O'Fallon Auto Repair

You’re doing everything right. You get your oil changes on time, you use the recommended grade, and you even check the level every other Saturday. But lately, you’ve noticed you’re adding a quart between changes. Or worse, that low oil warning light flickers on between services. What gives? If your car seems to be guzzling oil like it’s going out of style, you’re not imagining things. While all engines consume a tiny amount of oil, excessive consumption is a symptom of a deeper issue. At Hillside Auto Repair, we diagnose and solve oil consumption problems regularly. Let’s explore the common culprits and what you can do about it. The Usual Suspects: What's Causing Your Oil to Disappear? Modern engines are marvels of efficiency, but some of their design features can make them prone to using more oil than their older counterparts. Here are the most common causes we see: Worn Piston Rings and Cylinder Walls This i ... read more

You’re sitting at a red light on Mexico Road, and you feel it, a subtle but unmistakable shudder through your seat. You press the accelerator to merge onto I-64, but instead of a smooth surge of power, the car jerks and hesitates, accompanied by a flashing light on your dashboard you’ve never seen before. Your heart sinks. Your engine is misfiring. It’s one of the most common, and most frustrating, issues we diagnose at Hillside Auto Repair. But what exactly is a misfire, and why is it such a complex puzzle to solve? Let’s dive in. The Heartbeat of Your Engine: What is a Misfire? Think of your engine as a symphony orchestra. For a perfect performance, each cylinder must fire in a precise sequence, contributing its share of power. A misfire is when one of the musicians (a cylinder) misses its cue or plays off-key. Technically, a misfire occurs when the air-fuel mixture in a cylinder fails to ignite properly, ignites at the wrong time, or doesn ... read more

You know that feeling. You’re driving down the familiar stretch of Highway K, and after a bump, your car doesn’t just settle, it bounces. Once, twice, maybe even three times. Or maybe you’re navigating the rain-slicked curves of I-64 and your car feels floaty and unstable, like it’s leaning over more than it should. This isn’t just a loss of comfort; it’s a critical safety warning. Your shocks and struts, the unsung heroes of your suspension system, are likely crying out for help. At Hillside Auto Repair, we’re here to demystify these crucial components and explain why you shouldn’t ignore the signs of wear. The Guardians of Control: What Shocks and Struts Actually Do While often used interchangeably, shocks and struts are different parts with the same ultimate goal: to control spring movement and keep your tires planted on the road. Think of it this way: Your suspension springs are what absorb the impact of a pot ... read more

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of rowing your own gears. Whether you’re navigating the stop-and-go of I-64 or enjoying a spirited drive down the scenic byways near the Missouri River, driving a manual transmission is an engaging experience. But that connection comes with a responsibility: understanding the clutch. The clutch is the heart of the manual driving experience, and it’s also a wear item. Unlike engine oil or brake pads, its lifespan isn't measured in miles but in engagements. Every time you press that pedal, you’re taking a tiny bit of its life. At Hillside Auto Repair, we’re here to help you recognize the signs of a worn clutch and explain why getting it replaced right is a job for a professional. The Magic of the Third Pedal: A Quick Primer Before we diagnose problems, let's appreciate how it works. Think of the engine and transmission as two spinning plates. The clutch is the mechanism that connects them ... read more

Beneath the familiar hum of your daily commute on O'Fallon's roads lies a critical component you likely never think about, until it demands your attention. The driveshaft is the unsung hero of your drivetrain, the spinning spine that delivers power from your engine and transmission to the wheels that move you. When it's healthy, it's invisible. When it starts to fail, it announces itself in ways that are impossible to ignore. For drivers navigating the mix of city streets and highway speeds in O'Fallon, a failing driveshaft isn't just an inconvenience; it's a significant safety concern. At Hillside Auto Repair, we believe an informed driver is a safe driver. Let's dive into what the driveshaft does, the symptoms of failure, and why this is one repair you absolutely must leave to the professionals. What is a Driveshaft and What is its Purpose? In simple terms, the driveshaft (often called a propeller shaft) is a long, cylindrical m ... read more