Brake Repairs in Loddiswell

Loddiswell lies in the River Avon valley, and the lanes towards Kingsbridge are narrow and steep. Valley driving means long descents followed by climbs, and brakes spend a lot of time working on the way down.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we repair brakes, suspension and steering on petrol and diesel vehicles. People from Loddiswell and the countryside around come to us when something sounds or feels wrong.

What happens to brakes on long valley descents?

Sustained braking heats the pads, discs and fluid. If the pads are thin, the discs warped or the fluid old, you may feel the pedal go longer or the brakes grow weaker the further down you go. This is called brake fade, and it is a warning to have the system checked.

Using a lower gear lets the engine help, but it should not be relied upon to make up for worn brakes.

Valley lanes also hold surface water and mud after rain, which is when a car with unevenly worn pads or a failing ABS sensor shows its faults. A grinding that appears only on wet mornings or a pedal that pulses on a damp downhill deserves a proper look, because wet roads reduce the margin for error considerably.

• Pedal getting softer on descents
• Smell of burning pads
• Judder through the pedal
• Noise only when hot

What gets replaced during brake repairs?

Usually pads and discs, and sometimes calipers, hoses or brake fluid. We inspect each and tell you what needs doing. Rear brakes on some vehicles use drums with shoes, and we handle those as well.

The cost varies by vehicle, parts and labour time. For a clear answer, ask for a quote with your registration.

Why does my car clunk on rough lanes?

Rural lanes break up with frost and heavy vehicles, and potholes hit shock absorbers, springs and bushes hard. A clunk may come from a drop link, a top mount or a worn bush, while a rattle from the corner could be a loose component.

We lift the car, check each joint and explain what is worn. Replacing a tired shock absorber also helps tyre life and braking.

Springs can fatigue or snap on older cars that have spent years on rough lanes, and a car that sits lower on one corner or knocks loudly over a speed bump is a good reason for inspection. Tell us when the noise happens, for example only when turning or only on cold mornings, as that detail narrows down the cause quickly.

Can you fix steering and ABS problems?

We repair steering racks, track rod ends, ball joints and power steering systems, and diagnose ABS faults by reading codes and checking sensors and bearings. Whether a particular repair is possible depends on what the inspection shows.

If the steering feels heavy, loose or vague, do not leave it. Tell us the symptoms when you ask for a quote.

Do you cover Loddiswell, and where do I take the car?

Yes. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL. We welcome customers from Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Hazelwood, Modbury and Bantham.

A short message with your registration and a description of the problem is a good start.