Brake Repairs in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a historic port on the River Dart. Its streets climb steeply from the waterfront, ferries add stop-start traffic, and visitors fill the town in season. The Britannia Royal Naval College sits above the town, so the gradients are part of daily life.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, repairs brakes, suspension and steering on petrol and diesel vehicles. We are happy to help drivers from Dartmouth, Churston, Brixham, Kingsbridge and Totnes.

What do Dartmouth's gradients do to brakes?

Repeated braking down steep streets raises temperatures in the pads, discs and fluid. In a queue for the ferry, you may also sit with the brakes lightly applied, which adds heat. Over time that means squealing, glazed pads, warped discs and a pedal that judders.

If you notice a burning smell, longer stopping or a vibrating pedal, have the system inspected.

Cars that mostly crawl through town and then climb out on faster roads can develop ridges on the discs and vibration under braking. Fluid that has absorbed moisture adds to the problem, as it boils at a lower temperature and can make the pedal feel soft after a long descent.

• Burning smell after a hill
• Judder through the pedal
• Squealing at low speeds
• Longer stopping distances

What does a brake repair involve?

We inspect and replace worn pads and discs, check calipers and hoses, assess fluid condition and test the handbrake. ABS faults are diagnosed by scanning for codes and testing sensors and bearings.

What the job costs depends on the vehicle and the parts, so ask for a quote and give us your registration.

Are suspension and steering affected by cobbled and narrow streets?

Uneven surfaces, kerbs and tight turns batter shock absorbers, bushes, springs and steering joints. Warning signs include clunks over bumps, a car that wanders, a wheel that vibrates and tyres worn on one edge.

We repair suspension, replace shock absorbers and springs, and renew wheel bearings and steering parts. Alignment may be worth checking afterwards.

• Clunks over bumps
• Steering that wanders
• Hum from a wheel
• Uneven tyre wear

What if my steering feels heavy?

Heavy steering is commonly a power steering problem, such as low fluid, a leak or a failing pump, though a seized joint can also cause it. If the wheel is hard to turn or the warning light appears, have it checked promptly.

Do not continue driving if you feel you cannot steer safely.

Dartmouth's tight turns mean you use a lot of steering lock at low speed, which is when a weak power steering pump or a worn rack makes itself known. Groaning, a notchy feel or a wheel that is slow to return to centre are the signs to mention when you ask for a quote.

Where do I bring a car from Dartmouth?

The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL. We welcome drivers from Dartmouth and from Churston, Brixham, Kingsbridge and Totnes.

If you are unsure what is wrong, describe it when you ask for a quote and we will point you in the right direction.