O'Fallon Auto Repair

In the realm of automotive maintenance, few tasks are as crucial yet often overlooked as the regular inspection and replacement of belts and hoses. These components play a vital role in the proper functioning of a vehicle's engine, cooling system, and various other critical systems. Neglecting their upkeep can lead to costly repairs, unexpected breakdowns, and even safety hazards on the road. In this blog post, we delve into why timely belt and hose inspections are essential, discuss warning signs and symptoms of wear, explore standard maintenance schedules, and highlight the commitment of Hillside Auto Repair in ensuring your vehicle's reliability and safety. Understanding the Role of Belts and Hoses Belts and hoses are integral to the operation of several key systems in your vehicle. Serpentine belts, for instance, drive components like the alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Timing belts ensure the synchronization ... read more

In the scorching heat of a Missouri summer, being stranded due to engine trouble is not just inconvenient—it can be downright dangerous. Engine misfires, a common issue in modern automobiles, can manifest as rough idling, reduced power, or even stalling. Identifying the causes and promptly addressing them is crucial for maintaining vehicle reliability, especially in extreme weather conditions. At Hillside Auto Repair, we understand the importance of reliable automotive service, backed by our comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Common Causes of Engine Misfires Ignition System Issues: Faulty Spark Plugs: Over time, spark plugs wear out, leading to inefficient ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This can cause misfires, particularly noticeable during acceleration or idling. Faulty Ignition Coils: These components play a critical role in delivering high-voltage electricity to the spark plugs. When they fail, misfires can occur, often acco ... read more

Flooding can wreak havoc on vehicles, causing extensive damage that isn't always immediately apparent. Whether from torrential rains, hurricanes, or even localized flash floods, water intrusion into a car's interior and mechanical systems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how flooding impacts cars, how to identify signs of flood damage, and the crucial steps needed for recovery. How Flooding Affects Cars When a vehicle is submerged in floodwaters, several critical components can be compromised: Electrical Systems: Water can short-circuit electrical components, including the engine control unit (ECU), sensors, and wiring harnesses. This can lead to erratic behavior or complete failure of vital systems. Engine and Transmission: Floodwaters can contaminate engine oil and transmission fluids, leading to internal damage if not addressed promptly. Water intrusion into t ... read more

In the realm of automotive essentials, few components are as critical yet often overlooked as the car battery. Serving as the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system, the battery plays a pivotal role in powering everything from ignition to interior electronics. This blog post aims to demystify the workings of a car battery, explain why regular testing is crucial, outline symptoms of a failing battery, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to jump-start it when needed. How a Car Battery Works A typical car battery is a rechargeable energy storage device that supplies electrical current to the starter motor, ignition system, and other essential electrical components. Most vehicles use lead-acid batteries due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. Inside the battery, there are six cells, each containing a series of lead plates immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid (electrolyte). When the battery is charged, a chemical reaction occurs between the lead pl ... read more

In the scorching heat of summer or the biting cold of winter, the advent of car air conditioning (A/C) has revolutionized our comfort while driving. Let's delve into the fascinating history, mechanics, components, symptoms of malfunction, and recent innovations in automotive A/C systems. History of Car Air Conditioning The story of car A/C begins in the early 1930s when Packard introduced the first commercially available A/C system in automobiles. However, these early systems were bulky, inefficient, and prone to leaking harmful gases like ammonia. Over the decades, advancements in technology, materials, and refrigerants have transformed A/C systems into the compact, efficient units we rely on today. How Car A/C Works Car A/C systems operate on the principles of thermodynamics, specifically the transfer of heat from one place to another. Here's a simplified overview of the process: Compression: The A/C compressor pressurizes refrigerant gas ... read more