Car Repairs in Abbotskerswell

Narrow country lanes and a daily commute make an Abbotskerswell car work harder than it looks. Tight bends, tractors and stop-start crawling behind slow traffic all mean lots of gear changes, plenty of idling and an engine that rarely sits at a steady temperature.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we carry out engine and mechanical repairs on petrol and diesel cars. Below we explain the faults we hear about, how we approach each repair and what helps us give you a useful quote.

Why is my engine running rough or losing power?

A rough idle, a stumble when pulling away or a sudden lack of power has plenty of possible causes: worn spark plugs on a petrol car, a tired injector, a blocked filter, an air leak, a sensor reading wrongly or a turbo not delivering boost. Guessing at parts is an expensive way to find the fault, so we start with diagnostics and then test the likely culprits.

Regular engine servicing helps too. Clean oil and filters keep the moving parts protected and give us a chance to spot a seep or a split hose early.

• Hesitation on the commute
• Engine cutting out at junctions
• Black or blue smoke
• Fuel smell or poor economy

When does a timing belt need replacing?

Manufacturers set a replacement interval by mileage and age, and it differs from one engine to the next. Your handbook or service record is the first place to look. A belt that snaps on many engines lets the valves and pistons collide, so a missed change can mean an engine rebuild.

We usually recommend replacing the water pump at the same time, as the belt often drives it and the labour overlaps. Where the engine has a chain, we listen for rattles at start-up and inspect the tensioner and guides. If you are unsure of your car's history, tell us and we will work out what is due.

What are the signs of a radiator or coolant leak?

Look for a sweet smell after a drive, puddles under the front of the car, a heater that blows cold, a falling coolant level or a temperature gauge creeping up. Stop and let the engine cool if it starts to overheat. Carrying on can crack the head or fail the head gasket.

We pressure-test the cooling system to find where it is losing pressure, then repair or replace the radiator, hoses, thermostat or water pump as needed.

Can Abbotskerswell drivers bring their car to Automaster?

Of course. Abbotskerswell sits close to Newton Abbot, and we also see drivers from Milber, Bickington and Liverton. The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL.

If your car is leaking fluid heavily or running hot, avoid the lanes until it has been looked at. Ring first and describe the symptoms so we can advise whether it is safe to drive in.

What causes oil leaks, turbo trouble and injector problems?

Oil leaks usually come from ageing gaskets and seals, such as the rocker cover, sump or crankshaft seal, and they often get worse with heat cycles. A turbo that whistles, smokes or feels flat under load is telling you something is wrong, and low or dirty oil is a common reason it fails. Injector faults show as hard starting, shaky idle, smoke and thirsty running.

We inspect first, explain what we find and then agree the repair with you.