Brake Repairs in Abbotskerswell

Abbotskerswell is a village near Newton Abbot, reached by narrow country lanes and home to plenty of commuters. Lanes mean tight bends, sudden stops for oncoming traffic and rough edges where the surface has broken up, all of which work the brakes, springs, shock absorbers and steering.

Our garage handles brake pads and discs, ABS faults, suspension, wheel bearings and steering on petrol and diesel vehicles. Below is a plain guide to the symptoms, the work and what to include when you ask for a quote.

What does a brake problem sound and feel like on a lane?

On a twisting lane you brake often and at low speed, so you notice small changes. Squealing at walking pace, a grinding note when you stop for a passing car or a pedal that sinks further than it used to are all reasons to book in.

A car that drifts toward the verge as you brake can have a sticking caliper or uneven pads. Do not keep driving on brakes that feel wrong, especially on roads with little room to correct.

Wet leaves, mud and gravel on a lane surface also hide early symptoms, because the tyres slip before the brakes are tested properly. If a stop feels longer than usual, trust that feeling and book the car in.

Brake pads, discs and calipers: how is the job done?

We remove the wheels, measure the pads and discs, free up or replace calipers that are not moving freely and check flexible hoses for cracking. New parts are fitted and the car is checked for even braking afterwards.

The time and cost depend on the vehicle, how worn the parts are and whether anything has seized. That is why we ask you to request a quote with the make and model.

• Front and rear pads
• Discs where worn or scored
• Caliper slide and hose checks
• Brake fluid check

Why does my car clunk on bumpy roads?

Broken springs, tired shock absorbers and worn bushes or drop links show up as clunks, a bouncy ride or a car that dips heavily under braking. Poor country road surfaces speed that wear up.

We carry out suspension repairs, spring and shock absorber replacement, and wheel bearing replacement when a hum grows with speed. Worn suspension also wears tyres unevenly, so look at the inside and outside edges.

Is my steering heavy, loose or wandering?

Heavy steering can mean a power steering fault or a leak, while vague or loose steering often comes from worn joints or tie rods. Both can be unsafe.

If the wheel suddenly feels very different, or you hear groaning when turning at a junction, tell us. We inspect first and explain what can be repaired and what needs replacing.

Commuters who cover the same stretch twice a day often get used to a slowly worsening fault, so a fresh pair of ears or a quick check of the steering feel against how it used to be is worthwhile.

Can Abbotskerswell drivers bring their car to you?

Yes. Drivers from Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot, Milber, Bickington and Liverton use Automaster for brakes, suspension and steering. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

Before you ask for a quote, note the vehicle details, any warning lights and whether the noise comes from the front or rear.

At Automaster we are known for clutches, but brakes, suspension and steering are everyday work for us too.