Car Repairs in Ringmore

Ringmore is a small coastal village of narrow lanes, popular with walkers and holiday visitors. Cars here are often used for short trips and then left standing, a pattern that quietly causes problems with batteries, belts, seals and fuel systems.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from villages like Ringmore bring us petrol and diesel cars for engine repairs. Below we explain the common faults, what they feel like and how to describe them when you ask for a quote.

Can short trips and long gaps damage an engine?

Yes, in several ways. Engines that rarely reach full temperature build up moisture and sludge in the oil, and rubber seals and belts can harden when a car sits. Fuel systems can also suffer, with injectors getting sticky and the car starting badly.

Regular servicing helps, and so does an occasional longer run. If the car has become hard to start or runs rough after standing, we can diagnose it properly.

• Hard starting after standing
• Rough idle for the first minutes
• Fuel smell or smoke
• Oil looking dark or milky

What are the signs of an oil leak and how serious are they?

Look for spots under the car where you park, a burning smell after a run or oil around the engine. Typical sources are rocker cover gaskets, sump gaskets, crankshaft seals and oil filter housings. Some are quick to fix, others need much more of the engine stripping, which is what drives the labour.

Check the dipstick often. If the oil warning light shows, stop at once, because running without enough oil can wreck an engine.

Do I need the cambelt and water pump done together?

Often, yes. Many engines drive the water pump from the timing belt, and reaching the belt means taking apart the same parts. Doing both at once saves duplicated labour and removes the risk of an old pump failing and damaging the new belt.

Belt age matters as much as mileage, which is relevant for a car that does little driving. Your handbook gives the interval, and we can check the service history if you are unsure.

Why is my turbo whistling, and what about injectors?

A healthy turbo is nearly silent. A rising whistle, a loss of power, blue or grey smoke or oil in the intake pipework suggests wear. Worn injectors, on the other hand, show up as rough running, black smoke, heavier fuel use or a diesel knock.

Both need inspection before anyone can say whether repair or replacement makes sense, and we will explain the options clearly.

Will you look at my car if I live in Ringmore?

Certainly. Drivers from Ringmore, Bigbury, Kingston, Bantham and Thurlestone all come to us at Longcombe Cross, near Totnes. Our work covers engine diagnostics, servicing and the repairs described here.

If the temperature gauge is high, the oil light is on or the turbo is making a harsh noise, please do not drive it any further than necessary. Ring the quote line and we will advise.