Posted on 9/29/2025

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
Posted on 9/22/2025

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
Posted on 9/17/2025

Choosing the Best Tires for New England Driving Driving in New England means preparing for just about everything: icy winter mornings, muddy spring backroads, hot summer pavement, and long highway commutes. For drivers in Concord, NH and nearby towns like Pembroke, Bow, Dunbarton, Hopkinton, Contoocook, Boscawen, Canterbury, Loudon, and Chichester, the right tires make all the difference in safety, performance, and comfort. At Accomplished Auto, we help local drivers find the best tire solutions for their unique needs. Whether you’re looking for year-round convenience, winter traction, quiet commuting comfort, or help choosing custom wheel and tire sizes, our team can guide you every step of the way. All-Season vs. All-Weather Tires: Year-Round Convenience Many drivers prefer the simplicity of one tire set all year. All-season tires handle spring through fall conditions well but can struggle in deep snow and ice. That’s where all-weather tires shine. All-weather tires a ... read more
Posted on 9/8/2025

Your Car’s Other Power Plant: The Alternator Explained Introduction When it comes to your vehicle’s power, the engine usually gets all the glory. But did you know your car has another power source under the hood? We’re talking about the alternator, a vital yet often overlooked component. The alternator is essentially your car’s on-board electrical generator. It supplies the electricity for your headlights, radio, power windows, and all the other accessories – and it keeps your battery charged up for the next start. In other words, once your engine is running, the alternator takes over as the main source of electrical power, while the battery gets a much-needed recharge. In this post, we’ll explain why the alternator is so important, how to spot signs of a failing alternator, and how modern alternators are smarter (and more computer-integrated) than ever. We’ll also discuss why proper testing is crucial before replacing an alternator. What Do ... read more
Posted on 8/25/2025

Preventative Maintenance in Concord, NH – Keep Your Car Running Strong with Accomplished Auto Most of us know the importance of maintaining our teeth, homes, or even our lawns. But when it comes to vehicles, too many drivers wait until something goes wrong before giving them attention. At Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, we see it all the time: a car arriving on a tow truck with a breakdown that could have been prevented through routine maintenance. The good news? With the right preventative care, you can avoid surprise s, save money, and keep your vehicle safe and reliable for years to come. Why Preventative Maintenance Matters Industry surveys show that over 80% of vehicles on the road today have at least one unperformed repair or maintenance service. That means most drivers are rolling the dice every time they hit the road. Here in New Hampshire – with our ... read more