Car Air Conditioning in St Marychurch

St Marychurch sits on a hill above Babbacombe, and its steep residential roads mean engines work hard from the first minute. That makes it easy to notice when the heater is slow to warm up, or the air con no longer cools properly.

We are Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, offering air-con servicing, re-gassing, diagnostics and repairs, and heating faults. Drivers from St Marychurch, Ellacombe and the wider Torbay area can ask for a quote.

Why is my heater slow to warm on short hill trips?

Short journeys on steep roads do not give the engine long to reach temperature. If the heater stays cool even after a longer run, a thermostat that sticks open is a classic cause. Low coolant, an air lock or a clogged heater matrix can have the same effect.

Check the coolant level only when the engine is cold. If you find it low repeatedly, there is probably a leak, and it needs inspection.

• Cold air at the vents after a long drive
• Fogging windows that do not clear
• Sweet smell in the cabin

Air con that blows warm: where do we start?

We test pressure and operation, then look for the reason. Gradual gas loss is common, but a fault in the compressor, condenser, valves or sensors also gives warm air.

A blocked pollen filter will not warm the air, yet it reduces flow and encourages smells. We include it in our checks.

Why a leak check matters before a re-gas

A re-gas on a leaking system will not last. Adding refrigerant without finding where it is escaping simply repeats the problem and wastes money.

We check the pipework, joints, condenser and compressor seals. Only then can we say whether re-gassing makes sense or a repair comes first. What the work involves depends on the vehicle.

Do you cover St Marychurch?

Yes. A historic village centre on a hill is not an obstacle for us, and drivers from St Marychurch, Ellacombe, Stoke-in-Teignhead and Newton Abbot all come to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes.

Ask for a quote with your car details and a description of the fault, and we will advise on the next step.

Using air con well on a hilly route

Switch the air con on for a few minutes every week, whatever the weather, so the compressor lubricant keeps moving. This helps seals and reduces the chance of leaks.

Do not ignore a heater that works one day and not the next. Intermittent faults often get worse, and a leaking coolant system can cause overheating. Stop and get help if the gauge rises.