O'Fallon Auto Repair

The complex world of automotive repairs can sometimes leave car owners scratching their heads when things go wrong. One component that often gets overlooked but plays a vital role in the smooth operation of your vehicle’s engine is the cooling fan relay module. When this module fails, it can trigger a domino effect of symptoms, leading to unnecessary stress and potentially expensive repairs if not addressed promptly. But don’t worry — we’re here to break down what the cooling fan relay module does, how to spot signs of failure, and how Hillside Auto Repair can help you keep things running smoothly. What Does the Cooling Fan Relay Module Do? To put it simply, the cooling fan relay module is an essential part of the engine cooling system. Its main job is to regulate the operation of the cooling fan(s), which is crucial in preventing the engine from overheating. Here’s how it works: Cooling Fan Activation: Your engine gen ... read more

Turbochargers are an essential component in modern automotive engines, designed to enhance performance and efficiency. While these components are engineered for durability, they can experience failures over time due to a variety of issues. One of the most common failures seen in turbocharged engines is related to the wastegate. This post will delve into what a turbocharger does, the role of the wastegate, how the two components are connected, common symptoms of wastegate failure, and how Hillside Auto Repair is here to help keep your turbocharged engine running smoothly. What Does a Turbocharger Do? At its core, a turbocharger is a device that forces extra air into an engine’s combustion chamber. This is achieved by utilizing the exhaust gases produced during the engine’s operation to spin a turbine. As the turbine spins, it drives a compressor that draws in additional air and forces it into the engine. This additional airflow increases the engine's ox ... read more

Your car’s dashboard is more than just a control center—it’s also a key communicator, letting you know when something’s wrong under the hood. Whether you're cruising down the highway or stuck in traffic, those little warning lights are there to grab your attention. But what do they really mean? Ignoring them could lead to costly repairs, so it's important to understand what these lights are telling you. In this blog post, we'll break down the most common dashboard warning lights, explain what they mean, and show you how Hillside Auto Repair can help if you’re seeing a troubling light on your dash. After all, we stand behind our work with a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor—so you can trust us to get you back on the road with confidence! Check Engine Light (CEL) The Check Engine Light is one of the most common and dreaded dashboard indicators. It typically looks like an engine icon, sometimes with the words ... read more

With the cooler winter weather, many car owners breathe a sigh of relief, thinking that they can coast through the colder months without worrying about their vehicles. After all, isn’t the coolant system just for hot weather when engines need to stay cool? The truth is, your vehicle’s coolant system plays a crucial role in engine performance and protection all year long – including the winter months. At Hillside Auto Repair, we want to emphasize why regular coolant system maintenance is just as important in winter as it is in the warmer months, and why you should never skip this essential service. The Essential Role of Your Coolant System First, let’s break down what the coolant system does and why it’s vital to your vehicle’s overall health. The coolant system is designed to regulate your engine's temperature, ensuring it runs at the optimal level by preventing overheating and freezing. In the warmer months, the system cools t ... read more

When it comes to ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly, the camshaft and crankshaft sensors are two small but mighty components that play a crucial role in the overall function of your engine. While they may not get the same attention as other parts, they are key to the performance, efficiency, and reliability of your vehicle. Understanding these sensors, how they work, and the symptoms of failure, especially in winter conditions, can save you from unexpected repairs. In this post, we’ll dive into the importance of cam and crankshaft sensors, how they work, why they’re vulnerable in cold weather, and what to do if they fail. What Are Cam and Crankshaft Sensors? Both the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor are essential to your engine’s timing system. Together, they provide vital data to the engine control unit (ECU), which uses this information to control fuel injection and ignition timing. This ensures that your engine runs as efficiently as p ... read more