Car Diagnostics in Bigbury

Bigbury sits near Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island, and in summer the narrow lanes fill with visitor traffic. Slow queues and repeated stop-start driving put a steady load on a car's battery and charging system, so electrical troubles often show up when the roads are busiest.

Automaster is a one-stop garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and diagnostics and auto electrics are a core part of what we do. Whether you live in Bigbury or visit regularly, we can find out why a light is on or why the car will not start.

Where do I start when a warning light comes on?

Note which light it is, whether it is steady or flashing, and how the car feels. A steady amber light normally means the car can be checked soon. A flashing light, a red light or any loss of power means you should stop somewhere safe and speak to us.

Then book a full vehicle diagnostic. We read the stored codes from the control units and use them to decide which tests to carry out next.

Why does my car struggle to start after sitting?

Holiday homes and second cars in Bigbury often stand unused for weeks, and a battery left idle will run down. Parasitic drains from alarms, trackers or a faulty module can flatten it even faster, so a new battery that goes flat again points to something else drawing current.

We check the battery condition, the charging output and any standing drain before recommending replacement, and fit a new battery when that is the real answer.

• Slow cranking or clicking
• Interior lights dimming as you turn the key
• Battery flat again soon after charging

What do alternator and starter faults feel like?

A failing alternator can show as a battery light, dimming headlights or electrics that behave oddly at idle. A failing starter motor may click, turn slowly, or work on some days and not others. Both can look like a battery problem, which is why testing matters.

Alternator and starter replacement depends on the vehicle, because access varies a great deal between models, and that is one of the main things behind the quote.

Can you sort alarms, immobilisers and parking sensors?

We deal with alarms and immobiliser faults, sensor replacement, wiring repairs, and reversing cameras and parking sensors. With so many visitors reversing out of tight spots, sensors and cameras get knocked and wiring gets strained.

If the car will not start and the immobiliser light is flashing, tell us. That is useful information when we plan the diagnosis.

Can Bigbury drivers book with Automaster?

Yes. We welcome drivers from Bigbury, Ringmore, Kingston, Bantham and Thurlestone, and the garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Visitors with a fault on holiday are welcome to ask too.

Ask for a quote, describe the problem and give us your registration details, and we will explain what the job is likely to involve.