Concord Auto Repair

Why Accomplished Auto Charges for Vehicle Diagnostics (and Why It Saves You Money) If you’ve ever seen a parts store offer a “free code scan” when your check engine light comes on, you might wonder: Why does Accomplished Auto charge for diagnostics? It’s a fair question, and the answer comes down to this: today’s cars are incredibly complex, and getting to the true cause of a problem requires the right tools, training, and time. Proper diagnostics not only protect your wallet but also ensure your car is fixed right the first time. Modern Cars Are Rolling Computers Years ago, a mechanic could pop the hood, listen for a noise, and often figure out what was wrong. But today’s vehicles are more like networks on wheels. Modern cars can have 30–50 onboard computers controlling everything from the engi ... read more

🚗 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

Navigating Warranties, Recalls, and Insurance Work at Accomplished Auto At Accomplished Auto, we often get asked a very common question: "Do you handle warranty work, recalls, or insurance claims?" The answer is both simple and complicated, so we wanted to take a moment to explain how it works. Manufacturer Warranties and Recalls If your vehicle is still covered under the factory warranty or you've received a recall notice, the work typically needs to be done at the dealer. The reason for this is simple: we have no easy way to get reimbursed by the manufacturer for these repairs. However, that doesn't mean we can't help you in other ways. Before you make that sometimes lengthy appointment at the dealership, it's often a good idea to bring your vehicle to us first. We can diagnose the issue and determine whether it might be covered by a manufacturer recall, warranty, or even a technical service bulletin (TSB). TSBs are issued by manufacture ... read more

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

A Comprehensive Guide to NH State Inspections: Understanding OBD2 Requirements Ensuring Compliance with Emissions Standards in New Hampshire Introduction New Hampshire's state vehicle inspections are an essential aspect of ensuring road safety and minimizing environmental impact. Among the inspection requirements, the OBD2 (On-Board Diagnostics II) standards play a pivotal role in determining a vehicle's emissions compliance. This blog post delves into the specifics of OBD2 requirements, especially focusing on how they apply to vehicles of varying ages and the nuances of readiness monitors. Inspection Requirements for Vehicles Over 20 Years Old In New Hampshire, vehicles over 20 years old are subject to relaxed inspection requirements compared to their newer counterparts. These vehicles undergo a visual inspection to confirm the presence of all emissions equipment originally installed by the manufacturer. This includes components such as catalytic converters and smog pumps ... read more