Car Air Conditioning in Caton

Caton is a small rural hamlet on the Dartmoor edge near the A38. Anyone living here knows how much leaf litter, damp and mud a car picks up through the year. Those conditions are hard on the front of a car, where the air con condenser sits behind the grille, and on the pollen filter inside.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and nearby places such as Bickington, Pounds Gate, Hexworth and Buckfastleigh come to us. We cover air con servicing and re-gassing, diagnostics, repairs and heater faults.

How does dirt and debris affect air con?

The condenser works by shedding heat to air passing through it. When leaves, insects and road grime build up between its fins, it cannot do that, and cooling suffers. Stones and grit can also damage it, causing leaks.

Inside the car, a clogged pollen filter cuts airflow and holds moisture, so the vents give weak, musty air even if the refrigerant level is fine. These are simple faults to check, and we look at them early.

Why does the air con need a leak check?

Refrigerant is not used up like fuel. If it has gone, it has leaked, either slowly through seals or more quickly through damage. Topping up without tracing the source gives only temporary relief.

We test the system, look at the usual trouble spots and explain what the repair involves. Cost depends on which part is at fault and how hard it is to reach, so ask for a quote when you describe the symptoms.

• Gradual loss over several seasons
• Damage after a stone strike
• Compressor seal leaks
• Valves that no longer seal

Where do I take the car from Caton?

Bring it to Automaster at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL. We welcome drivers from around the Dartmoor edge, including Caton, Bickington, Pounds Gate, Hexworth and Buckfastleigh.

If you are searching for air con repair near Caton, tell us the car's details and what is happening. We will say what we would check first.

My heater only blows cold. What could it be?

Start with the coolant level. A low level leaves the heater matrix with little hot fluid. A thermostat stuck open stops the engine heating up, and an air lock after coolant work can block flow. If the matrix is partly blocked, you may get a little warmth on one side only.

A leaking matrix usually brings a sweet smell, misted glass and damp footwells. Do not keep driving if the engine is overheating, since the damage can be serious.

• Gauge slow to rise
• Heat fades at idle
• Fan speeds not working
• Coolant needing topping up

How do I look after the system?

Run the air con for a few minutes regularly all year. Rinse debris from the front grille area when the car is washed, and replace the pollen filter when it is due. Do not ignore early signs such as weaker airflow or a new smell.

When you ask for a quote, give us the make, model, year, symptoms and anything recently done to the car.