Tyre Fitting in Deancombe

Deancombe is a small rural hamlet reached by narrow lanes. Lane driving is hard on tyres in quiet ways: hedge cuttings, thorns and gravel on the surface, and wheels that rub verges and kerbs.

Our garage is Automaster at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Drivers from the surrounding countryside and nearby towns such as Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Dartington come to us for tyres, and this page explains what we can help with.

What damage do narrow lanes do to tyres?

Thorns and flints can find their way into the tread, and brushing against a bank or kerb can scuff or cut the sidewall. Small cuts that look harmless may weaken the tyre, which is why a look at the sidewall is worth doing from time to time.

Rough surfaces and potholes can also knock the wheel alignment out of true. If the steering feels less precise or the car wanders on a straight stretch, mention it.

Tyres on cars that mostly do short lane journeys can also suffer from flat spots and age cracking when left standing. Look at the whole tyre, not only the part that faces you.

Is my tyre safe to repair or does it need replacing?

A puncture in the main tread area can often be repaired from inside the tyre after it has been removed from the wheel. A cut in the sidewall cannot be repaired safely, and neither can serious damage near the edge of the tread.

If you have been driving on a soft or flat tyre, even for a short way, the inside of the tyre can be harmed without it showing from outside. Please do not keep going on it.

• Tread nails and screws may be repairable
• Sidewall cuts need a new tyre
• Run-flat damage may mean replacement

How do I know when tread is too low?

The legal minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tread, around the full circumference. Grip in wet lanes falls well before then. If you can see the wear bars, or the tread looks smooth, it is time to talk to us.

Age also matters. A car that is rarely driven can have tyres with good tread but hardened rubber, so check for cracking and follow the tyre or vehicle maker's advice.

Do you serve Deancombe, and where do I bring the car?

Yes. The garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, near Totnes. Drivers from Deancombe and the countryside around it come to us, along with those from Buckfastleigh, Holne, South Brent and Dartington.

If you are unsure whether you need a repair or replacement, give us a call and describe what you see.

What will a tyre quote depend on?

It depends on the size marked on your tyre, the speed and load rating your car needs, the number of tyres, and whether you want alignment or balancing done at the same time.

Tell us your registration, the tyre size and any symptoms when you ask for a quote. That lets us give you a clear answer.

The more detail you can give us, the more accurate the quote. Photos of the tread and sidewall are a useful addition if you are not sure what you are looking at.