Brake Repairs in Torbay

Torbay, the English Riviera, wraps around Tor Bay and takes in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. The area is full of hills and seafront routes, and in the holiday season the number of visitors makes the roads noticeably busier.

If you need brake repairs in Torbay, Automaster is the independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We work on petrol and diesel cars and vans, and brakes, suspension and steering sit alongside our clutch, gearbox and general repair work.

Which brake problems are common around Torbay?

Hills, junctions and slow-moving visitor traffic combine to wear pads and discs more quickly than steady driving would. Cars that do mostly short trips can also suffer from corroded discs and seized calipers because the brakes never get a proper chance to clear themselves.

Watch for pulling to one side, a pedal that feels different, or a smell of burning after a descent. Any of these is a reason to arrange an inspection.

• Worn pads and scored discs
• Sticking calipers
• Old or contaminated brake fluid

What happens when you inspect brakes?

We check the pads and discs for thickness and wear patterns, look over the calipers, hoses and pipes, and test the fluid. Where the pedal feels wrong or the ABS light is on, diagnostic equipment helps us find faults the eye cannot see.

From there we explain what the car needs. Time and cost depend on the vehicle, the parts and how much has worn, and we can only be precise once we have seen the car, so please ask for a quote with as many details as you can give.

If you are comparing symptoms, it helps to note whether the problem shows up when the brakes are cold, after a long hill or only in traffic. Those clues narrow down whether we are looking at pads, discs, a caliper or something in the suspension.

Are my suspension and steering part of this?

Yes. Brakes work well when the suspension is sound, because worn shock absorbers let the car pitch under braking and the tyres lose grip. Broken springs, worn bushes and tired joints show up as clunks, bounce or uneven tyre wear.

Steering faults, including power steering problems, can make the car feel heavy, vague or noisy. We repair these alongside brakes, and replace wheel bearings when they are making a hum or rumble.

Can I keep driving while I wait for an appointment?

That depends on the symptom. A mild squeal might be tolerable for a short while, but a soft pedal, grinding, strong pulling to one side or a severe steering problem means the car should not be driven.

If you are unsure, describe what you notice when you contact us and we will advise. Safety comes before convenience, particularly on steep roads.

Do you cover Torquay, Paignton and Brixham?

We do. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from across Torbay, including St Marychurch, Ellacombe, Paignton and Brixham, bring cars to us.

No matter which part of the bay you live in, ask for a quote and tell us about the car. We will tell you what we think is needed.