We’ve all heard it before: "Oh, I know a guy who can do it cheaper!" And while saving money is great, when it comes to your car, trusting the wrong "guy" can lead to catastrophic—and expensive—consequences.
Recently, we had a customer in O'Fallon whose well-meaning friend replaced her spark plugs. Unfortunately, he didn’t torque them properly. The result? The spark plug backed itself out, compression blew it clean out of the head—and took the threads with it. Now, instead of a simple spark plug change, she’s facing a costly cylinder head repair.
The Perils of Improper Repairs
This isn’t an isolated incident. With the deadly heat wave we’re enduring in O'Fallon, we’ve seen cars overheat because "their guy" used improperly mixed coolant. We’ve had vehicles towed in with engines overfilled with oil (hello, blown seals!). We’ve even seen brake pads installed backwards—yes, you read that right.
Here’s the truth: Over-torquing is just as dangerous as under-torquing. Cross-threading a bolt, using the wrong fluids, or skipping critical steps can turn a minor maintenance item into a major disaster. And in this heat, cutting corners can leave you stranded—or worse.
Why Professionals Matter
At Hillside Auto Repair, we don’t just "know a guy"—we are the guys (and gals!) you can trust. Our experienced technicians use the same tools and equipment as dealerships, ensuring your car gets the precision care it deserves. Plus, we back all our services with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty—something your buddy in the driveway can’t offer.
We get it—DIY has its place. Changing wiper blades? Go for it. But when it comes to critical systems like brakes, cooling, or engine work, some things are just better left to professionals.
Stay Cool & Drive Safe
Don’t let a well-intentioned "I know a guy" moment turn into a costly mistake. Whether it’s surviving this brutal heat wave or just keeping your car running smoothly, trust the professionals at Hillside Auto Repair. After all, our motto says it all:
"We’re the Professionals You Can Trust."
And remember—if your "guy" suggests using duct tape as a permanent fix, it’s time to call us instead. 😉