MOT Testing in St Marychurch

St Marychurch is a Torquay suburb with a historic village centre on a hill above Babbacombe, and the residential roads around it are steep. Cars here use a lot of brake on the way down and a lot of low gear on the way up, so wear tends to show up early.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and we welcome drivers from St Marychurch, Ellacombe, Newton Abbot and the villages nearby for MOT testing. We test cars and vans, and we can fix what fails.

What will the tester look at on a car that lives on hills?

The test covers lights, brakes, tyres, steering and suspension, exhaust and emissions, mirrors and wipers, seatbelts, number plates and the safety condition of the body. Dashboard warning lights are also noted.

Brakes and suspension take the brunt of steep residential streets, so we look closely at discs, pads, brake pipes and suspension joints. A handbrake that struggles to hold on a slope is a common talking point.

• Brake discs, pads and handbrake hold
• Suspension and steering joints
• Tyre wear and damage
• Exhaust condition and emissions

What are dangerous, major and minor defects?

Dangerous means the vehicle should not be driven. Major means a fail that needs repair before the car can pass. Minor means a defect that is noted without failing the car. Advisories are extra notes about wear that is not yet bad enough to fail.

If your car fails, we explain every item and discuss which repairs matter first. Do not keep driving a car whose brakes or steering feel unsafe.

Should I have a pre-MOT inspection first?

It is a sensible step for a car that tackles steep roads every day. We look at the items most likely to cause a fail, so repairs can be done before the official test. That often prevents a retest altogether.

If the car does fail, we can repair it and retest. The terms depend on the fault and the timing, so ask us when you book. Mention any grinding, squealing or vibration you have noticed on the descents.

When is my MOT due, and can I book early?

A vehicle's first MOT is due at three years, then every year. You may test up to a month minus a day early and keep the same renewal date. Booking is online or by phone.

We test vans under Class 7, which helps local tradespeople who need their vehicle back on the road without a lapse in the certificate.

If your certificate is close to running out, ring us rather than guessing the date, because driving without a valid MOT can cause trouble with insurance as well as the law.

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

Yes, we cover St Marychurch and the Torbay area. Bring the vehicle to our garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes.

We also see drivers from Ellacombe, Stoke-in-Teignhead and Newton Abbot. Tell us your registration when you ask for a quote.