O'Fallon Auto Repair

Your car’s timing system is the center of engine performance—keeping your valves and pistons moving in perfect harmony. But when a timing belt snaps or a timing chain stretches too far, the results can be catastrophic. we’ll break down: ✔ Timing belt vs. timing chain—what’s the difference? ✔ Key symptoms that your timing system is failing ✔ When to replace them (before disaster strikes) ✔ What happens if you ignore the warning signs Plus, if you're in O’Fallon, Hillside Auto Repair offers expert timing system service with dealer-grade tools, comprehensive maintenance, and a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What’s the Difference? Timing Belt Rubber belt reinforced with fiber cords Quieter operation but wears out over time Must be replaced preventatively (usually 60,000–100,000 miles) Int ... read more

Your car’s radiator is like its personal cooling system—keeping the engine from overheating and ensuring everything runs smoothly. But when a radiator leak strikes, it can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. In this guide, we’ll cover: ✔ What a radiator does and why it’s critical ✔ Common signs of a radiator leak ✔ How to prevent leaks before they happen ✔ Why professional detection and repair matter Plus, if you're in O’Fallon, Hillside Auto Repair has you covered with dealer-level diagnostics, expert repairs, and a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor for all services.   What Does a Radiator Do? Your radiator is the heart of your car’s cooling system. Here’s how it works: Coolant Circulation – The radiator pumps coolant (antifreeze) through the engine to absorb excess heat. Heat Exchange – Hot coolant flows through the radi ... read more

When it comes to your vehicle’s transmission, most drivers think about gears, fluid, and maybe the clutch. But there’s one critical component that often goes unnoticed—the transmission valve body. This intricate assembly is essentially the "brain" of your automatic transmission, controlling fluid flow to engage the right gears at the right time. At Hillside Auto Repair, we understand how vital a properly functioning valve body is to your car’s performance. Using the same advanced tools and equipment as dealerships, we diagnose and repair transmission issues with precision. Plus, all our services come with a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor—giving you peace of mind on and off the road. What Does the Transmission Valve Body Do? The valve body is a maze of channels, valves, and solenoids that direct hydraulic pressure to engage different gears. When you shift (or when you ... read more

When Italian Flair Met Sci-Fi Fantasy In the pantheon of radical automotive concepts, few are as visually striking yet commercially stillborn as the Italdesign Capsula. Unveiled in 1982 at the Turin Motor Show, this spaceship-on-wheels represented Giorgetto Giugiaro's most audacious vision for future mobility - a rolling experiment that blended minivan practicality with fighter jet aesthetics nearly two decades before the BMW X Coupe or Honda Element would attempt similar themes. Design Philosophy: Part Spaceship, Part Swiss Army Knife The Capsula's radical exterior concealed surprisingly pragmatic intentions: • Modular Cockpit Architecture featuring interchangeable front/rear modules allowing conversion between passenger, cargo, and even pickup configurations • Advanced Ergonomics with a near-vertical windshield and elevated seating position anticipating today's crossover tr ... read more

What Is a Catalytic Converter? A catalytic converter is a critical component in your vehicle’s exhaust system, designed to reduce harmful emissions. By converting toxic gases like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons into less harmful substances, it plays a vital role in protecting both the environment and public health. A Brief History Introduced in the 1970s amid growing environmental concerns, catalytic converters revolutionized automotive emissions control. Stricter government regulations mandated their use, significantly reducing air pollution and paving the way for cleaner air standards. How Do Catalytic Converters Work? Inside the converter, precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium act as catalysts, triggering chemical reactions that transform harmful exhaust gases into safer compounds: Nitrogen oxides → Nitrogen & oxygen Carbon monoxide ... read more