Automotive News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

Hydraulic power has a lot to do with how your transmission operates. There are some basic hydraulic components that keep your transmission running smoothly.

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we know it isn’t always easy deciding what to do next when it comes to major engine repairs. Fortunately, that’s what we’re here for - to help you make the best decision for your situation.

If you’ve owned a vehicle long, particularly one with a few miles on it, you have probably encountered a peculiar smell that grabbed your attention. Scents that you encounter while driving (emanating from your vehicle, not the horse farm down the road) are indicators of your vehicle's health and often the first warning that something may be wrong. Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River has assembled this list to prepare for you for the next time you smell something odd, so you’ll know what’s going on next time you notice a funny smell.

Routine maintenance can lead us to discover all kinds of things you would think are obvious but as drivers with a routine, we simply get in and drive. We may think that if the lights come on and the car starts there are no issues, but at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River we know what to look for and when to ask questions.

Mechanic working on the brakes of a truck

Brake pads are important - you don’t need them to go, but you do need them to stop. At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we like to keep your vehicle stopping exactly as it should - it’s less dangerous, and it keeps insurance premiums low. So, how do you know if your brake pads are going bad? How do they work? What even are they? We’ve got the answers!

On average, today’s vehicles get better gas mileage than ever. There are still ways to get the most out of the fuel that you put into your tank. Here are the factors that affect gas mileage, and what you can do to maximize yours, from Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL.

You may have heard the term CV axle before in reference to your car but aren’t entirely sure what it means. Here’s your answer, from Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, as well as a guide to determining if yours need replacement.

Whether you drive a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche (some exclusions apply), Subaru, or other performance automobiles, your car has a cooling system. With winter right around the corner, at Dirk’s Auto Clinic we want to make sure your cooling system is ready for the cold.