O'Fallon Auto Repair

Ah, the camshaft - a crucial cog in the engine machine. This little guy is responsible for regulating the opening and closing of the engine's valves. But, like all things in life, wear and tear can take its toll on our dear camshaft. Improper maintenance and overheating can also lead to damage. And let me tell you, a damaged camshaft can cause a whole host of engine issues - think decreased performance, misfires, and some seriously annoying ticking noises. So, take care of your camshaft, folks. It's a small part, but it plays a big role in keeping your engine running smoothly.   Introduction to CamshaftsWhat is a Camshaft? A camshaft is an essential engine component that controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. It operates by converting rotational motion into a reciprocating motion, controlling the valve timing and allowing air and fuel to enter the engine's cylinders, ultimately creating power.   W ... read more

WHAT IS A DIFFERENTIAL? Differential automotive repair is like the brain surgery of the car world. It's a specialized branch of automotive repair that deals with the maintenance and repair of the differential system in a vehicle. You know, that essential component of the drivetrain that enables the wheels to rotate at different speeds while turning corners? Yeah, that one. The differential system is a complex arrangement of gears and other components that need regular maintenance and repair to ensure the vehicle operates smoothly. But, like all things in life, wear and tear can take its toll. When the gears and components rub against each other over time, the system can become noisy, affecting the vehicle's overall performance. And let's not forget about the jerking and skidding that can occur when there's a difference in traction between the wheels. Yikes! That's why it's crucial to maintain the differential system. Trust us, the cost of repa ... read more

Ah, the trusty oxygen sensor. This little guy may be small, but it sure packs a punch when it comes to improving your car's performance and fuel economy. You see, the oxygen sensor is like the Sherlock Holmes of your car's exhaust system, constantly measuring the amount of oxygen present and sending signals to the engine control unit to adjust the air-to-fuel mixture accordingly. It's like having a personal assistant for your car's engine! Now, you may be wondering where this magical little sensor is located. Well, it's nestled snugly in the exhaust pipe, between the catalytic converter and the engine. It may be small, but it's mighty, helping to reduce emissions, increase fuel economy, and improve overall engine performance. Talk about a triple threat! There are two types of oxygen sensors: zirconium and titanium. Zirconium sensors are like the OGs of the oxygen sensor world, commonly found in older cars. They measure oxygen by passing it through a porous ceram ... read more

Don’t let a faulty pair of wipers put you in a dangerous situation! If you’re like most people you probably don’t spend much time thinking about how often you rely on your windshield wipers. Windshield wipers are like an cell phone charger, out of sight and out of mind until they are needed. But when you do turn on your wipers, just like your phone and phone charger, you expect them to work properly. Your windshield wipers play a significant role in keeping you safe, especially during rain or snow storms. It is crucial that you know when windshield wipers not working right. If you notice that your vehicle's wiper blades are not clearing away rain, snow, and sleet well then it might be time to inspect the wipers. WINDSHIELD WIPER FUN FACTS IN HISTORY: One of the earliest recorded patents for the windshield wiper is by George J. Capewell of Hartford Connecticut, which was filed on August 6, 1896. His invention was for an auto ... read more

WHAT DOES TPMS STAND FOR? A tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on vehicles. A TPMS reports real-time tire-pressure information to the driver, using either a gauge, a pictogram display, or a simple low-pressure warning light. TPMS can be divided into two different types – direct (dTPMS) and indirect (iTPMS). Indirect TPMS: Indirect TPMS measure air pressure with software-based systems rather than physical sensors. While the software may leverage existing vehicle sensors—like wheel speed sensors or accelerometers—indirect TPMS monitors air pressure via the antilock braking system (ABS). The ABS provides tire pressure information by measuring the difference in the diameter of each tire. Direct TPMS: Direct TPMS measures tire pressure using waterproof hardware sensors located in each tire (or on the valve stem). Each wheel includes a battery-driven pressure sensor which transfers pressure informa ... read more