Car Servicing in Heathfield

Heathfield sits between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey beside the A38 and A382, with an industrial estate and busy through traffic. For many people here the car is a work tool, so mileage builds and downtime is unwelcome.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We service petrol and diesel cars and carry out MOT testing, and we see drivers from Heathfield, Liverton, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth. This page sets out the services and what helps us quote accurately.

What counts as a car service for a high-mileage driver?

If you are on the main roads every day, an interim service between annual full services is often sensible. It typically means an engine oil and filter change with checks on tyres, brakes, lights and fluids. A full service adds more replacement items and deeper inspection, while a major service covers the longer-interval parts the manufacturer lists.

What exactly is included varies by car, so we start with the manufacturer details for yours.

Can I get a service and MOT together in Heathfield?

Many drivers prefer to deal with both at once, and we offer servicing alongside MOT testing for Class 4 cars and Class 7 vans. Ask for both when you request a quote, and tell us when the MOT is due.

A service before the MOT can also pick up items that might otherwise cause a failure, such as worn wiper blades or a blown bulb. We cannot promise a pass, since that is decided by the test itself.

How does stop-start traffic affect oil and filters?

Queues on the A38 and A382 mean idling and stop-start running, which is hard on oil. The engine may not run hot long enough to burn off moisture and fuel residue, so oil can degrade sooner than the calendar suggests.

Changing oil and filter on time is the most useful thing you can do for engine life. Ask for an oil change on its own if you are between services, and keep an eye on the oil level between visits.

• Oil and filter replaced together
• Level checked and recorded
• Leaks looked for
• Advice on next service

What is a vehicle health check, and what does the handbook say?

A health check is a thorough look at the safety and wear items on your car, such as brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, belts and fluids, with a report of what we find. It suits a car that is not yet due a service.

The handbook gives the manufacturer schedule, covering what should be inspected or replaced and when. We use it as our guide, so your car keeps to the plan its maker set.

Do you cover Heathfield, and can you check a car I plan to buy?

Yes. Heathfield drivers and those from nearby Liverton and Newton Abbot come to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Tell us about the car when you ask for a quote.

A pre-purchase inspection is worth considering if you are buying second-hand. We look at the mechanical condition, check for leaks and wear, and give you a clear report. We also do general maintenance and fault finding if the car you already own is misbehaving.