Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

salesman talking to customer about a new vehicle

Whether you drive a Chevrolet, Ford, or Dodge diesel pickup, there will come a day when you have to ask the question - has the time come to get a new truck? Knowing when to throw in the towel or decide to keep the vehicle you have can be a difficult task. Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL is here to help you decide.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we’ve seen and diagnosed every warning light in the book. Many people ignore their check engine light, and while it isn’t advised, often get away with it. Transmission warning lights are different, however. Here's what it means and what you should do when it comes on.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we know how easy it is to overlook vehicle maintenance when everything is working as it should - we also know firsthand the toll neglected maintenance takes on a vehicle. Here’s an easy thing you can do yourself, that might save you an engine, transmission, or avoid numerous other problems.

Sometimes your car, truck, or SUV stops performing quite like it used to. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we can fix that. A simple but common issue on vehicles equipped with a manual transmission is shifter bushing issues. Your shifter has a bushing on the end of it, where it connects to the actual transmission. Its purpose is to provide tight, smooth shifting.

mechanic working under the hood of a car

Transmissions are complicated and intricate pieces of equipment. Many general mechanic shops won’t touch a transmission, if it’s anything more than simply installing a new one. Transmissions are one aspect of a vehicle that even experienced mechanics often don’t dare delve into, and is easily the most mysterious and misunderstood system in the automotive world. You need a shop that you can trust to perform the best work on whatever your transmission may be in need of.

Your transmission mounts keep your transmission in place and suppress vibrations coming from the drivetrain. How do you know when to replace them or when they’re going bad. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, our goal is to educate you about your vehicle so that you can drive it safely and prolong its life.

Exhaust systems are one of the most neglected aspects of most vehicles. Exhaust pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are exposed to heat, emissions, and road damage. While your exhaust system is fairly simple and straightforward, these conditions mean it is inherently prone to rust and damage. As a result, this system is often one of the first systems you will have trouble within your car.

If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, you know it’s hard to keep everything working perfectly all the time. You have to choose what to give priority to, and what can wait. However, some small problems are indicators that a bigger issue is on the way. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, our goal is to keep you and your fleet going.