O'Fallon Auto Repair

The Lowdown on Serpentine Belt Replacement If your car were a person, the serpentine belt would be the unsung hero keeping everything running smoothly—like a personal trainer for your engine. No, it’s not a fashion accessory (despite the name), but when it fails, your car will throw a fit. Let’s unravel the mystery of serpentine belts—what they do, why they matter, and when it’s time for a replacement. What Does a Serpentine Belt Actually Do? This single, snaking belt powers almost every critical accessory in your engine: Alternator (keeps the battery charged) Power steering pump (so you don’t turn like a truck driver) Air conditioning compressor (because Missouri summers are brutal) Water pump (prevents your engine from melting into a puddle) If it snaps? Say goodbye to power steering, AC, and eventually, your engi ... read more

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king. Need groceries? Delivery. Need a ride? Uber. Need your car fixed? Enter the mobile mechanic—a seemingly easy solution to avoid the hassle of dropping your car off at a shop. But before you hand over your keys to a stranger in your driveway, let’s talk about the serious risks—especially for women—and why a reputable shop like Hillside Auto Repair in O'Fallon, MO, is the smarter, safer choice.   Safety First: The Stalker Factor & Unvetted Strangers   Here’s an uncomfortable truth: not all mobile mechanics are background-checked or traceable. Unlike established shops where employees are vetted, a random mechanic showing up at your home now knows:   - Where you live   - What car you drive   - Your daily schedule (if they’re observing when you’re home)   For women, this can be a legitimate safety concern ... read more

If you're like most drivers in O'Fallon, Missouri, you probably think of tire rotation as a simple "front-to-back" shuffle. But what if we told you that your full-size spare tire deserves a spot in the rotation too? That’s right—a 5-tire rotation ensures even wear across all five tires, extending their lifespan and keeping your ride smoother for longer.   Why Rotate All Five Tires? Most modern SUVs and trucks come with a full-size spare (meaning it matches your other four tires). If that spare just sits underneath your vehicle or in the trunk, it’s not doing much except collecting dust. Meanwhile, the other four tires are wearing down unevenly.   By including the spare in your rotation, you:   ✔ Extend tread life– All five tires wear evenly, so you get more miles before replacement.   ✔ Improve performance – Balanced wear means better handling and fuel efficiency ... read more

As the automotive industry continues to evolve, manufacturers are exploring alternative fuel sources to reduce emissions and provide consumers with more eco-friendly options. Toyota, a leader in sustainable transportation, is now investigating natural gas as a potential energy source for vehicles—particularly in the U.S. market. This move aligns with Toyota’s multi-pathway approach, which includes hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (like the Mirai), hybrids, and electric vehicles (EVs). For drivers in O’Fallon, Missouri, this could mean more choices when it comes to clean, efficient, and cost-effective transportation. At Hillside Auto Repair, we’re always keeping an eye on the latest automotive trends, ensuring that we stay informed and ready to serve our community with the best expertise possible. Why Natural Gas? Toyota’s Push for Fuel Diversity Toyota has long been committed to reducing carbon emissions, and the ... read more

Dropping your car off for service shouldn’t feel like a scavenger hunt—for you or your mechanic. Whether you're visiting Hillside Auto Repair for an oil change, tire rotation, or diagnosing that pesky intermittent issue, a little prep goes a long way. Here’s how to make sure your visit is smooth, efficient, and (dare we say) pleasant for everyone involved. 1. Fuel Up (No, Really) If your car is running on fumes, your mechanic can’t test-drive it to verify that weird noise or hesitation. For intermittent issues, they may need to replicate the problem—which means driving it. Arriving with at least a quarter tank saves everyone time (and avoids awkward "out of gas" breakdowns in the shop parking lot). 2. Clean Out the Chaos We’ve seen it all: gym bags full of questionably ripe cleats, last week’s fast-food wrappers, and—yes—even stray undergarments. While we’re focused on your car ... read more