O'Fallon Auto Repair

If your car’s air conditioning isn’t blowing as cold as it used to, one of the first culprits that comes to mind is low refrigerant. But here’s the thing—your car’s AC system is a sealed, closed-loop system, meaning refrigerant isn’t something that just *disappears* over time like engine oil or windshield washer fluid. So, if your refrigerant level is low… you almost certainly have a leak. Why Can’t You Just “Top Off” the Refrigerant? You might see DIY refrigerant recharge kits at auto parts stores and think, “Why not just add more and call it a day?” Here’s the problem: - Refrigerant doesn’t get “used up”—it circulates indefinitely in a properly functioning system. - Adding more without fixing the leak is like pouring water into a bucket with a hole—it’ll just leak out again. - Overcharging the system can cause damage to the compressor, leading t ... read more

When it comes to car ownership, we often obsess over details like fuel efficiency, tire pressure, and engine performance. But here’s a question you might not have considered: Does the color of my car impact how well my air conditioning works? At first glance, it sounds like a myth—something your uncle might say at a barbecue while flipping burgers. But believe it or not, your car’s exterior color can influence how hard your AC has to work. Let’s break it down. The Science Behind Color and Heat Absorption We all remember from science class that darker colors absorb more heat, while lighter colors reflect it. This principle applies to your car just as much as it does to your summer wardrobe. -Dark-colored cars (black, navy, deep red) absorb more sunlight, causing the interior to heat up faster. On a scorching summer day, a black car’s cabin can be 20-30°F hotter than a white car parked right next to it. - Light-colored cars (white ... read more

As automotive technology continues to evolve, one of the most significant advancements in modern vehicles—especially hybrids and electric cars—is regenerative braking. This innovative system not only improves efficiency but also extends the life of traditional braking components. But how does it work? What are its benefits? And what kind of maintenance does it require? In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about regenerative braking—and why Hillside Auto Repair is your trusted partner for diagnosing and maintaining this cutting-edge system. What Is Regenerative Braking? Regenerative braking is an energy-recovery mechanism that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy during deceleration, storing it in the vehicle’s battery for later use. Unlike traditional friction brakes, which waste energy as heat, regenerative braking recaptures some of that energy, making your vehicle more efficient. This technology is pr ... read more

Modern cars come with increasingly sophisticated climate control systems, but do you really know how to use them? Those buttons and settings aren’t just for show—they can improve comfort, boost efficiency, and even extend the life of your A/C system. In this guide, we’ll break down what each setting does, when to use it, and how to get the most out of your car’s A/C. And if your system isn’t performing as it should, Hillside Auto Repair is here to help—with expert diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, all backed by a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. "Auto" Mode: The Smart Way to Stay Comfortable Many newer cars feature an "Auto" climate control setting, but what does it actually do? ✅ How It Works: - Automatically adjusts fan speed and temperature to maintain your desired cabin climate - Uses sensors to account for sunlight, outside temperature, and humidity - Can improve efficiency by reducing u ... read more

Your car’s air conditioning system is one of those modern luxuries you don’t appreciate—until it stops working. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation floating around about how A/C systems operate, how to maintain them, and when they need repairs. Today, we’re busting five common car A/C myths so you can stay cool, save money, and avoid unnecessary repairs. And if your A/C isn’t performing like it should, Hillside Auto Repair is here to help—with expert diagnostics, top-tier service, and a nationwide 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all our work. Myth #1: "You Only Need to Service Your A/C If It Stops Blowing Cold Air”Fact: Waiting until your A/C completely fails is a costly mistake. Just like your engine needs oil changes, your A/C system benefits from regular maintenance. Over time, refrigerant levels drop, seals dry out, and contaminants build up—long before you notice weak coolin ... read more