Car Repairs in Holne

Holne is a Dartmoor village with narrow lanes, moorland roads, steep hills and cattle grids on the edge of the National Park. Few places ask more of a car's cooling system, oil seals and suspension than a week of that driving.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, repairs petrol and diesel cars from Holne, Buckfastleigh, Buckfast, Dartington and South Brent. The sections below cover what goes wrong on engines in hilly country and how to ask us for a quote.

Why do steep Holne roads find weak points?

Climbing in low gear for long stretches loads the engine and heats the coolant. A radiator with partial blockage, a sticking thermostat or an ageing water pump may be fine on the flat and fail on the climb. Turbo cars also work hard, so any wear in the turbo or its oil supply is quickly noticed.

Descents bring their own demands, and a leaking hose or low coolant that a short trip would hide can show itself on a long moorland loop. If the heater suddenly blows cold or the coolant level keeps dropping, mention it when you contact us, because that detail helps us narrow the cause before the car is even on the ramp.

Cattle grids and rough lanes: can they cause oil leaks?

Rough surfaces alone do not usually make an engine leak, but they can aggravate an existing weakness. A sump that has been knocked, a loose gasket or a worn seal may begin to weep after a bumpy run.

Look under the car after it has been parked overnight. If you see oil, note where, and tell us. A bright new spot, a burning smell or a falling dipstick level all matter.

• Check oil level regularly
• Look for wet patches around the engine
• Never ignore an oil warning light

What is the repair list at Automaster?

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

A cambelt and water pump change is often done as one job, because the pump sits behind the same covers on many engines. Your make and engine decide the exact approach.

What do I do if the car overheats up on the moor?

Stop where it is safe, switch off, and let the engine cool. Do not open the cap until it has cooled. Steam or a gauge in the red means the engine should not be driven further.

Before heading out on the moor, it is sensible to carry water for emergencies and a charged phone, so you can call for help if the car stops.

Is Holne within your area?

Yes. Holne drivers come to us at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, alongside people from Buckfastleigh, Buckfast, Dartington and South Brent.

Call with the details of the problem. If it is not safe to drive, tell us so we can advise.