Car Repairs in Pear Tree

Pear Tree is a small rural hamlet in South Devon, reached by narrow country lanes. For a driver there, a reliable engine is not a luxury, since many journeys begin on a single-track road and end on a busier route towards Totnes or Paignton.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and from nearby Totnes, Dartington, Paignton and Churston come to us. We repair petrol and diesel engines, and this page lays out what to look for.

Which engine problems should not wait?

Anything involving overheating, a flashing engine light, a loud knock, low oil pressure or heavy smoke should be looked at promptly, and the car should not be driven until it has been checked. Smaller issues, like a slight hesitation or a mild fuel smell, still deserve diagnostics before they grow.

We read fault codes, check live data and then test the parts. Engine servicing keeps you ahead of the most avoidable faults.

• Overheating gauge
• Flashing engine light
• Knocking noises
• Oil warning light

How do cambelts, chains and water pumps differ?

A cambelt is a toothed rubber belt that needs replacing at a set interval. A timing chain is metal and is meant to last longer, though stretch and tensioner wear can cause rattling and poor running. The water pump may be driven by either, depending on the engine.

When we change a belt we generally recommend a new pump and tensioner at the same time. For chains we inspect first. Your engine details will tell us which applies.

A worn belt can look fine from the outside, so age and mileage matter more than appearance. If a previous owner left no record of the last change, treat the belt as due and ask us to check.

What are the signs of a failing radiator or head gasket?

A radiator problem usually shows as coolant loss, a sweet smell or overheating. A failing head gasket can bring white smoke, bubbling in the expansion tank, mixed oil and coolant, or loss of power. These faults overlap, so we test the system with a pressure test and other checks.

Stop driving if the engine overheats. We carry out radiator and cooling repairs once the cause is clear.

Coolant and oil should never mix, so a creamy residue under the oil filler cap is a reason to stop driving and call us.

Is Automaster close enough for Pear Tree drivers?

Our address is Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and drivers from Pear Tree and the surrounding countryside, as well as Totnes, Dartington, Paignton and Churston, all come to us.

Tell us about the fault when you get in touch so we can say whether the car should be driven in.

What do turbo, oil leak and injector repairs involve?

A turbo repair or replacement begins with checking why it failed, as oil starvation or damaged pipes can destroy another one. Oil leak repairs mean tracing the source and fitting new gaskets or seals. Injector and fuel-system work means testing, then cleaning or replacing parts.

Each starts with inspection and a clear explanation.

Black or blue smoke, a whistle under load or a persistent drip are all worth describing when you ask for a quote, because they help us work out where to start before the car arrives.