Brake Repairs in Bickington

Bickington lies on the road between Newton Abbot and Ashburton, close to the A38 and on the edge of Dartmoor. That is a mix of faster dual carriageway driving and steady gradients towards the moor, and descents are where tired brakes show themselves.

We repair brakes, suspension and steering on petrol and diesel cars and vans. This guide covers the warning signs, what a repair involves and what we need to know to give you a quote.

What should I do if my brakes feel weak on a downhill?

Brakes that fade on a long descent, a pedal that goes soft or a burning smell after hard braking are warnings. Heat builds up on hills, and worn pads, tired discs or old brake fluid make fade more likely.

Stop driving if the pedal sinks or the car takes noticeably longer to slow. We can look at pads, discs, calipers, hoses and fluid to find the cause.

If you have noticed the pedal travelling further than it used to, or the car needs more room to stop when you come off the A38 towards a junction, that is a sign worth acting on rather than putting up with.

What needs replacing: pads, discs or both?

Pads wear first, but discs wear too, and a lip at the edge or visible scoring means they have had their life. Fitting new pads to bad discs shortens the life of both.

We check the thickness of the parts, the movement of the calipers and the condition of the hoses. Prices depend on the vehicle and the parts, so we ask you to request a quote.

Rear brakes matter too. Drums and rear pads are easy to forget, but on a car with worn rear brakes the front takes more of the work and wears faster.

• Squealing or scraping noise
• Vibration through pedal or wheel
• Pulling to one side
• Soft or low pedal

Why is the ABS warning light on?

A lit ABS light usually means a stored fault. Wheel speed sensors, their wiring and worn bearings are frequent culprits, and driving through standing water or muddy lanes does not help.

We read the fault codes and then check the likely parts, rather than replacing things on a hunch. The standard brakes normally still work, but you should have it looked at.

If the ABS and brake lights are on together, treat it more seriously and do not carry on driving as normal.

How do I tell if suspension or a wheel bearing is failing?

Clunking over rough ground, a floaty or bouncy ride, a broken spring or a hum that changes when you steer are the usual clues. Uneven tyre wear is another.

Worn suspension affects braking distances and stability, so it is a safety item, not just a comfort one. We handle springs, shock absorbers, bearings and steering linkages, and explain what can be repaired and what needs replacing.

Moorland roads add cattle grids, dips and loose edges. They shake the suspension, and over time wear shows up as knocks and a loose feel through the wheel.

Do you cover Bickington and nearby villages?

Yes. Drivers from Bickington, Newton Abbot, Liverton, Heathfield and Buckfastleigh bring their vehicles to Automaster at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

When you get in touch, tell us the make, model and year, and describe the symptom plainly.

Automaster repairs petrol and diesel cars and vans, so say which you drive.