Car Repairs in Heathfield

Heathfield sits beside the A38 and A382, with an industrial estate and a steady stream of through traffic. Cars that cover a lot of main-road miles tend to be pushed hard, and faults in the cooling system, the turbo or the timing gear can show up as soon as the engine is under sustained load.

We are Automaster, an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We repair engines on petrol and diesel cars, and the notes below explain what each common repair involves.

What should I do when a warning light comes on?

Check what the light is. An oil pressure or temperature warning means stop as soon as it is safe and switch off. An engine management light may be less urgent but should still be investigated, especially if the car is running badly. We read the fault codes, check live data and test the likely parts.

Diagnostics is a starting point rather than a verdict, and we explain what we find before any repair is agreed.

• Oil pressure or temperature lights
• Engine management light
• Flashing light with misfire
• Limp mode or lost power

Timing belt, water pump or timing chain: what needs doing?

If your engine has a belt, it needs replacing at the maker's interval for mileage or age, and the water pump is commonly changed with it because both are accessed at the same time. Leaving the belt too long risks it breaking, and on many engines that wrecks valves and pistons.

A timing chain is built to last longer but can stretch, with symptoms including rattling, rough running and codes relating to cam timing. The job involves more engine disassembly, so we inspect and discuss it with you first.

How do I spot a failing turbo early?

Listen for a rising whine or whistle, watch for blue or grey smoke, notice any drop in pull when overtaking, and check the oil level, since a turbo that is wearing can use oil. A turbo that is failing may shed fragments into the engine, so do not ignore the signs.

We repair or replace turbos depending on what inspection shows, and we also look at why it failed, such as oil supply problems, blocked intake pipes or injector faults.

Where is Automaster and who comes to us from Heathfield?

We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL. Drivers from Heathfield, Liverton, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth bring their cars here.

Ring or message before you set off if you are not sure the car is safe to drive. Describe the symptoms and we will advise on the sensible next step.

Why is my car leaking oil, losing coolant or smoking?

Oil leaks come from worn gaskets and seals. Coolant loss points to a radiator, hose, water pump or head gasket problem. Smoke can mean oil being burned, fuel being over-supplied or coolant entering the combustion chamber, which is serious.

We trace the source properly, whether that is a radiator repair, an injector fault or something deeper, and talk you through the options. Do not keep driving an engine that is overheating or losing oil quickly.