O'Fallon Auto Repair

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors are crucial components in modern vehicles, designed to ensure your safety on the road by continuously monitoring the air pressure in your tires. Here’s a comprehensive look at how these sensors work, why tire pressure fluctuates with summer heat, and how to identify potential sensor issues. What Do TPMS Sensors Do? TPMS sensors are installed within each tire and are responsible for monitoring the air pressure. They send real-time data to your vehicle’s onboard computer, alerting you if any tire is significantly under-inflated or over-inflated. This proactive approach helps prevent unsafe driving conditions, improves fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your tires. Why Does Tire Pressure Change in Summer? As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands, leading to increased tire pressure. This is due to the basic principle that air expands when heated. For every 10°F increase ... read more

When it comes to vehicle safety, tire maintenance is often overlooked. However, one of the most critical aspects of tire care is ensuring adequate tread depth. In this blog post, we’ll explore why tire tread depth is essential, how to measure it accurately, and why tire grip is crucial, even during the summer months. Additionally, we'll highlight Hillside Auto Repair’s recommendation of Nexen tires and the exclusive benefits we offer with tire purchase. Why Tire Tread Depth Matters Tire tread depth is a crucial factor in vehicle safety and performance. The tread of a tire is designed to grip the road, channel water away, and provide traction. As tires wear down, their ability to grip the road diminishes, which can significantly affect handling, braking, and overall driving safety. Safety: Adequate tread depth is essential for maintaining good traction, especially in adverse weather conditions. Worn tires are more susceptible to hydropl ... read more

Let’s talk about something every car owner should be aware of but might not know much about: the head gasket. If you’ve ever experienced a car hiccuping like it’s caught a bad case of the hiccups or wondered why your engine's steam engine impression is getting a little too literal, chances are you’re dealing with a blown head gasket. And while it might sound like the kind of thing that could be fixed with a bit of duct tape and a sprinkle of optimism, it's actually a bit more involved. What is a Head Gasket? Picture the head gasket as the unsung hero in your car’s engine. It sits snugly between the engine block and the cylinder head, sealing the internal combustion process and keeping coolant and oil from mixing. It’s like the bouncer at a VIP party—keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes and making sure the wrong elements don’t crash the party. Why Does It Blow? Even the best bounce ... read more

An ignition coil is essential for a vehicle's ignition system to work properly. It generates high voltage to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the engine cylinders. Over time, ignition coils can wear out, causing issues like engine misfires, difficulty starting the engine, and decreased fuel efficiency. This article will guide you through the process of replacing an ignition coil, providing step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just want to learn more about your vehicle's ignition system, this article will give you the knowledge and confidence to replace an ignition coil effectively. Ignition coils are crucial for your car's ignition system to function smoothly. They convert the battery's low voltage into the high voltage needed for combustion, ensuring your engine starts and runs efficiently. What is an Ignition Coil? Ignition coils are like the rockstars of your car's ignition ... read more

In an era where your smartphone can map your route, connect you to friends across the globe, and even schedule a virtual doctor visit, why would you settle for a paper inspection from your repair shop? Spoiler alert: You shouldn’t! At Hillside Auto Repair, we’re steering into the future with our state-of-the-art digital inspection system. Forget the old-school paperwork—when you bring your vehicle in, you’ll get a comprehensive digital report that’s just a click away. Here’s the best part: You don’t need to download any new apps or software. Simply click the link we provide, and voilà—everything you need to know about your vehicle is right at your fingertips. Our digital inspections come with a personal touch. Our skilled technicians will capture photos and videos of your vehicle, documenting any maintenance issues and sending them straight to you. It’s like having a front-row seat to your car’s health, without havin ... read more