Brake Repairs in Dartington

Dartington sits just outside Totnes on the A384, and the traffic through the village is a mix of commuters, people visiting the Dartington Hall estate and its gardens, and arts event crowds. That kind of mixed use means cars are braking, parking and setting off again all day.

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. At Automaster we look after brakes, suspension and steering on petrol and diesel cars, and here is a plain guide to what we look for and how to describe a fault.

Why do my brakes feel different on the A384?

Changes tend to creep up on you. A pedal that has gone softer, a car that drifts slightly when you brake, or a pulsing through your foot are all signs something has worn or stuck. Commuter driving wears pads steadily, while short hops to events and gardens can leave discs with surface rust that causes noise.

Noise is worth listening to: squealing is an early warning, while a deep grinding says the pads may be finished.

• Squeal or grind under braking
• Drifting or pulling to one side
• Spongy or low pedal
• Pulsing through the pedal

What happens when the pads and discs are replaced?

We remove the wheels, measure the discs, check pad thickness and inspect the callipers, slides and hoses. Parts are renewed in pairs across an axle so both sides brake evenly, then the system is checked over before the car goes back to you.

Whether discs need replacing as well as pads depends on wear and condition, and we explain what we find.

Does an ABS light mean the brakes have failed?

Not necessarily. The ordinary brakes may still work, but the anti-lock function is probably switched off, so the car could lock a wheel in a hard stop on a wet road. Common causes include a wheel speed sensor, its wiring, or a fault in the control unit.

We read the system and test the likely causes before suggesting any parts, so you are not paying to replace something that was never the problem.

Are clunks and loose steering part of the same job?

They can be. Clunks over speed bumps and potholes suggest worn suspension parts such as drop links, bushes, springs or shock absorbers. Wandering or vague steering can come from the same worn parts or from the steering itself.

Uneven wear on the edge of a tyre is another sign that the geometry or suspension needs inspecting.

Do you cover Dartington, and how do I book?

Yes, we welcome drivers from Dartington as well as Totnes, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Ivybridge. Come to Longcombe Cross near Totnes and tell us about the symptoms.

Ask for a quote with your registration and a description of the problem, and we will take it from there.

Automaster looks after petrol and diesel cars of all sorts, from the daily commuter to the car that only comes out for a weekend at the gardens.