Helmkamp Auto Service
405 West Bethalto, Bethalto, IL 62010 618.377.6821

General / Misc

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Don't Blow a Gasket! (Valve Cover Gasket Replacement)

When you head out to your vehicle after it's been parked and notice oil leaking underneath it, that's something to have looked at right away.  Oil leaks mean your oil level is probably low, and r...
Published on: Jan 26, 2025

Getting Off to a Running Start (Starter Replacement)

When you start your vehicle’s engine, there’s another motor that makes that whole process possible.  It’s called the starter, and it’s a small electric motor that gets you...
Published on: Aug 25, 2024

Don't Store These in a Cold Vehicle (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)

The other day, a man walked into a restaurant carrying a can of paint. He had just bought the latex paint at the local home improvement store, and he was stopping for lunch. "Latex paint is water-bas...
Published on: Nov 02, 2023

Tips on TPS (The Throttle Position Sensor)

When you step on the accelerator, you expect your vehicle to speed up, not slow down.  But, what if it doesn’t?  That can be a big problem. The answer may be a problem with the sensor...
Published on: May 08, 2023

Mirror, Mirror (Door Mirror Problems)

You've probably seen them lying around at the side of the road: someone's outside rearview mirror that's been knocked off by a driver’s not-so-perfect driving.  And you realize the person w...
Published on: Mar 27, 2023

The Smell of Danger (What Causes Gasoline Odors)

A driver recently noticed that her garage had begun to smell like gasoline after she parked her vehicle inside. Her Check Engine light had also just come on. This was something she'd never experienced...
Published on: Jan 25, 2023

No Two Are Alike (Variations in Vehicle Repair Costs)

You've just taken your vehicle in to figure out why the air conditioning isn't working.  You remember a friend of yours just had to get a new evaporator, and your service advisor has told you it'...
Published on: Sep 26, 2022

Steamed Up (Vapor Coming Out of Vents)

Sometimes you may notice a little steam or vapor coming out of your vehicle's vents when running the air conditioning or heater.  Is this something about which you need to worry? The answer is i...
Published on: Aug 29, 2022