Brandon Auto Repair

Even for those of us who don't have a comprehensive understanding of vehicle engines understand that the single fastest way to destroy an engine is to overheat it. However, it's just as easy to destroy an engine slowly, especially when warning signs aren't visible. Everything might appear to be ok, but then you find that the damage is just as catastrophic. Here at Clarke Automotive, your trusted Brandon FL auto repair and maintenance, wants you to know that it's just as important to understand how to destroy an engine over time as it is to understand how to destroy one in a few minutes - that way you know what you can do to prevent it! 1. Ethanol. One of the most damaging things you can do to your engine over time is adding ethanol gasoline. The solution? Fuel additives are not only recommended these days, they are virtually a requirement just like oil and coolant. Fuel additives are the only means of preventing the cancer inside your vehicle's motor that ethanol c ... read more

Back during the good old days when gas was $2.00 (anyone remember $1.00 gas?), it was easier to ignore simple car maintenance. After all, what would it be causing you? A couple bucks here and there? Fuel efficiency matters a whole lot more now than it used to and here at Clarke Automotive, your local Brandon FL auto repair and maintenance team, we understand this. We've put together a quick list of five basics, ranked from easiest to most difficult, that can help any vehicle owner squeeze a few extra miles per gallon out of their daily driver. 1. Fill up smart. Fill up your vehicle during the coolest part of the day. With older pumps that don't have a temperature-compensating flow meter, fuel is denser when it's cool, so you actually get more for your money when you pump gas in the early AM instead of filling up at 5:30PM on your way home from work. 2. Keep your car clean! First off, wash and wax your car — it doesn't just look good, it actually lowers th ... read more

Hello, This is your rearview mirror. Obviously, I take my job of reflecting pretty seriously. Today, I thought it would be good to share a distinction that Clarke Automotive Systems has earned through AAA. They are a AAA Approved Auto Repair affiliate. Your Clarke Automotive Systems mechanic is the expert in the auto repair and maintenance that your car needs. As a AAA affiliate, here are just a few of the services and repairs they are approved to do: Brake Services - This is serious not just because having bad breaks is very dangerous, but getting the breaks repaired back into safe brakes can be very expensive. Transmission Service & Repair - This is another repair that can get very expensive if left until it’s too late. Getting your transmission serviced can let you know if you need minor repairs to head off the major rebuild or replace. Steering & Suspension Services - Obviously, your steering and suspe ... read more

Hello, This is your rearview mirror. Since my main purpose is to reflect, I thought I would share some reflections from customers at Clarke Automotive Systems. At Clarke, your mechanic will be an expert in the auto repair and maintenance that your car needs. You don’t have to just listen to me though--take it from their customers and our Testimonials page. You don’t have to just listen to a silly old mirror though--decide for yourself when you read from their Testimonials

Proudly servicing Brandon Florida's auto repair and service needs for over 30 years on domestic and Asian vehicles. We are equipped and trained to work on today’s automobile and everything we do keeps your car under warranty. Beyond oil changes, the basic servicing of a vehicle is becoming less demanding, particularly within the first 60,000 miles of ownership. Spark plugs typically don't have to be changed for at least 100,000 miles, and most new cars don't require any chassis lubrication. With coolant systems that are entirely recirculating and with coolant manufacturers making strides in their products' chemical components, the seasonal radiator flush is becoming a thing of the past. Yet anyone who goes to a service facility is likely to get pitched "routine" maintenance services from fuel injector cleaning to coolant flushes to air-conditioner refrigerant replacement. Just say no -- or at the very least compare what they're trying to sell with what your owner's ... read more

At Clarke Automotive, we specialize in auto repair for Brandon, Tampa, Ruskin, and more. With our car repair team’s extensive knowledge and training in repairing and maintaining domestic and imported vehicles, our shop guarantees all customers the best service they deserve. Our cost-effective offerings make us the perfect alternative for auto repair and maintenance services from the usual car dealerships. Today we have some tips for you to save money on your car maintenance while keeping your wheels on the road. 1. Stop changing your oil so often. You should only change your oil according to your owner's manual provided in your vehicle. Changing it more often is a waste of time and money for you. 2. Lubing your chassis. If someone says your chassis needs lubing, check it out before doing anything. Most cars built in the last couple of decades don't require lubrication. And if the mechanic says he can put in a fitting so t ... read more