Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

Fuel economy isn't far from the minds of our Crystal River drivers and we hear these questions daily such as: Why can certain cars zip along at close to 40 mpg while others are lucky to get anywhere near 20? As it turns out, there are as many factors that go into how well your ride does at the pumps! Here are the 10 factors that have the greatest impact on fuel consumption that we would like to share with you.

One of the more annoying issues a car, truck, or SUV will develop is a grinding or scraping sound when you hit the brakes. What is it, and how do you make it stop? At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL we have the answer.

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.

Transmissions are full of gaskets and seals since they rely on hydraulic pressure and fluid to operate. However, there are main seals that insulate the input and output shafts from the outside world, that are more prone to failure than the rest, and easy to diagnose. If you’ve noticed leaking transmission fluid from under your automatic car, truck, or SUV, Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River has the answers you need.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we see our fair share of warning lights and dashboard notifications. If your ABS light is illuminated, here’s what you need to know. First, it should be noted that the ABS light is supposed to illuminate for a few seconds after you turn the key, as part of a system test. If the light stays illuminated or comes on again randomly, there’s an issue somewhere that must be addressed.

Did you know that airbags weren't mandatory safety equipment in passenger vehicles until 1997? Now, you'll find them in well over 100 million cars and trucks on the road. Since their invention, airbags, along with the seat belt, have played a major role in reducing the number of injuries and deaths in traffic collisions.

Your drive belts are simple but integral components to the function of your car, truck, or SUV. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, belts are one of the first things we assess when looking over a vehicle, as they alone are in charge of operating your AC, water pump, alternator, and power steering.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, our priority is keeping your transmission shifting smooth and running strong for years to come. While proper maintenance, driving habits, and a myriad of other conditions affect the life and reliability of a transmission, there are also ways to increase the overall efficiency of your unit, even above stock performance.