O'Fallon Auto Repair

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

The automotive world is evolving at warp speed, and 2025 has brought us some of the wildest, coolest, and downright weirdest car tech yet. Whether you're a gearhead in O'Fallon, MO, or just love futuristic gadgets, these innovations will blow your mind. Buckle up—we’re diving into the future! 1. Self-Healing Paint (Lexus) Scratches and swirl marks? Not anymore. Lexus’s new self-healing paint uses nano-coating technology that fills in minor scratches when exposed to sunlight. It’s like your car has Wolverine’s healing factor—perfect for Missouri’s unpredictable weather. 2. Holographic Dashboards (Mercedes-Benz) Forget touchscreens—Mercedes’ latest E-Class projects a holographic display right above the steering wheel. Drivers can swipe through menus mid-air, making it feel like Minority Report (but hopefully with fewer crimes). 3. Mood-Sensing Climate Control (Ford) ... read more

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