Car Repairs in Deancombe

Deancombe is a small rural hamlet in the South Devon countryside, reached by narrow lanes. A car out here may make short, slow trips with the odd longer run, and that pattern puts its own strain on an engine.

We are Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and from Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Dartington bring their cars to us. If yours is misfiring, leaking or running hot, here is how we approach engine repairs.

Do lanes and short trips cause engine trouble?

Short journeys mean the engine often does not reach full operating temperature. Moisture and fuel residue can build up in the oil, and diesel particulate filters and injectors can suffer on diesel cars. That does not mean every country car will have problems, but it is worth keeping servicing up to date.

Slow lane driving also means low airflow through the radiator, so a weak fan or partly blocked core may only show itself on a warm day in traffic. Diesel owners who mostly do short runs should mention it, as it affects how we diagnose smoke, power loss and warning lights.

What does an injector or fuel problem feel like?

Typical signs are rough idling, difficulty starting, juddering under load, black smoke, a smell of fuel and worse economy. Sometimes the engine warning light comes on, sometimes not.

The cause could be an injector, a pump, a filter or a sensor. We run diagnostics first so you are not paying for parts you did not need.

• Hard starting when cold
• Black or grey smoke
• Stalling at junctions

Which repairs does Automaster do in-house?

We handle engine diagnostics and servicing, engine repairs and rebuilds, engine replacement and fitting, cambelt and timing chain replacement, water pump replacement, turbo repair and replacement, radiator and cooling system repairs, oil leaks and fuel-system work.

Cost depends on the engine, how accessible the parts are, the parts needed and how much labour is involved. Ask for a quote and give us as much detail as you can.

Should I stop driving if the car overheats on a lane?

Yes. Find a safe place to stop, even on a narrow lane where you must take care not to block the road, switch off and let the engine cool. Carrying on risks warping the cylinder head. Do not open the cap while hot.

If you have a long way to go, it is better to arrange to have the car moved safely than to nurse it on.

Can a Deancombe driver use your garage?

Absolutely. Our address is Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and we welcome cars from small hamlets as readily as from towns.

When you call, give us your village, the car and the fault. We will tell you what we need to see and whether the car is safe to drive in.