Car Repairs in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a historic port on the River Dart, with steep, narrow streets, ferries and the Britannia Royal Naval College above the town. Visitors add to the traffic, so cars here spend a lot of time climbing, queuing and parking on slopes.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We repair petrol and diesel cars, and this page explains the engine faults we help with, how they show themselves and what to tell us when you ask for a quote.

Which engine faults are common for hill and harbour driving?

Constant hill starts and slow traffic mean engines run warm and cooling systems work hard. Leaking hoses, tired thermostats, blocked radiators and worn water pumps become obvious, and turbos get a heavy workload on gradients.

Any hint of coolant loss, hissing, whistling or smoke is worth acting on. We diagnose first, then explain.

Parking on slopes also hides leaks, because fluid runs away from the drip point. Check the ground where you leave the car, and tell us what you find.

• Coolant level dropping
• Whistling under load
• Smoke on acceleration
• Warning lights while climbing

When are timing belt and water pump replacement due?

Belts are changed on the manufacturer's schedule, which depends on age and distance, so check your handbook and service history. A belt that breaks can cause major engine damage on many designs.

We normally replace the pump with the belt when it is belt-driven, since the labour is shared and a later pump failure would harm the new belt. Timing chains are checked for rattle and stretch.

What does overheating mean, and should I keep going?

It means the engine is running hotter than designed, usually because coolant is low or not circulating. Stop and switch off. Driving on can warp the cylinder head or blow the head gasket, and the cap must stay shut while hot.

We test for the cause and repair the radiator, hoses, thermostat, fan or pump as needed.

Heavy summer traffic with the engine idling for long periods makes cooling faults appear sooner. If your fan runs constantly or the gauge drifts up in queues, ask us to look.

How are turbo, oil leak and fuel injector faults handled?

A suspect turbo is checked for noise, smoke, shaft play and oil feed. Oil leaks are cleaned and traced to the gasket or seal. Injectors and fuel supply are tested for delivery and balance.

We then discuss repair or replacement options, and ask you to request a quote with the symptoms listed.

Worn turbos also load the engine with oil in the intake, so a car that smokes after a climb should be checked promptly rather than driven on.

Do you cover Dartmouth, and where do I bring the car?

Yes. Drivers from Dartmouth, Churston, Brixham, Kingsbridge and Totnes use Automaster at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes.

If your car is overheating, losing oil or making harsh noises, please do not drive it far. Ring the quote line first and we will advise.