Car Servicing in South Knighton

South Knighton is a small rural hamlet on country lanes in the Newton Abbot area. Lane driving is slow, but it is hard on tyres, suspension and brakes, and small problems grow if they are ignored.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from South Knighton, Newton Abbot, Heathfield, Liverton and Abbotskerswell come to us for petrol and diesel car servicing. This page covers what a service involves and how to ask for a quote.

How do I choose between interim, full and major servicing?

Choose an interim service if you cover high mileage and want fresh oil and checks between full services. Choose a full service for a broader annual check with more parts replaced. A major service suits the points at which the manufacturer lists extra items, which depend on the car.

If you are not sure, give us the details and we will recommend the right one.

Whichever you pick, we explain what is being replaced and what is only being inspected, so the quote makes sense when it arrives. Tell us if the car has done a lot of short journeys, as that can change what we recommend.

Is the manufacturer schedule really that important?

It is the maker's own guidance for your engine, and it is in the handbook. Following it is a sound way to keep the car dependable and to keep a useful record for resale.

We use the manufacturer details for your model and tell you what is due now and what can wait.

Keeping the book stamped, or a folder of invoices, shows a buyer that the car has been maintained, and it helps us see what has already been done.

What does a vehicle health check look at?

It covers tyres, brakes, steering, suspension, lights, wipers, belts, hoses and fluids, with a plain report of the results. On narrow lanes, where grass verges and potholes punish wheels and tyres, it is a handy way to see what is wearing.

We report in plain language, noting what is fine, what is wearing and what is likely to need attention soon, so you can plan any further work with a quote in hand.

• Tyres and brakes
• Steering and suspension
• Lights and wipers
• Fluids, belts and hoses

Why is it worth keeping on top of oil and filter changes?

Engine oil protects moving parts, and the filter keeps it clean. Over time both wear out, and the engine pays the price. Short hops on lanes mean the engine may not warm fully, which ages the oil quicker.

You can book an oil and filter change alone between services.

Do you cover South Knighton, and can you inspect a car before I buy it?

Yes. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the surrounding countryside and the nearby named towns come to us. We also do MOT testing for cars and vans.

A pre-purchase inspection helps when you buy second-hand: we assess the mechanical condition, look for leaks and wear, and report back. We can also handle general maintenance and fault finding.

If a fault shows itself, such as a warning light or a change in how the car drives, tell us what happens and when. Those details make fault finding quicker, and we always explain the cause before suggesting more work. Do not keep driving if the brakes, steering or engine temperature seem wrong.