Car Air Conditioning in Dartington

Dartington sits just outside Totnes on the A384, and the people who drive through it are a mix of commuters, estate visitors heading for the gardens and arts events, and locals making short runs. That mix puts a lot of short, cold-start journeys on a car, which is hard on heating systems, and plenty of warm-weather queues that expose a tired air-con system.

Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes services and repairs car air conditioning and heating. This page explains the signs that something is wrong, what the work involves and how to describe your problem when you ask us for a quote.

Air con blowing warm near Dartington: where do we start?

Warm air is usually where people begin, and the commonest reason is low refrigerant after slow leakage. Before anything is replaced, the sensible first step is a check of pressures and a look for the leak, so the work matches the fault.

Mention any history too. If the air con worked well last summer and faded, that points towards gradual loss. If it stopped suddenly, a compressor, switch or electrical fault is more likely.

• Cooling that fades in slow traffic
• A clicking compressor that cuts in and out
• A loud whine or rattle with the air con on

What parts can wear out in car air conditioning?

The compressor is the pump that drives everything, and it can wear or seize. The condenser sits behind the grille and takes stone damage and corrosion. Pipes, hoses and seals can leak, expansion or pressure valves can stick, and a clogged pollen filter makes everything seem worse than it is.

Each has different consequences for time and cost, which is why we diagnose before we quote on repairs.

Why a re-gas will not last on a leaking system

Re-gassing means refilling the system with the right refrigerant and oil. If the circuit is sound, that restores cooling. If it leaks, the gas escapes again, sometimes in weeks, and you have paid for nothing.

That is why a leak check matters. What it costs overall depends on the vehicle, the refrigerant it uses and whether a component needs replacing, so the honest answer is to ask for a quote once we know more.

Heater not warming up before you reach the A384?

Cold starts, short trips and old coolant all take their toll on the heating side. A heater that blows cold may have low coolant, an air lock, a stuck thermostat or a blocked heater matrix. A heater that works but with a dead fan points to the blower motor or its resistor.

If your engine temperature warning appears, do not keep driving. Overheating can cause far larger problems than the heater.

Do you look after Dartington cars? Common questions

We do. Dartington is close to Totnes and our garage at Longcombe Cross, and drivers from Totnes, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Ivybridge also bring their cars to us.

When you ask for a quote, tell us the make, model and year, what the air is doing, any smells or noises, and whether the heating also misbehaves. We deal with petrol and diesel vehicles.