brake service. Our techs will check and fill brake fluid, replace worn-out brake pads, repair or replace worn rotors, and inspect the system as a whole to ensure you have stopping power on your side. 2) Wiper replacement You need your wipers to clear your windshield fully with every swipe when you're driving in rain or snow so you have a clear field of vision in front of you. If your wiper blades are worse for the wear, you'll be left with streaks, smears, and impaired vision. To be a good defensive driver, get them replaced routinely! Our techs can inspect the blades for wear and then you can shop our parts store for a replacement set that fits your needs and your budget. 3) Headlight check How are your headlights looking these days? Remember, not only do they illuminate your path so you can be a safe driver, but they also let other drivers see you out on the road. Our Toyota of Clermont service techs can assist you with bulb replacement, casing repairs and replacement, and even headlight restoration to ensure they're shining brightly when you need them to. You should have your headlights on from dusk until dawn, as well as if it's raining or snowing. 4) Tire inspections and rotations To be a safe driver, you need tires that can help you get the job done. They should have the proper amount of tread and be inflated to the right PSI, as well as be free of damage or defects that leave them prone to blowouts. Our techs can help - not only can they conduct tire rotations and balancing on a routine basis to ensure your tires are wearing evenly, but they can also inspect your tires for excessive wear and tear and worn-down tread. They can even get them inflated to the right level again. Become a better defensive driver with Toyota of Clermont! Ready to schedule car maintenance to become a better defensive driver? Call us today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Do you have aspirations to become a better defensive driver? Honing this skill when you're behind the wheel is important - defensive driving basically means that instead of reacting to an accident or collision as it's happening, you use your skills to avoid it before it even becomes an issue. It takes practice and focus, but becoming a better defensive driver doesn't rest solely on you - it also requires that your vehicle has the tools you need for a safe drive time. Our Clermont auto service techs are here to explain and give you four car care suggestions to enhance your defensive driver skills. Schedule these car care appointments to improve your drive time safety 1) Brake service Being able to bring your vehicle to a quick, safe, and efficient stop is a huge part of being a great defensive driver, especially when you're driving in slick conditions like rain, snow, or icy weather, or even in heavy traffic. However, it's impossible to do so if your brake system isn't in top shape. Bring your ride to Toyota of Clermont for routine brake service. Our techs will check and fill brake fluid, replace worn-out brake pads, repair or replace worn rotors, and inspect the system as a whole to ensure you have stopping power on your side. 2) Wiper replacement You need your wipers to clear your windshield fully with every swipe when you're driving in rain or snow so you have a clear field of vision in front of you. If your wiper blades are worse for the wear, you'll be left with streaks, smears, and impaired vision. To be a good defensive driver, get them replaced routinely! Our techs can inspect the blades for wear and then you can shop our parts store for a replacement set that fits your needs and your budget. 3) Headlight check How are your headlights looking these days? Remember, not only do they illuminate your path so you can be a safe driver, but they also let other drivers see you out on the road. Our Toyota of Clermont service techs can assist you with bulb replacement, casing repairs and replacement, and even headlight restoration to ensure they're shining brightly when you need them to. You should have your headlights on from dusk until dawn, as well as if it's raining or snowing. 4) Tire inspections and rotations To be a safe driver, you need tires that can help you get the job done. They should have the proper amount of tread and be inflated to the right PSI, as well as be free of damage or defects that leave them prone to blowouts. Our techs can help - not only can they conduct tire rotations and balancing on a routine basis to ensure your tires are wearing evenly, but they can also inspect your tires for excessive wear and tear and worn-down tread. They can even get them inflated to the right level again. Become a better defensive driver with Toyota of Clermont! Ready to schedule car maintenance to become a better defensive driver? Call us today - we're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001.

Driving affords drivers several luxuries that, in today's world, we can't live without. But, convenience and independence come at the price of our safety. Driving is a very dangerous activity that claims the lives of many people year after year. In fact, many children are often the victims of vehicle related accidents. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death in children under 13.  Between 2013 and 2017 there were 3,313 child deaths in vehicle related accidents and 37% of these deaths were the result of children not being buckled. The NHTSA has established Child Passenger Safety Week to take place from September 15th - 21st every year to highlight the importance of keeping your younger passengers safe while on the road. It's never too late to provide a safer driving experience for you and your child passengers and Toyota of Clermont is here with some child passenger safety tips. Keeping Your Little Ones Safe While Driving Child passenger safety tips are not to be taken lightly. Driving is a very dangerous activity and no matter how many advanced safety features are available on Clermont Toyota vehicles, it's on you to take the extra steps necessary to protect your children from a potential accident. Here are some essential tips you should always keep in mind to ensure child passenger safety: 1) ALWAYS Use a Car Seat This should be a given, but some drivers forget this crucial first step. Car seats are designed to keep your children not only restrained, but also in the safest position possible when driving. They are tested for impact and motion to ensure that your child is protected. 2) Make Sure It's Installed Correctly Car seats can be difficult to navigate around, but you need to spend the time to make sure your child's seat is installed correctly. Pay attention to the included directions and check it periodically to make sure it still fits correctly in the seat. Never install your child's car seat in the middle of the back seats. You can always take advantage of community resources like having a certified child passenger safety technician check your car seat for correct installation. 3) Pick the Right Car Seat for Your Child To ensure child passenger safety in your Clermont Toyota car, make sure you select the right type of seat to fit your child during their respective lift stage. There are a variety of car seats available to use in your Clermont Toyota vehicle that all provide various seating types designed for children at different stages in their lives. Rear-facing seats are typically used for small children, front-facing for older children, booster seats come next, and eventually only a seat belt is required. 4) Register Your Car Seat At Toyota of Clermont, we strongly recommend having your car seat registered. Registering your child's seat with the manufacturer helps provide you with essential information like proper assembly, recall info, and warranties. Make sure to do this shortly after you purchase your child a car seat.   Ensuring child passenger safety falls on you as the driver and you need to always make sure your smaller passengers are protected when they join you on the road. For more tips, give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 - 7000 and/or check out the NHTSA's website on child passenger safety.

Driving affords drivers several luxuries that, in today's world, we can't live without. But, convenience and independence come at the price of our safety. Driving is a very dangerous activity that claims the lives of many people year after year. In fact, many children are often the victims of vehicle related accidents. According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death in children under 13.  Between 2013 and 2017 there were 3,313 child deaths in vehicle related accidents and 37% of these deaths were the result of children not being buckled. The NHTSA has established Child Passenger Safety Week to take place from September 15th - 21st every year to highlight the importance of keeping your younger passengers safe while on the road. It's never too late to provide a safer driving experience for you and your child passengers and Toyota of Clermont is here with some child passenger safety tips. Keeping Your Little Ones Safe While Driving Child passenger safety tips are not to be taken lightly. Driving is a very dangerous activity and no matter how many advanced safety features are available on Clermont Toyota vehicles, it's on you to take the extra steps necessary to protect your children from a potential accident. Here are some essential tips you should always keep in mind to ensure child passenger safety: 1) ALWAYS Use a Car Seat This should be a given, but some drivers forget this crucial first step. Car seats are designed to keep your children not only restrained, but also in the safest position possible when driving. They are tested for impact and motion to ensure that your child is protected. 2) Make Sure It's Installed Correctly Car seats can be difficult to navigate around, but you need to spend the time to make sure your child's seat is installed correctly. Pay attention to the included directions and check it periodically to make sure it still fits correctly in the seat. Never install your child's car seat in the middle of the back seats. You can always take advantage of community resources like having a certified child passenger safety technician check your car seat for correct installation. 3) Pick the Right Car Seat for Your Child To ensure child passenger safety in your Clermont Toyota car, make sure you select the right type of seat to fit your child during their respective lift stage. There are a variety of car seats available to use in your Clermont Toyota vehicle that all provide various seating types designed for children at different stages in their lives. Rear-facing seats are typically used for small children, front-facing for older children, booster seats come next, and eventually only a seat belt is required. 4) Register Your Car Seat At Toyota of Clermont, we strongly recommend having your car seat registered. Registering your child's seat with the manufacturer helps provide you with essential information like proper assembly, recall info, and warranties. Make sure to do this shortly after you purchase your child a car seat.   Ensuring child passenger safety falls on you as the driver and you need to always make sure your smaller passengers are protected when they join you on the road. For more tips, give Toyota of Clermont a call at (352) 404 - 7000 and/or check out the NHTSA's website on child passenger safety.

The world's unluckiest day has finally arrived. Friday the 13th has been infamously associated with slasher villains like Jason Vorhees, but it was originally known to be a day of terrible luck and when superstitions are more important than ever. Don't walk under a ladder, don't break a mirror, avoid black cats, and everything in between are all commonly held superstitions that people actively avoid. This day is so infamous that not only one but two psychological condition terms, friggatriskaidekaphobia and paraskavedekatriaphobia, have been developed regarding the day and about $700 - $900 million dollars are lost economically each year on Friday the 13th. While people have several superstitions surrounding the day, we at Toyota of Clermont thought it would be fitting to tell you a little about different car superstitions. Car Superstitions You May or May Not Know About While many people hold onto superstitions, it only makes sense that there be ones for when you're behind the wheel of your Clermont Toyota car. Here are a few interesting ones that you may or may not know about: 1) Slapping the Sun Visor/Kissing the Headliner After a Yellow Light Just like some people will kiss a good luck charm for good luck, many Clermont Toyota drivers obey an age-old car superstition that involves slapping the sun visor or headliner or kissing it when passing through a yellow light. This is done as a gesture of thanks for passing through a yellow light safely. Crazy, right? 2) Holding Your Breath When Driving Through a Tunnel or Past a Cemetery First off, do NOT hold your breath when driving past or through anything. It could result in fainting and cause an accident. While you may think it odd, many Clermont Toyota drivers also cling to this car superstition. While we're unsure why some drivers decide to hold their breath when passing through a tunnel (perhaps claustrophobia or poor air quality?), some drivers do hold their breath when passing by a cemetery to avoid breathing in wandering spirits. There's also some speculation that it's out of respect for the dead as they can't breath (for obvious reasons). 3) Lifting Your Feet Up When Passing Over Railroad Tracks This one's a doozy. Some drivers out there believe that you should lift your feet up when crossing over railroad tracks. There are several motivations behind this, like if you don't you'll never get married, or die young, or lose the person you're in a relationship with. While there are probably other reasons why those things may happen, driving over railroad tracks and taking your feet off the floor is very dangerous. You could run off the road or fail to brake in an emergency situation. 4) Intentionally Scratch Your Car There's the thought that by doing something to yourself it won't happen to you and this applies perfectly to this car superstition. Essentially, if you buy a new Toyota car from Toyota of Clermont, you'll likely be afraid of it getting scratched at some point. So, scratch the car yourself and it'll keep any further scratches from popping up. Scratches happen and you adding one will likely not prevent more from happening to your ride. But, if you feel strongly about this one, try scratching your ride in an inconspicuous place like the wheel weld. 5) Close Your Eyes and Make a Wish if You See a Tractor We don't have any explanation for this one. Just don't drive with your eyes closed at any point in time.   Have a great weekend everyone and good luck getting through Friday the 13th!

The world's unluckiest day has finally arrived. Friday the 13th has been infamously associated with slasher villains like Jason Vorhees, but it was originally known to be a day of terrible luck and when superstitions are more important than ever. Don't walk under a ladder, don't break a mirror, avoid black cats, and everything in between are all commonly held superstitions that people actively avoid. This day is so infamous that not only one but two psychological condition terms, friggatriskaidekaphobia and paraskavedekatriaphobia, have been developed regarding the day and about $700 - $900 million dollars are lost economically each year on Friday the 13th. While people have several superstitions surrounding the day, we at Toyota of Clermont thought it would be fitting to tell you a little about different car superstitions. Car Superstitions You May or May Not Know About While many people hold onto superstitions, it only makes sense that there be ones for when you're behind the wheel of your Clermont Toyota car. Here are a few interesting ones that you may or may not know about: 1) Slapping the Sun Visor/Kissing the Headliner After a Yellow Light Just like some people will kiss a good luck charm for good luck, many Clermont Toyota drivers obey an age-old car superstition that involves slapping the sun visor or headliner or kissing it when passing through a yellow light. This is done as a gesture of thanks for passing through a yellow light safely. Crazy, right? 2) Holding Your Breath When Driving Through a Tunnel or Past a Cemetery First off, do NOT hold your breath when driving past or through anything. It could result in fainting and cause an accident. While you may think it odd, many Clermont Toyota drivers also cling to this car superstition. While we're unsure why some drivers decide to hold their breath when passing through a tunnel (perhaps claustrophobia or poor air quality?), some drivers do hold their breath when passing by a cemetery to avoid breathing in wandering spirits. There's also some speculation that it's out of respect for the dead as they can't breath (for obvious reasons). 3) Lifting Your Feet Up When Passing Over Railroad Tracks This one's a doozy. Some drivers out there believe that you should lift your feet up when crossing over railroad tracks. There are several motivations behind this, like if you don't you'll never get married, or die young, or lose the person you're in a relationship with. While there are probably other reasons why those things may happen, driving over railroad tracks and taking your feet off the floor is very dangerous. You could run off the road or fail to brake in an emergency situation. 4) Intentionally Scratch Your Car There's the thought that by doing something to yourself it won't happen to you and this applies perfectly to this car superstition. Essentially, if you buy a new Toyota car from Toyota of Clermont, you'll likely be afraid of it getting scratched at some point. So, scratch the car yourself and it'll keep any further scratches from popping up. Scratches happen and you adding one will likely not prevent more from happening to your ride. But, if you feel strongly about this one, try scratching your ride in an inconspicuous place like the wheel weld. 5) Close Your Eyes and Make a Wish if You See a Tractor We don't have any explanation for this one. Just don't drive with your eyes closed at any point in time.   Have a great weekend everyone and good luck getting through Friday the 13th!

Do you consider yourself to be knowledgeable when it comes to making your way around under the hood of your car? Not many people do - it's intimidating under there, and if you're not an expert at maintenance and repairs, it's easy to make a mistake that can cost you a pretty penny down the road. One car part that drivers are especially intimidated by is the car transmission. This very important part is crucial to your car's performance, which is why Toyota of Clermont is here to help. What are the most common car transmission issues? When asked, most drivers will admit that they know one basic thing about transmissions - they come in manual and automatic. Obviously there's a lot more to it than that, and if you're going to be a responsible car owner it's important to know how to troubleshoot this essential part. Check out these four common issues we often see in this arena and how to spot them... and then let Toyota of Clermont get on top of the repairs for you. #1: Leaks Luckily, car transmission leaks are pretty easy to spot. The fluid is reddish in color, so if you see a puddle of that hue underneath your ride, it's time to visit Toyota of Clermont's service center. They can locate where the leak is in the system, quickly repair it, and refill the fluid so you can efficiently and safely get back on the road. #2: Burning smell Do you smell something burning coming from under the hood? This can be caused by a host of things, but it can indicate an issue with the car's transmission. Specifically, it can indicate that you're either out of fluid or you're using the wrong kind for your ride. Either way, it can cause expensive repairs in your future, so it's best to have the issue addressed with a mechanic before you try to hit the road again. #3: Grinding or vibrating When your car shifts - whether you're shifting it manually yourself or letting an automatic do its work - you shouldn't really feel it. Sure, you'll notice it, but it shouldn't be to the extent that it calls your attention away from the task at hand. If you feel your car's transmission vibrating or grinding when it changes gears, then you've got an issue. This can damage your ride and cause big-time repairs, so bring it in to have it inspected ASAP. #4: Delayed or missing response When you shift your car into park, drive, or neutral, you expect a response. Same goes when you shift gears as you accelerate and decelerate. If your car seems like it's lagging when it shifts or it doesn't respond to your requests to shift or change gears, you've got transmission problems. Get them fixed immediately to avoid a bigger and costlier issue. Let Toyota of Clermont get you back on the road Think you might have something going on under the hood? DIY repairs aren't recommended in this instance unless you're an expert, so bring your ride to Toyota of Clermont. We're open seven days a week at 16851 State Road 50, and you can call ahead of time to make an appointment at (352) 404-7001.