O'Fallon Auto Repair

When a manufacturer tells you your transmission fluid is "lifetime," you might be tempted to think it's set-and-forget — a magical, immortal elixir that never breaks down, never gets dirty, and never needs changing. But here's the truth every car owner deserves to hear: “lifetime” doesn’t mean forever. It usually means “until the warranty expires.” At Hillside Auto Repair, we’re here to pull back the curtain on this too-common myth and explain why regular complete transmission flushes are crucial to the health of your vehicle — and why we trust BG Products to get the job done right. Let’s Bust This Myth Wide Open Modern car manufacturers use the term “lifetime fluid” as a selling point for low-maintenance vehicles. And while it’s true that newer transmissions and fluids are engineered better than their older counterparts, calling any fluid “lifetime” is dangerously m ... read more

Your car’s fuel pump is like its heart—delivering the lifeblood (gasoline) to keep everything running smoothly. But when it fails, your ride can go from reliable to stranded in seconds. Worse yet, ignoring early warning signs can lead to a repair bill that stings worse than a gas station markup. In this guide, we’ll cover: ✔ What a fuel pump does (and why it’s critical) ✔ Top symptoms of a failing fuel pump ✔ Why replacement costs so much ✔ How proper maintenance can prevent failure And if you’re in O’Fallon, Hillside Auto Repair has you covered—with dealer-grade diagnostics, expert fuel system service, and a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all repairs. What Does a Fuel Pump Do? Your fuel pump’s job is simple but essential: Pulls fuel from the gas tank Pressurizes it (typically 30–80 PSI) Delivers it to the engine’s fuel injectors ... read more

Your car’s timing system is the center of engine performance—keeping your valves and pistons moving in perfect harmony. But when a timing belt snaps or a timing chain stretches too far, the results can be catastrophic. we’ll break down: ✔ Timing belt vs. timing chain—what’s the difference? ✔ Key symptoms that your timing system is failing ✔ When to replace them (before disaster strikes) ✔ What happens if you ignore the warning signs Plus, if you're in O’Fallon, Hillside Auto Repair offers expert timing system service with dealer-grade tools, comprehensive maintenance, and a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What’s the Difference? Timing Belt Rubber belt reinforced with fiber cords Quieter operation but wears out over time Must be replaced preventatively (usually 60,000–100,000 miles) Int ... read more

Your car’s radiator is like its personal cooling system—keeping the engine from overheating and ensuring everything runs smoothly. But when a radiator leak strikes, it can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. In this guide, we’ll cover: ✔ What a radiator does and why it’s critical ✔ Common signs of a radiator leak ✔ How to prevent leaks before they happen ✔ Why professional detection and repair matter Plus, if you're in O’Fallon, Hillside Auto Repair has you covered with dealer-level diagnostics, expert repairs, and a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for all services.   What Does a Radiator Do? Your radiator is the heart of your car’s cooling system. Here’s how it works: Coolant Circulation – The radiator pumps coolant (antifreeze) through the engine to absorb excess heat. Heat Exchange – Hot coolant flows through the radi ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle’s transmission, most drivers think about gears, fluid, and maybe the clutch. But there’s one critical component that often goes unnoticed—the transmission valve body. This intricate assembly is essentially the "brain" of your automatic transmission, controlling fluid flow to engage the right gears at the right time. At Hillside Auto Repair, we understand how vital a properly functioning valve body is to your car’s performance. Using the same advanced tools and equipment as dealerships, we diagnose and repair transmission issues with precision. Plus, all our services come with a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor—giving you peace of mind on and off the road. What Does the Transmission Valve Body Do? The valve body is a maze of channels, valves, and solenoids that direct hydraulic pressure to engage different gears. When you shift (or when you ... read more