oil change

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we understand all too well the importance of changing your oil regularly. Three to five thousand miles sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t really take that long to rack them up. The busier you are, the more you probably drive, and the more likely you are to forget it’s time to change your oil. Here are some reasons to pay attention to your oil changes, and help you better understand why oil changes are so important.

truck on alignment machine

Your truck’s alignment is an essential aspect of its reliability and ride quality. From Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, here’s what you should know about the alignment on your Chevrolet, Dodge, or Ford diesel pickup, from symptoms to keep an eye on, to how it affects your vehicle.

brake repair

Brakes are one of the most important components of your vehicle. You need the confidence of knowing that when you press your foot to the brake, your vehicle is going to stop. That's why it's important to keep these tips in mind to help keep your brakes functioning properly. Schedule an appointment with us at Dirk’s Auto Clinic for a brake service checkup today!

oil being poured into a funnel

Trucks aren’t like cars...your average personal vehicle usually holds about 5 quarts of oil, and you are supposed to change it every 3-5k miles. However, the same logic doesn’t apply to large trucks. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we know how important proper oil changes and diagnostics are to keep your truck on the road, for hundreds of thousands of miles. Here’s what you need to know:

battery diagnostics being ran on a car battery by a mechanic

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. 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. 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.

Mechanic

If you think your mechanic doesn’t have to deal with getting certified like other professionals, you are quite possibly mistaken. We say “quite possibly” because mechanics generally aren’t required by law to get certified in this country, so it’s conceivable that Bub down at the local filling station doesn’t have any meaningful credentials hanging on his wall. However, since the founding of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) in 1972, a culture of professionalism has emerged and today about half of the country’s auto mechanics are ASE-certified. There are other kinds of certification, too, and other issues to consider when searching for the right mechanic. We’ll walk you through the details.

mechanic working on a vehicle

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, we specialize in detailed knowledge of complicated, performance systems. One such system, which is becoming ever more precise and complex, is the suspension on your car. Luxury and performance vehicles are innovators and leaders in the suspension field; and as such, it takes leading technicians to service them.

Oil being poured into a vehicle

Everyone from mechanics, to your uncle that works on cars, has at some point given you advice concerning engine oil. The fact of the matter is that while we are familiar with words like “synthetic” and “oil weight,” many people don’t know exactly what the terminology means, or why common knowledge about oil exists in the form that it does. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we keep things clear and simple. The more you know about your vehicle, the better equipped you are to keep it maintained, and we know a thing or two about vehicles. We have compiled a short list of common myths for you, most of which you’ve heard, but maybe never second guessed.

  • Jasper
  • 24-Hour Dropoff
  • Acdelco
  • ASE
  • BF Goodrich
  • BG Products
  • Bridgestone Firestone
  • Be Car Care Aware
  • Castrol
  • cbCharge Fleet Financing
  • Cooper Tires
  • Customer Savings
  • Dunlop Tires
  • Fleet Services
  • Flo Pro Performance Exhaust
  • Flowmaster
  • Goodyear
  • Handicap Accessible
  • Hankook Tires
  • iATN
  • Kelly Tires
  • Kendall Oil
  • Magnaflow
  • Michelin
  • MACS
  • Mastercraft
  • Mobil Oil
  • Motorcraft Parts
  • Pet Friendly
  • RV Repair
  • Sumitomo Tires
  • Synchrony
  • Tech-net
  • Tires
  • Toyo
  • Uniroyal
  • 24 Month Warranty
  • 12 Month Warranty
  • Wifi Available

Dirk's Auto Clinic

6617 W Gulf to Lake Hwy
Crystal River, FL 34429
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location small (352) 795-3681
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SHOP HOURS

Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekends: CLOSED

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