So, your car is making that weird clicking sound again, or maybe the New Hampshire winter finally ate your brake pads. If you live anywhere near the Sugar River, you've probably driven past the big sign at 366 Washington Street more times than you can count. VIP Auto Claremont New Hampshire is basically a fixture in town. But honestly, in a world where corporate chains seem to be swallowing every local garage, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually getting when you pull into the bay.
It’s not just a tire shop.
A lot of people think "VIP" and immediately picture rows of rubber. And sure, they have enough tires to floor a stadium, but the Claremont location is actually a full-blown service hub. We’re talking about a crew that handles everything from the dreaded "Check Engine" light to the kind of complex electrical gremlins that make most people want to just sell their car and buy a bike.
What’s the deal with VIP Auto Claremont New Hampshire?
The first thing you’ve gotta understand is the weird history of the brand. You might notice an O’Reilly Auto Parts right next door or even in the same building. Back in 2012, the Quirk family—who still owns VIP—sold the "parts" side of the business to O’Reilly. That's why you can't go to the VIP counter to buy a windshield wiper and install it yourself anymore; you go to O’Reilly for the parts and VIP for the labor. It's a partnership that actually works pretty well for the customer because the inventory is massive and right there.
The Claremont shop is specifically an AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility. That isn't just a sticker they bought; it means they get audited for quality and actually have to maintain a certain level of technician certification.
The services you'll actually find on Washington Street
- The Tire Game: They carry the big names like Michelin and BFGoodrich, but they also do the gritty work like flat repairs and high-speed balancing.
- Brake Surgery: They run deals on brake pads pretty often, sometimes offering 50% off pads if you’re getting the whole service done.
- State Inspections: This is the big one for New Hampshire. They handle the NH state inspection, though you definitely want to call ahead because the schedule fills up fast during "sticker season."
- The "Unsure" Diagnostic: One of the best things they do is a transparent diagnostic. If you don't know why your car is vibrating, they'll hook it up to the computer or put it on the lift and give you a straight answer.
Is the service actually good?
Let’s be real: every mechanic has a 1-star review from someone who was mad about a price. But looking at the Claremont data, they’ve managed to hold a 4.6-star rating across over 130 verified reviews. That’s actually impressive for a high-volume shop.
One regular, a guy named Steve who’s a Master Tech there, gets mentioned a lot in local circles for being the guy who "actually explains it." That's the difference. You aren't just a ticket number; you're someone who needs to get to work tomorrow.
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However, it’s not always perfect. Some folks have noted that the shop gets incredibly busy. Because they take walk-ins, you might find yourself waiting in the lounge for a while if you didn't snag a morning appointment. They do have free Wi-Fi and coffee, which makes the wait less of a soul-crushing experience, but it’s still a wait.
Knowing your discounts
If you’re a AAA member, you are literally leaving money on the table if you don't tell them. You get 10% off labor and parts (up to a $75 cap). It doesn't sound like a fortune, but on a $500 brake job, that’s your grocery money for the week.
Why the "Claremont Factor" matters
Living in Sullivan County means dealing with salt. A lot of it. The guys at VIP Auto Claremont New Hampshire see more rusted-out frames and seized-up calipers than almost anyone else in the region. They know the specific "New England tax" that weather puts on a vehicle.
They also do fleet services. If you see a bunch of local delivery trucks or contractor vans in the lot, that’s why. Local businesses trust them to keep their wheels turning, which is usually a better endorsement than any TV commercial.
A quick look at the hours
They are open seven days a week. That is a rarity in Claremont.
- Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Having a shop open on a Sunday is a lifesaver when your alternator decides to quit on a Saturday night. Just keep in mind that the Sunday crew is usually smaller, so don't expect a 20-minute oil change if you show up at noon.
Final reality check
VIP is a big company, but the Claremont store feels like a local shop. You’ve got Jeremy Palmer managing the place, and they’ve built a reputation for being the "middle ground"—more professional than a guy working out of his backyard, but more affordable than the big dealerships over in Lebanon or Keene.
If you’re heading there soon, here is what you should actually do. First, check their website for "Daily Service Deals." They almost always have a coupon for an oil change or a free alignment check. Second, if you need a state inspection, book it at least a week before your sticker expires. Don't be that person trying to get it done on the 31st of the month; you'll just end up stressed.
Finally, ask for the "Tire Maintenance Plus" if you're buying new rubber. It covers rotations and balances for the life of the tire, which basically pays for itself after a year of driving on these bumpy New Hampshire backroads.
Your next move: Take five minutes to check your current tire tread with a penny. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to call the shop at (603) 543-3521 and get a quote before the next snowstorm hits.