Car Servicing in Ivybridge

Ivybridge sits on the southern edge of Dartmoor beside the A38, with strong commuter traffic towards Plymouth and steep roads climbing to the moor. A daily commute adds miles quickly, and a car that is relied on every morning needs to be maintained on time.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We service petrol and diesel cars for drivers from Ivybridge, South Brent, Ermington, Modbury and Kingsbridge, and explain what we find in plain terms.

How often should a commuter car be serviced?

Follow the handbook, which sets intervals by time and mileage, whichever comes first. A commuter covering high mileage may reach the mileage limit well before the year is out, so an interim service between full services is worth considering.

Queueing traffic on the way to Plymouth is also tough on brakes and clutches, so tell us how you drive and we will look at the relevant parts.

Traffic on the A38 corridor can mean long periods of slow crawling followed by faster stretches, and that mix is hard on brakes, tyres and the cooling system alike. Bring up anything you have noticed on the commute.

What do interim, full and major services involve?

An interim service is the lighter option, built around an oil and filter change and essential checks of fluids, lights, tyres and brakes. A full service is more extensive and typically adds other filters and a broader inspection. A major service covers the longer-interval items the maker specifies, which vary between engines.

We read the schedule for your car rather than apply a generic list.

A health check can sit alongside any of these if you want a broader picture of the car's condition, particularly if you have noticed changes in how it feels.

• Interim for high-mileage commuting
• Full for the regular annual service
• Major when the schedule calls for it

Why do oil and filter changes matter on a daily driver?

Because the engine works every day, the oil is constantly exposed to heat and contamination. When it wears out or the filter clogs, protection falls. Fresh oil and a new filter keep the engine in good shape and are the part of the service you should never skip.

Fuel type matters here. Petrol and diesel engines have different filters and service items, which is why we ask for the engine and fuel when you request a quote.

I live in Ivybridge. Can I bring my car to you?

Yes. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and Ivybridge drivers are welcome. Ask for a quote, give us your vehicle details, mileage and fuel type, and we will explain what the car needs.

If you want us to check the condition of the car before a long trip, a health check is a good fit. If you are buying a second-hand car, a pre-purchase inspection can help you decide.

What if something looks wrong during the week?

Tell us as soon as you notice it. Steering that wanders, brakes that feel soft or an engine that overheats are not things to drive on with. Stop safely and get advice. We can fault-find, but we only confirm the cause after inspecting the car.