Posted on 4/25/2025

Washing your car might seem simple, but a few innocent missteps can do more harm than good. Many drivers unintentionally damage their vehicle’s paint, trim, or interior with the wrong products, poor techniques, or skipped steps. A clean car looks great, but only if it’s cleaned the right way. If you’re spending time keeping your vehicle looking its best, here are some of the most common cleaning mistakes to avoid—and how to get better results with less effort. Using Dish Soap or Household Cleaners One of the most common errors is reaching for whatever soap is under the sink. Dish soap might cut grease on plates, but it’s too harsh for automotive finishes. These cleaners can strip away protective wax coatings and dry out rubber seals, leaving your car more vulnerable to sun damage and fading. Stick with a pH-balanced car wash soap specifically designed for vehicles. It’ll lift dirt without harming the finish and preserve any wax o ... read more
Posted on 4/24/2025

In light of the ongoing discussion regarding potential changes to New Hampshire legislation that may eliminate state inspections, I wish to outline why this would generally be a disadvantage. Even though specific state inspection regulations are ambiguous and in need of reform, it is imperative that essential safety measures remain intact. Numerous vehicles frequently arrive in our shop with deteriorated tires, brakes, and suspension components that pose significant risks. Safety inspections are crucial to ensure these issues are promptly addressed. New Hampshire experiences extreme road conditions due to the application of salt and salt brine mixtures. This causes extensive corrosion on brake and chassis components, which requires regular monitoring. This corrosion can compromise vehicle integrity; even minor rust holes can indicate significant underlying damage. Key state regulations include rejecting vehicles with body tears or protruding areas (Saf-C 3221.01), replacing dam ... read more
Posted on 4/21/2025

Keeping Your Vehicle in Top Shape with Accomplished Auto At Accomplished Auto, we understand the importance of maintaining your vehicle's engine in peak condition. The timing belt is a crucial component that often goes unnoticed until it fails. You may have heard about this vital part of your vehicle's engine, and you might know that if it breaks, it can lead to serious and costly engine problems. Did you know that not all vehicles have timing belts? Smaller engines typically feature them, while larger engines are often equipped with timing chains. The timing belt keeps your engine synchronized, ensuring that the crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, and valves all work together seamlessly. It's essential to replace the timing belt according to your vehicle manufacturer's schedule—usually every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or 100,000 to 160,000 km—to prevent premature failure. So, what are some signs that your timing belt might be failing? Your engine might not start ... read more
Posted on 3/31/2025

Question: What are the signs that I need a brake job? Accomplished Auto Answer: Indicators of brake issues generally fall into two categories for drivers in Concord and our neighbors in Hopkinton, Contoocook, Boscawen, Bow, and Penacook: auditory signals or a pulsation in the brake pedal. Let us begin with the noise. Most brake pads have an audible wear indicator. This is a small metal component that when makes contact with the brake rotor when the brake pads have worn down to that point, they need replacement. The resultant noise is typically a chirp or soft squeal. This serves as an early warning for Concord and our neighbors in Hopkinton, Contoocook, Boscawen, Bow, and Penacook drivers to have their brakes serviced while there remains sufficient brake pad material to ensure safe stopping. Drivers in Concord and our neighbors in Hopkinton, Contoocook, Boscawen, Bow, and Penacook who ignore this chirping sound may eventually hear a grinding noise, w ... read more
Posted on 3/28/2025

Losing power while driving is more than just frustrating—it can be dangerous, especially if it happens in traffic or at high speeds. If your car suddenly hesitates, struggles to accelerate, or completely stalls, it’s a sign that something isn’t working properly. But what could be causing this issue? There are several possible reasons, ranging from minor problems to serious mechanical failures. Identifying the cause early can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running safely. Fuel Delivery Problems One of the most common causes of sudden power loss is a fuel system issue. Your engine needs a steady supply of fuel at the right pressure to function properly. If something disrupts that flow, your car may hesitate, lose power, or even shut off. A failing fuel pump is a likely culprit. The pump is responsible for sending fuel from the gas tank to the engine. If it starts to wear out, it may not supply enough fuel, especially during acceler ... read more