Brake Repairs in Hexworth

Hexworth is a small rural hamlet reached by narrow lanes. There is not much more to say about it than that, but those lanes are enough to test a car: tight bends, rough edges and the occasional steep section.

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and nearby places such as Heathfield, Liverton, Bickington and Caton come to us. Here is what we repair and how to ask for a quote.

Many drivers in places like this keep one car for everything, from school and shop runs to long A38 trips, so a brake or steering fault has to be dealt with promptly. We also cover suspension and wheel bearings, which often cause the noises people blame on brakes.

What are the warning signs of failing brakes?

Squeal, grind, a long pedal, pulling, juddering and warning lights are the usual signs. Brakes rarely fail without hinting first.

If you are not sure, treat it as a fault. Do not keep driving on brakes that feel wrong.

On hilly lanes with a wall or hedge close on each side, a sudden need to stop leaves no space to recover. Fade on a long downhill, a pedal that needs pumping and a smell of hot brakes are all warnings.

What is involved in a pad and disc replacement?

We remove the wheels, measure what is left, replace worn pads and discs, and check calipers, hoses and fluid. After that we confirm the car brakes evenly.

Cost depends on the vehicle and the extent of wear, so ask for a quote.

Rear brakes, handbrake operation and flexible hoses are part of the examination, because a perished hose can look fine from outside but swell under pressure.

Why are my tyres wearing on one edge?

Uneven wear often points to suspension or steering problems, such as worn arms, bushes or a tracking fault. It can also come from a failing wheel bearing.

We inspect the suspension and steering, then explain what is needed.

A car that drifts on a straight lane, rather than only when braking, is also worth mentioning, as it points to tracking, tyre or steering joint wear.

If you are unsure which part is at fault, that is fine. Describe the sound, say when it happens, such as turning left or braking downhill, and we will work from there.

• Worn shock absorbers
• Broken springs
• Wheel bearing noise
• Loose or heavy steering

Can an ABS light be fixed?

Often the cause is a sensor or its wiring, but bearings and the control unit can be involved. We read the codes to find out which.

We will not promise a repair before inspection.

Intermittent faults happen too. If the light comes on after wet weather and goes out later, say so, because it suggests a sensor, plug or wire exposed to water.

Is Hexworth within reach of your garage?

Yes. Drivers from Hexworth and the surrounding lanes use Automaster at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL.

Tell us what you can feel, hear or see, along with the vehicle details, when you ask for a quote.

Automaster looks after brake, suspension and steering work on petrol and diesel cars and vans.