Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we know that the difference between a vehicle that runs for 80,000 miles and a vehicle that makes it to 400,000 miles depends on one thing; maintenance. Here are a few tips to avoid some of the most notorious vehicle killers out there.

Vehicle belts aren’t that different than the belts that hold up your trousers. They need to fit properly and stay in place, and if they break, sag, or wear out, you’ll probably wish you were wearing a different belt that day. The same goes for the belts in your car. Your engine compartment is a punishing environment, and while all auto belts are made of materials designed to be both flexible and tough, even the toughest materials will eventually wear out due to the extreme temperatures under the hood.

Once you have a set of new tires installed on your commercial truck or fleet vehicle, you’ll want to get the most out of them. By maintaining them correctly and inspecting them regularly, you’ll keep them on the road for many miles to come. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL we want you to be able to drive on your tires for miles, so let us help you do just that!

Transmission failure is never a fun subject. But, if your transmission has finally bit the dust, don’t panic. Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL has the solutions you need that will save you time and money in the long run. We're here to help you explore all your options so you can make the best decision for you and your vehicle.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, cars are our passion, so naturally, we like to keep up with new technology on the market. At the moment, surprisingly the current trend is moving towards a goal you may not expect; self-driving vehicles. You’ve probably heard about self-driving cars a little bit here and there on the news, but it likely still seems somewhere in the realm of science fiction to you. However, the reality is that self-driving cars are on the way and maybe here sooner than you think. Already, almost all major automobile manufacturers are dumping billions of dollars into research and development for self-driving cars, and even companies like Uber are jumping on board.

Do you have a noisy vehicle? If so, you may need a new muffler or exhaust system from our team here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River. The purpose of your exhaust system is not only to reduce the noise but also to redirect fumes away from your vehicle. Redirecting these fumes protects passengers in the car from toxins created by burning fuel.

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless chemical that can escape from an unsecured exhaust system, and if inhaled can pose very serious health hazards. If you experience an unusually loud sound coming from your vehicle, it is vital to get your exhaust system checked immediately!

Most commercial diesel engines these days are turbocharged. Turbos dramatically increase power and efficiency, particularly on diesel engines, which makes them a must-have item on engines that rely heavily on both. However, sometimes issues arise in turbo systems; at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we can fix that.

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.