Car Repairs in Hexworth

Hexworth is a small hamlet in Dartmoor-edge country, and the narrow lanes around it are hard on cars in a quiet way: low-speed driving, frequent gear changes, mud and wet, and engines that may not always reach full working temperature on short trips.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and nearby places such as Heathfield, Liverton, Bickington and Caton come to us. This page explains common engine and mechanical repairs and how to describe a fault when asking for a quote.

What does a mechanic check when an engine will not run properly?

We start by listening to the symptom and then connect diagnostic equipment to look at fault codes and live readings. After that we test the parts involved, so we are not simply swapping components in the hope of a fix. Rough running, stalling, hard starting and unexplained smoke are the usual reasons people call us.

Engine servicing, with the right oil and filters, is the simplest protection a country car has, and it gives a chance to spot a leak or a tired belt early.

• Hard starting on cold mornings
• Stalling at low speed
• Rough or lumpy idle
• Smoke or fuel smell

Why change the water pump when the cambelt is done?

Because on many engines the belt drives the pump, and both sit behind the same covers. Replacing only the belt means a second strip-down if the pump fails later, and a failed pump can damage the belt or let the engine overheat.

Not every engine is the same. Some have chains rather than belts, and we confirm what yours has before quoting. Give us the registration and we will check.

Is it safe to drive home if the temperature gauge is rising?

Not if it keeps climbing. Stop somewhere safe, switch off and let the engine cool before looking at the coolant level. Never open a hot cap. Driving on can crack the head or fail the head gasket, and on quiet lanes help can be a long way away.

Likely causes include a split hose, a leaking radiator, a faulty thermostat, a worn water pump or a fan that is not working. We pressure-test and repair the cooling system once we know where the fault is.

Do you take cars from small places like Hexworth?

Yes, we welcome drivers from small hamlets and farms as well as larger towns. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL.

If your car is not safe to drive, say so when you contact us. Overheating, heavy oil loss or a noisy engine that has started to knock are all reasons to hold off.

What are the signs of turbo, oil and injector trouble?

Turbos give away trouble with a whistle, a loss of power and smoke. Oil leaks show as drips, a burning smell or oil around the engine. Injector and fuel faults bring poor starting, a lumpy idle and heavy fuel use.

We inspect first and report back before we carry out the repair, because many of these symptoms overlap.