Brake Repairs in Heathfield

Heathfield sits between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey beside the A38 and A382, with an industrial estate and busy through traffic. Lots of queuing, junctions and sudden stops mean brake wear shows up sooner than many drivers expect.

This page explains what we check and repair on brakes, suspension and steering for petrol and diesel vehicles, and what to tell us when you want a quote.

What wears brakes out on busy roads?

Stop-start traffic on main roads and around an industrial estate means frequent braking with little time to cool. Pads thin down, discs wear and fluid ages.

Delivery drivers and anyone using a van for work tend to see this sooner, particularly with a load on board.

Heavy through traffic also means more chance of a sudden emergency stop. That is when marginal brakes show themselves, and when you most need them to work.

How do I know it is time for pads and discs?

Listen for squeal or scrape, feel for judder through the pedal and watch for the car pulling to one side. A brake warning light or a low pedal should be checked straight away.

We check the pads, the disc surface, the calipers and the hoses, and test that braking is even afterwards. The price depends on the vehicle and parts needed, so ask for a quote.

Where a van carries tools or stock, the extra weight puts more load on the rear brakes and rear suspension, so tell us how the vehicle is normally used.

• Brake pads and discs
• Calipers and hoses
• Brake fluid check
• Braking balance check

What does an ABS warning light mean for my car?

It means the anti-lock system has logged a fault. Often it is a wheel sensor, a damaged wire or a failing bearing.

We use diagnostic equipment to read the code and confirm the cause before recommending work. The ordinary brakes may still function, but you should not leave it.

A single faulty sensor can switch off ABS and traction help, so even a small part can have a large effect on how the car behaves in a wet stop.

Suspension and steering: when is it more than a rattle?

A knock from a corner, a hard ride, a broken spring or a car that sways in crosswinds all suggest worn parts. Steering that is heavy, loose or has play at the wheel needs inspection.

We replace springs, shock absorbers and wheel bearings and repair steering and power steering faults. We can only say what is repairable after seeing the car.

Shock absorbers do not fail all at once. They fade gradually, so the car feels softer and less controlled, and you may not notice until you drive a better one.

Do you take work from Heathfield?

Yes. Drivers from Heathfield, Liverton, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth bring vehicles to Automaster at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

Tell us the vehicle, the symptom and any lights on the dash, and we will quote accordingly.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross.