Automotive Industry News & Information - Dirk's Auto Clinic

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 with inside your car. The exhaust system is complex and completely necessary for your vehicle to run efficiently.

Judging by the number of near-rear-endings we witness on our morning commutes, the typical attitude toward brake maintenance appears to be, “Brakes: Don’t let them stop you!” This puzzles us because monitoring your braking system’s health is one of the most straightforward aspects of car ownership. You do have to know what to look for, though, or rather, what to listen and feel for. So let us, uh, break it down for you. Here are the top three signs that your brakes need fixing.

Transmission work is a world of precision and attention to detail. Transmission specialists, like the technicians at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, chose to specialize in transmission work partly because they have a knack for both. It’s just one of the things that make us the best in the business.

Regular maintenance checks of your vehicle will help you avoid a catalytic converter that looks like this resulting in large repair costs which is what our team here at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River want to avoid at all costs! We feel that every customer has a need to know what repairs are in their future and exactly how to budget for them if need be so we check your vehicle thoroughly and keep you informed.

There are several indicators that your catalytic converter isn't functioning at maximum capacity such as:

At Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL, we believe it’s important for you to know how different systems in your car, truck, or SUV operate. Whether you want to know what to watch out for, or you’re just curious about how things work, we’re here to supply the answers.

The transmission in your truck works harder than any other on the road. A fully loaded semi weighs about 40 times as much as a normal passenger vehicle, and racks up twice the mileage. As such, it’s essential to keep your transmission in good shape and regularly maintenanced. Fortunately, Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River has you covered.

Keeping our customers safe and on the road is our goal at Dirk’s Auto Clinic in Crystal River, FL. When something goes wrong with your engine or your vehicle's electrical system, your car will usually let you know immediately. However, when the rubber meets the road, you need to know that your tires are in great shape as well.

As your vehicle ages, it not only gains sentimental value but a number of maintenance measures arise as well. Trucks from previous decades have the potential to keep their value and functionality for many years. Here are some tips from Dirk’s Auto Clinic to keep your older truck running for a prolonged time.