Brake Repairs in Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh stands on the edge of Dartmoor beside the A38, with the heritage steam railway and Buckfast Abbey close by. Add moorland roads, hills and tourist traffic and you have exactly the sort of driving that tests pads, discs and suspension.

We repair brakes, suspension and steering from our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Below is what to listen and feel for, what the repair involves and how to ask for a quote.

Do Dartmoor hills wear out brakes faster?

Long descents keep the brakes working for longer than flat roads do, so heat builds up in the pads and discs and wear can come quicker. If the pedal begins to fade, feel spongy or give off a hot smell after a hill, take it as a warning and get the car checked.

Using a lower gear on steep descents spares the brakes, but it does not cure a fault that is already there.

• Pedal fading on long descents
• Burning smell after hills
• Grinding or squealing
• Juddering when slowing

What does a brake inspection and repair involve?

The wheels are removed and we look at pad thickness, disc condition, callipers, brake hoses and fluid. Worn parts are renewed as a pair on the axle, and any seized slides or leaking components are put right.

The final scope depends on what the inspection shows, so please ask for a quote with the symptoms described.

Why does the car clunk or wander on moorland lanes?

Rough surfaces, and potholes punish suspension. Worn shock absorbers, broken springs, tired bushes and loose links cause clunks, bounce and uneven tyre wear. Heavy or vague steering can point to steering or power steering faults.

These affect how the car stops as well as how it corners, so they are worth sorting before the brakes are blamed.

Moorland roads punish the car in other ways too, so it is sensible to ask us to look at the dampers and tyre wear while the wheels are off.

Is it dangerous to ignore the ABS light?

It can be. The warning means the anti-lock system has detected a fault and may not protect you on a wet or loose surface. We diagnose by reading the system and checking sensors and wiring before recommending parts.

Keep your speed down and avoid hard braking until it is checked.

Do you serve Buckfastleigh and the surrounding villages?

Yes. Drivers from Buckfastleigh, nearby Buckfast, Holne, South Brent and Totnes come to us at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Automaster is happy to deal with enquiries from visitors too, so if a car starts misbehaving while you are in the area, get in touch.

Tell us the make, model and symptoms and ask for a quote.

If you are staying locally for a visit, the same applies: tell us what the car is doing and we can quote for the work. Residents are equally welcome at Automaster.