All Car Servicing

All Car Servicing

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and all Car Servicing business now for 40 years. So. worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with Car Servicing and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business. We are members of Point-S and MotorCodes and are also a Unipart Car Care Centre.

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart
Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Eric Roberts, MD of Pellon Auto Centre, 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 were unveiled to upgrade their new image among garage members. 

UCCC members will be offered complete new signage. Consequently, by using Unipart’s updated logo,. This logo is very similar to the present one. Because it appeared that there was only a slight modification to upgrade. Eric Roberts says, “The new image looks very stylish. Although there is not much 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 garage images are in the Unipart style and colours.” Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart


Unipart will still provide their garage network with their website design service to help their individual garages build their websites.

In keeping with the previous system, Unipart will be funding this service. This offer has been taken up by over 500 garages and has become a favourite feature for 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, it is crucial when offering a nationwide warranty service to the network’s
customers.

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

A brand new feature will be the introduction of Ben Collins (the former “sting” from the 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 facilities. Garages participating will have access to Unipart’s technical helpline and training staff support. “This Pellon Autocentre leaving 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 member websites. Furthermore, offering the partners a right online image with the facilities to offer online service and MOT booking.

Furthermore, the new workwear 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.

The latest 2020 update to our total independence- Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Lastly, I have recently made a decision to leave the Unipart setup. Importantly, the organisation 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.

The next organisation to follow were Point-S. I did try and see what the benefits would be. However it was to become another disappointing large organisation without much clout?

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

Bad Weather Car Tips

Bad Weather Car Tips

Bad Weather Car Tips
Bad Weather Car Tips

Bad Weather Car Tips


Inclement weather could be on its way! bad weather car tips

So this attached article is more about how to handle your car during bad weather. Of course, it stands out that you should! Also, make sure the car is well serviced and ready for any bad winter weather.

Brakes and tyres are indeed very important. Consequently, a good winter service will ensure that your vehicle’s tyres and brakes are up to scratch. Ready to tackle any snow and torrential rain. Importantly, it is a great idea to fit winter tyres or at least all-weather tyres before the weather turns for the worst. As temperatures start to drop, area mechanics say drivers may want to make some adjustments to their cars to avoid cold weather issues.

Mechanics at Valvoline in New Bern say there are three main pieces of advice that everyone should know before handling their car in colder weather. Donta Berry says drivers may have already noticed, but with the change in weather comes a change in tyre pressure.

Q: Why is a winter check-up necessary for my vehicle?
A winter check-up is essential to keeping your car functional and safe during the colder months. Cold weather may have a big impact on your car’s battery, tyres, and engine, so a comprehensive inspection can help prevent failures and costly repairs.

Q: What are the most important items to check in a car for winter?
A: Check the batteries, tyres (including tread depth and pressure), antifreeze levels, lights, wipers, and brakes. These components are more vulnerable to cold temperatures and poor weather conditions.

Q. How does cold weather affect car batteries?
A: Cold weather can diminish a car battery’s efficacy, making it more difficult to start the engine. Batteries are more likely to fail in the winter due to increased electrical demands (such as heating and lighting) and decreased charging capacity.

Q: Why is tyre condition crucial in the winter? Bad Weather Car Tips
A: Good tyre condition is essential for safe winter driving. Cold temperatures can harden tyre rubber, diminishing grip. Furthermore, wet or slippery roads require adequate tread depth to ensure grip and control.

Q: Do I need winter tyres in the UK?
A: Although not required in the UK, winter tyres can provide greater grip and handling in temperatures below 7°C. They include a specific tread and rubber combination that is ideal for cold, wet, icy, or snowy weather.

Q: How does antifreeze affect winter car care? Bad Weather Car Tips
A: Antifreeze, or coolant, is necessary to keep your engine from freezing in cold weather. It also helps to keep the engine at its optimal working temperature, lowering the risk of overheating.

Q: How frequently should I check my car’s lights and wipers?
A: It is recommended that you check your car’s lights and wipers on a regular basis, particularly during the winter. Shorter days necessitate higher usage of lighting, and good wipers are essential for visibility during rain or snow.

Q: Will winter impact my car’s brakes? Bad Weather Car Tips
A: Yes, colder temperatures and wet circumstances can impair braking performance. Moisture can cause brake components to rust, and salt on roadways can cause corrosion, demanding a thorough inspection.

Q: Is it necessary to carry a winter emergency pack in my car?
A: Absolutely. A winter emergency kit should include a blanket, lantern, de-icer, scraper, first-aid kit, and food and water. It’s essential for unforeseen situations, particularly in isolated places.

Q: Where can I have my car winter-checked in the UK?
A: You can have your car winter-checked at most garages and service centres in the UK. To ensure a comprehensive and reliable check, use a respected firm that has been suggested by friends or has positive web ratings.

Finally, it is always a good idea to have a pre-winter service on your vehicle to ensure safe driving in a safe car.

Source: Mechanics: Follow these tips to avoid car trouble in chilly weather | WCTI

Audi TT Hand-Brake failure

Audi TT Hand-Brake failure

Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure
Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure

Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure

Q: What is the importance of checking my car’s brakes on a frequent basis?
A: Regular brake inspections are critical for safety. They ensure that your brakes are operating properly, which is critical for stopping your car quickly and safely, particularly in emergency situations.

Q: What are the symptoms that my brakes need to be checked?
A: Unusual noises like screaming or grinding, a spongy or soft brake pedal, the car pulling to one side when braking, or the brake warning light turning on are all signs that your brakes need to be serviced.

Q: How often should I get my brakes checked?
A: It is advised that you check your brakes at least once a year. However, if you observe any problems or if your driving habits include numerous stops, more frequent inspections may be required.

Q: What happens during a brake check?
A brake check normally entails assessing the brake pads, brake discs, and shoes for wear, testing the brake fluid level and quality, and verifying that the complete braking system, including pipes and hoses, is in excellent working order.

Q: Can worn brakes impair my car’s performance?
A: Yes, worn brakes can have a substantial impact on your vehicle’s performance. They can result in longer stopping distances, decreased vehicle control, and a higher risk of brake failure.

Q: Why is the handbrake check necessary? Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure
A: The handbrake, often known as the parking brake, is essential for keeping your vehicle secure while parked. A properly operating handbrake keeps the car from rolling, especially on slopes, assuring safety and adherence to traffic requirements.

Q: How can I know if my handbrake needs adjusting?
A: If your handbrake takes several clicks to engage or lifts higher than usual, it may require adjustment. Also, if the car rolls slightly when parked on an incline with the handbrake engaged, it indicates that it needs to be checked.

Q: What happens if I skip brake maintenance?
A: Neglecting brake maintenance can result in brake failure, longer stopping distances, and an increased risk of accidents. If components wear out prematurely, it might lead to more expensive repairs later on.

Q: Do different types of brakes require different care? Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure
A: Yes, cars can use Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure, drum brakes, or a mix of the two. Each type has unique components (for example, disc brake pads and drum brake shoes) that require specific maintenance and care.

Q: Where should I have my brakes checked?
A: Get your brakes tested at a reputed garage or repair shop. For the best service, look for places that have qualified mechanics that are familiar with the make and model of your vehicle.

The Audi TT has in the past had many problems with the handbrake. There have been several reasons for this issue.

Last week, a good customer of ours told us that his daughter had parked her car on a slight slope while she went into the bank. When she returned, the car had moved down the hill about ten feet. Luckily for her, the cat had come to rest against a very high pathway edge.

She was kind of scared and reflected in her mind: what could have happened?

His daughter was in her late twenties and worked as an insurance broker in Halifax, UK. The family brought all their cars into my garage for servicing and repairs; this Audi TT was no exception.

The father then called us and told us the story. The first thing that we asked was, “Whether she had put the handbrake on at all?” He said that this was the first thing that she had checked.

The car finally arrived at the garage, and the young lady left it with us for the day. I often look at particular forums on the internet. The Audi forum did come up with a few different problems associated with Audi TT handbrake failure problems.

Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure
Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure

Audi TT Hand-Brake failure

We put the Audi TT up onto a ramp and removed the wheels. Although the problem was with the rear handbrake, we always check all the cars brakes to be on the safe side. The car was registered in 2005 and was an 1800 Turbo special edition. A 225 BHP engine powered the car, giving it high performance.

Alex had the responsibility to repair this car. He set to work, examining all the parts that make up the handbrake. Everything looked in good order, so Alex greased the moving parts and began to examine the discs and pads.

The brake discs looked in good condition. Audi TT Hand-Brake Failure

but Alex noticed that the pads had a shine on them. Shiny pads usually mean that they have “gone hard.”

We decided to fit a new set of pads as we suspected that this was the culprit. Alex completed the work and tested the handbrake on some of the steep hills that surround Halifax. He ran the car, making sure the brakes were hot, and checked the handbrake again.

Finally, another satisfied customer drove away into the sunset.