Car Air Conditioning in Torbay

Around Tor Bay, cars face hills, seafront queues and heavy visitor numbers in summer. Air con that has quietly lost its gas shows itself at the worst time, and a failing heater is a nuisance on damp winter mornings.

At Automaster, our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, we handle air-con servicing and re-gassing, diagnostics and repairs, and heating-system faults. Drivers from Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, St Marychurch and Ellacombe can ask for a quote.

Where can Torbay drivers get air con checked?

With us. We take cars from across Torbay, from the English Riviera towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham to the districts between them. Longcombe Cross is near Totnes, and we welcome drivers from the surrounding area.

Tell us your make, model and year and what the air con is doing, and we will explain what a check involves.

Signs your air con is losing performance

Most systems fade slowly. Cool air gradually becomes lukewarm, the fan seems louder, and eventually there is no chill at all. Smells, misting inside the glass or odd noises are further clues.

Causes include slow refrigerant loss, leaks, a failing compressor, a damaged condenser, faulty valves and a clogged pollen filter.

• Weak cooling on warm days
• Noisy compressor or belt
• Smells from the vents
• Air con that cuts out

Re-gas or repair: how do we decide?

We begin with testing. If the system holds pressure and just needs refilling, a re-gas may be all that is required. If gas has escaped, we look for the leak, because a re-gas on a leaking system will not last.

Cost depends on the vehicle, refrigerant type and which parts, if any, are at fault. Ask for a quote and we will talk you through it.

Heater and demisting trouble on Torbay hills

Hills and damp air make poor heating obvious. A heater with weak output, a sweet smell or constantly misting screens may mean low coolant, a faulty thermostat, an air lock or a blocked heater matrix.

Overheating is never something to ignore. If the temperature gauge climbs, stop safely and do not keep driving.

Looking after the system through the year

Run the air con regularly all year round so seals stay supple, and avoid leaving a car unused for long spells. Keep the condenser clear of leaves and dirt, and change the pollen filter on schedule.

If something sounds wrong, switch the system off and get it checked rather than letting a small fault damage the compressor.