Car Air Conditioning in Heathfield

Heathfield is a busy settlement between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey, beside the A38 and A382, with an industrial estate and steady through traffic. If you spend time queuing or crawling through that traffic, your air con works hard when the engine is at idle and there is little air passing the condenser. Weak points in the system show up fast.

Automaster is the garage at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes, that we run for drivers across South Devon. We cover air con servicing and re-gassing, finding and repairing faults, and heating repairs. This page sets out what usually goes wrong and how to help us help you.

Why does my air con struggle in traffic?

When a car is moving, air is pushed through the condenser. In slow traffic the cooling fan has to do that job, so a weak or failing fan, a condenser clogged with debris or a system short of gas all show up as warm air when you are stationary. The same system may seem fine at higher speed.

If this sounds familiar, tell us. It helps us decide whether to start with the fan and condenser or with a gas and pressure check.

• Cool on the open road, warm at junctions
• Fan not running when the air con is on
• Dirt or leaves packed in front of the radiator
• Pressure-related cut-outs

Is it worth re-gassing an older car?

It can be, provided the rest of the system is in decent shape. An older car is more likely to have worn seals or a damaged condenser, so we test for leaks before re-gassing. If the circuit holds, a service and re-gas can restore good cooling.

If a major component such as the compressor has failed, the repair is bigger. Cost depends on the car, the part and the labour involved, which is why we ask you to request a quote with the details of your vehicle.

Can you help with air conditioning near Heathfield?

Yes. Drivers from Heathfield, Liverton, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth are welcome at the garage for air con and heating work. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL.

It helps to tell us how the car is used. A vehicle that does lots of stop-start trips may need different attention from one that is mostly used on faster roads.

What causes a heater to fail or blow cold?

The heater uses hot coolant from the engine, so a coolant problem usually means a heating problem. Low levels, a thermostat that sticks open, an air lock or a blocked matrix are the usual causes. A faulty blower motor or resistor affects airflow instead.

Never ignore an overheating warning. Stop somewhere safe, switch the engine off and wait for it to cool before checking coolant, and do not open a hot cap.

• No warm air at any speed
• Heat varies with revs
• Foggy windows that will not clear
• Coolant disappearing

What helps the system last longer?

Run the air con regularly all year, replace the pollen filter when due and keep the front of the car clear of debris. If you notice a smell or a noise, it is better to have it checked early.

When you ask for a quote, include the make, model and year, the symptoms and whether you drive mostly in traffic or on open roads.