O'Fallon Auto Repair

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

  You’re cruising down Highway K, you press the brake pedal to slow down for a light, and suddenly your steering wheel develops a case of the jitters. Or worse, the entire car seems to shudder beneath you. It’s more than just an annoyance; it’s a clear signal that something in your braking or suspension system is crying out for attention. For drivers in O'Fallon, where smooth stops are essential for navigating busy intersections like the one at Bryan Road and I-70, understanding the cause of this shake is crucial for your safety. At Hillside Auto Repair, we diagnose this common issue daily. Let’s break down the usual suspects, from the simple to the serious. The Usual Suspects: What’s Causing the Shake? The nature of the shake is a big clue. Does the steering wheel vibrate? Or does the entire car shudder? Here’s what each symptom likely means ... read more

If you’re a driver in O’Fallon, you know our roads, from the stop-and-go on Highway K to cruising down I-64 towards St. Louis. Your engine handles a lot, and it relies on a symphony of components working in harmony to stay efficient and clean. One of the most misunderstood, yet critical, players in that symphony is the EGR valve. When it starts to fail, it doesn’t send a singing telegram; it sends a series of frustrating and performance-killing symptoms. At Hillside Auto Repair, we see confused drivers every day wondering why their faithful sedan or sturdy SUV suddenly feels like it’s on its last leg. More often than not, a diagnostic scan points directly to this culprit. So, let’s pop the hood and demystify the EGR valve. What Exactly is an EGR Valve? EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation. In simple terms, the EGR valve is a gatekeeper between two worlds: your engine’s intake manifold (where air and fuel m ... read more

If you’ve ever walked out to your car in the O'Fallon Post Office parking lot, only to find a low tire or the dreaded sound of a slow leak, you’ve probably wondered: “Can I just get this plugged?” The answer: sometimes yes, sometimes no, and knowing the difference matters. When You Can Plug a Tire Tire plugs are a quick, cost-effective repair, but only in specific circumstances. If the puncture is: In the tread area (the flat part of the tire that makes contact with the road) Smaller than ¼ inch in diameterNot near the sidewall or shoulder …then a professional plug-patch repair may be a safe, reliable option. When You Cannot Plug a Tire Shops will often refuse to plug a tire when the puncture is too close to, or on, the sidewall. Why? Because the sidewall flexes as you drive, and a plug won’t hold up under that stress. If the hole is too large or the ... read more