O'Fallon Auto Repair

Few things are scarier than hearing a loud BANG! while driving, only to realize one of your tires has just given up on life. A blowout can happen in an instant, but how you react in those critical seconds can mean the difference between a close call and a crash. As your trusted auto repair shop in O'Fallon, Missouri, Hillside Auto Repair is here to guide you through handling a blowout safely—and, more importantly, how to prevent one from happening in the first place. What to Do When a Tire Blowout Happens 1. Stay Calm & Grip the Wheel Firmly Panicking and jerking the wheel is the fastest way to lose control. Instead: Hold the steering wheel with both hands. Keep the car going straight—resist the urge to overcorrect. 2. Do NOT Slam on the Brakes Sudden braking can cause your vehicle to spin out. Instead: Ease off the gas and let the car slow naturally. Once speed drops, gently a ... read more

The Fast & Furious franchise has given us two decades of high-octane action, family drama (because nothing says "family" like stealing vaults with muscle cars), and, of course, some of the most ridiculous car stunts ever put on film. As an auto shop in O'Fallon, Missouri, we at Hillside Auto Repair have a deep appreciation for cars—both in movies and in real life. So, let’s break down what these films got right (sort of) and what had us laughing harder than a Honda Civic trying to outrun a submarine. What Fast & Furious Got (Kinda) Right1. Nitro Does Give You a Boost… But Not Like That The movies love their NOS (nitrous oxide) moments—hit the button, and suddenly your car goes from 60 to 200 mph in half a second. While nitrous oxide does provide a power boost by injecting extra oxygen into the engine, it’s not an infinite "go fast" cheat code. Real ... read more

Few things are more frustrating—or dangerous—than watching your temperature gauge climb into the red while you're stuck in O’Fallon traffic. Overheating can leave you stranded on I-64 or Highway K, turning a simple commute into a sweaty, stressful ordeal. But why does it happen, and how can you prevent it? Let’s break it down. Common Reasons Your Car OverheatsLow or Old Coolant – Coolant (aka antifreeze) keeps your engine from turning into a molten mess. If it’s low, contaminated, or hasn’t been flushed in years, your engine will overheat. Wrong Coolant Type – Not all coolants are the same! Using the wrong type (like putting Dexcool in a car that requires Asian Blue) can cause corrosion and clogs. Water in the Coolant – Some folks think adding plain water is fine in a pinch. But in Missouri’s fluctuating temps, water alone can freeze in ... read more

Buying a used car in O'Fallon, Missouri, can feel like navigating a minefield—especially if you’re not sure what to look for. A shiny exterior and a smooth sales pitch might hide costly issues lurking beneath the surface. But fear not! With the right approach, you can test drive a used car like a seasoned detective, uncovering potential problems before they become your problems. Step 1: The Pre-Drive Investigation Before you even turn the key, inspect the car like a pro: Check the Exterior: Look for uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint (signs of past accidents), or rust around the wheel wells. Peek Under the Hood: Look for leaks, corroded battery terminals, or worn belts. A musty smell? Could be water damage. Inspect the Tires: Uneven wear may mean alignment issues or suspension problems. Step 2: The Test Drive—Listen, Feel, and Observe A test drive isn’t just about how the car feels—it ... read more

Your car’s fuel pump is like its heart—without it, your engine doesn’t get the vital "blood" (fuel) it needs to run. Yet, many drivers in O'Fallon, Missouri, don’t think about their fuel pump until trouble arises. Whether you're cruising down Highway 40 or navigating the school parking lot of Fort Zumwalt, a failing fuel pump can leave you stranded. At Hillside Auto Repair, we know how critical this component is. That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about fuel pumps—how they work, warning signs of failure, and how to keep them running strong. How Does a Fuel Pump Work? The fuel pump’s job is simple but essential: It delivers gasoline from your tank to the engine at the correct pressure. Older vehicles often used mechanical pumps mounted on the engine, but modern cars rely on electric fuel pumps submerged inside the fuel tank. This design helps cool ... read more