Car Repairs in Liverton

Liverton lies on the edge of Dartmoor between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey, so the car here often faces cold, damp mornings, steady climbs and a good deal of A382 traffic. These conditions are demanding on batteries, cooling systems and any engine that already has a weak spot.

Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, repairs petrol and diesel engines and the parts around them. If something sounds, smells or feels wrong, read on to see what the repair might involve.

What does an engine diagnostic actually involve?

We plug into the car to read fault codes and live sensor data, then follow up with hands-on checks of the parts and wiring concerned. A code about a misfire, for example, might lead us to a coil, a plug, an injector or an air leak. The code only tells us where to look.

Engine servicing complements the fault-finding. Oil changes, filters and general checks keep wear down and let us spot trouble such as a leaking gasket or a cracked hose before it leaves you stuck on the road.

• Reading and clearing fault codes
• Testing sensors and wiring
• Checking for leaks and noises
• Reporting findings before repair

How do I know when the timing belt or chain is due?

Belts are replaced by age or mileage, whichever comes first, according to the maker's schedule. Warning signs of a failing belt are limited, which is why we do not suggest waiting for symptoms. A belt that breaks can cause expensive internal engine damage on many designs.

The water pump is often changed in the same job because it is behind the same covers and may be driven by the belt. For chain engines we look for a rattle at start-up, rough running or fault codes about camshaft timing.

What causes oil leaks and how are they fixed?

Common sources are the rocker cover gasket, sump gasket, crankshaft and camshaft seals, the oil filter housing and the oil cooler. Heat and age harden the rubber, and a small weep can grow. The first job is cleaning the area and finding the exact source, because oil can run a long way before it drips.

Once we know the cause, the repair is usually a gasket or seal replacement. Keep the oil topped up in the meantime and stop driving if the oil warning light comes on.

Is Automaster the right garage for Liverton drivers?

We are an RAC Approved Garage, and we welcome drivers from Liverton, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth. Bring the car to us at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL.

If you are unsure about the cause, a phone call is a good start. We can say what to look for and whether the car should stay put until it has been inspected.

How do I tell if it is the turbo, the injectors or the fuel system?

Turbo trouble tends to bring a whistle or siren-like whine, lost power, smoke and oil use. Injector faults give rough idle, hard starting, smoke and heavy fuel use. A fuel pump or filter fault can cause hesitation or the engine cutting out, especially when the tank is low or the engine is working hard.

We test before we replace anything, and we explain what we find so you can decide on the next step.