Concord Auto Repair

Preventing a “Missing Driveshaft” Mishap: Why Regular Inspections Matter in New England Picture this: you’re driving up a steep hill in your trusty old truck when you hear a horrible clatter – like a tin can bouncing down the road. You glance in the mirror and your heart sinks: your drive shaft is tumbling away behind you! It sounds unbelievable, but this actually happened to a driver named Doug. Fortunately, his 4x4’s front wheels could still pull the truck in four-wheel drive, allowing him to limp to a mechanic. But it could have been much worse. So, what went wrong – and what could have prevented this roadside nightmare? The Culprit: A Tiny U-Joint with Big Consequences It turns out the universal joint (U-joint) connecting Doug’s drive shaft to the axle was badly worn. This small cross-shaped part might seem insignificant, but it’s critical – it flexes as the suspension moves, allowing power to transfer through the drive shaft ... read more

Why Shocks and Struts Matter for Your Car’s Safety and Comfort When it comes to keeping your family safe on the road, most drivers think first about brakes and tires. But did you know your shocks and struts play just as big a role in how well your car handles, how quickly it stops, and how comfortable your ride feels? At Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, we often see shocks and struts that are long past their prime. Because they wear out slowly, many drivers don’t realize their suspension is overdue for service until it affects safety or damages tires. If you live in Concord or nearby towns like Bow, Contoocook, Hopkinton, Webster, Boscawen, Chichester, Canterbury, Loudon, or Pembroke, our local roads—with frost heaves, potholes, and rough conditions—can wear these parts out even faster. Here’s what you should know about shocks and struts, how to spot the signs of wear, and the benefits ... read more

Why Is Steam or Vapor Coming Out of My Car Vents? Have you ever turned on your car’s air conditioning or heater and noticed steam, mist, or smoke coming out of the vents? It can look scary, but it isn’t always a sign of a serious problem. Sometimes it’s harmless, but other times it means your vehicle needs attention. At Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, we want you to know what’s normal, what’s not, and when to bring your vehicle in for service. Harmless Condensation One of the most common reasons for seeing vapor is condensation. On hot and humid days, cold air from your A/C can make moisture in the air turn into tiny water droplets. That mist can look like smoke, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. If it happens once in a while and goes away quickly, it’s most likely just water vapor. However, moisture that sits in your vents for too long can lead to mold and mildew, which causes musty odors inside the car. Running the fan for a few m ... read more

New England’s Tough Driving Conditions: Why Follow Your Car’s Severe Service Schedule Are you confused about how often to service your car? You’re not alone. The simplest answer is: follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual (or the one your service center provides for your specific vehicle). Every car has its own recommended service intervals these days, and the old one-size-fits-all rules are long gone. For example, oil change recommendations from manufacturers can vary anywhere from 3,000 miles to 15,000 miles depending on the engine and oil type. But here’s the truth: The 3,000-mile interval was for much older vehicles – and there are very few of those left on the road in our area. The 15,000-mile extended intervals will usually get you through your warranty, but in our experience they often lead to sludge buildup and engine issues over time. That ... read more

Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, and their condition directly impacts your car’s safety, handling, and performance. Over time, tread wears down, rubber ages, and damage can occur, sometimes without obvious signs. If your tires are past their prime, you risk poor traction, longer stopping distances, and an increased chance of blowouts, especially in wet or uneven conditions. Here’s how to check if your tires are still roadworthy or if it’s time to replace them. Tread Depth: The First Indicator Your tire’s tread depth is a key factor in maintaining grip, especially on wet roads. As the tread wears, your car’s ability to channel water decreases, raising the risk of hydroplaning. In most states, the legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but safety experts often recommend replacing tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch. A quick way to check is the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln&r ... read more