O'Fallon Auto Repair

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

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