Car Servicing in Totnes

If your car lives in Totnes, it probably has a hard life. Short hops down to the station, crawling up and down the steep Fore Street, and slow summer traffic when visitors fill the town all mean more stop-start driving than the handbook might assume. That kind of use is exactly why regular servicing earns its place.

At Automaster, our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, we look after petrol and diesel cars with interim, full and major services, oil and filter changes, health checks and inspections of second-hand cars. We are an RAC Approved Garage, and we will always explain what we find in plain English.

What is the difference between an interim, full and major service?

Think of the three as steps up in depth. An interim service is a lighter check for cars that cover high mileage or do a lot of short journeys: it typically centres on fresh engine oil and a new oil filter, plus a look over fluid levels, lights, tyres and brakes.

A full service goes further. As well as the oil and filter, it usually brings in extra items such as the air filter and a wider inspection of the brakes, steering, suspension and exhaust. A major service adds the longer-interval jobs from the maker's schedule, which might include spark plugs on a petrol car or a fuel filter on a diesel. What is included varies by vehicle, so we work from the schedule for your particular model.

Why does the manufacturer schedule and handbook matter?

Your handbook sets out what the maker expects to be done and when, by time or mileage, whichever comes first. Following it keeps the car running as designed and gives you a clear record when you come to sell.

We use the schedule for your car rather than a one-size-fits-all list. If the handbook is missing, tell us the make, model, engine and year and we will work from there.

• Oil and filter changes at the right intervals
• Fluid, lights and tyre checks
• Brake and suspension inspection
• Items from the maker's schedule where due
• A clear explanation of anything we find

Why do oil and filter changes matter so much?

Engine oil lubricates, cools and cleans the moving parts. Over time it breaks down and collects tiny particles, and the filter that catches them eventually clogs. Old oil and a tired filter mean more wear on parts that are expensive to replace.

Town driving is harder on oil than many people expect, because short trips mean the engine often never fully warms up. If most of your miles are around Totnes and the surrounding lanes, do not stretch the interval.

What is a vehicle health check, and what is a pre-purchase inspection?

A health check is a structured look over the car, without necessarily doing a full service. We check the main safety and wear items and tell you what is fine, what is worn and what to watch, so you can plan ahead rather than be surprised.

A pre-purchase inspection is for when you are thinking of buying a second-hand car. We go over it before you hand over any money, looking for worn parts, leaks, warning signs and anything that might need work soon. It will not tell you everything, but it can help you decide, or negotiate, with more confidence.

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

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from the town and from Dartington, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Paignton come to us for servicing. Book by asking for a quote, tell us the make, model, year and mileage, and we will advise on the right level of service.

If you want the service done alongside an MOT, say so when you ask. If you notice a warning light, a noise or anything that affects safety, tell us at once and do not keep driving a car you are unsure about.