Brake Repairs in Churston

Churston sits between Paignton and Brixham, and most of the cars that live here spend their week on the roads that link the two, with regular runs towards Dartmouth as well. That means plenty of short hops, junctions and queues behind summer traffic, which is hard on brake pads and discs.

If you are looking for brake repairs in Churston, we are Automaster, an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from Churston, Brixham, Paignton, Dartmouth and the wider Torbay area bring cars to us for brakes, suspension and steering work, alongside the rest of our general repair services.

What are the signs my brakes need attention in Churston?

Squealing or grinding when you press the pedal is the classic warning that pads are worn down, and grinding in particular can mean metal is now rubbing on the disc. A pedal that feels soft, sinks towards the floor or sits lower than it used to is a different matter and should be treated as urgent.

Other clues include the car pulling to one side under braking, a shudder through the pedal or steering wheel, and a warning light on the dashboard. If the brakes feel wrong, please do not keep driving on them. Stop somewhere safe and get the car looked at.

• Squealing or grinding noises
• Pulling to one side when braking
• Soft, low or spongy pedal
• Vibration through pedal or wheel

Brake pads and discs: what does the work involve?

Replacing pads and discs means removing the wheels, inspecting the calipers, slide pins and brake hoses, fitting the new parts and checking the car stops evenly. Pads and discs on the same axle are normally done as a pair so the braking stays balanced.

What affects the time and the price is the vehicle itself: front or rear, the type of caliper, whether the discs are worn beyond their limit, and whether seized components or fluid that has gone old need attention too. We do not quote blind, so tell us the make, model and age and we can talk through it.

Why is my ABS light on and can you diagnose it?

An ABS light usually points to a fault in the anti-lock system, often a wheel speed sensor, its wiring, or a worn wheel bearing that disturbs the signal. The ordinary brakes may still work, but the safety net of anti-lock may not be there, so it is worth having checked promptly.

We connect diagnostic equipment, read what the system has stored and then confirm the cause before recommending any repair. Whether a repair is possible depends on what we find on inspection.

Clunks, humming and loose steering: suspension and wheel bearings

Brakes are only part of how a car stops and steers. Clunks over bumps can come from worn suspension joints, springs or shock absorbers. A humming or rumbling that changes with speed, or when you steer gently left and right, often points to a wheel bearing.

Heavy steering, a notchy feel or a car that wanders can be a sign of steering or power steering problems. Uneven wear on the edges of your tyres is another hint that something in the suspension or steering has worn out.

• Shock absorber and spring replacement
• Wheel bearing replacement
• Steering and power steering repairs

Do you cover Churston, and where do I bring the car?

Yes. Automaster is based at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we welcome drivers from Churston and the surrounding area, including those coming from Brixham, Paignton, Dartmouth and across Torbay.

Get in touch and ask for a quote, describing the symptoms as fully as you can. The more detail we have about noises, warning lights and when the problem happens, the easier it is to point you in the right direction before the car arrives.