Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

When you see tires advertised, you’ll often see the word “radial” attached to it. What does this mean, and where did radial tires originate? Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL is here, with answers to questions you weren’t even asking.

What are radial tires, where do they come from, and why are they important? If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, radial tires are an advancement you’re thankful for, whether you realize it or not. Here’s why, from Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, our mechanics are well trained and qualified to service any type of transmission, in any car, truck, or SUV. If your car is equipped with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, you probably know that your transmission is somewhat complicated, and therefore requires professional attention. Our technicians possess the knowledge, ability, and equipment necessary to keep your 4WD or AWD vehicle reliably on the road, and ready for any driving condition, any time. For all your transmission repair or maintenance needs, call or come by Dirk’s Auto Clinic today.

These days, it seems like the oil options for your oil changes are limitless - full synthetic, blends, conventional, high mileage, and the list goes on and on. We are frequently asked if it's okay to switch between oils, and how you know what is okay to use? At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL we're here to help you answer that question. When it comes to engine oil, the answer to this question can be as complicated or as simple as you want it to be!

If you own or operate a fleet or commercial truck, it’s important you know the basics of vehicle maintenance. Checking your fluids is the easiest and most effective way to ensure your vehicles stay on the road and going strong. Here’s what you need to know, from Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL.

Whatever type of truck you run in your fleet, they all have a driveshaft that connects the transmission to the differential, transferring power to the wheels. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we specialize in diesel truck and fleet vehicle maintenance and repair, including precision driveshaft care.

Your car’s fuel system works with the rest of the engine control system to deliver the best performance with the lowest emissions. Check your car’s fuel system regularly or immediately if you smell gas or suspect a problem.

What does it do? - The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel tank and passes it through a fuel filter for straining before it arrives at the injectors. A pressure regulator controls fuel pressure to ensure good engine performance under a variety of speed and load conditions. Fuel injectors, when activated, spray a metered amount of fuel into the engine. Some vehicles use a return line system to return unused fuel back to the tank.

Obviously, the dirtier your fuel system is, the bigger the improvement you will see in performance and fuel economy after a fuel system cleaning. But it is important not to wait until your system is running poorly. If you do, by the time you get a cleaning, you’ve wasted hundreds of dollars in gas or even possibly damaged your fuel injectors and catalytic converter.