Tyre Fitting in South Brent

South Brent lies on the edge of Dartmoor beside the A38 and the River Avon, a natural stopping point between Exeter and Plymouth. Sustained A38 running, with hills towards the moor, is the sort of driving that shows up weak tyres.

We are Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and an RAC Approved Garage. We fit new tyres, repair suitable punctures and set wheel alignment and balance, and this page covers what matters before you book.

What does steady A38 running do to a tyre?

Faster, longer runs build heat in the tyre, and under-inflation or a hidden cut can turn into a failure. Tyres should be at the pressures in your handbook, and they should be checked more often before long trips.

Out-of-balance wheels become more obvious at speed too. A shake that was barely noticeable in town can be tiring on a long run.

Before a long A38 trip, check all four tyres, including the one you rarely look at on the nearside rear, and make sure the pressures suit the load you are carrying.

Why does my car feel unsettled on the dual carriageway?

Vibration through the steering wheel at speed usually points to balancing. A car that drifts or needs constant correction may need its tracking set. Both are linked to tyre wear, so ignoring them can lead to replacing tyres earlier than you should.

Uneven tyre pressures, a damaged tyre or a worn suspension part can feel similar, so we look at the whole picture.

• Shake at certain speeds
• Steering wheel off-centre
• Edge wear on the tread
• Pulling to one side

When is a tyre beyond repair?

A puncture in the central tread is often repairable once the tyre is off the wheel and inspected inside. Damage to the sidewall or shoulder cannot be repaired, nor can a tyre that has been used flat.

The legal tread minimum is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tread, all the way round. If you are close to it, plan the replacement rather than waiting.

I live in South Brent. How do I get my tyres sorted?

Our garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL. Drivers from South Brent come to us, alongside those from Ivybridge, Buckfastleigh, Totnes and Modbury.

If you are travelling through on the A38 and a tyre warning light comes on, pull in somewhere safe first and then get in touch to talk through the options.

How is a quote for new tyres worked out?

The tyre size, the speed and load rating your vehicle needs, the number of tyres and any alignment or balancing all feed in. Two cars that look similar may need quite different tyres.

When you ask for a quote, give us your registration and the numbers on the sidewall.

If you have been told a tyre is unsafe elsewhere and want a second opinion, you are welcome to bring it in and we will look at it.