Car Repairs in Ermington

Ermington is a South Hams village in the River Erme valley, reached by narrow country roads and used by commuters heading for Ivybridge and Plymouth. Cars here often start cold, run along lanes and join busier roads, which is hard on an engine.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, repairs petrol and diesel cars for Ermington drivers and their neighbours in Ivybridge, Modbury, South Brent and Kingston. This page covers what we do, and how to ask us for a quote.

When is an engine beyond a simple repair?

Most engine faults are repairs: a gasket, hose, sensor, pump or injector. Occasionally the damage runs deeper, for example after severe overheating or when a cambelt has broken. Then the options are an engine rebuild or engine replacement and fitting.

We never decide that over the phone. We inspect, explain the findings and let you weigh the options. Replacement, rebuild or repair depends on the damage, the vehicle and what is practical.

Narrow lanes, cold starts: what does it do to a car?

Cold starts on short lane trips wash fuel into the oil and wear the engine more than steady running does. Stop-start travel is hard on injectors and, on diesel cars, on particulate filters. Fans and thermostats also work harder when the car crawls along lanes or sits in queues.

Regular servicing, correct oil and attention to early symptoms keep things in better shape, and a short note of when a fault appears helps us trace it.

• Use the grade of oil your maker specifies
• Check coolant level now and then
• Report smoke or smells early

What do a leaking radiator and water pump look like?

Coolant leaks often leave a sweet smell, damp patches under the front of the car, a falling reservoir level and, in time, overheating. A failing water pump may whine, drip from a weep hole or let the temperature creep up.

If the gauge rises, stop safely and switch off. Do not carry on driving and do not open the cap hot. Radiator and cooling system repair or replacement follows inspection.

Which engine and fuel jobs can you take on?

We offer engine diagnostics and servicing, engine repairs, cambelt and timing chain replacement, water pump replacement, turbo repairs and replacement, radiator work, oil leak repairs and injector and fuel-system repairs, alongside rebuilds and replacement engines.

Cost depends on the engine, how much needs to come off to reach the fault, the parts and the labour. Give us the details and ask for a quote.

Can Ermington drivers come to you at Longcombe Cross?

Yes. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL. Ermington, Ivybridge, Modbury, South Brent and Kingston drivers are all within the area we cover.

If the car is not drivable or you are worried it is unsafe, say so when you get in touch.