Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

If you operate a fleet of vehicles, you’ve probably listened to a vehicle and thought “that doesn’t sound right” at least once or twice. Strange noises are an indicator that something isn’t working right, and typically means something is wearing out a lot faster than it should, or is about to fail. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we can tell a lot about the condition of a vehicle just by listening to it. Specific noises and where they come from are often all you need to diagnose an issue and the severity of the problem. Here are some signs to listen out for.

Without a working battery, your car will not be able to start. If you perform proper maintenance, however, an average car battery can start your car reliably for roughly four years. Your vehicle's radio and headlights, plus a slew of other important functions, are powered by an electrical current generated by your vehicle’s engine but a vital part of generating electricity is having a place to store it while it’s not being used, which is where a car battery comes into play. The battery holds electrical energy while a car is off in order to help the engine turn over and create a spark to start internal combustion. What you don't want is to have a bad battery!!

Whether you drive a Chevrolet, Dodge, or Ford diesel pickup, maintenance and repair performed the correct way is a huge part of keeping you on the road. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we use ASE certified technicians to make sure you get the best service in the industry.

Good steering is an underrated and often neglected aspect of driving. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we believe in making sure you have the best vehicle possible, whether you’re driving across town or traveling long distances.

You’ve noticed an issue with your transmission, or you simply want to make sure the fluid is still at the correct level and looking good. But, you can’t seem to find the dipstick anywhere…what’s the deal? Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River is here to help!

Whether you drive a Chevrolet, Ford, or Dodge diesel pickup, there will come a day when it’s time to ask the question - has the time come to get a new truck? Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL is here to help you decide.

While your exhaust system helps reduce noise output from your vehicle, it also significantly reduces harmful emissions from being released into the air. When your muffler and exhaust system are functioning properly, it significantly reduces your vehicle's harmful impact on the environment. It also significantly improves the functionality of your vehicle and improve fuel mileage for your car, truck, SUV or Jeep.

An exhaust system is made up of numerous parts that work together to rid your car of the exhaust gases that are created during the combustion cycle, as your engine burns fuel. Each part of your exhaust system has an important role to play in removing exhaust gases away from the engine as quickly as possible, allowing another cycle of combustion to begin. The more quickly and efficiently an exhaust system does this the more efficiently an engine can run. The main parts of an exhaust system are an exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, exhaust pipes, and the muffler.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we know how irritating an issue with your car, truck, or SUV can be, even if it doesn’t immediately affect your vehicle’s performance. One such problematic issue, the excessively loud radiator cooling fan, is a common plague many automobile owners will experience.