Car Diagnostics in Stoke-in-Teignhead

Life in a village on narrow lanes between Torquay and the Teign estuary usually means relying on the car. When a warning light comes on, or the engine hesitates to start, there is not always a bus to fall back on.

At Automaster, our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes offers diagnostics and auto electrical repairs for petrol and diesel cars. Drivers from Stoke-in-Teignhead, and from the countryside around Shaldon, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot, bring their cars to us.

What should I check before bringing my car in?

Note the lights on the dash, whether they are steady or flashing, and when the problem occurs. Check that the battery terminals are tight and free of white or green deposits. Do not open up the electrics yourself if you are unsure.

A short description makes a real difference. Tell us whether the car is slow to crank, clicks, or turns over and will not catch. Each one points in a different direction.

If the car has started giving trouble after a wet spell, say so, since moisture in a connector is a frequent cause of electrical faults.

What can a diagnostic scan do for a rural car?

The scan reads fault codes and shows live data from sensors. It narrows down which system is complaining. It cannot always name a failed part, and a code can be stored from a one-off event that has not repeated.

After the scan we test components and wiring. This matters on cars that spend time on lanes, in damp conditions or under hedges, where connectors and wiring can suffer from moisture and vibration.

• Reads the stored fault codes
• Shows live sensor data
• Points to a circuit, not a part
• Needs testing to confirm

Why do intermittent electrical faults take so long?

Faults that come and go are hard to catch, as the car may behave perfectly on the day. Poor connections, damaged insulation and sensors on the point of failing are typical causes.

We may need to monitor live data, flex wiring while watching readings, or check connectors that have had water in them. That takes time, so it feeds into what a quote involves. Tell us about patterns, such as only when wet, or only after a long drive.

Can drivers from Stoke-in-Teignhead and the surrounding villages come to you?

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Stoke-in-Teignhead, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, St Marychurch and the surrounding countryside use us. A village address is no obstacle.

Ask for a quote, describe the problem, and we will explain what we would look at first.

We also carry out MOT testing, servicing and mechanical repairs, so if the diagnosis points beyond electrics we can often deal with it at the same garage.

Do you do batteries, starters, alternators and parking aids?

Yes. Car battery replacement, alternator replacement and starter motor work are part of our auto electrical service, along with sensor replacement and reversing cameras and parking sensors.

Narrow lanes make cameras and sensors useful, and they take knocks. We also look at alarms and immobilisers when the key or alarm system misbehaves.