O'Fallon Auto Repair

Flooding can wreak havoc on vehicles, causing extensive damage that isn't always immediately apparent. Whether from torrential rains, hurricanes, or even localized flash floods, water intrusion into a car's interior and mechanical systems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how flooding impacts cars, how to identify signs of flood damage, and the crucial steps needed for recovery. How Flooding Affects Cars When a vehicle is submerged in floodwaters, several critical components can be compromised: Electrical Systems: Water can short-circuit electrical components, including the engine control unit (ECU), sensors, and wiring harnesses. This can lead to erratic behavior or complete failure of vital systems. Engine and Transmission: Floodwaters can contaminate engine oil and transmission fluids, leading to internal damage if not addressed promptly. Water intrusion into t ... read more

In the realm of automotive essentials, few components are as critical yet often overlooked as the car battery. Serving as the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system, the battery plays a pivotal role in powering everything from ignition to interior electronics. This blog post aims to demystify the workings of a car battery, explain why regular testing is crucial, outline symptoms of a failing battery, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to jump-start it when needed. How a Car Battery Works A typical car battery is a rechargeable energy storage device that supplies electrical current to the starter motor, ignition system, and other essential electrical components. Most vehicles use lead-acid batteries due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness. Inside the battery, there are six cells, each containing a series of lead plates immersed in a solution of sulfuric acid (electrolyte). When the battery is charged, a chemical reaction occurs between the lead pl ... read more

In the scorching heat of summer or the biting cold of winter, the advent of car air conditioning (A/C) has revolutionized our comfort while driving. Let's delve into the fascinating history, mechanics, components, symptoms of malfunction, and recent innovations in automotive A/C systems. History of Car Air Conditioning The story of car A/C begins in the early 1930s when Packard introduced the first commercially available A/C system in automobiles. However, these early systems were bulky, inefficient, and prone to leaking harmful gases like ammonia. Over the decades, advancements in technology, materials, and refrigerants have transformed A/C systems into the compact, efficient units we rely on today. How Car A/C Works Car A/C systems operate on the principles of thermodynamics, specifically the transfer of heat from one place to another. Here's a simplified overview of the process: Compression: The A/C compressor pressurizes refrigerant gas ... read more

Many of us are enjoying the hot summer weather and hitting the open road for adventures and vacations. However, ensuring our vehicles are in optimal condition is essential for a smooth journey. One critical component that often goes unnoticed until it fails is the ignition system. In this blog post, we'll delve into how your car's ignition system works, signs that it may be faulty or failing, and why choosing a reliable repair service like Hillside Auto Repair can make all the difference for your peace of mind. How Does the Ignition System Work? The ignition system in a car is responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders, which in turn powers the vehicle. Modern ignition systems typically consist of several components:   Battery: Provides the initial electrical power to start the engine. Ignition Switch: Activates the electrical system and starter motor Ignition Coil: Converts low voltage from the battery into high volta ... read more

Owning a car is often seen as a necessity, providing convenience and mobility. However, the financial implications of car ownership extend far beyond the initial purchase price. From maintenance and insurance to hidden fees and depreciation, understanding the true cost of owning a vehicle is crucial for making informed financial decisions. Initial Cost vs. Long-term Value When considering buying a car, whether new or used, the initial cost is just the beginning. New cars depreciate significantly the moment they are driven off the lot, losing about 20% of their value in the first year alone. This rapid depreciation means that a brand-new car may not hold its value as well as a used vehicle, making it a less cost-effective investment in the long run. On the other hand, maintaining a paid-off vehicle can be significantly more cost-efficient. Once you've paid off your car loan, your monthly expenses are reduced to insurance, maintenance, and occasional repairs. This ... read more