Car Care Tips

  • Gas Mileage and How To Increase It

    dashboard

    Good gas mileage is something we all want. In fact, many drivers purchase certain cars solely for gas mileage, and almost all of us at least take it into consideration when purchasing a vehicle. While it is true that gas mileage is by and large determined simply by the type of car, there are actually a variety of things you can do to increase the gas mileage of any automobile. The tips Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River want to provide you here are simple and effective steps you can take to increase your gas mileage, often more considerably than you think.

  • Hot Car - Suggestions to Cool it Down

    cars parked under tree

    We all love the sunshine but getting into that HOT car isn't always so wonderful even when you have a remote start it will take the breath out of you when the temperatures are soaring. Makes you want to pack your lunch instead of meeting friends for lunch! We decided that you should meet friends for lunch! So we got together and found some quick ideas for you. It isn't much but enjoy the sunshine on us here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic here in Crystal River! Call it our fun day fact!

  • How to Avoid Risks with Your Vehicle

    mechanic working on a vehicle

    At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we understand that big trucks mean bigger risk on the road. Here are some tips to remember, to reduce the likelihood of an accident resulting in large repair costs next time you're on the job.

  • How To Avoid Transmission Failure

    At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we know that hearing you need a new transmission is a dreaded affair. Here’s some advice from the transmission experts on how to prevent that day from coming.

  • How to Fix Foggy or Cloudy Headlights

    headlight of car

    Foggy headlights are a problem that has arisen in the past couple of decades, as we have moved away from glass sealed beam bulbs and into an era of plastic lenses with bulbs inside. While modern headlights are superior to the sealed beam headlights of years ago, they do tend to fog up after years of use. It’s a good trade for far better illumination and easier replacement, but an issue nonetheless. Hours and hours of heat, sunlight, and age eventually cause them to cloud up, which can reduce visibility at night in addition to worsening the appearance of your car, truck, or SUV. From Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, here are some tips on taking care of your foggy or cloudy headlight issue.

  • How To Get More Miles Per Gallon

    gas tanks

    At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, efficiency is a concept that interests us. While your fuel economy is largely dependent on what kind of car, truck, or SUV you drive, there are a variety of tips and tricks to get the most bang for your buck. We’ve provided a few of our favorites here.

  • How to use battery cables.

    battery cables

    If you drive a luxury or performance vehicle, you’re an owner of a reliable machine. Still, occasionally problems do arise. On vehicles like these, with so many electronics, a dead battery is a common issue. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic we want to keep our customers informed, here’s how to jump-start your vehicle safely. 

  • I Can’t Find My Specified Transmission Fluid, What Should I Use?

    transmission fluid dip stick

    At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we know that a key aspect of taking care of your transmission is understanding how it works. Here’s some info on transmission fluid types, in case you’re having trouble finding yours.

  • I don’t hear my car shift, is there something wrong with my transmission?

    guy shifting car

    At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we understand that there are endless ways a transmission can sound, behave, and feel, depending on what type of car it’s in, what type of transmission it is, and the state of the vehicle’s repair. Sometimes, when people buy a different car, they notice it doesn’t act the same as their last car, which leads them to believe there is a problem.

  • Increase Fuel Efficiency

    fuel gauge

    Getting into the habit of saving on fuel now will mean you’ll be ready when prices start rising again. You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car, either. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

  • Increase Your Fuel Efficiency

    fuel gauge on car

    Getting into the habit of saving on fuel now will mean you’ll be ready when prices start hitting the $4.00-gallon mark once again. You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car, either. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

  • Is it okay to shift into park before stopping?

    Car in Park

    The key to maintaining a healthy transmission is understanding how it works. Here’s the rundown on shifting your car, truck, or SUV into park before it stops, from the professional technicians at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River.

  • Is It Time To Replace Your Weather-Stripping?

    open door

    At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we know that a huge part of the ride quality of your car, truck, or SUV is how well it keeps road and engine noises out of the passenger compartment. Few things are more annoying on a long commute or road trip than the drone of tires on pavement, the constant sound of your car battling the air outside, loud semi-trucks, and so on.

  • Is It Wear and Tear or a Serious Problem?

    mechanic checking under hood of car

    It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your vehicle or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

  • Keeping Your Climate Control Cleaner, Quieter, and Lasting Longer

    cabin filter

    If your car has climate control, then it also has a cabin filter. Cabin filters are simply air filters for the interior of your car, truck, or SUV. All air entering circulation through the climate control system first passes through this filter, to prevent your AC or heat systems from accumulating debris or blowing them out of your vents. The result is cleaner, quieter, and longer-lasting climate control systems, which keep the inside of your car as comfortable as possible. 

  • Keeping Your Kids Safe

    man and his kid working on their car

    Part of maintaining your vehicle is keeping its safety devices in good working order, especially when there are kids in the car. Seat belts, window locks, and airbag sensors work together to keep children safe in an automobile. Though safety components are generally very reliable, they do occasionally fail. Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River is here when they do; here are some things to watch out for.

  • Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Vehicle

    childs hand holding an adult hand

    Part of maintaining your vehicle is keeping its safety devices in good working order, especially when there are kids in the car. Seat belts, window locks, and airbag sensors work together to keep children safe in an automobile. Though safety components are generally very reliable, they do occasionally fail. Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River is here when they do; here are some things to watch out for.

  • Looking To Buy A Used Vehicle, Here Is A Tip!

    There’s a lot of information on buying used cars out there, but at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we don’t think it’s possible to go into a purchase armed with too much information. The condition of the transmission in a used car is perhaps the most essential aspect of a pre-owned car purchase - this article explains why, and how to make sure your prospective buy is everything you want it to be.

  • Looking to Improve Your Driving?

    smiling driver behind the wheel

    Whether you’ve been driving for five days or fifty years, there’s always room for improvement. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in [BUSINESS_CITY[, we want to keep you safe. If you firmly believe you've got stellar skills behind the wheel, keep in mind that even the world's most talented racecar drivers are constantly training and sharpening their driving techniques. 

  • Looks Like A Problem? YES!

    mechanic working on a vehicle

    Sometimes it is EASY to see if your car or truck needs to come into our shop for professional repairs! 
    1.  You see steam rising from the engine!
    2.  The Check Engine Light is on!
    3.  The engine starts, but there is an odor that is not right.
    4.  You hear grinding or thumping noises.

  • Jasper
  • 24-Hour Dropoff
  • Acdelco
  • ASE
  • BF Goodrich
  • BG Products
  • Bridgestone Firestone
  • Be Car Care Aware
  • Castrol
  • cbCharge Fleet Financing
  • Cooper Tires
  • Customer Savings
  • Dunlop Tires
  • Fleet Services
  • Flo Pro Performance Exhaust
  • Flowmaster
  • Goodyear
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Hankook Tires
  • iATN
  • Kelly Tires
  • Kendall Oil
  • Magnaflow
  • Michelin
  • MACS
  • Mastercraft
  • Mobil Oil
  • Motorcraft Parts
  • Pet Friendly
  • RV Repair
  • Sumitomo Tires
  • Synchrony
  • Tech-net
  • Tires
  • Toyo
  • Uniroyal
  • 24 Month Warranty
  • 12 Month Warranty
  • Wifi Available

Dirk's Auto Clinic

6617 W Gulf to Lake Hwy
Crystal River, FL 34429
Get Directions

location small (352) 795-3681
Email the Shop

SHOP HOURS

Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: CLOSED

Make An Appointment