Car Repairs in Dawlish

Dawlish is known for the railway running along the sea wall, with steep hills inland and busy visitor traffic on the A379. Driving here means climbing away from the coast and queuing when the season is on.

If your car is overheating, losing power or leaking, Automaster can help. We repair petrol and diesel cars at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and this page sets out the main jobs, the warning signs and what drives the time and price.

What makes engine repair take longer or cost more?

Several things: how hard the part is to reach, whether other parts must come off first, the condition of surrounding components, and whether the fault is a single part or something deeper. Engine replacement and rebuilds depend on the damage found.

We do not name prices on a web page, because the answer depends on your car. Ask for a quote with the vehicle details and symptoms.

A repair that looks simple can grow once the part is exposed, so we tell you what we find and agree any extra work with you first.

• Access to the part
• Condition of related parts
• Whether the fault is isolated

Do I need a cambelt, chain or water pump job?

Cars with a cambelt need it replaced at the manufacturer's interval. Many drivers also have the water pump replaced at the same time, since it is behind the same covers. Chain engines need attention if they rattle.

Missing the interval risks serious damage on engines where valves and pistons can meet. If the history is unknown, ask us what is sensible for your engine.

We use parts suited to your engine and time it carefully before it is run, because a cambelt job done carelessly can do the damage it was meant to prevent.

My car is losing power on the hill out of town. Why?

Climbing away from Dawlish on a hill exposes problems. Possible causes include a worn turbo, blocked injectors, a leaking intake hose, a weak fuel pump or a clogged filter.

We use diagnostics to narrow it down and test before replacing. Smoke, whining or a warning light add useful clues.

Cars used for steady coastal runs and then asked to climb the hills inland sometimes show injector and turbo wear only at full power. Telling us when the fault appears is a real help.

• Whining under load
• Smoke from the exhaust
• Warning light on

What if the temperature warning comes on?

Stop safely and switch off. Do not continue driving. An overheating engine can warp the head or blow the gasket, and a roadside wait is better than an engine rebuild.

We test the cooling system, then repair or replace the radiator, hose, thermostat or water pump as the fault dictates.

Does Automaster serve Dawlish?

Yes. Drivers from Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Stoke-in-Teignhead and Heathfield come to us. The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes.

When asking for a quote on an oil leak or any other fault, give us the make, model, year, engine and what you have seen.