O'Fallon Auto Repair

What Makes a Good Mechanic Shop? Choosing the right mechanic shop can make all the difference in maintaining the health and longevity of your vehicle. A good mechanic shop doesn't just fix cars; it builds trust, provides transparency, and ensures peace of mind. At Hillside Auto Repair, we believe these elements are key to offering top-notch service. Here's what sets a great mechanic shop apart: Comprehensive Warranties A hallmark of a reliable mechanic shop is a strong warranty. At Hillside Auto Repair, we stand behind our work with a robust 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on both parts and labor. This commitment ensures that our customers drive away with confidence, knowing they are protected long after their visit. Digital Inspections for Transparency In today's digital age, transparency is crucial. Hillside Auto Repair utilizes state-of-the-art digital inspections. This technology allows our customers to v ... read more

If you've ever foesperatund yourself in a downpour, dely trying to peer through streaks on your windshield while cursing the weather, you owe a silent thanks to the humble windshield wiper. It may not be the flashiest component of your vehicle, but it's undoubtedly one of the most crucial. Let's embark on a fascinating journey through the history of windshield wipers and discover how these unsung heroes have evolved over time. A Brief History of Windshield Wipers: The story of windshield wipers begins in 1903, when Mary Anderson, a determined inventor, revolutionized driving. Anderson’s design was essentially a hand-operated lever that could sweep a blade across the windshield, clearing away rain and debris. Little did she know, her invention would become an essential part of automotive safety. Fast forward to 1920, and the first automatic windshield wiper was introduced by the innovative German Company, Bosch. This was the era when wipers started t ... read more

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors are crucial components in modern vehicles, designed to ensure your safety on the road by continuously monitoring the air pressure in your tires. Here’s a comprehensive look at how these sensors work, why tire pressure fluctuates with summer heat, and how to identify potential sensor issues. What Do TPMS Sensors Do? TPMS sensors are installed within each tire and are responsible for monitoring the air pressure. They send real-time data to your vehicle’s onboard computer, alerting you if any tire is significantly under-inflated or over-inflated. This proactive approach helps prevent unsafe driving conditions, improves fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your tires. Why Does Tire Pressure Change in Summer? As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands, leading to increased tire pressure. This is due to the basic principle that air expands when heated. For every 10°F increase ... read more

When it comes to vehicle safety, tire maintenance is often overlooked. However, one of the most critical aspects of tire care is ensuring adequate tread depth. In this blog post, we’ll explore why tire tread depth is essential, how to measure it accurately, and why tire grip is crucial, even during the summer months. Additionally, we'll highlight Hillside Auto Repair’s recommendation of Nexen tires and the exclusive benefits we offer with tire purchase. Why Tire Tread Depth Matters Tire tread depth is a crucial factor in vehicle safety and performance. The tread of a tire is designed to grip the road, channel water away, and provide traction. As tires wear down, their ability to grip the road diminishes, which can significantly affect handling, braking, and overall driving safety. Safety: Adequate tread depth is essential for maintaining good traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Worn tires are more susceptible to hydropl ... read more

Let’s talk about something every car owner should be aware of but might not know much about: the head gasket. If you’ve ever experienced a car hiccuping like it’s caught a bad case of the hiccups or wondered why your engine's steam engine impression is getting a little too literal, chances are you’re dealing with a blown head gasket. And while it might sound like the kind of thing that could be fixed with a bit of duct tape and a sprinkle of optimism, it's actually a bit more involved. What is a Head Gasket? Picture the head gasket as the unsung hero in your car’s engine. It sits snugly between the engine block and the cylinder head, sealing the internal combustion process and keeping coolant and oil from mixing. It’s like the bouncer at a VIP party—keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes and making sure the wrong elements don’t crash the party. Why Does It Blow? Even the best bounce ... read more