Car Servicing in Holne

Holne is a Dartmoor village of narrow lanes, moorland roads, steep hills and cattle grids on the edge of the National Park. Driving here is pleasant but demanding, and a car that is properly looked after copes with it far better than one that is overdue.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We carry out servicing, oil changes, health checks and fault finding on petrol and diesel cars, and drivers from Holne, Buckfastleigh, Buckfast and Dartington are among those who bring their cars to us.

How does moorland driving affect servicing?

Repeated climbs and descents lean on the brakes and cooling system. Cattle grids and rough surfaces shake suspension joints, bushes and exhaust mountings, and wet weather speeds up corrosion. A regular service is where those effects get spotted before they turn into something bigger.

When we service a car from a moorland route we pay particular attention to brake wear, suspension play, tyre condition and fluid levels.

• Brake wear and fluid condition
• Suspension joints and mountings
• Tyres, including the spare where fitted
• Coolant level and hoses

What are interim, full and major services?

Put simply, an interim service is the lighter visit, normally fresh oil and filter plus essential checks. A full service is broader, with a more detailed inspection and extra items replaced as they fall due. A major service includes the longer-interval jobs in the maker's schedule.

Which one your car needs depends on its age, mileage and handbook, so we read the schedule rather than guess.

If you are unsure which one applies, describe how you use the car and its age and mileage. We would rather talk it through than sell you a service you do not need.

Why change the oil and filter on time?

Because engine oil wears out. It loses its ability to protect against friction and heat, and a clogged filter lets contaminants circulate. A hill-climbing engine works its oil harder, so late changes can cost the engine dearly. Keep to the interval in your handbook, or sooner if your driving is demanding.

Cold moorland mornings add to this, because oil is thicker when cold and takes longer to reach every part of the engine. A fresh, correct-grade oil helps with that, and your handbook states the grade to use.

I live in Holne. Do you cover my area, and what should I bring?

Yes, we cover Holne and the villages around it. Bring the car to Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and bring the service book if you have one so we can see the history. Ask for a quote beforehand with the make, model, year, engine, fuel type and mileage.

If a warning light is on or the car is doing something odd, tell us first. A brake that pulls, steering that feels loose or an engine that runs hot should be checked before any more driving.

When is a health check or pre-purchase inspection useful?

A health check suits drivers who want an honest picture of the car before winter or a long trip. A pre-purchase inspection is for anyone buying a second-hand car, to look for wear, leaks and neglected maintenance before paying. It informs your decision rather than making it for you.