Car Repairs in Ellacombe

Ellacombe is a residential district of Torquay with steep terraced streets close to the harbour and town centre. Many cars here are parked on the street and used for short journeys, and that pattern has its own effects on engines.

Short trips mean the oil and coolant rarely reach full working temperature, moisture and fuel dilution build up, and small faults go unnoticed. Automaster repairs petrol and diesel cars at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and below is how we deal with the common engine problems.

Does lots of short driving cause engine problems?

It can contribute. Engines that never fully warm up tend to gather sludge in the oil, and diesel injectors and turbos can suffer from the stop-start pattern. A car that is mostly used for quick trips still needs its cambelt or timing chain checked to schedule.

If your car has begun to run roughly, smoke or use more fuel, we run diagnostics and test the injectors and fuel system before suggesting any parts.

Because parking is often on the street, small leaks go unseen. Glance at the ground where you park, and check the oil level now and then, so a slow loss does not turn into engine damage.

• Rough idle after cold starts
• Smoke from the exhaust
• Fuel use creeping up

When should timing belt and water pump be replaced?

Replacement is due by time as well as mileage, so a low-mileage town car can still be overdue. Check your service history. A belt that fails can damage valves and pistons on many engines.

We fit the belt with the tensioner and idlers, and normally the water pump, since access is shared. Some cars have chains rather than belts, and we inspect for stretch and rattle.

Why is my temperature gauge or heater acting strangely?

A gauge that creeps up, a heater that blows cold or a coolant smell all suggest the system is struggling. Causes include a low level, leaking hose, tired radiator, failing pump or sticking thermostat.

Do not keep driving an overheating car. Pull over safely, switch off and call for advice. We then find the loss and repair or replace the failed part.

• Steam from under the bonnet
• Coolant level falling
• Warning light on the dash

What causes oil leaks and turbo noise?

Leaks come from gaskets and seals, oil cooler lines and filter housings. Parked-up cars can show drips on the road surface even when the loss is slight.

A turbo that whines, smokes or loses power needs inspecting. The cause is often oil related, so we check the supply before deciding between repair and replacement.

If the car is being used very little, tell us. Long gaps between runs have their own effects on seals, belts and fuel components, and it helps us know where to look.

Can I bring my Ellacombe car to Automaster?

Yes. We welcome drivers from Ellacombe, St Marychurch, Paignton, wider Torbay and Newton Abbot. You will find us at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes.

Tell us the make, model, year and engine when you ask for a quote, plus what you have noticed and when. A short description of the fault is more useful than you might think.