Meckfessel Tire & Auto - Smithton

Meckfessel Tire & Auto - Smithton Meckfessel Tire & Auto has been serving the automotive repair, new tire, and new wheel needs of cust Come see what we can do for you today.

Meckfessel Tire & Auto has been your local, family-owned tire dealer and auto repair shop in Belleville, IL and Smithton, IL for over 90 years. Our legacy of quality work at a fair price continues today through a knowledgeable and friendly staff that's dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of your vehicle. We are proud to be part of the ASE Blue Seal network of recognized shops. All qualify

ing automotive services come backed with a 24-month/24,000 mile warranty, and we only sell quality tires and wheels from industry leading brands. We’ve been serving the community with honesty and integrity for generations.

06/04/2026

Folks, school's out for the summer, so let's remember a few things:
1. Children will be playing in the streets, so let's get those brakes checked for you.
2. Vacation travel is here, so let us get those vehicles inspected and ready to travel - fluid levels, tires, filters, etc.

Your safety is our priority - we want you to enjoy your summer with your family; let us help you keep your vehicle safe and ready to travel!

Why Tire Rotation Is Important:• Maximizes Tire Lifespan: Front and rear tires handle different forces depending on your...
05/28/2026

Why Tire Rotation Is Important:
• Maximizes Tire Lifespan: Front and rear tires handle different forces depending on your drivetrain (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive). Rotating them allows all four tires to wear at a similar rate, preventing you from having to replace tires prematurely.
• Maintains Optimal Traction: Uneven tread wear can result in dangerous slipping during wet or icy driving conditions. Routine rotation keeps tread depths consistent, ensuring reliable braking and cornering.
• Improves Fuel Efficiency: Uneven tread patterns increase rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and consume more gas. Balanced tires provide a smoother roll, which maximizes your MPG.
Why An Alignment is Important:
• Extended Tire Life: Prevents rapid and uneven tire wear (like balding on just the inside or outside edges), allowing you to get the full mileage out of your investment.
• Better Fuel Efficiency: Misaligned wheels cause "rolling resistance" or dragging, forcing your engine to burn more fuel to maintain speed. Proper alignment can increase your gas mileage by up to 10%.
• Safer, Easier Driving: Keeps your vehicle from pulling to one side and prevents steering wheel vibration. This makes handling predictable, especially during sudden maneuvers or on wet, slick roads.
• Smoother Rides: Absorbs road bumps and shocks better, resulting in a significantly more comfortable behind-the-wheel experience.
• Less Strain on Parts: Reduces the wear and tear on your vehicle's suspension and steering components, saving you from costly mechanic repairs down the line.

05/22/2026

Smithton, we will be out & about and look forward to seeing you at the Summer Social on June 13th, 2026!

Hydroplaning is what happens when the water on the road surface comes between the tire and the road. Most tires come wit...
05/14/2026

Hydroplaning is what happens when the water on the road surface comes between the tire and the road. Most tires come with grooves in them (tread patterns & tread depths) that are designed to create spaces in which the water can move so the tire can continue to contact the road even when there’s water on it.
The tire tread depth is simply another way of determining how large the tire grooves are. The grooves act as the channel which dispenses water away from under the tire. The larger the grooves, the more water they will dispense. As the tread grooves wear down, the water has nowhere left to go but under the tire.
Since tire tread depth wears down over time & mileage, a new tire will have larger grooves than a used tire, even if they are both legal to drive. In most states, the minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 inch. If the tires are close to that limit, consider those tires to function less-than-perfectly regarding pushing away water.

05/07/2026

With Summer vacations quickly approaching, now's the time to get those tires for safer travels! You're in luck because it's also rebate season! Hankook, Firestone, Bridgestone, Toyo, Milestar, & Westlake tires are all offering rebates when purchasing a full set of tires!

$100 Toyo Tire Rebate!!During the month of April, if you purchase a qualifying set of 4 Toyo tires, you get a $100 prepa...
04/09/2026

$100 Toyo Tire Rebate!!
During the month of April, if you purchase a qualifying set of 4 Toyo tires, you get a $100 prepaid Mastercard through a mail-in rebate.
Please call or see a store associate for details!

Oil Changes – Seems Simple, but Is It? We all know oil changes are important for vehicle maintenance; however, oil chang...
03/19/2026

Oil Changes – Seems Simple, but Is It?
We all know oil changes are important for vehicle maintenance; however, oil changes seem to also be the most overlooked maintenance item, even though it is typically the least expensive overall.
Maybe if we all knew a little more about oil and how critical it is to engine longevity and overall engine performance, we may be more apt to get that oil changed more regularly.
The first thing to know is that no specific “brand” of oil comes fresh from the ground. Crude oil, as it is known, is simply crude oil. What makes oil specifically branded is how it is refined and that brand’s proprietary blend of additives. Each oil brand has its own additive blend and chemical makeup that addresses all the things oil does, like engine cleaning, wear protection, viscosity variation, and breakdown control. For example, Valvoline oil does not become Valvoline oil until after the whole refining and additive blending process is complete.
The next thing to know is the difference between conventional oil and synthetic oil. Conventional oil is what we commonly think of when we think of oil. Its base comes from being pumped from the ground. It is a chemical amalgam of molecules, making it less stable at extreme temperatures. Synthetic oil’s base oil is manufactured in a lab from scratch. Its chemical makeup is pure, uniform, and therefore more stable in more variable heat and performance situations. Each brand’s signature blend goes into a conventional base, a synthetic base, or a blended base with both conventional and synthetic.
So, the base oil explains the oil’s type – conventional or synthetic – and the additives determine the oil’s brand.
Finally, the oil life monitor systems are another tool to help with keeping oil changes consistent; however, they do have limitations. They use algorithms to measure driving habits, engine idling and engine load, and engine temperatures, but they cannot measure actual oil contamination or low oil levels; they do not directly measure oil quality. So, even though these oil life monitors are great tools, they do not take the place of regular checks and maintenance.
Helpful links:
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-eur/oil-life-monitors-are-they-really-accurate/
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/blog/product/synthetic-vs-conventional-motor-oil/

03/09/2026

TIRE REPAIRS: WHEN & WHY A TIRE IS NOT REPAIRABLE

There are some repairs you legally cannot do:
Regulations should be followed while performing all tire repairs to ensure safety after sending customers on their way. There are a few problems that will not be repaired. For example…
• The tread depth is lower than the 1.6 mm or 2/32”, which is the legal limit
• The structural integrity of the tire has been compromised or there is run flat damage.
• The rubber is cracked, worn or deteriorated.
• The cords are exposed.
• If there is any sign of faulty repairs made in the past.

The location of the puncture is also important to keep in mind. Tire repairs must stay within the central three-quarters of the tread, known as the “minor repair area.” If the size of the puncture is more than or equal to 6 mm (about ¼ inch) in diameter, a repair cannot be done. In these situations, customers will need to shop for a new tire.
Unfortunately, sidewall punctures are off-limits for repairs. When a car is being driven the sidewall undergoes a lot of stress. Attempting to repair it could weaken the structural integrity of the tire. The sidewall experiences the most flex in the tire, so any repair patch applied will only temporarily stay in place.
Excessive Flexing: The shoulder and sidewall constantly bend and compress while driving, preventing a patch from maintaining a permanent seal.
Structural Integrity: The sidewall and shoulder lack the reinforcing belts found under the tread, making punctures in these areas dangerous.
Safety Risk: A repaired puncture on the shoulder is likely to fail, leading to sudden, unsafe pressure loss.
Repair Area Constraints: Professional guidelines limit repairs to the main tread area (generally at least ½ inch to 1 inch away from the edge).

According to NHTSA and industry standards, proper tire repair requires removing the tire from the rim for an internal inspection and using a combination plug and patch method. Repairs are only safe for tread punctures
1/4 inch (6mm), never in the shoulder or sidewall. Plugs alone are not considered a permanent, safe repair.
Key NHTSA and Industry Tire Repair Guidelines:
• Method: A rubber stem (plug) must fill the hole, and a patch must seal the inner liner.
• Location: Only the tread area (crown) can be repaired.
• Damage Size: Punctures must be 1/4 inch (6mm) or less in diameter.
• Inspection: The tire must be removed from the rim for a thorough internal inspection to check for hidden damage.
Limitations:
• Never repair sidewall or shoulder damage.
• Do not repair tires with exposed cords, tread separation, or excessive wear (less than 2/32-inch tread remaining).
• Repairs cannot overlap.
• A maximum of two repairs is generally recommended.
When to Replace Instead of Repair:
• Puncture larger than 1/4 inch.
• Damage in the shoulder or sidewall area.
• The tire was driven while flat or underinflated (internal structural damage).
• The tire has previously been improperly repaired (e.g., just a plug).
• The tire tread is worn down to the wear indicators (2/32 inch).
Always consult a trained professional to perform these repairs who follows U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) or Tire Industry Association (TIA) guidelines.

Helpful links:
https://www.ustires.org/tire-care-safety/tire-repair-basics
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/brochure.pdf

We've updated our hours of operation! As of March 1, 2026, we will be open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday...
02/27/2026

We've updated our hours of operation! As of March 1, 2026, we will be open from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Thank you!

Meckfessel Tire & Auto has been in business for 99 years! Thank you, Smithton, for the opportunity to serve you for the ...
02/24/2026

Meckfessel Tire & Auto has been in business for 99 years! Thank you, Smithton, for the opportunity to serve you for the last 20 years. We look forward to serving you for many more!

Address

1 Center Street
Smithton, IL
62285

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 5pm
Thursday 7:30am - 5pm
Friday 7:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+16182340014

Website

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