Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

Virginia Walmer

Customer Review

★★★★★

I have had my car into Dirks 3 or 4 times now for 2 different vehicles. Having the oil change, transmission flush and check up. I am very satisfied with his knowledge, pricing and work done. It only takes within a few days before he can get me in for an appointment which makes me very happy. I am so grateful and satisfied with this business I feel Blessed to have found him. I was previously with 2 different dealers who was doing this and I can tell you, I am glad I changed because I do not believe they have the same work integrity or knowledge with so many different problems and controversy not doing what they charged me for and all and giving me bad advise. So thank you For all the great work and intend to continue going there.

Terri Motola

Customer Review

★★★★★

I was directed to Dirks Auto Service in Crystal River following a disappointing experience with my older (2001) Corvette elsewhere. Upon arrival, I found solace in the sight of other vintage Corvettes. "All these people can't be mistaken," I thought. Clay promptly attended to me when I arrived for my 8am appointment. He was forthright in explaining that my issue might involve multiple layers and advised me to anticipate at least 2 or more hours of work. Later in the day, as promised, he phoned to outline my car's window issue. He also clarified that he had done his best considering the sub-par parts and service I had previously received at another establishment. I truly valued Clay's expertise and honesty. As an older woman, trust is paramount to me. I have full confidence in returning to Dirks Auto Service for future work and wholeheartedly recommend it to others seeking top-notch service! It was a pleasure to experience such professionalism and care for both my car and myself.

GM 8.5 Right drive axle diffferential Jasper Engines

Do you hear a funny clicking sound when you turn the wheels of your vehicle? It could be your car or truck's CV or Drive Axle, and it may be in need of repair. Safety is the number one priority for our customers here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic, and it is our goal to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Driving around with a damaged CV Joint or Drive Axle problem can be extremely dangerous. The axle is a structural component that bears the weight of the vehicle, any cargo, and the acceleration forces between you and the ground. It is so important to have your vehicle inspected regularly by a trained automotive repair professional here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic to ensure its safety.

Prevention is better than cure. You've probably heard that said plenty of times. The phrase is most often used to talk about health and medicine, but it is just as valid to apply it to vehicles. It's great if your problem can be sorted without much trouble, but even better not to have a problem in the first place. This is especially true when it comes to your vehicle's transmission, as this can be one of the more specialized parts to repair. Not all transmission problems require an extensive overhaul, but they will all cause at least some trouble and inconvenience. Avoiding transmission problems is clearly preferable to even the problems that are quickest and cheapest repair. This is why it is important to ensure you take good care of your transmission. This will help prevent problems and keep it working smoothly. Ideally, it will mean that it doesn't develop any faults at all. Even if it does eventually go wrong, however, it is entirely possible that good care will mean the fault is less serious and easier to repair than it would have been otherwise. Here's some insight on how to prevent problems from our team here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic.

Your transmission suddenly isn’t shifting right. So what’s wrong with it? Do you need your transmission rebuilt? To find out what’s causing your transmission problem, one of our technicians here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic is going to have to perform a series of tests. Basically, these tests are designed to answer the simple question: “Is it inside or outside?” That is, is the problem inside the transmission, or in one of the many control systems that operate the transmission?

It is inevitable that the sun will rise and set each day - so too is the inevitability of clutch wear if you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission. Unlike the sun, however, you have a lot of control over how fast that wear occurs. Here’s some information on riding the clutch, and why you should stop doing it!

What is “riding the clutch”? - Let’s start by defining exactly what we’re talking about here. “Riding the clutch” is one of many phrases in automotive slang, which circumnavigates the explanation of something sort of complicated. Any time your clutch pedal hangs out in the purgatory between fully depressed and fully released, except for the purposes of shifting or acceleration, you’re riding the clutch. Avoid using the clutch pedal to manage speed as much as possible. If you’re sitting at a stoplight or a stop sign, you might catch yourself letting the clutch out halfway to keep the car at a standstill instead of using the brake, or taking advantage of the clutch to drive slowly.

If your transmission isn’t shifting correctly, you’ll want to be careful about how you choose to proceed. The best thing to do is turn the vehicle off and have a professional take a look at it, but if that isn’t an option, there are some steps you can take to ensure nothing gets damaged. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL we can take a look at your issues and also give you some tips on what to do when that option isn't available yet.

Auxiliary transmission coolers are one of many ways the aftermarket can improve the quality and durability of your vehicle. From Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, here’s some information concerning auxiliary coolers, why you might need one, and what it can do for you.