Posted on 7/28/2025
How to Make Your Older Car Last Longer: Accomplished Auto’s Guide for Concord-Area Drivers Owning an older vehicle – whether it's nine years old or even fifteen – doesn't mean it's on its last legs. With proper care and maintenance, modern cars can often run well past 200,000 miles (around 320,000 kilometers) without major issues. Many drivers in Concord, NH and the surrounding areas – from Bow and Hopkinton to Pembroke and Boscawen – are keeping their vehicles longer. This guide will explain how regular maintenance and a few smart strategies can help you get another year or more out of your high-mileage ride. Stick to the Maintenance Schedule (Even After 100k Miles) Every vehicle comes with a recommended maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Common services might be listed up to, say, 100,000 miles – but that doesn't mea ... read more
Posted on 7/17/2025

🚗 Diagnosing Catalytic Converter Issues the Right Way At Accomplished Auto, we believe in fixing the root of the problem – not just the symptom. One of the most misunderstood parts of your car’s emissions system is the catalytic converter (or "cat" for short). It plays a critical role in cleaning up the exhaust gases before they exit your vehicle. But when a warning light pops up for something like a “catalyst efficiency” code (P0420 or P0430), it doesn’t always mean the catalytic converter itself has failed. In fact, many times it’s doing its job just fine, and something else upstream – like how your engine is running – is causing the problem. That’s why we take the time to test properly, not just replace parts. 🔍 Why a Prop ... read more
Posted on 6/30/2025

NH Budget Bill Eliminates Vehicle Inspections: How does this impact you! The recent passage of New Hampshire's state budget bill has brought a controversial change: the repeal of mandatory vehicle safety inspections. As of January 30, 2026, annual inspections will no longer be required for most vehicles in the state. While some may celebrate this as a step toward reducing red tape, we at Accomplished Auto believe this decision poses serious risks to public safety, financial stability, and environmental health. This shift is not a panacea. It removes a structured, professional safety check and replaces it with a hope that vehicle owners will self-regulate. It also places more responsibility on police officers, who must now identify unsafe vehicles during routine traffic stops, without the specialized tools or knowledge of trained mechanics. It is important to understand that this repeal does not eliminate any of the existing safety or emi ... read more
Posted on 6/16/2025

As the summer heat sets in, there’s nothing more frustrating than turning on your vehicle’s air conditioner and realizing…it’s not blowing cold air. At Accomplished Auto in Concord, NH, we hear this question all the time. The good news? You’re not alone—and we’re here to help. Understanding the A/C System Basics Your vehicle’s air conditioning (A/C) system relies on refrigerant—a gas that circulates through components like the compressor, condenser, and evaporator—to create cool air. But a number of issues can disrupt this system. Let’s break down the most common culprits. 1. Refrigerant Leaks: The Most Common Problem The A/C system must be completely sealed to function correctly. Unfortunately, small leaks in hoses, seals, or couplers can allow refrigerant to escape. Even a pinhole can cause enough loss over time to prevent the system from cooling. Federal law requ ... read more
Posted on 6/5/2025

🌍 World Environment Day: Driving Toward a Cleaner Future—One Tune-Up at a Time 🚗🌿 At Accomplished Auto, we believe even routine vehicle maintenance can contribute to a healthier planet. This World Environment Day, we're celebrating how keeping your car in top shape isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s a win for the environment and public health, too. 🛠️ How Car Maintenance Reduces Pollution Small maintenance decisions lead to big environmental outcomes: Clean Engines = Clean Air A finely tuned engine improves fuel combustion, which reduces the harmful gases your vehicle releases into the air. Proper Tire Pressure Saves Fuel Tires at optimal pressure increase fuel efficiency and reduce unnecessary emissions. Regular Oil Changes = Lower Emissions Clean ... read more