Car Servicing in Abbotskerswell

Abbotskerswell sits near Newton Abbot and is reached by narrow country lanes, and plenty of residents commute from it. Lane driving means tight turns, tractors and oncoming traffic, so the tyres, brakes and steering on your car do real work. A car that is looked after properly is one you can rely on for the morning drive.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we service petrol and diesel cars for villages around Newton Abbot. If you are searching for a car service in Abbotskerswell, here is how we approach it, and what to tell us when you ask for a quote.

Where can I get my car serviced near Abbotskerswell?

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Abbotskerswell, Newton Abbot, Milber, Bickington and Liverton come to us for servicing, MOT testing and repairs. Because rural drivers often juggle work and family, we suggest you tell us when you ask for a quote what you need and how flexible you can be, and we will talk through the options.

We service cars and also carry out MOT testing for cars and vans, so a service and MOT can be planned together if the dates line up.

Interim, full or major: which service suits a village commuter?

An interim service typically covers an oil and filter change with a set of safety checks, and suits cars that do high mileage between annual services. A full service is broader, adding replacement of further wear items and more detailed inspection. A major service is the most thorough and usually includes longer-interval parts the manufacturer specifies.

For a car that spends its life on lanes and short commuter hops, the time interval often matters as much as the mileage. We will look at your car and its history and advise on which level fits, without padding the job with work it does not need.

• Interim: oil, filter and key checks
• Full: wider replacements and inspection
• Major: longer-interval items as specified
• Level depends on make, model and age

Why follow the manufacturer service schedule and the handbook?

The handbook tells you what the maker expects for your engine, including the oil type, the intervals and the items that need replacing at set points. Ignoring it can mean parts wear faster than they should, and a patchy record can make the car harder to sell.

If you cannot find the handbook, do not worry. Tell us the registration and any service history you have, and we will work out what is due from the manufacturer information for your vehicle.

How often should I change the oil and filter?

Oil and filter changes are the heart of any service. Fresh oil protects the engine, and a new filter stops dirt circulating. Lane driving with frequent stopping, cold starts and short trips can age oil faster than you might expect, because the engine seldom reaches a steady temperature for long.

Check the oil level now and then, and top up if the manual says it is safe to do so. A dashboard oil warning light means stop driving as soon as it is safe and have the car looked at, as running low on oil can quickly damage an engine.

What does a health check or pre-purchase inspection tell me?

A vehicle health check is a general inspection that reports on wear and safety items such as tyres, brakes, suspension, lights and fluids. Many Abbotskerswell drivers find it useful before a holiday or ahead of the MOT.

A pre-purchase inspection is for when you are buying a second-hand car. We examine the condition, look for leaks, worn components and signs of neglect, and give you a report to help you decide. We can also carry out general maintenance and fault finding if a warning light or odd noise is worrying you.