Car Servicing in Kingston

Kingston sits among narrow, high-hedged lanes close to the South Hams coast, and cars living there take a quiet sort of punishment. Hedges brush the mirrors, verges wear the tyres, and the holiday season fills the lanes with extra traffic and plenty of reversing into gateways.

At Automaster we look after cars from villages like Kingston, along with drivers from Bigbury, Ringmore, Modbury and Kingsbridge. A regular service is the simplest way to catch small problems before a lane-side breakdown turns a short journey into a long one.

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

An interim service is the lighter option, usually an oil and filter change with a set of checks on the parts that wear fastest. It suits drivers who cover a lot of miles in between annual services. A full service goes further, with a wider range of items checked and some replaced, such as filters and other parts the schedule calls for.

A major service is the most thorough, picking up items that only fall due at longer intervals. We do not work to one fixed checklist for all three, because what is checked or changed depends on the vehicle and its maker. When you ask for a quote, tell us the make, model, year and roughly how many miles you have covered.

Why do the handbook and service schedule matter?

Your handbook sets out what the manufacturer wants done and when, by time or by mileage, whichever comes first. Servicing to that schedule keeps the car running as designed and leaves a clear record for the day you sell.

Cars that spend their lives on short lane journeys often reach the time limit well before the mileage limit, so a low-mileage car can still be due. If you have lost the handbook, tell us the registration and we will work out what the vehicle needs.

How often should I change the oil and filter?

Oil breaks down and collects dirt with use, and the filter traps particles so they stay out of the engine. Old oil protects less, and a clogged filter lets contamination circulate. Short, stop-start trips of the kind common around narrow lanes are harder on oil than steady motorway miles.

Follow the interval in the handbook, and use the grade of oil your engine is built for. If your warning lights or oil level worry you, do not wait for the next service. Low oil can wreck an engine, so stop safely and have it looked at.

• Check the oil level every few weeks
• Use the grade the handbook specifies
• Do not ignore an oil warning light

What is a vehicle health check, and can you test a car before I buy it?

A health check is a visual and practical look over the main safety and wear items, such as tyres, brakes, lights, fluid levels and suspension, ending in a plain report of what is fine and what needs attention soon. It is useful if you are not due a full service but want peace of mind.

A pre-purchase inspection is the same idea applied to a second-hand vehicle you are thinking of buying. We look for signs of wear, leaks, neglected maintenance and faults the seller may not have mentioned, so you can negotiate or walk away with the facts. It reduces risk but cannot predict every future fault.

Do you cover Kingston, and where do I bring the car?

Yes, drivers from Kingston and the surrounding villages bring their cars to us. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, near Totnes, TQ9 6PL, and we also welcome people from Bigbury, Ringmore, Modbury and Kingsbridge.

We can combine a service with an MOT for Class 4 cars and Class 7 vans. Fault finding is part of the job too, so mention any noises or warning lights.