O'Fallon Auto Repair

You just press a button and your car maintains its speed. Simple, right? But the story of cruise control is a 70-year saga of genius, irony, and one man's impeccable sense of feel. Let's rewind to the 1940s. The inventor was Ralph Teetor, a brilliant mechanical engineer who, after a childhood accident, was completely blind. Don't for a second think that held him back. He had a legendary sense of touch—colleagues said he could detect surface imperfections a thousandth of an inch deep just by running his fingers over them. By day, he was the revered president of a major auto parts manufacturer and held over 40 patents, including ones for early automatic transmissions. But his masterpiece was born from a backseat frustration. As a frequent passenger to his lawyer, he was driven nuts by the man's inconsistent driving style: accelerating while talking and decelerating while listening. Teetor thought, "There has to be a better way." His solution? In 1948, he ... read more

There's nothing quite like the smooth, responsive feel of a well-tuned steering system as you cruise down the streets of O'Fallon. But have you ever stopped to think about the engineering marvel that makes turning your multi-ton vehicle as easy as spinning a dinner plate? That's the magic of power steering. For most drivers, it's an out-of-sight, out-of-mind system…until something goes wrong. At Hillside Auto Repair, we believe an informed driver is a safe driver. This guide will dive deep into everything you need to know about your power steering system: what it does, how it works, the warning signs of trouble, and why proper maintenance is crucial for your safety on Missouri roads. What is Power Steering and What Does It Do? Simply put, power steering is a system that uses an external power source to reduce the effort required by the driver to turn the steering wheel. Before its invention, steering required significant physical strength ... read more

The crisp air, the vibrant foliage, the pumpkin-spiced everything—autumn in O'Fallon, Missouri, is a beautiful time of year. But for your car battery, this season is a silent adversary. The dropping temperatures cause chemical reactions within your battery to slow down, significantly reducing its ability to hold a charge and deliver the powerful crank needed to start your engine. Finding yourself stranded in a parking lot off Highway K or in your own driveway on a chilly morning is a frustrating way to start the day. At Hillside Auto Repair, we see a significant spike in dead battery calls this time of year. But with a little knowledge and preparation, you can avoid this common seasonal headache. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: from the classic jump-start to why a modern jump pack is a game-changer, and how to extend the life of your battery through an O'Fallon winter. Why is Autumn So Hard on Car Batteries? Before we d ... read more

That new car smell is intoxicating. That new car payment, however, can be a nightmare. In 2025, with interest rates and vehicle prices still near historic highs, the decision between repairing your trusted ride and signing up for a seven-year loan on a new one is more critical than ever. For drivers in O'Fallon, the allure of a shiny, problem-free vehicle is strong. But before you head to the dealership, it's crucial to look beyond the sticker price and understand the true cost of ownership. Often, the most financially savvy move isn't in the showroom, it's in your trusted repair shop. The Sticker Price is a Lie: The Hidden Costs of a New Car When you see a new car advertised for $40,000, that's just the starting line. The real financial drain begins the moment you drive it off the lot. The Instantaneous Plunge: Depreciation This is the single largest cost of new car ownership. A new car loses about 20% of its ... read more

The first cool breeze is rolling through O’Fallon, the leaves are starting to turn, and that means one thing for car enthusiasts and fair-weather drivers alike: it’s almost time to put the summer ride away. Whether it’s a classic convertible, a weekend sports car, or a motorcycle, simply parking it in the garage and throwing a cover over it is a recipe for springtime heartbreak. A vehicle is a significant investment, and proper storage is the key to protecting it. At Hillside Auto Repair, we’ve seen the consequences of neglect, from seized brakes to engines that won’t crank. Let’s walk through the essential steps to ensure your pride and joy wakes up next spring in better shape than when you tucked it in. The O’Fallon Factor: Why Our Climate Demands Attention Missouri winters aren't just about snow; they're about humidity, temperature swings, and moisture. These elements are the arch-nemeses of a stored vehicle ... read more