O'Fallon Auto Repair

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

Have you observed your vehicle experiencing hesitation, rough idling, or a noticeable decrease in performance? These issues are often caused by carbon deposits accumulating within the engine, potentially impacting its efficiency and operation. What Is Induction Cleaning? Induction cleaning, also known as fuel induction service or intake system cleaning , is a specialized maintenance procedure designed to remove harmful carbon deposits, varnish, and gunk from critical engine components. Over time, fuel injectors, intake valves, throttle bodies, and combustion chambers accumulate deposits that can hinder performance, reduce fuel efficiency, and even trigger check engine lights. This process involves using professional-grade chemical cleaners and specialized equipment to dissolve and flush out stubborn deposits, restoring optimal airflow and fuel delivery. Unlike basic fuel additives, a professional induction cleaning service ensures a thorough cleanse of the entire i ... read more

If you own a modern diesel vehicle, you’ve probably heard of Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). But what exactly is it, why is it so important, and what happens if you ignore it? In this deep dive, we’ll cover everything from its composition to why you should *never* resort to peeing in the tank (yes, some people do that!). Plus, we’ll touch on maintenance tips and what happens when things go wrong. What Is DEF Fluid? DEF is a non-toxic, urea-based solution used in Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from diesel engines. It’s a clear, odorless liquid made of: - 32.5% high-purity urea - 67.5% deionized water When injected into the exhaust stream, DEF breaks down NOx emissions into harmless nitrogen and water vapor, making your diesel vehicle much cleaner and more environmentally friendly. Is DEF Toxic or Harmful? While DEF is not flammable or dangerously toxic, it is mildly ... read more