Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we recommend always making it a priority to change your oil on time. Here’s a look into why it’s so important, and what happens if you don’t keep up with oil changes.

Sludge - If oil stays in an engine too long, sludge begins to build up anywhere oil can go. The oil absorbs tiny debris and contaminants, kind of like a liquid sponge - once it’s at capacity, that oil begins to stick, clog, and build up throughout the engine. Small veins that carry oil to components like actuators, turbos, and bearings will become blocked, starving critical components of oil and causing component or engine failure.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we’re focused on keeping your car, truck, or SUV running well - but we’re here to keep it looking good too. Here’s some information on wheel sizing, to help you make sure your new wheels will fit your vehicle.

Two things matter when mounting new tires on your truck or commercial vehicle. First, you want it done right. Second, you want it done fast. For both, Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL has you covered.

People idle their vehicles for a variety of reasons - to warm it up on cool days and to keep it cool on warm days. But what does idling mean for your transmission? Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL has the answers.

In the old days, when your headlight burned out you just replaced the entire thing with a new glass bulb. Modern headlights are plastic assemblies, with a bulb inserted through the back. What this means, is that the plastic lens that light shines through never gets replaced, and eventually will begin to oxidize and deteriorate due to time, weather, and heat from your bulb. Today you will learn when it’s time to fix or replace your headlight assemblies, what options you have in doing so, and what the benefits are.

Routine maintenance can lead us to discover all kinds of things you would think are obvious but as drivers with a routine, we simply get in and drive. We may think that if the lights come on and the car starts there are no issues, but at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River we know what to look for and when to ask questions. When your vehicle is pulling to one side there are several possibilities.

Maintaining your car doesn't have to be a hassle, just bring it to our team here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River. We can take care of all the dirty work. However, it's important to know when you should get proper maintenance. Here are some quick tips and advice on the basics of car maintenance!

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, were huge fans of seatbelts. They dramatically reduce the chances of being injured in an automobile accident, and in many cases, they are the difference between a fatal crash and walking away unharmed. But how long has the seat belt been around? When did wearing it become law?