Car Servicing in Dartington

Dartington sits just outside Totnes on the A384, and the traffic through it is a mix of commuters, estate visitors and people heading to gardens and arts events. Cars here tend to do a bit of everything, from school runs to day trips, and a regular service keeps all of it running smoothly.

We are Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we service petrol and diesel cars for Dartington drivers. From a straightforward oil change to a major service, we tell you what the car needs and why.

Which service does my car need: interim, full or major?

An interim service suits cars that cover a lot of miles or make frequent short trips between full services. It typically means new oil and an oil filter, with a check over the essentials such as lights, tyres, brakes and fluid levels.

A full service is the more thorough annual option. Alongside oil and filter, it usually covers further filters and a broader inspection of braking, steering and suspension components. A major service adds the less frequent items in the maker's schedule, which depend on the engine and the age of the car. If you are unsure, give us the make, model and mileage and we will advise.

Do I really have to follow the manufacturer schedule?

The handbook is the starting point for any service, because the maker knows which parts need attention and when. Sticking to it helps the engine, gearbox and brakes last, and a complete service record is reassuring to the next buyer.

We work from the schedule for your vehicle and flag anything extra that we notice while the car is on the ramp.

• Engine oil and oil filter
• Brake, tyre and light checks
• Air and other filters when due
• Fluid level and condition checks
• Notes on any wear we find

Why bother with oil and filter changes between big services?

Oil does not last forever. As it ages it thickens with contamination and loses some of its ability to protect the engine, and a clogged filter cannot do its job. Fresh oil and a new filter are the simplest way to protect a large and expensive component.

Cars that do short hops around Dartington and Totnes, never getting properly hot, are the ones that benefit most from not skipping an oil change.

What are health checks and pre-purchase inspections?

A vehicle health check gives you a snapshot of the car's condition: tyres, brakes, lights, fluids, suspension and so on. It is useful before a long trip, or when you simply want to know where you stand.

A pre-purchase inspection is aimed at buyers of a second-hand car. We inspect it for wear, leaks and signs of neglect, and report back so you can walk away or negotiate from a position of knowledge.

Do you cover Dartington, and how do I book?

We do. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and Dartington drivers are among those who come to us, along with people from Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Ivybridge. Ask for a quote with your vehicle details and tell us what you would like done.

If the car is making a worrying noise or showing a warning light, mention it. A fault found during a service is much easier to deal with than one that strands you on the way home.