Our Blog - Pellon Tyres And Auto Centre Halifax

Catalytic Converter Care-Regular Car Servicing can help look after your Cat

27th November 2020/1 Comment/in All Car Servicing /by Eric Roberts

CATALYTIC CONVERTER CARE; Why does car servicing affect your Cat?

This is an interesting point; I suppose that regular car maintenance has an effect on all your car parts in the end. Your Catalytic Converter care, (CAT) is a crucial part of your vehicle. Therefore, is fitted with your engine and the rest of the exhaust system. Thus, some are attached to the manifold, onto the engine, these are known as manifold cats, and some are fitted at the end of a short front pipe on the rest of the exhaust system.

Bigger models of cars sometimes require two cats, cars such as BMWs and MERCs usually have two cats fitted, (very expensive to replace).

Your cat’s primary job is to clean the engine particles that the engine omits. Catalytic converters are made out of ceramic. Thus, with added precious metals (another reason why Catalytic Converter care is critical). Naturally to filter the dirty particles from your engine. Thus reducing the pollutants from entering the atmosphere, this helps us to clean the environment and is part of the UK MOT test.

Catalytic Converter Care

Your cat will only work correctly if the engine operates with the correct ratio of air to fuel. Naturally, this was your car servicing comes in. aged.

Catalytic Converter Care

So, since writing this post then the catalytic converter has become even more important. Especially with the tightening of exhaust emissions regulations coming from European governments. Of course this important filtering of the gases system is on every new petrol and diesel car produced these days. So, diesel cars and vans call them the “particulate filters“.

However they work very similar to each other, filtering out poisonous gases from the vehicles engine before emitting the gas into the atmosphere. I t may be interesting to know that the catalysts are made up using some precious metals.

Precious metals used in catalytic converter

So, one of the main reasons that many catalytic converters are stolen from vehicle. Thus, is because many of them contain some rare metals. Given these points, the main metals are rhodium, palladium and platinum.

So the precious metals are put in to remove the hydrocarbons from the vehicle exhaust emissions. Also including the extraction of carbon monoxide and other less known but never the less harmful gases. hence this is the reason why these metals are very expensive as they are used to promote chemical reactions form the harmful gases that leave the vehicles engine.

Because of these precious metals then the theft of catalytic converters has increased.

Right to Repair Law- Could Brexit Affect our Right to repair Laws?

26th November 2020/in All Car Servicing /by Eric Roberts

Right to Repair Law

Right to Repair Law; The European unions block exemption rules regarding “garage servicing” came up for revue in May 2010.

The reform was all about setting new rules to take into account the intensity of competition on the markets for the distribution of motor vehicles and spare parts. Also for the provision of repair and maintenance services. It covers cars, trucks and buses, and all types of garage small or large.

The Commission found that competition in the market for the sale of new vehicles is strong. In this light, the current sector-specific rules create an unnecessary straitjacket that prevents

car manufacturers from organising their distribution systems as they see fit. The European Commission has therefore aligned the rules applicable to motor vehicle distribution. This applies with those that apply to distribution agreements in other sectors but with a three-year transition period to allow dealers to adapt to the new measures.

Right to Repair Law

Competition on the markets for repair and maintenance and for spare parts distribution is less intense. This is a risk to consumers who may be harmed by anti-competitive practices. This could push up Car Repair Costs when Servicing a Car. The garage Repair and maintenance industry is very important for consumers. Not only for reasons of safety and reliability. But also because repair bills account for 40% of the total cost to car owners. Unlike car prices, the cost of the average repair job and servicing has actually risen over the past years.

Consumers are feeling the effect of rising repair bills. This also includes servicing costs during the present crisis. They are more price-sensitive and drive older vehicles that require more regular maintenance. The EU Commission has put in place a tougher regime for these markets. They will make it easier to enforce the rules. Particular problematic issues include holding back technical information and not releasing spare parts, and refusing to honour warranties when consumers have their cars repaired at independent garage servicing facilities.

Independent garages and repairers such as Pellonautocentre are important because they give more choice to consumers. This helps to keep the price of servicing and repairs competitive by putting pressure due to competitive pricing against main dealers. Also to authorized repair networks. But for this to happen it is essential that garages can get the technical information necessary to do the repairs and carry out the work on increasingly sophisticated cars with increasing amounts of technology.

Right to Repair Law

Withholding “technical information” will be dealt with directly under the EU Treaty rules on restrictive business practices (Article 101) since. The manufacturers , spare parts and repair shops generally have a larger market share in excess of 30%. In addition, Guidelines also being brought in contain detailed clarifications. As to the notion of technical information, cross-referring to Regulation 715/2007 on type approval of certain cars and all subsequent implementing regulations.

New rules will assure that garage servicing companies have access to technical information for models which are type-approved after 1 September 2009. By making a clear link with the 2007 car type-approvals Regulation. The EU Commission will ensure both consistency as regards access to technical information. For cars put in circulation before that date and allow the presentation of technical information to evolve and continue in line with technical progress.

The EU Commission remains committed to vigorously enforce the rules on access to technical information. This was demonstrated in four cases brought in 2007. This was to ensure that car manufacturers disclose the necessary information to independent repairers and garage servicing facilities. Garages the likes of Pellonautocentre.in the Calderdale area of West Yorkshire.

Right to Repair Law

By strengthening the enforcement of competition rules. Including the garage servicing sector and maintenance and spare parts markets. These new laws will contribute to creating a level playing field between car manufacturers and spare part producers and garage servicing. Thus contribute to lower prices for spare parts. This has to be very good news for the garage servicing , garage repair and spare parts industry. This result must give great pride. To all the different groups and individuals that spent hard earned money lobbying and writing to their EU and local MPs. These new laws are similar to the “right to repair” laws in the USA.

The new “Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation“, will continue to help lower the cost of” GARAGE SERVICING” for 13 years until 2023.

The EU Commission will constantly monitor the situation in the markets for motor vehicle and spare parts distribution, as well as in the market for the provision of repair and maintenance services including garage servicing companies. The EU Commission will also monitor the application of the Regulation, in cooperation with National Competition Authorities and stakeholders. Once again the UK garage and motor industry can continue to work hard and give the public the service and competitive pricing they deserve.

Pellon Tyre and Autocentre thinks that the Right to Repair Law, coming from the EU will be kept when our government decides on which legislation to keep and throw out.

But in general the all-weather tyres are great for all year use and much safer for driving on rain soaked motorways.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 275/35 R20 102W tyre specifications, review and features

26th November 2020/in All Michelin Tyres /by Eric Roberts

Tyre Michelin Pilot Alpin PA 4 275/35 R 20 102 W specs, price, review. Michelin tyres for cars.

Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4

Not many Michelin Pilot Alpin PA 4 customers here in Halifax UK

As many of my readers will know. I am a big fan of almost everything that Michelin tyres produce. Including products they have produced over the years. Therefore, I think that this could be something to do with the fact. Hence, that the Michelin Pilot Alpin was developed with the larger luxury car in mind. As I have said before, Halifax ix a small market town in Yorkshire UK .Therefore does not have that many wealthy people who would buy such luxury cars.

Tyre retailers in say Leeds and York. of course, do get a larger share of the BMW’s and Porsche’s as we do in Halifax. With this in mind, we do see some of these famous marques in our area. Of course, we have also fitted a few Michelin Pilot Alpin tyres to these type of cars. The drivers that bring this type of car into us for their tyres. are people that trust us with these valuable machines, we do not scratch their alloy wheels, that sort of thing.

The customers who use us also give us good feedback, I have been a tyre retailer now for 40 years and it is surprising how they like to chat to me especially about their tyres, the people with these types of luxury cars are usually very knowledgeable about their cars and so like a chat.

One particular guy owns a business that supply wall insulation and also installs it into buildings.

His business does very well. Consequently, he likes fast, sporty cars. So, his latest car is a Porsche. Fortunately for us, he came to us for a set of winter tyres . So, to fit his Porsche car. For this reason, he was visiting friends in Germany and he normally drives in his Range Rover in winter, but he decided to give the Porsche a run out.

Like me the guy is a very big fan of Michelin tyres, in fact he will not have anything else on his car. He insisted on a set of Michelin Alpin tyres. The guy’s name is Richard, but the tyres he wanted were not available in the UK. We have some good connections and suppliers in other European countries and so we had a ring round.

To my surprise I found out that Michelin make these tyres in two different tread pattern designs, the asymmetric and the directional. At first I thought that there some kind of mistake as I found this very unusual?. Sure enough when I rang Richard he did know about this and wanted the asymmetric pattern that was recommended for the Porsche models.

Michelin pilot Alpin in two distinct pattern types

When I checked this out with Michelin. They told me that they thought that both Tyre Tread designs had their own successes. Achieving, the end desired result for both types of tyres. Both tyre designs are subsequently, made from what Michelin Pilot Tyres call their Helio-compound rubber mixture, compound 3 G. Which is a compound that is made from sunflower oil and silica and traditional rubber. Giving the tyres more flexible sidewalls. Therefore a better gripping tread surface in cold weather. Especially at temperatures bellow 7c .

Indeed the new MICHELIN PILOT ALPIN has two different tread patterns.

The reason is that we worked simultaneously in two parallel ways: one is made in collaboration with Porsche, the second one in a more common way. The two solutions have succeeded to achieve the desired result. Both of tread patterns respond perfectly to the “ridge-n-flex” philosophy and use the same elements but in a slightly different way.

We finally received and fitted Richards and off he went to Germany with his new Michelin Pilot Alpine tyres fitted.

Another customer that fitted these tyres said that it was the first time that he had bought a set of winter tyres. But he now feels that he can fully measure the benefits. Especially in treacherous weather conditions. Winters are the difference between getting home safely, or getting stuck in snow.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Details/Michelin/Pilot+Alpin+PA4

Replacing Brake Pads-How we Replace Your Car’s Brake Pads here at Pellon Autocentre.

25th November 2020/in Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric Roberts

Replacing Brake Pads

Replacing Brake Pads is a regular mechanical event here at Pellon Autocentre, in Halifax UK. For this reason, we always inspect the state of our customers brake pads. Especially, when we are fitting new tyres. Accordingly, we inspect the brake pads any time that we can and whenever we remove the cars wheels. This is because brake pads are extremely important. Of course, they are the part of the car that stops you when the brake pedal is applied.

Brake pads are a great invention. They are very efficient and reliable and of course stop your car. Because we are always checking our customers brake pads, then we feel that we are contributing to road safety. in fact on many occasions, we are thanked by our customers for showing them their worn out pads. It is very rare that a driver does not have the brakes replaced.

Replacing Brake Pads in the garage

Thus, we are thanked many times for pointing the problem out to drivers. This video is also useful to drivers that like to do their own car repairs. As the owner of the business, then I would not recommend repairing your own brake. However, many drivers are capable of this and I have no problems with drivers doing their own repairs. Brake pads are fairly easy to change.

Replace your brake pads with the Saturday Mechanic, Ben Wojdyla. Learn how to do it yourself with his step-by-step car repairs and upgrades.

Say so long to squealing, worn-out brakes. Associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla puts a VW Rabbit up on the lift at Pop Mech’s Detroit garage to show you step-by-step how to:

* Remove callipers
* Retract pistons
* Inspect and install the brakes discs and pads
* Remove excess fluid from the reservoir.

Subscribe! http://bit.ly/subscribecaranddriver

Follow Popular Mechanics associate auto editor Ben Wojdyla as he leads viewers, step by step, through repairs and upgrades on the Saturday Mechanic show. Got car questions? Email Ben, and he may answer them on the air. Extra links:
Lang Calliper spreader: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/products/7-handy-new-shop-tools-from-sema-2011#slide-7

Are Hybrids here to stay ?Here’s how much owning a plug-in hybrid saves, and what it costs

25th November 2020/0 Comments/in All Car Servicing /by Eric Roberts

Are Hybrids here to stay

So , if you had asked me this question a few months ago! Then the answer from me would have been yes.

Importantly, I thought and hoped that this particular format would be the way forward.

Firstly, it appeared to be a good compromise between electric cars (battery driven) and fossil fuels. In my opinion the electric car that we have at the moment is too extreme. This car will cut the jobs of millions of associated industries. Including the garage industry that has supported my family for more that half a century.

Bigger than the coal industry demise

People in the automotive industry are very worried about the infectious drive of our government to the desired of the greener planet lobby. This minority of people who are in my opinion just hell bent on scuppering capitalism. of course in the guise of people such as the “Climate Rebellion” protesters . Telling that the world will be coming to and end ?

I just wonder why the world did not come to and end after the significant amount of poisonous gasses. Subsequently, from fires, bombs and guns in the first and then the second world wars. Surely this should have brought the world to an end! According to there philosophy!

So, our government are determined to bring a massive collapse to the auto industry. Once again bringing us something that we dont particularly want. Poorer people amongst us will be the ones who suffer! As usual. Of course they wont be able to afford the expensive electric cars and will have to walk everywhere! But perhaps thats what they want us to do! Return to been cave men again and get rid of those terrible motor cars that try to kill us with their awful fumes. What a load of rubbish ?

Now the latest is that hybrid cars that the industry has spent billions of money on. Wont be a part of a greener Britain. Well surprise, surprise lets just hope that they may see some sense before its too late. Finally, I have not yet seen a single tree planted here in the North yet! Perhaps it will be just yet another thing to neglect us with just like our infrastructure ?

I paid a bit more for my plug-in hybrid than a would have for a gas-only vehicle, but the money I’m saving on gas feels like a debt I’ve

Source: Here’s how much owning a plug-in hybrid saves, and what it costs – Business Insider

TYRE WEAR-What you should be looking for on your tyres

24th November 2020/in All Tyre Articles /by Eric Roberts

TYRE WEAR

Your TYRE wear should be checked once a week

Most ladies are not sure about checking there tyres for wear. Come to think of it , neither do most men. So, the easiest way is to call into your local tyre and auto centre. of course, they would be only too pleased to check them for you.

You must look for premature uneven tyre wear. This is usually the first sign of a problem with your steering geometry. Consequently, could even indicate a major problem with the cars steering and, or suspension. Naturally, the first sign is that you will see a bald area appearing at the inside or the outside of your front tyres.

So, if you do notice that the tyre is wearing off at one side. Of course, it is important that you have your wheel alignment checked and adjusted.

If your tyre is wearing at the centre then you are running you tyres with too much pressure. For this reason, this needs to be adjusted. With the attention to making sure that the correct pressures used for your model of car. Some cars nowadays have fall our wheels aligned, this means that the cars rear as well as front wheels may need adjusting, this is particularly common on the modern SUV type vehicles and 4x4s. This regular visual checking will also save you money as a new tyre for these types of vehicles will cost you well over £120 these days ,.

By having each one checked at regular intervals you will spot uneven wear at an early stage and prevent damaged and expensive parts from becoming dangerous and costly. Most lady customers and indeed male customers can call into a local, reputable dealer and have a free inspection by one of the staff. There is no excuses.

Another way that you may about a tyre problem is if you car tends to pull the left or right.

This is only spotted when a new tyre is fitted. Of course, when the customer drives their car on the road for the first time. Firstly, the car steering wheel feels out of line. Pulling the vehicle to one side. Secondly, this is why you should have your Laser Wheel Alignment checked out. Especially, after you have had a new tyre or new tyres fitted. In other words, most garages have now got Wheel Alignment Machines .

customers do not understand the amount of hard work a tyre does. Including, how much punishment tyres take. In the light of them zooming down the motorway at 80 miles a hour. So you see why its so important to check yours at regular intervals. safety is paramount! tyres are the only things between you and an accident. Customers in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire can call in at any time for a free check.

More reading…www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

Car servicing Very Important-Why Servicing Your Car is Important – wheelsforwomen.ie

24th November 2020/0 Comments/in All Car Servicing /by Eric Roberts

Car servicing Very Important

Car maintenance Very Important

So, although this is an older post it is still very relevant. Subsequently, recent times have proved that our customer base is now a well balanced mix of male and female customers!

Because, of many blogs that are aimed at females. Responsible, car care advice is very popular amongst lady drivers. Importantly, this attached article is a great example of good advice for all motorists regarding having there vehicles levels checked out at regular servicing intervals.

Brakes extremely important

Practically all mechanics will tell you that the most important part with the service are that all brakes and suspension are all checked. Responsibly, all the tyres are inspected. Of course to check for safe tread depths. Tyre pressures are tested to ensure correct pressures are in the tyres.

Lights, wipers and horn are also inspected. Importantly, whether its just an oil service or a full service. So, the car should be thoroughly checked over. Of course to ensure a safe car to drive and peace of mind for the car owner.

Hannah Gordon, our resident Mechanic, explains why regular maintenance of your car is important.

Source: Why Servicing Your Car is Important – wheelsforwomen.ie

BMW Runflat tyres-“How they Work” they really are a great safety feature.

23rd November 2020/in All Tyre Articles /by Eric Roberts

BMW Runflat tyres are now a common feature on today’s modern cars. This advice is given by Pellon tyres of Halifax West Yorkshire.

Higher safety levels with BMW Runflat tyres

Here at Pellon tyres we sell all types of car tyres. Of course, including the BMW Runflat tyres. Thus, found on many of today’s BMW and Mini cars. The usual thing that happens when confronted with having to buy

replacement runflat tyres. of course, is the moaning customer complaining about the cost. This is from people who have bought second or third hand cars. Accordingly, such as BMW minis or older BMW’s and Mercedes saloons.

I suppose you can’t really blame them in these days of recession. Of course, the idea of BMW Runflat tyres was to give the car added safety features. Because, that’s what these tyres do. So it’s understandable that the price of the tyre is more expensive. Because the tyre has more materials in during their manufacture. As a result, with research and development costs to recover.

The runflat tyres have special side walls that are made to take the weight or your can when driven on in a deflated state. (IN OTHER WORDS IF YOU HAVE A PUNCTURE, THE TYRE WILL NOT TEAR UP AND ALLOWS YOU TO GET HOME AT A LOWER SPEED).

If you have a puncture this will sometimes be detected by a tyre deflation warning light.(TPMS) Some drivers are not even aware that they have a puncture, only noticing later that the tyre “looks flat”.

BMW Runflat tyres

If you have a flat tyre do not travel long distances or at high speeds. You can check the correct speed from your local tyre dealer or tyre manufacturers, the usual limit is 50mph but check this out for yourself, check for the speed and distance, then you can travel home safely with the flat tyre. Check your runflat tyres regularly

It is important to check all tyres on a regular basis. Thus, preferably at least every week. This is especially important with runflat tyres. If you don’t have a TPMS system you will not notice that the tyre may be flat or at best have low pressure. When run on, “under inflated” tyres may cause the “inner tyre” to be damaged without detection. But this will be detected with regular pressure checks.

To sum up the BMW Runflat tyres are a great invention. But, I can foresee that all cars will have this safety feature in the future. You must expect to pay more for your runflat tyres because you are getting much more for your money and check your pressures at a regular interval at all times, remember you don’t have a spare wheel.

Kumho tyres offer an excellent runflat tyre.

Pellon Tyre and Autocentre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We also offer tyres online from our website for BMW Runflat tyres Prices.

General 4×4 tyres- a “Great tyre” at a “Great price” from Pellon Tyres in Halifax UK

23rd November 2020/in All General Tyres Stuff /by Eric Roberts

General 4×4 tyres (Grabber HP 4×4 tyres)

General Tyres have always been a favourite of Pellon tyres, one of Yorkshires leading 4×4 tyre centres. The feedback from their trade and retail customers have helped General 4×4 tyres in producing a class-leading 4×4 tyre such as the legendary XP2000.

General 4x4 tyres — 1940 (Photo credit: aldenjewell)

The end result of harnessing all the attributes from their past products. Thus using the latest technology brings you these new high performance road tyres. These products are perfect for the SUV ,owner. Who wishes to have the best performance for their vehicle also gaining themselves exceptional value for money.

Both the HP (High Performance) and UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyres offer fantastic levels of grip. Also road holding and steering response. They are also exceptionally quiet on the highway. Once again these General 4×4 tyres are a very good mid-range tyre. They are highly recommended by Pellon tyres in Halifax West Yorkshire.

General tyres(Grabber UHP 4×4 tyres)

General tyres have used the XP2000 to help develop the Grabber UHP. Therefore General tyre has always been very well respected by the trade and retail consumers alike.
General 4×4 tyres are well known for producing top class, pure-road 4×4 tyres such as the legendary XP2000. The end result of putting all the attributes of past products and using the latest technology bringing you these new high performance road tyres.
Specially suited and perfect for the SUV, owner who wishes to enhance the performance of their vehicle and gain exceptional value for money. Both the HP (High Performance) and UHP (Ultra High Performance) tyres offer fantastic levels of grip, road holding and steering response. They are also very quiet on the highways and motorways. These tyres are not off-road 4×4 tyres, but road tyres with off road advantages. This tyre is not in the economy tyre range but comes highly recommended by Pellon tyres in Halifax West Yorkshire.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

22nd November 2020/in All Unipart Service Centres Stuff, Brake Servicing Halifax /by Eric Roberts

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Eric Roberts MD of Pellon-auto centre has recently attended a regional meeting of Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCC). This was in a hotel in Wakefield West Yorkshire. New plans that mean that Pellon Autocentre Joins Unipart was unveiled to upgrade their new image to the garage members.

UCCC Members will be offered complete new signage. Consequently, by using Unipart’s new updated logo. This logo is very similar to the present one. Because it appeared that only a slight modification to upgrade. Eric Roberts says “The new image looks very stylish. Although there is not lots of change, the new design will look very useful. Especially, when bonded together with all the other promotional effects that will be on offer to us.

Our garages images are in the Unipart style and colours.”
Unipart will still provide their garage network with their website design service to help its individual garages build their website. This service will be subsidized by Unipart, rolling on from the old system. This offer has been taken up by over 500 garages and has become a favourite feature to the garages in the scheme.
Motorcodes will still play a significant part in Unipart’s big changes; this will ensure an excellent standard of quality across the complete network. Therefore, is crucial when offering a nationwide warranty service to the networks customers.

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

A brand new feature will be the introduction of Ben Collins, (the former “sting” from Top Gear motoring programme on TV). Ben will be helping promote the Car Care Centres at a national and local levels, holding regular events across the country.
Another new feature will be the introduction of more training facility. Garages participating will have the use of Unipart’s technical helpline and training staff support. “This Pellon Autocentre leaves Unipart service will be of great use to participating garages such as ourselves,” says Eric Roberts.
Unipart will be revamping the existing web site. This website will be fully optimised, and search engine friendly. Links to participating members websites. Furthermore, offering the partners a right online image with facilities to offer online service and MOT booking.

Furthermore, the new work-wear was also on display for the garage owners to browse over and the meeting concluded with a buffet. Unipart’s marketing director Wendy Williams conducted the meeting in a very professional manner, and it felt that all the participating centre members in attendance, were looking forward to the new changes with great anticipation.

Latest 2020 update to our total independence

Lastly, I have recently, made a decision to leave the Unipart set up. Importantly, the organization has recently come under pressure from other similar trade groups. So, in the final analysis I thought that we should move forward as an independent garage being able to trade with all the trade groups. Given these points, I believe that the car parts replacement market has also had a recent shake up. So, giving us the opportunity to buy parts and service parts at better prices for our customers. Generally speaking, trade is very good following the recent “Corvid 19” MOT Testing restrictions. Here at Pellon Autocentre we are now free from any motoring organizations and totally independent.

Find the tyres you need at discount prices using the Pellon Tyres web site.