O'Fallon Auto Repair

Tire rotation is a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance that often gets overlooked. Understanding how often you should rotate your tires and the benefits of doing so can significantly impact your vehicle's performance, safety, and overall cost of ownership. In this blog post, we'll explore why tire rotation is essential, how often you should do it, and how Hillside Auto Repair can help you maintain your vehicle in peak condition. The Importance of Tire Rotation Even Tire Wear: Tires wear unevenly due to the different forces they experience based on their position on the vehicle. Front tires typically bear more load and experience greater wear due to steering and braking. By rotating your tires regularly, you ensure that each tire wears evenly, which extends the life of all four tires. Improved Handling and Performance: Unevenly worn tires can affect your vehicle’s handling and performance. Rotating your tires helps maintain balanced handling and a smo ... read more

Your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is crucial for maintaining control during sudden stops and slippery conditions. When the ABS light illuminates on your dashboard, it's a clear signal that something within this vital system needs attention. Addressing ABS light issues promptly is essential for ensuring your safety on the road. At Hillside Auto Repair, we understand the importance of a properly functioning ABS system and are here to guide you through the diagnostic and repair process. Additionally, our commitment to quality service is backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor, providing peace of mind with every repair. Understanding the ABS System Before diving into diagnostics, it’s helpful to understand the basics of the ABS system. ABS prevents wheel lockup during braking by modulating brake pressure, which helps maintain steering control. The system consists of various components, including sensors, the ABS control modu ... read more

In automotive repair, axle seals play a critical yet often overlooked role. They are vital components in maintaining the health and efficiency of a vehicle's drivetrain system. In this blog post, we'll delve into what axle seals do, their material composition, signs that they might be failing, and why Hillside Auto Repair is your go-to service provider for ensuring these seals remain in optimal condition. What Are Axle Seals and What Do They Do? Axle seals are essential components located at the ends of an axle, where it connects to the wheel hub or differential. Their primary function is to prevent the leakage of lubrication fluid, such as gear oil or differential fluid, from within the axle housing. These seals also protect the axle bearings and other internal components from contaminants like dirt, water, and debris. By ensuring that lubrication stays within the axle and contaminants stay out, axle seals help maintain proper lubrication, minimize friction ... read more

In the realm of automotive maintenance, one crucial component often overlooked is the power steering pump. This essential part plays a significant role in making your driving experience smoother and more manageable. At Hillside Auto Repair, we're dedicated to ensuring your vehicle's power steering system operates flawlessly. In this blog post, we'll delve into what power steering pumps do, their evolution over the years, common symptoms of a failing pump, and how we can assist you with our top-notch services and comprehensive warranty. What Does a Power Steering Pump Do? The power steering pump is a vital component of your vehicle’s power steering system. It converts mechanical energy from the engine into hydraulic energy, which assists in steering the vehicle. This process significantly reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel, making driving more comfortable and less strenuous, especially at low speeds or when parking. Evolution of Po ... read more

The oil pump is a crucial component in any automotive engine, ensuring that the engine operates smoothly and efficiently. As an integral part of the lubrication system, the oil pump plays a vital role in maintaining engine health. In this blog post, we’ll explore the function of oil pumps, how they have evolved over time, symptoms of a failing oil pump, and tips for extending its lifespan. Additionally, we’ll introduce Hillside Auto Repair and highlight our comprehensive 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. The Role of an Oil Pump An oil pump's primary function is to circulate engine oil throughout the engine. This process is essential for several reasons: Lubrication: It reduces friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear. Cooling: It helps to dissipate heat generated by the engine. Cleaning: It carries away contaminants and debris that could otherwise cause damage. By maintaining a steady flow of oil, the pump ensures that ... read more