Car Diagnostics in Ringmore

A small coastal village of narrow lanes, Ringmore is popular with walkers and holiday visitors. Cars are often left for long spells while their owners are out on the paths, then asked to start first time on a cold, damp morning.

That pattern shows up in electrics. Batteries run down, connections corrode and small faults grow. Automaster handles diagnostics and auto electrics at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Ringmore and the surrounding countryside bring their cars to us.

What happens during a vehicle diagnostic check?

We plug into the car and read the fault codes stored by its control units, then work through the tests that follow. A code tells us which circuit or system has reported a problem. It does not tell us which part has failed.

That is why a diagnostic is a starting point. The real job is testing sensors, wiring and connectors to confirm the cause before anything is replaced.

Why is my car flat after being left for a few days?

A healthy battery should hold its charge for a reasonable time, but age, cold weather and short trips all reduce that. If a newer battery goes flat, something may be drawing power while the car is parked.

We test the battery, then the charging system, then look for a drain. Replacing the battery only makes sense once we know it is the weak link.

• Check the lights were switched off
• Notice if the alarm or tracker is behaving oddly
• Tell us how long the car sits between drives

What do the common dashboard lights mean?

An amber engine light points to a fault in the engine management or emissions side. A red battery light means the charging system is failing. A red temperature or oil pressure light means stop as soon as it is safe, because carrying on can cause serious damage.

Brake and airbag lights should also be looked at promptly. If any warning comes with a change in how the car brakes or steers, do not keep driving it.

Are starter motors, sensors and wiring repairs covered?

Yes. We deal with starter motor and alternator faults, sensor replacement, alarms, immobilisers, reversing cameras and parking sensors, and electrical fault finding with wiring repairs.

Damp can creep into connectors and make faults intermittent, which can mean a longer search. The time spent is the main factor in any quote, so describe the symptoms in as much detail as you can.

Where should Ringmore drivers take the car?

Bring it to Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from Ringmore, Bigbury, Kingston, Bantham and Thurlestone use us, and you can ask for a quote before you travel.

If the car is not safe to drive, say so when you get in touch and we will advise.