Concord Auto Repair

How a Relative Compression Test Helps Diagnose Engine Problems At Accomplished Auto, we use a test called a relative compression test to help figure out what’s going on when your engine has a misfire or runs rough. This test is fast, safe, and doesn’t require taking anything apart. We hook up a special tool called a lab scope and crank your engine. The tool shows a graph with lines representing each cylinder’s compression (pressure). If one line is lower than the others, that tells us one cylinder might have a problem. We also have other tools for this test as well as some vehicles. Ford for example have tools for this test in OEM capable scan tools as well. This test doesn’t tell us exactly what’s wrong, but it gives us a strong clue. For example, if all cylinders look good, we know the problem isn’t likely caused by low compression. That means we can focus on other possible issues like spark or fuel. But if one cylinder is low, we know to check ... read more

Why Does My Battery Die When Not Driven? We have had customers come in complaining of a dead battery. Upon questioning we find that sometimes the customer does admit that it has been 2 to even 4 weeks or more since they last drove. Even worse are the cars that only drive once a month or less. On the downside this is normal behavior for modern cars with all the electronics and convenience features they have. On the upside there are things that you can do to help with this issue. Why a Battery Dies While the Car Is Parked Even when your car is off, systems like the security alarm, infotainment memory, and emission monitors stay active. These things and how they operate varies by car make model and options package. Most cars have some amount of energy use off which is also called parasitic draws. Most vehicles start out when they are first turned off with a relatively high draw. But as the systems power down and finish doing all the tests and other things they do it tapers down to a lo ... read more

Heater Core Repair in Concord, NH – Keep Your Car Warm This Winter Winter here in Concord, NH, can be brutal, and the last thing you want on a frosty morning is a windshield that will not defrost. If you have ever wondered how the car gets your cabin nice and toasty? It’s a device called the heater core, a small radiator tucked behind your dashboard. Even most hybrids and EV vehicles have one, although some newer ones use other devices we will not cover here. Your engine uses a coolant in the cooling system to take away waste heat generated while running. As the coolant warms up it is circulated through the heater core. A fan then blows air over this hot mini-radiator, warming the air that flows into your cabin to keep you cozy. In this post, we’ll talk about why your heater core is so important. Also how to spot trouble, and what our team at Accomplished Auto can do to keep you warm and safe on the roads in Concord and the surrounding towns. What Is a Heater Core a ... read more

Shocks and struts an often-overlooked wear item. Updated: October 2025 Most people in New Hampshire keep an eye on the state of their tires and brakes. Driving here especially in the winter, with worn tires, is always a recipe for disaster. However, another critical aspect deserving attention is the condition of shocks and struts. Unlike the visible signs of tire wear, skidding on slippery roads. Or the squealing noise and poor stopping from worn brakes. Shocks and struts deteriorate gradually over time. Designed to absorb the impact of New Hampshires rough roads and potholes repeatedly over their lifespan. The internal mechanisms like valves and seals that manage fluid flow start to wear and leak internally or externally. This causes poor handling and rough ride. The Impact of Worn Shocks and Struts While the effects of deteriorating shocks and struts may not be immediately obvious. They can significantly impact both the comfort and safety of your vehicle: • Stopping distanc ... 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