Brake Repairs in Buckfast

Buckfast is the village beside Buckfast Abbey, close to the A38 and next door to Buckfastleigh on the edge of Dartmoor. There is a lot of visitor traffic here, and a car that arrives from a long journey with brakes that feel wrong is not unusual.

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Buckfast and the surrounding villages come to us. Here is what we look at on brakes, suspension and steering. The fault may be a worn pad, a stuck calliper or a tired damper, and only an inspection can say which.

Brake trouble on a trip: what should I do first?

Start by taking it seriously. If the pedal is soft, the car pulls hard to one side, or you hear metal grinding, do not carry on with your journey. A long drive on worn pads can score the discs and make the repair bigger.

Once you are somewhere safe, note what happened and when, then contact us and ask for a quote.

Visitors and residents are treated alike at Automaster: describe the symptom and we will work out the job.

What counts as a brake warning sign?

Squealing, grinding, a low or sinking pedal and vibration through the pedal or wheel are the usual ones. A burning smell after heavy use, or the handbrake pulling up unusually far, deserve a look as well.

A lit ABS light is a separate warning. The ordinary brakes might still work but the anti-lock safety net may not.

• Squealing or grinding
• Low or soft pedal
• Vibration while slowing
• ABS light on

How are pads, discs and callipers dealt with?

We take off the wheels, inspect the whole braking system and renew what is worn. Pads and discs are done in axle sets, and a sticking calliper or perished hose is replaced where needed.

Cost depends on the vehicle and the parts involved, so ask for a quote and tell us what the car is doing.

A car that has been braking hard on hilly roads may also show uneven pad wear between the front and rear, so we look at both axles.

Can suspension and steering problems be fixed in one visit?

Often they can be looked at together. Clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, a car that sways or bounces, and heavy or loose steering all suggest worn suspension or steering parts. Shock absorber replacement, springs, wheel bearings and power steering repairs are all work we carry out.

Do you work on cars from Buckfast?

Yes. Automaster takes bookings from Buckfast, Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Totnes. You will find us at Longcombe Cross near Totnes.

Give us your registration and symptoms when you ask for a quote.

Villages near the A38 and the edge of Dartmoor can mean hills and heavy visitor traffic, and both leave a mark on pads, discs and dampers.