Car care guides from our Newton Abbot garage
Plain-English advice on servicing, repairs, warning lights and bodywork, written by the team at RPM Autocare.
These guides cover the questions we get asked most often at our unit on Milber Trading Estate, from clutches and wet timing belts to DPF lights and rust. They are general advice, so if your car is showing a fault, have it checked promptly rather than relying on a web page.
Signs your clutch is failing (and what to do about it)
Slipping, judder, a heavy pedal or a rattle at tick-over? Learn the common signs of a failing clutch or dual-mass flywheel and what to do next.
Ford EcoBoost wet belt: warning signs and when to replace it
Does your Ford have a belt-in-oil? Find out which EcoBoost engines are affected, the warning signs to watch for and why replacing the wet belt on time matters.
PureTech wet belt problems: warning signs and replacement
Peugeot, Citroën, DS or Vauxhall with a 1.2 PureTech? Learn the warning signs of a failing wet belt, why oil matters and when to get it checked.
Timing belt vs timing chain: what's the difference?
Does your car have a cambelt or a timing chain? Learn how they differ, which needs replacing, the warning signs and why wet belts are a special case.
DPF warning light: what it means and how regeneration works
DPF light on? Understand how a diesel particulate filter works, why it blocks, what regeneration is and when to get your diesel checked.
Why cars fail the MOT on brakes (and what to check beforehand)
Brakes are a common MOT failure point. Learn what the test looks at, the typical faults, simple checks before the test and what to do after a fail.
How often should you service your car?
Interim, full or major service? Learn how often to service your car, what each service covers, and how to check what your car actually needs.
What does a car diagnostic check actually involve?
Plugging in a code reader is only the start. Learn what a proper car diagnostic check involves, what you get at the end and how to prepare.
Car warning lights explained: what to do when one comes on
Red, amber, flashing or steady? Learn what common dashboard warning lights mean, which ones mean stop now and when to book a check.
Car bodywork and spray repair: how it works and how long it takes
How is a scuffed bumper or dented panel repaired and resprayed? Learn the stages of a bodywork repair, what affects timing and how to get a quote.
Welding repairs for rust and MOT failures: what to expect
Rust flagged on an MOT? Find out where cars rust, why filler is not a fix, how a welding repair works and what to do after a corrosion failure.
How to choose a garage in Newton Abbot and Torbay
Looking for a reliable independent garage in Newton Abbot, Torbay or South Devon? Here is a practical checklist of what to look for and what to ask.
Not sure what your car needs?
Book in, send us a message, or call Russ. We can normally get you booked in within 2 days.
See also our services, bodywork and paint and courtesy car pages.