Exhaust Repairs in Heathfield

Heathfield sits between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey beside the A38 and A382, with an industrial estate and a constant flow of traffic. Vans, commuters and local drivers all pass through, so exhaust and emissions problems are a familiar part of life for anyone who uses these roads.

At Automaster we repair and replace exhausts, investigate emissions faults and deal with catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter issues on petrol and diesel vehicles. Read on for the signs, the likely causes and what to say when you ask for a quote.

What is the difference between a quick fix and a proper repair?

A small hole or a failed joint can sometimes be repaired if the surrounding metal is sound. The problem is that exhausts corrode from the inside out, so a patch on weak metal may not hold. We look at the whole system and tell you where it is solid and where it is not.

When several sections are tired, replacing a larger part of the system is often more sensible than returning for each leak in turn. Fixings that have seized or rusted through add labour, which is one reason quotes differ from car to car.

Do stop-start journeys cause DPF trouble?

They can. Queueing near the industrial estate or crawling through traffic keeps the exhaust cooler than a steady run would. In a diesel, that stops the filter from burning off soot, and the DPF warning light eventually appears.

Vans that spend most of their day on short delivery hops are especially prone. Do not wait for limp mode. As soon as the light comes on, follow your handbook and, if it persists, have the filter and its sensors checked. We can see whether a clean is likely to help or whether the cause lies elsewhere.

• Amber DPF warning light
• Reduced power or limp mode
• Fan running more than usual after a drive
• Higher fuel use than normal

What do catalytic converters do, and how do they fail?

The catalytic converter turns harmful gases into less harmful ones as they pass through. It can be damaged by overheating, by oil or coolant entering the exhaust, or by a persistent misfire. The signs are poor performance, a rattle from within the casing, a sulphur smell or an emissions warning.

Because converters often fail as a result of another fault, we find and explain the root cause before recommending a new one.

Why did my car fail the MOT on emissions?

Failure can come from excessive smoke, readings beyond the limit, a leaking system or a diesel filter that has been tampered with. Sensor faults and engine problems can also upset the readings. Take the failure sheet seriously and bring it along, as it narrows the search and keeps us from replacing parts that are working.

Where is the garage, and do you cover Heathfield?

We do cover Heathfield. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Heathfield, Liverton, Newton Abbot, Bickington and Hexworth bring vehicles to us. If you drive a van for work, say so when you ask for a quote and tell us the make, registration, fuel type and symptoms. A clear description saves time and gets you a fairer picture of the job.