O'Fallon Auto Repair

How amazing is it that the Fourth of July landed on a Saturday this year?! (Thank you 2020 for something good!) Many of the bigger festivals may be closed due to the pandemic, so many will take to big backyard displays and fanfare. If you choose to celebrate at home, know that you need to exercise caution! We all know about not holding fireworks in our hand, that you shouldn’t lean over them when you light them, and of course never point them at another person (or animal!). But do you ever have questions about how to transport them? Here are some tips from Consumer Reports and the Department of Transportation on how to safely move them. Never attempt to light a firework within your vehicle, either as a driver or passenger. Transport fireworks in a spark-proof container, such as a plastic container. Travel with the fireworks, in a spark-proof container, in your trunk. Make sure fireworks are kept out of direct sunlight and don’t store them in a hot car when not driving. Do ... read more

Your exhaust is a vital component of your vehicle. It diverts dangerous exhaust fumes away from the engine (and away from the interior cabin, as well). How does your exhaust system work? In short: The fumes are sent through the catalytic converter, which burns off most of the deadly gasses and is vital for emissions standards. Then, the fumes are pumped through the muffler, which reduces noise output, and finally expelled through the rear pipe(s). If any of these components are not working properly, have any cracks or leaks or are just plain damaged, it can lead to major engine problems. Deadly carbon monoxide can also back up and leak into the vehicle itself, which could make you or your passengers sick and could potentially be lethal. Here are the signs you can look for: Check Engine Light is OnThis can come on for any number of reasons, and your exhaust could be the culprit. If the check engine light is flashing, that’s more serious, you ... read more

How often should my A/C be inspected? What’s the air feeling in your ride? Are you refreshed and cooled with full air flow when your A/C is pumping? Well, if you answered positively, then you’re in luck. For those who didn’t answer in the positive: Don’t sweat, stop in for an A/C Performance Check and we’ll have you back rolling down those hot summer streets cooler than ever. How often do I need my A/C system “recharged”? Only when the cool breeze no longer feels as chilly as you remember. Simple enough. Now, it is true that a well maintained A/C system can go its entire life without needing a recharge. But, that’s if you’re extremely lucky. If you start noticing your A/C isn’t reaching those refreshingly cool temperatures, have your system inspected. How many parts make up a car A/C system? Your A/C system consists of five major parts, all working together to cool you of ... read more

It’s 2020! We have maps, social media, Google, even virtual doctor visits! Everything needed is right in your pocket. So why would you accept a paper inspection from your repair shop? That’s right. You shouldn’t! Every time your vehicle comes into Hillside Auto Repair we will perform a digital inspection. This new system enables you to call, email, or text the shop within the report! The best part? You don’t have to download and software or an app on your smartphone. You just click the link and have all the information at your fingertips. Digital Inspections enable our technicians to take photos and/or video and document any maintenance issues and send them directly to you. The photos and videos of your vehicle taken during the inspection process give you the confidence to approve the necessary repairs. It’s like you are right there, next to us, looking at your vehicle. Except you can do it from work, your comfy couch, or wherever you are! After the inspe ... read more