Car Diagnostics in Bantham

Bantham sits at the mouth of the River Avon and is known for its beach and surfing. Weekends in summer bring crowds along narrow lanes, and cars that spend time near the coast are exposed to damp and salty air that can attack connectors and earth points.

If your car is throwing up lights, struggling to start or has an electrical fault that comes and goes, Automaster can help. We work from Longcombe Cross near Totnes and see cars from Bantham and the villages around it.

Can damp and salt air cause electrical faults?

Yes, in general terms. Moisture in a connector, a corroded earth strap or a worn cable can cause voltage drops and sensor readings that make the car behave oddly. These faults tend to come and go with the weather.

Tracing them means checking the circuit physically, not just reading a code. We look at connectors, earth points and wiring, and repair or replace what has deteriorated.

How does warning light diagnostics work?

We read the fault codes held by the engine and other control units, then test the circuit the code points to. A sensor fault code could be a failed sensor, a damaged wire or a poor connection, and each needs a different repair.

It is the reason we ask for a quote based on the diagnosis. Guessing at parts costs more in the long run.

• Amber engine light
• ABS or traction control light
• Airbag or battery warning

Why won't the car start after a day at the beach?

Leaving lights, a stereo or a phone charger on can flatten a battery, but so can an ageing battery or a failing alternator. If the car turns over slowly or only clicks, the battery or starter circuit is the first thing we test.

Surfers and beachgoers also use roof racks, boxes and trailers with extra wiring, and a poorly connected towbar socket or accessory can create faults of its own.

Do you fix alarms, immobilisers and reversing cameras?

We do. Alarms and immobilisers that stop a car starting, reversing cameras that show a blank screen and parking sensors that beep for no reason all come under our auto electrics work.

Busy car parks and narrow lanes mean sensors take knocks, and sand and grit can get into moving parts and camera lenses.

Do you cover Bantham, and where is the garage?

Yes. Drivers from Bantham, Thurlestone, Bigbury, Kingsbridge and Loddiswell come to us. We are at Longcombe Cross near Totnes.

Ask for a quote and tell us what the car is doing. If it is not safe to drive, say so and we will talk it through.