Michelin CrossClimate Camping Tyres

30th September 2026/0 Comments/in Winter Tyre Articles, All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Michelin CrossClimate Camping Tyres

Michelin CrossClimate Camping Tyres for an Elddis Motorhome in Halifax

One of the things I enjoy about running Pellon Tyre & Autocentre is hearing about the journeys our customers have planned. Sometimes it is a trip to the Yorkshire coast, sometimes a weekend in the Dales, and occasionally somebody has a much bigger adventure in mind.

That was the case with a gentleman who recently approached us with his Elddis motorhome, based on a Fiat Ducato.

He was planning to tour Europe during the winter months and wanted our advice about suitable tyres. It was a sensible question to ask before setting off. Preparing a motorhome for a long journey means thinking about more than packing your clothes and deciding where to stop for the night.

After some research, we recommended Michelin CrossClimate Camping tyres in size 225/75R16CP 118/116R.

We agreed a price, arranged delivery and fitted the tyres that same afternoon. A good job sorted, and another customer better prepared for the road ahead.

A proper adventure starts with proper preparation.

I must admit, there is something very appealing about travelling in a motorhome. Having your accommodation with you gives you the freedom to explore, stop for a few days and move on when you fancy a change.

Our customer’s plan to tour Europe through the winter sounded like a grand adventure.

However, winter touring brings different considerations from a summer run to Bridlington or Scarborough. Even if you are heading towards warmer weather, you still have to travel through whatever conditions lie between home and your destination.

That is why I was pleased he came to us for advice beforehand.

Here in Halifax and Calderdale, we know that a journey can start in drizzle and turn into something rather more wintry as you climb onto higher ground. Anyone who regularly travels over towards the Pennines will understand what I mean.

Choosing suitable tyres is one part of getting ready, and it deserves a little thought.

Why we recommended Michelin CrossClimate Camping

Michelin is one of my favourite tyre brands because of its quality. However, recommending tyres should always be about the particular vehicle and how its owner intends to use it.

For this gentleman, the important combination was motorhome use, long-distance touring and winter travel.

Michelin describes the CrossClimate Camping as an all-season tyre developed specifically for motorhomes. It carries the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake marking, often shortened to 3PMSF, which confirms that it meets a standardised snow-performance requirement. Michelin also gives this range an A rating for wet grip on the European tyre label.

Those are useful features for somebody who wants to keep touring when the summer crowds have gone home.

Of course, no tyre removes the need to drive carefully. Snow, ice and poor visibility still call for sensible speeds, extra space and sometimes a decision to wait until conditions improve.

For this customer’s intended use, though, we considered the CrossClimate Camping an excellent choice.

A camping tyre has a particular job to do.

A motorhome carries rather more than a couple of passengers and their shopping.

Depending on the vehicle and the trip, there may be bedding, food, water, outdoor furniture, bicycles and all the other bits that make life comfortable away from home.

Motorhomes can also spend long periods parked between journeys.

Michelin developed the CrossClimate Camping’s casing with these particular demands in mind. Its CP marking identifies a tyre intended for motorhome service, rather than simply being a passenger-car tyre in a larger size.

The tyres supplied for this job were 225/75R16CP 118/116R. That specification belongs to this particular fitting; it should not be taken as the correct size for every Elddis or Fiat Ducato motorhome.

Before ordering, the vehicle’s tyre requirements, load capacity and wheel suitability must all be checked. If you are unsure, ask us rather than guessing.

Elddis and the Fiat Ducato connection

Elddis is a familiar name to many British caravanning and motorhome enthusiasts. Its range includes different layouts and sizes, so owners can choose accommodation to suit the way they like to travel.

The Fiat Ducato also features in Elddis motorhome and campervan ranges. It provides the base vehicle, while Elddis creates the living accommodation that turns it into a home for the holidays.

I can understand why people become attached to their motorhomes. They are part transport, part holiday home and often the starting point for some lovely memories.

Whether you enjoy a quiet campsite near Hebden Bridge, a few days exploring the Yorkshire Dales or a longer trip across Europe, having your own place to put the kettle on has its attractions.

Our customer was thinking well beyond a local weekend away, and we were pleased to help with his preparations.

Yorkshire weather teaches you to think ahead.

Living and working around Halifax gives you a healthy respect for the weather.

We have steep roads, exposed stretches and bends where you want your vehicle to feel settled. A winter morning in the Calder Valley can be very different from an afternoon on lower ground.

That is one reason I like to see customers discussing tyres before they become an urgent problem.

A motorhome owner preparing for winter travel is asking the right questions. What sort of journeys will they make? What conditions might they encounter? Is the tyre suitable for the vehicle as well as the season?

Our winter tyre advice discusses why motorists around Halifax should give seasonal conditions some thought.

For European touring, owners should also check the current winter equipment requirements for every country on their route, including any requirements to carry or use snow chains. That deserves checking against the actual itinerary.

Delivered and fitted that afternoon

Once we had researched the tyres and agreed the price with our customer, we got on with arranging the job.

The Michelins were delivered and fitted that same afternoon.

That was the turnaround on this occasion. Availability varies, particularly with specialist sizes, but we always aim to give customers a clear answer about what can be supplied and when.

It is another example of the varied work that comes through our doors at Pellon. One minute we are helping somebody with an everyday car tyre; the next, we are discussing a motorhome’s winter journey through Europe.

I enjoy that variety, and I am proud of the way our staff approach it.

Motorhome tyre advice at Pellon in Halifax

If you are planning a motorhome trip, give your tyres some attention before departure. Their condition, correct pressures and suitability for the loaded vehicle all matter.

You can read more about tyre care before a holiday on our website, or call in for advice about your particular vehicle.

For Michelin tyre enquiries, ring 01422 351314 or 01422 362030. You can also browse tyres online and read our customer reviews.

We wish our Elddis owner a wonderful winter tour, with plenty of interesting places to visit and time to enjoy them.

From our beloved Yorkshire to wherever the road takes him, we were delighted to help get his journey off to a good start.

Renault Captur with Noisy Tyres

24th September 2026/0 Comments/in All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Renault Captur with Noisy Tyres

Renault Captur Noisy Tyres Reveal Dangerous Wear in Halifax

It is always worth listening when your car starts making a different noise. Cars often give us a warning that something is not quite right, and that was certainly the case when a gentleman recently brought his Renault Captur into our Halifax garage.

The customer told us that his tyres had become very noisy. Tyre noise can have several causes, including uneven tread wear, incorrect pressures, a damaged tyre or even a worn wheel bearing. Because noise can travel through a car, the cause is not always obvious from the driver’s seat. The sensible thing to do is have the vehicle inspected rather than simply turning up the radio and hoping the noise disappears.

A worrying discovery on the front tyres

Once we had the Renault Captur in the workshop, our inspection quickly revealed the problem. Both front tyres were badly worn on their outside edges. In fact, the wear had gone right through the rubber until the steel cords inside the tyres were visible.

These cords form part of the tyre’s internal structure and should never be exposed. Once a tyre reaches this condition, it is no longer merely worn—it is dangerous and needs replacing immediately. The weakened area is more vulnerable to failure, particularly when the car is cornering, braking or travelling at road speed.

The worrying part is that this sort of wear can be difficult for a driver to spot. Looking at the visible middle section of the tread may give the impression that some life remains, while the shoulder nearest the outside of the car is already worn beyond safe use. That is why a proper check should include the entire width and circumference of every tyre.

Why had the Renault Captur tyres worn unevenly?

The wear pattern strongly suggested that Renault’s wheel alignment was badly out. Wheel alignment controls the angles at which the wheels sit and travel in relation to the road. If those angles are incorrect, a tyre can be dragged slightly sideways instead of rolling cleanly ahead.

The driver may not notice a dramatic change straight away. The car might still feel reasonably normal, but every journey can quietly scrub rubber from one edge of the tyres. Halifax and Calderdale roads do not always make life easy for steering and suspension components either. Potholes, sunken covers and the occasional knock against a kerb can all contribute to alignment being disturbed.

Our hills can make the effects even more important. Cars in areas such as Pellon, Sowerby Bridge, Queensbury and the surrounding Calderdale valleys regularly face steep climbs, sharp bends and heavy braking on descents. You want the whole tread of each tyre making proper contact with the road—not a badly worn shoulder doing its best to cope.

Incorrect pressure can also contribute to unusual tyre wear, while worn steering or suspension parts must be ruled out before alignment is adjusted. This is why we inspect the vehicle first rather than assuming that alignment alone is always the answer.

Two new Maxtrek Maximus M1 tyres fitted

We showed the customer what we had found and explained that both front tyres required immediate replacement. He agreed and chose two good-quality budget tyres: Maxtrek Maximus M2 tyres in size 205/55 R17 91V.

This size tells us quite a lot. The tyre is 205 millimetres wide, its sidewall height is 55 per cent of that width, and it fits a 17-inch wheel. The load index of 91 is suitable for up to 615 kilograms per tyre, while the V speed rating is approved for speeds of up to 149 mph. Naturally, the important point is that the replacement tyres must meet the correct specification for the vehicle rather than how fast anyone intends to drive.

Budget tyres have an important place in our trade. Not every motorist wants or needs to pay premium-brand prices, especially while household bills remain high. Our job is to offer sensible choices and fit tyres that are suitable for the vehicle, legal for UK roads and within the customer’s budget. A sound new budget tyre is certainly a much safer prospect than continuing to drive on a tyre with its steel cords showing.

After fitting the two new front tyres, we carried out the necessary wheel alignment. This gave the new tyres the best chance of wearing evenly and helped return the car to the road in a safe condition.

Noisy tyres should never be ignored.

In this case, the customer’s complaint about noise may have prevented a much more serious problem. Unevenly worn tyres can create a droning or rumbling sound that changes with road speed or road surface. Feathered tread blocks caused by incorrect alignment can be especially noisy.

However, noise does not automatically mean that new tyres are needed. Wheel bearings, brakes and suspension components can produce similar sounds. An experienced inspection is the best way to identify the real cause.

Drivers should also remember that the UK legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its complete circumference. That minimum does not make exposed cords acceptable anywhere on the tyre. Any visible cords, serious cuts, bulges or structural damage mean the tyre requires urgent professional attention.

A simple check could save a tyre—and perhaps much more.

This Renault Captur is a good reminder to turn the steering wheel occasionally while the car is safely parked and look across the front tyre treads. Check both shoulders, not just the easy-to-see centre. If one edge is wearing more quickly, the steering feels different or the tyres have suddenly become noisy, arrange an inspection.

It is also sensible to have the alignment checked after hitting a large pothole or kerb, after steering or suspension work, or when fitting new tyres if the old ones show uneven wear. Correct alignment can improve the way a car drives and prevent perfectly good tread from being scrubbed away prematurely.

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we have looked after motorists from Halifax and the wider Calderdale area since 1989. We never recommend work unless it needs doing, but tyres worn down to their steel cords cannot be left to chance. This Renault arrived because of an annoying noise and left with two safe new tyres and its wheels correctly aligned—a good result for the customer and everyone else sharing our Yorkshire roads.

Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres

2nd September 2026/0 Comments/in All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres

Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres – Four BFGoodrich Tyres at Pellon

Tuesday brought another interesting vehicle into our Halifax garage, and this time it was something that looked very much at home on a Yorkshire farm.

A local farming customer arrived at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in his Ford Ranger Thunder pick-up, requiring a complete set of four new tyres.

The tyres chosen were:

4 x LT245/70R16 113/115 BFGoodrich tyres

Now, the interesting thing about this job was that the old tyres weren’t completely bald. There was still some tread remaining, and for somebody simply driving around town, they might have looked as though they had some useful life left in them.

However, farming is a completely different matter.

The customer had noticed that the Ranger was beginning to lose grip on boggy and muddy ground.

And around Halifax and Calderdale, you don’t have to travel very far before you find plenty of that!

A Tyre Can Have Tread and Still Not Do the Job

This is something I’ve mentioned many times over the years.

People understandably look at the amount of tread remaining on a tyre when deciding whether it needs changing.

That’s important, of course, but tread depth isn’t the whole story.

A working farm vehicle may have to travel from a normal tarmac road straight through a gateway and onto wet grass, churned-up mud or a boggy field.

That’s when the ability of the tread pattern to clear mud and find something solid underneath becomes important.

Once an older off-road tyre loses sufficient tread depth, the grooves simply can’t work as effectively. The tyre can start filling with mud instead of clearing it away.

Then you have a powerful four-wheel-drive pickup with all four wheels turning — but not necessarily going anywhere!

Our farmer knew exactly what was happening and decided it was time for a new set.

BFGoodrich – A Famous Name in Off-Road Tyres: Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres

BFGoodrich is one of those tyre names that has become almost synonymous with 4×4 and off-road driving.

The company’s history goes all the way back to 1870, when Dr Benjamin Franklin Goodrich established a rubber factory in Akron, Ohio.

That makes BFGoodrich a remarkably old name in the tyre industry.

The company went on to become involved in some fascinating pieces of transport history. In 1903, BFGoodrich tyres were fitted to the vehicle used for the first motor-car crossing of the United States from coast to coast.

Then in 1927, BFGoodrich tyres were fitted to Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis aircraft when he made his famous non-stop transatlantic flight.

Quite a history for a tyre company!

From American Roads to the World’s Toughest Terrain

Where BFGoodrich really established its modern reputation, though, was away from normal roads.

The company became heavily involved in off-road competition, including the famous Baja Desert races and Dakar Rally.

BFGoodrich says its first Baja 1000 victory came in 1972, and the company subsequently accumulated hundreds of off-road championships. The lessons learnt in competition have helped shape the road-going and all-terrain tyres for which the brand became famous.

Perhaps one of the most significant moments came in 1976, when BFGoodrich introduced what it describes as the first all-terrain tyre.

That’s really the beginning of the sort of tyre we recognise today on working 4x4s and pick-ups.

And although the deserts of America might seem a long way from Halifax in West Yorkshire, the basic problem is surprisingly similar.

You need a tyre that can cope when the tarmac runs out.

Why BFGoodrich Tyres Suit Farmers: Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres

Farmers ask a great deal from their vehicles.

A pick-up may spend the morning travelling normally along roads around Halifax, Huddersfield or Calderdale, then spend the afternoon crossing muddy fields.

That’s quite a difficult compromise for a tyre.

An extremely aggressive mud tyre may be excellent in a field but less pleasant for everyday road driving. At the opposite end, a normal road tyre can be quiet and comfortable on the motorway but quickly struggle once it meets deep mud.

That’s why good quality all-terrain and off-road tyres have become so popular with farmers, builders, contractors and people who genuinely use their 4x4s for work.

And BFGoodrich has built a very strong reputation in precisely this market.

The Ford Ranger Thunder

The customer’s vehicle was also rather special.

The Ford Ranger Thunder was introduced to the UK as a limited-edition version of the extremely successful Ranger pick-up.

Ford announced the model in 2020 and limited European production to 4,500 vehicles, with only 1,400 destined for UK customers.

So you don’t see one on every street corner.

The Thunder came as a double cab with four-wheel drive and Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo EcoBlue diesel engine producing 213 PS and 500 Nm of torque, coupled to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

Ford also gave it distinctive styling and a much more luxurious interior than the traditional basic farm pick-ups many of us remember.

And that’s part of the reason modern Rangers have become so popular.

Pick-Ups Have Changed Enormously: Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres

Years ago, a farmer’s pick-up was very much a working vehicle.

They were often noisy, basic and designed mainly for carrying tools, feed, fencing equipment and whatever else needed shifting around the farm.

Modern pick-ups are different.

A Ranger can still carry equipment and tow and tackle difficult ground, but it’s also comfortable enough to use as everyday transport.

The Double Cab gives you proper rear seating, while modern heating, air conditioning, automatic gearboxes and all the other comforts mean these vehicles aren’t just agricultural workhorses anymore.

The Ranger Thunder took that idea even further by combining serious four-wheel-drive ability with almost SUV-like comfort and equipment. Ford itself described the Thunder as retaining the Ranger’s load-carrying and towing capability while adding more style and comfort.

For a farmer, that’s a very useful combination.

Perfect for Calderdale Farming Country

Living and working around Halifax, we’re surrounded by farming country.

Head out towards Queensbury, Bradshaw, Ripponden, Barkisland, Norland or the hills above the Calder Valley, and you’ll soon see just how quickly the landscape changes.

Beautiful countryside, certainly.

But after a spell of Yorkshire rain, fields and gateways can become incredibly soft.

A working vehicle needs to be able to get onto that land and, perhaps more importantly, get back off again.

That’s where fitting the correct tyres becomes every bit as important as having four-wheel drive.

People sometimes assume that a 4×4 will go anywhere simply because all four wheels are driven.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.

The engine and four-wheel-drive system can only make use of the grip that exists between the tyre and the ground.

If the tyres can’t find traction, all the clever four-wheel-drive equipment in the world can’t manufacture grip out of thin air.

Four New BFGoodrich Tyres Fitted at Pellon: Ford Ranger Thunder Tyres

So we removed the customer’s worn tyres and fitted the Ranger with its new set of four BFGoodrich tyres.

For this particular farmer, replacing all four made perfect sense.

He wasn’t changing them because they looked old or because somebody had told him he ought to spend some money.

He changed them because the vehicle wasn’t doing its job properly anymore.

That’s an important difference.

The remaining tread might have been acceptable for certain types of road use, but when you’re trying to get across boggy agricultural ground, you soon discover whether your tyres are still up to the task.

The new BFGoodrich tyres restored the sort of tread and grip he needed for his everyday work.

A Proper Working Vehicle Deserves Proper Tyres

I always enjoy seeing vehicles like this come into Pellon because they’re being used for the job they were designed to do.

The Ford Ranger Thunder might be comfortable and rather smart inside, but underneath it’s still a tough four-wheel-drive pick-up.

Pairing it with a set of BFGoodrich tyres seems particularly appropriate.

BFGoodrich has more than 150 years of tyre history behind it and decades of experience in some of the toughest off-road competitions in the world.

Our Halifax farmer doesn’t need to cross the Baja desert, of course.

Sometimes a wet Yorkshire field is challenging enough!

And after fitting four fresh BFGoodrich tyres, his Ranger Thunder was ready to head back out into the Calderdale countryside and get on with earning its keep.

That’s what tyres like these are really about.

Pirelli All-Season Tyres

27th August 2026/0 Comments/in All Pirelli Tyres Stuff/by Eric Roberts

Pirelli All-Season Tyres

Pirelli All-Season Tyres – A Sensible Choice for Yorkshire Drivers

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we have watched the tyre market change enormously over the years. One of the biggest changes has undoubtedly been the rapid growth in all-season tyres.

Not so many years ago, choosing tyres was relatively straightforward. Most British motorists simply ran on summer tyres throughout the year, while drivers in colder European countries changed onto dedicated winter tyres when the colder weather arrived.

Here in Yorkshire, we have always been a little different!

Living and working around Halifax and Calderdale, we know just how quickly our weather can change. One minute it can be relatively mild and raining, and a few hours later temperatures can drop, and the higher roads around Calderdale can be covered in frost, sleet or even snow.

That is where modern Pirelli all-season tyres can really come into their own.

What Exactly Is an All-Season Tyre? Pirelli All-Season Tyres

An all-season tyre is designed to provide a compromise between a traditional summer tyre and a dedicated winter tyre.

That word “compromise” used to put some motorists off. Years ago, an all-season tyre could sometimes feel like it was neither one thing nor the other.

However, tyre technology has moved forward considerably.

Modern premium all-season tyres are now specifically engineered to cope with a much wider range of temperatures and road conditions.

For many motorists here in Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford and across West Yorkshire, this makes a great deal of sense.

We don’t normally experience months of deep snow, but we certainly experience plenty of cold rain, standing water, frost, slush and occasional heavy snowfalls.

Anyone who has tried getting around some of the steep hills surrounding Halifax after a snowfall will know exactly what I mean!

Why Tyre Tread Makes Such a Difference

The only parts of your vehicle actually touching the road are four relatively small patches of rubber.

Consequently, the design of the tyre tread and the rubber compound used to manufacture the tyre are extremely important.

Winter and all-season tyres normally contain numerous small cuts in the tread blocks known as sipes.

These sipes help the tyre find additional grip in cold, wet, snowy and slippery conditions.

The tread pattern is also designed to move water and slush away from underneath the tyre, helping the rubber maintain contact with the road surface.

This is particularly useful in our Yorkshire winters.

We may not have Scandinavian quantities of snow, but we certainly know something about rain!

Pirelli All-Season Tyres Have Developed Considerably: Pirelli All-Season Tyres

Pirelli has been manufacturing tyres since the nineteenth century and is one of the world’s best-known premium tyre manufacturers.

Over the years we have fitted countless Pirelli tyres here at Pellon Tyres.

Like other major manufacturers, Pirelli has invested heavily in the growing all-season market.

Their modern all-season ranges are designed to give motorists year-round usability without having to change between summer and winter tyre sets.

Depending upon your vehicle and tyre size, this includes products from ranges such as Pirelli Cinturato All Season and Scorpion All Season tyres for SUVs and crossovers.

The exact model available will naturally depend upon the vehicle, wheel size, load rating and speed rating.

This is particularly important nowadays because cars have become larger, heavier and considerably more powerful.

SUVs Have Changed the Tyre Market: Pirelli All-Season Tyres

One thing that has certainly changed since we first started fitting tyres at Pellon is the enormous increase in SUVs and crossover vehicles.

Years ago, a typical family car arriving at our Halifax garage might have been running around on relatively small wheels.

Today we regularly see SUVs fitted with 18, 19, 20-inch wheels and even larger.

These vehicles require tyres capable of dealing with their additional weight and performance.

Pirelli’s Scorpion tyre family has become particularly well known amongst SUV owners.

For motorists wanting year-round versatility, an appropriate Pirelli Scorpion all-season tyre can therefore be an excellent option.

As always, though, the tyre must be correctly matched to the particular vehicle.

What Does the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol Mean?

One important development since the original version of this article was written is the increased awareness of the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, usually shortened to 3PMSF.

You can identify it on the tyre sidewall by a picture of a mountain containing a snowflake.

This is much more meaningful than simply seeing “M+S” or “Mud and Snow” written on a tyre.

A tyre carrying the 3PMSF marking has had to demonstrate a defined level of performance in snow conditions.

For motorists travelling into European countries where winter equipment regulations apply, this distinction has become increasingly important.

However, regulations vary considerably between countries and regions and can change, so anyone driving abroad during winter should always check the current requirements for every country they intend travelling through.

Do We Have to Fit Winter Tyres in the UK? Pirelli All-Season Tyres

At the time of writing, there is no general UK law requiring motorists to change onto winter tyres during the colder months.

That doesn’t mean winter or all-season tyres aren’t worthwhile.

Far from it.

Here at Pellon Tyres we have been recommending winter tyres to suitable customers for many years, particularly motorists who need to keep moving whatever the weather throws at them.

However, not everybody wants the expense or inconvenience of keeping two separate sets of tyres.

That is one of the reasons all-season tyres have become so popular.

Fit a good-quality all-season tyre, and you have a tyre designed to cope with the mixture of conditions we experience throughout a typical British year.

Are All-Season Tyres Better Than Winter Tyres?

Not necessarily.

A dedicated winter tyre is still designed specifically for winter conditions and can be the better choice for motorists regularly travelling through severe snow and prolonged cold weather.

Likewise, a high-quality summer tyre may offer advantages during consistently warm conditions.

It is all about choosing the right tyre for the type of driving you actually do.

For many ordinary motorists in West Yorkshire, however, a quality all-season tyre provides an excellent middle ground.

You don’t have to predict exactly when winter is going to arrive, and you don’t have to arrange seasonal tyre changes twice a year.

Your tyres are simply there ready for whatever our Yorkshire weather decides to do next!

Pirelli Sottozero – For Drivers Wanting a Proper Winter Tyre: Pirelli All-Season Tyres

Pirelli also continues to manufacture dedicated winter tyres.

The Winter Sottozero family is aimed particularly at motorists wanting strong winter performance from higher-performance vehicles.

Pirelli has also produced winter tyres suitable for vehicles originally equipped with run-flat technology, depending upon the tyre size and vehicle application.

This is another important point.

Never assume that simply because a tyre fits the wheel, it is necessarily the correct tyre for the car.

Modern vehicles can have very specific requirements concerning load index, speed rating, run-flat construction and manufacturer homologation.

If you’re unsure, ask us.

All-Season Tyres Make Particular Sense Around Halifax

This is where I think all-season tyres really suit many of our local customers.

Halifax isn’t flat!

Drive only a few miles from our garage and you can quickly find yourself climbing onto higher ground around Calderdale.

Places such as Queensbury, Illingworth, Northowram, Southowram, Greetland, Ripponden and the surrounding Pennine roads can experience very different conditions from the lower areas.

You might leave home with nothing more than rain on the roads and find sleet or snow as you climb higher.

This is something local drivers have experienced for generations.

Our Pennine landscape is beautiful, but winter driving around here can certainly keep you on your toes.

A good quality all-season tyre therefore gives many local motorists that little bit of extra reassurance without committing themselves to a full set of dedicated winter tyres.

Electric and Hybrid Cars Are Another Consideration: Pirelli All-Season Tyres

The growth in electric and hybrid vehicles has also changed the demands placed upon tyres.

Many electric vehicles are heavier than an equivalent petrol car because of their battery packs, while the instant torque produced by an electric motor can also place additional demands on the tyres.

Once again, choosing the correct specification is important.

Premium manufacturers such as Pirelli continue developing tyres to meet these changing vehicle requirements.

This is another reason why buying tyres simply by looking for the cheapest tyre in the correct size isn’t always the best idea.

The correct tyre specification matters.

Don’t Wait Until the Snow Arrives

This is something we have said at Pellon Tyres for years.

Every time we receive a decent snowfall in Halifax, the telephone starts ringing!

People suddenly realise their tyres aren’t performing particularly well.

Of course, by then everybody else has had exactly the same idea.

If you are considering winter or all-season tyres, it is much better to think about them before the bad weather arrives.

Autumn is an ideal time to inspect your tyres.

Check the tread depth, look for uneven wear and have any suspicious damage inspected.

Although the UK legal minimum tread depth for most cars is 1.6mm across the required central portion of the tyre, waiting until a tyre is right on the legal limit isn’t necessarily the best approach when winter is approaching.

Water has to be moved away from underneath the tyre, and adequate tread depth becomes particularly important in our wet British climate.

Pirelli All-Season Tyres at Pellon Tyres Halifax: Pirelli All-Season Tyres

After more than three decades in the tyre trade, one thing I have learned is that there isn’t a single tyre that is perfect for everybody.

It depends upon your car, where you drive, how many miles you cover and what you expect from your tyres.

For some motorists, a dedicated summer tyre remains the best option.

For others, particularly those travelling regularly in severe winter conditions, a full winter tyre can still be difficult to beat.

But for a great many motorists here in Halifax and the wider Calderdale area, modern all-season tyres offer a very practical solution.

Pirelli all-season tyres are certainly worth considering, particularly for motorists wanting premium quality and year-round usability.

Most importantly, buy the correct tyre for your particular vehicle.

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we have been supplying and fitting tyres to Halifax motorists since 1989.

We’ve seen tyre technology change enormously during that time, but our approach remains much the same.

We would rather help a customer choose the right tyre for their needs than simply sell them whatever happens to be on the shelf. Here is a Pirelli Tyres 2026 update.

And when another Yorkshire winter arrives—whether that means rain, frost, slush, snow or all four in the same week—having the right tyres underneath you can make a very big difference.

Ling Long Tyres for Ford Transit

21st August 2026/0 Comments/in All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Ling Long Tyres for Ford Transit

Ford Transit Van Receives New Linglong Tyres at Pellon

Business remains as brisk as ever here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax. Our next job was a Ford Transit belonging to one of our long-standing business customers.

The company operates several Ford Transit vans, all of which we look after for servicing, repairs and replacement tyres. This particular van needed two new front tyres, so we fitted:

2 x Linglong 195/75R16C 107/105R 8-ply van tyres

Like most small business owners, our customer must carefully control the cost of keeping the vans on the road. Premium tyres are not always necessary or affordable, particularly when several vehicles are being operated. However, the tyres must still be suitable for the weight and working demands of a commercial vehicle.

Linglong is now a well-established international tyre manufacturer. We have fitted many of its tyres over the years and have received good reports from our customers. They offer a sensible lower-cost choice for van owners who need reliable tyres without paying a premium-brand price.

Looking After Local Business Vehicles: Ling Long Tyres for Ford Transit

Most independent tyre companies and garages like ours look after a number of vehicles belonging to local businesses. These may include builders, plumbers, joiners, electricians, delivery companies and other tradespeople.

Some businesses operate only one van, while others run a small fleet. Either way, the principle is the same: when a van is off the road, it is not earning money.

This makes regular servicing and tyre inspections extremely important. Catching a worn tyre, brake problem or suspension fault early can prevent a breakdown and reduce the risk of a van being unavailable when it is most needed.

Here at Pellon, we have looked after this particular customer’s vans for many years. We know the vehicles, understand how they are used and can advise the customer honestly about what needs replacing.

As we always say, we never do a job unless it needs doing.

This sort of relationship is important to small businesses around Halifax and Calderdale. They know that they can bring a van to us and receive practical advice without being pushed into work that is not required.

The Famous Ford Transit Story

Few vehicles are as firmly connected with British working life as the Ford Transit.

The Transit was introduced in 1965 and quickly became the van of choice for tradespeople and businesses. Ford says that it went on to become the best-selling commercial vehicle in most European countries. Ford’s official history records the Transit’s introduction in 1965.

Its success came from being practical, dependable and available in many different versions. Customers could choose different wheelbases, roof heights, engines and body styles. The Transit could therefore be adapted for almost any sort of work.

Over the years, we have seen Transits used as:

Builders’ vans
Mobile workshops
Delivery vehicles
Minibuses
Recovery vehicles
Camper vans
Emergency-service vehicles
Specialist converted vehicles

Here in Yorkshire, the Transit has carried everything from bricks and timber to tools, tyres and parcels. It has negotiated the narrow streets of Halifax, climbed the steep hills of Calderdale and travelled countless miles along the M62.

The name “Transit” became so familiar that people often used it as a general term for a large panel van, regardless of who manufactured it. That tells you just how deeply the vehicle became rooted in British motoring life.

A Van That Changed With the Times: Ling Long Tyres for Ford Transit

Early Transit models were fairly basic by modern standards. They were designed principally as hard-working commercial vehicles, with little thought given to luxury.

However, tradespeople spend many hours behind the wheel. Ford gradually improved the cab, seating, heating, controls and driving position. Later models gained the sort of equipment that was once found mainly in passenger cars.

Modern Transits may include air conditioning, parking sensors, cameras, satellite navigation, touchscreen systems and a variety of driver-assistance features. Although the Transit remains a proper working van, it has become much more comfortable and easier to drive.

The Transit family has also expanded. Depending on the size and type of work involved, businesses can choose between models such as the Transit Courier, Transit Connect, Transit Custom and the full-sized Transit.

Electrification has now reached the range as well, with electric and plug-in hybrid versions helping businesses that want to reduce fuel use and emissions. However, the basic idea has not changed: give businesses a versatile vehicle that can earn its keep.

An Award-Winning British Favourite

The Ford Transit has received many awards during its long history. One recent success came when the latest Transit Custom was named International Van of the Year 2024. Ford also described it as Europe’s best-selling one-tonne van at the time of the award. Ford reported the Transit Custom’s International Van of the Year success here.

Awards are welcome, but the Transit’s real achievement can be seen every working day on Britain’s roads. Builders, delivery drivers and service engineers continue to depend upon them.

The Ford Transit’s ability to adapt is probably the main reason it has survived for so long. Working practices have changed, safety expectations have increased and drivers expect much more comfort, but the Transit has continued evolving.

It is still recognisably a Transit and still carries out the same basic job it did in 1965: transporting people, tools and goods from one place to another.

Why Proper Van Tyres Matter: Ling Long Tyres for Ford Transit

A Ford Transit is heavier than an ordinary family car and may regularly carry tools, equipment or other loads. It therefore needs tyres designed specifically for commercial-vehicle use.

The letter C in the size 195/75R16C means the tyre is intended for commercial vehicles. These tyres have a stronger construction to cope with the additional weight and demands placed upon a working van.

The 107/105 markings are the load indexes. Two figures are shown because the tyre may be used in a single or twin-wheel arrangement, depending on the vehicle and axle configuration.

The R is the speed rating, while the familiar 8-ply description indicates a reinforced commercial tyre construction. Modern tyres do not necessarily contain eight physical layers, but the term is still commonly used to describe their strength category.

A normal passenger-car tyre should never be fitted simply because it happens to be the same diameter. The tyre must have the correct size, load rating and speed rating required for the van.

Linglong Van Tyres Offer Sensible Value

Linglong produces tyres for cars, vans and heavier commercial vehicles. Its range includes dedicated light-commercial products designed for the demands of vans and working vehicles. Linglong lists its commercial and van tyre ranges on its official website.

These tyres are aimed at motorists and businesses wanting dependable everyday performance at a more affordable price.

Of course, there are differences between budget and premium tyres. Premium manufacturers spend enormous sums on research, development and specialist compounds. However, not every customer needs the most expensive tyre available.

For many small business fleets, the challenge is finding the right balance between purchase price, safety, load capacity and usable tyre life.

We have fitted Linglong tyres to many vehicles in the past and have received good reports about them. This real-world feedback is important to us. If a tyre gives repeated problems or poor service, we would soon hear about it from our regular customers.

New Front Tyres Fitted Correctly: Ling Long Tyres for Ford Transit

The worn front tyres were removed, and the new Linglong commercial tyres were fitted to the Transit’s wheels. The wheels were then correctly balanced before being refitted to the van.

Wheel balancing helps prevent vibrations through the steering wheel and reduces unnecessary wear on tyres and steering components.

The front tyres do a great deal of work on a Transit. They carry a substantial amount of weight, steer the vehicle and deal with much of the braking force. Front-wheel-drive versions also transmit engine power through them.

This combination can cause the front tyres to wear more quickly than the rears, particularly on vans doing plenty of local work. Repeated steering, braking, roundabouts and kerbside parking can all increase tyre wear.

Correct tyre pressures are especially important on a working van. Underinflated tyres can run hotter, use more fuel and wear heavily along their shoulders. Overinflation can also affect handling and cause uneven wear.

Tyre pressures should be adjusted to suit the vehicle and its load, using the figures supplied by Ford.

Keeping Halifax Businesses Moving

Read about a guy that travelled from Ireland for budget tyres: Wexford to Halifax

This Ford Transit job may not have been as glamorous as the Range Rover Sport we had just worked on, but it was every bit as important to its owner.

For a small business, a dependable van is often one of its most valuable tools. It carries the equipment, visits customers, and keeps the work moving. Looking after it properly is an investment in the business itself.

The Transit left Pellon with two new Linglong commercial tyres fitted to the front, ready to return to work around Halifax and Calderdale.

It was another straightforward, honest job for one of our long-standing business customers—and another famous Ford Transit kept safely on the roads of our beloved Yorkshire.

Michelin Tyres for Range Rover

21st August 2026/0 Comments/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Michelin Tyres for Range Rover

Range Rover Sport Receives Michelin Primacy All Season Tyres at Pellon

Yet another very nice vehicle arrived at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre here in Halifax. This time, it was an impressive Range Rover Sport that had been booked in for two new Michelin Primacy All Season tyres, followed by a full wheel alignment.

The customer had ordered the tyres through our online tyre-buying website, choosing:

2 x Michelin Primacy All Season 275/50R21 113Y XL TL tyres

Ordering tyres online is becoming increasingly popular with our customers. You can look for the correct size in your own time, compare the available brands and prices, and then arrange to have them professionally fitted at our Halifax garage.

There are no tyres being sent to your home and no need to find somebody willing to fit tyres purchased elsewhere. The tyres are delivered directly to Pellon Tyres, ready for the customer’s appointment.

A Large Tyre for a Large and Powerful Vehicle: Michelin Tyres for Range Rover

The 275/50R21 is certainly an impressive tyre size. The 275 means that the tyre is approximately 275mm wide, while 21 tells us that it fits a 21-inch wheel.

The XL marking means “Extra Load”. These tyres are built to carry heavier loads than an ordinary tyre of the same size. This is important on a vehicle such as the Range Rover Sport, which is both heavy and capable of travelling at high speeds.

TL simply means that it is a tubeless tyre, as almost all modern car and SUV tyres are today.

The full specification for this tyre is 275/50R21 113Y XL, with the load and speed ratings suitable for the vehicle concerned. Michelin lists this Primacy All Season size as suitable for the Range Rover Sport, including a version carrying the LR marking, showing that it has been developed in connection with Land Rover vehicle requirements. Michelin UK lists the complete tyre specification here.

With a powerful premium SUV like the Range Rover Sport, it is always important to fit tyres with the correct size, load rating, speed rating and manufacturer approval. Choosing a tyre simply because it is the same physical size is not always enough.

The Range Rover Sport in the UK

The original Range Rover first appeared in 1970 and helped create an entirely new type of vehicle. It combined genuine off-road ability with the comfort needed for everyday and long-distance motoring.

The Range Rover Sport joined the growing Range Rover family in 2005. It was aimed at drivers who wanted the luxury and off-road ability associated with Range Rover, but with a sportier appearance and a more driver-focused experience. Land Rover describes the Sport as combining comfort and refinement with strong dynamic ability.

It quickly became a successful model here in Britain and around the world. In fact, by 2007 it had become Land Rover’s biggest-selling model worldwide.

A second generation arrived in 2013, bringing a lighter aluminium structure and a more modern, streamlined design. The current third-generation Range Rover Sport continued the same idea, combining luxury, technology and impressive road performance with the ability to cope when road and weather conditions become difficult.

These vehicles are equally at home cruising along the motorway or negotiating the hills and twisting roads around Halifax and Calderdale.

Admittedly, most Range Rover Sport owners are unlikely to tackle the sort of rough ground that an early Land Rover would have faced. However, when winter rain, slush and occasional snow arrive on our Yorkshire hills, its four-wheel-drive ability can still be very reassuring.

Of course, four-wheel drive can only make proper use of the grip available from the tyres. That is why fitting good-quality tyres remains so important.

The Development of Michelin All-Season Tyres: Michelin Tyres for Range Rover

Michelin has been producing tyres since the late 1800s and has played an important role in many developments within the tyre industry.

For many years, British drivers generally chose between ordinary summer tyres and specialist winter tyres. Winter tyres were particularly popular in countries that experienced prolonged snow and very low temperatures. Here in the UK, most motorists continued using summer tyres throughout the year.

However, our winters can still bring plenty of cold rain, frost, slush and occasional heavy snow. This is especially true in higher parts of Calderdale, including areas around Queensbury, Northowram, Shelf, Sowerby Bridge and the surrounding Pennine hills.

This helped create increasing demand for tyres that could provide dependable everyday performance across a broader range of conditions without requiring drivers to change between summer and winter sets.

Michelin developed its all-season products by combining different tread patterns, rubber compounds and internal tyre constructions. The aim was to maintain secure handling in normal dry and wet weather while providing additional ability when the temperature drops and road conditions deteriorate.

One of Michelin’s best-known developments was the CrossClimate range. Michelin’s CrossClimate design uses a distinctive directional tread and a temperature-adaptive compound. Its tread blocks and V-shaped grooves are designed to help clear water and provide traction in poor weather. Michelin says the current CrossClimate 2 is certified for winter use with the recognised Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake marking. Michelin explains its CrossClimate technology here.

The Primacy All Season fitted to this Range Rover Sport comes from Michelin’s comfort and everyday-efficiency side of the tyre range. Michelin describes it as providing everyday confidence, comfort and peace of mind.

It is worth pointing out that Michelin’s UK listing shows this particular Primacy All Season specification with an M+S marking, but not the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification shown on the CrossClimate 2. Therefore, customers who specifically require a fully winter-certified tyre should always check the sidewall markings and exact specification before ordering.

For a customer wanting a premium tyre developed for year-round everyday use on a luxury SUV, however, the Michelin Primacy All Season is a very sensible choice.

Why Michelin Suits the Range Rover Sport

A Range Rover Sport places considerable demands upon its tyres. They must carry the weight of the vehicle, deal with strong acceleration and braking, and provide accurate steering despite their large size.

Comfort is also very important. Nobody buys a Range Rover Sport expecting it to ride like an old farm vehicle. The tyres form an important part of the suspension system, helping absorb smaller bumps and imperfections before they are felt inside the cabin.

Michelin’s Primacy family has traditionally concentrated on a balance of:

Safe wet and dry performance
Comfortable and relatively quiet running
Good steering control
Fuel efficiency
Long and even tyre life

These qualities make the Primacy All Season well suited to a luxury vehicle that may cover everything from short local journeys around Halifax to long motorway trips across the UK.

Finishing the Job With a Wheel Alignment: Michelin Tyres for Range Rover

Once the two new Michelin tyres had been fitted, we carried out a full wheel alignment.

This was a particularly sensible decision by the customer. Large premium tyres are not cheap, and incorrect wheel alignment can cause rapid and uneven tyre wear. A tyre may still look perfectly healthy on the outside edge while wearing dangerously on the inner shoulder, where the damage is much harder to spot.

Wheel alignment can be knocked out by potholes, kerbs, speed humps and general wear in steering or suspension components. We certainly have our fair share of potholes around Halifax and Calderdale!

During an alignment, our equipment compares the position of the wheels with the vehicle manufacturer’s correct settings. Adjustments can then be made where the vehicle allows them, helping the wheels travel in the proper direction.

Correct alignment may help to:

Reduce uneven tyre wear
Improve steering response
Keep the vehicle travelling straight
Improve stability
Protect the investment made in new tyres
Reduce unnecessary rolling resistance

On a large vehicle fitted with wide 21-inch tyres, even a relatively small alignment error can begin wearing away the tread. Having the alignment checked when new tyres are fitted gives them the best possible start.

Premium Tyres Ordered Online and Fitted Locally

This Range Rover Sport was another excellent example of how online tyre buying and traditional local service can work together.

The customer selected the Michelin tyres through our website, and our experienced Pellon team took care of the fitting, balancing and wheel alignment at our Halifax garage.

Customers receive the convenience and competitive pricing of buying tyres online, but they also have the reassurance of dealing with a long-established independent garage. If we spot a problem while carrying out the work, we can explain it properly and allow the customer to make an informed decision.

As we always say at Pellon Tyres, we never do a job unless it needs doing.

The Range Rover Sport left us with two excellent Michelin Primacy All Season tyres fitted, the wheels correctly aligned and everything ready for many more miles around Halifax, Calderdale and our beloved Yorkshire.

Also see: BMW For Michelin Tyres. BMW in for Michelin Sports SUV Tyre Range Rover for Sunny tyres

Check out this website for good food: Michelin-starred restaurants

Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

15th August 2026/0 Comments/in All Continental Tyres Stuff/by Eric Roberts

Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres and Wheel Alignment at Pellon Tyres

After the absolute horror story of the Ford Transit tyre that came into our Halifax garage recently, it was rather nice to get back to one of those straightforward everyday tyre jobs that make up much of our working week at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre.

This time the vehicle was a Renault Koleos, a large SUV that you don’t actually see quite as often as some of its competitors here in the UK.

The customer required two new tyres, and there was certainly no drama involved with this job.

We supplied and fitted a pair of premium Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres, followed by a wheel alignment check and adjustment to make sure the new tyres had the best possible start to their working life.

The tyre specification fitted was:

255/55 R19 XL 103V Continental Premium Contact 6

Quite a substantial tyre and very much in keeping with the size and weight of a vehicle such as the Renault Koleos.

Back to a Nice Normal Tyre Job! Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

Sometimes working in a garage can produce two completely different jobs almost side by side.

One minute you’re staring in disbelief at a Ford Transit tyre with huge areas of tread completely missing and rusty steel cords hanging out.

Then along comes a well-maintained Renault Koleos simply requiring two quality replacement tyres.

That’s much more like it!

Most of our tyre work at Pellon is exactly like this.

Customers come in, we inspect their tyres, discuss the available choices and fit something appropriate for the vehicle and their budget.

In this particular case, the customer went for one of the premium names in the tyre industry – Continental.

A very good choice in my opinion.

The Renault Koleos – A Rather Unusual Sight on British Roads

The Renault Koleos has had quite an interesting history here in Britain.

Renault first used the Koleos name on an SUV that appeared during the early days of the crossover boom.

Unfortunately for Renault, the original Koleos never really captured the imagination of British motorists and disappeared from the UK market after only a relatively short period.

But Renault wasn’t finished with the name.

By the middle of the following decade, SUVs had become enormously popular.

Renault already had the small Captur and the larger Kadjar, so the company decided there was room at the top of the range for something bigger and more luxurious.

And so the Koleos returned.

The Koleos Returns to Britain: Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

The second-generation Renault Koleos arrived in Britain in 2017.

This time it was a much larger and more imposing vehicle.

Renault positioned it as its flagship SUV, sitting above the Kadjar in the range.

Underneath, there was plenty of proven engineering because the Koleos shared its basic platform with the Nissan X-Trail, thanks to the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

That wasn’t a bad starting point at all.

The Koleos was designed as a comfortable five-seat SUV rather than trying to squeeze in seven seats.

It offered plenty of room for passengers and luggage and had the raised driving position that British SUV buyers had increasingly come to enjoy.

For somebody driving around Halifax and Calderdale, I can certainly understand the attraction.

A Good Vehicle for Yorkshire Roads

Large SUVs are very much at home in our part of Yorkshire.

Around Halifax we’ve got everything from busy town-centre roads to steep hills and winding country lanes within a matter of minutes.

Head out towards places such as Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge, Ripponden, Queensbury or the tops above Halifax, and road and weather conditions can change remarkably quickly.

A comfortable SUV such as the Koleos makes plenty of sense.

The higher seating position gives good visibility, and there’s plenty of room for the family, shopping, luggage or whatever else you’re carrying.

Some Koleos versions were also available with Renault’s All Mode 4×4-i system, allowing the driver to select between different drive modes according to conditions.

Renault itself described the Koleos as a genuine 4×4, with selectable 4×2, Auto and 4×4 Lock modes on suitably equipped versions.

Why Didn’t We See More Koleos Models? Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

The interesting thing is that despite being a spacious and comfortable SUV, the Koleos never became a particularly common sight on British roads.

Competition was fierce.

The large SUV market contained vehicles such as the Nissan X-Trail, Skoda Kodiaq, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Peugeot 5008.

There was also one important difference.

Many buyers shopping for a large SUV wanted seven seats.

The Koleos was a five-seater.

That probably didn’t help its chances.

UK sales remained modest, and Renault eventually withdrew the Koleos from its British new-car range in 2020, only around three years after its return.

That makes seeing one in our workshop today slightly more interesting.

Renault UK now lists the Koleos as no longer available as a new car, although naturally there are still plenty being driven and sold on the used market.

Two Continental PremiumContact 6 Tyres

Our Koleos customer had chosen an excellent tyre.

We fitted:

255/55 R19 XL 103V ContinentalPremium Contactt 6

Continental is one of the great names of the European tyre industry and is a brand we’ve known and trusted for many years at Pellon Tyres.

When somebody chooses a premium tyre, they’re paying for considerably more than the name written on the sidewall.

Major tyre manufacturers spend enormous sums developing tread compounds, internal construction and tread patterns.

The aim is to balance several requirements, including:

Wet braking
Dry braking
Steering response
Stability
Comfort
Noise
Tyre life
High-speed performance

Getting all those characteristics into one tyre isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Improve one characteristic too much and you can sometimes compromise another.

That’s where the research and development carried out by companies such as Continental becomes important.

Continental – A Great European Tyre Name: Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

Continental has an incredibly long history.

The company was established in Hanover, Germany, in 1871, meaning the Continental name has been associated with rubber products and transport for more than 150 years.

Over the decades the company developed into one of the world’s major tyre manufacturers.

For those of us who have spent our lives in the tyre trade, Continental is simply one of those names that has always been there.

Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, Dunlop and Continental are names generations of motorists have recognised.

Technology has changed enormously during my own years in the tyre business, but the importance of fitting good-quality tyres hasn’t changed at all.

Why the PremiumContact 6 Suits a Koleos

A large SUV places considerable demands on its tyres.

Vehicles such as the Renault Koleos are heavier and taller than the traditional family saloons many of us grew up driving.

The tyre therefore plays an important part in keeping the vehicle stable and predictable.

That’s particularly relevant with a 255/55 R19 tyre.

At 255mm nominal section width, there’s a substantial amount of rubber involved, while the 19-inch wheel gives the Koleos its modern SUV appearance.

The XL marking means Extra Load, indicating a reinforced tyre designed to operate at a higher load capacity when correctly inflated.

The 103 is the load index, and the V is the speed rating.

Of course, the important thing from our point of view is always to fit the correct specification for the vehicle.

Premium Tyres and Yorkshire Weather: Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

Although we’ve had an unusually dry spell recently, anybody from Halifax knows that Yorkshire weather eventually remembers what it’s famous for!

Rain will return.

And when it does, good tyres become even more important.

Our local roads can quickly become wet and greasy, particularly after a long dry period when dirt, rubber and other contamination have accumulated on the road surface.

Throw in some of the steep descents around Calderdale and you soon appreciate why wet-weather braking matters.

The four small areas of tyre touching the road are ultimately what transfer your braking, steering and acceleration forces onto the tarmac.

That’s why I’ve always regarded tyres as one of the most important safety items on any vehicle.

Finishing the Job with Wheel Alignment

After fitting the two new Continental tyres, we finished the job with a wheel alignment.

This is something I always like to mention because there’s little point spending good money on premium tyres and then allowing poor alignment to scrub them away unnecessarily.

We see alignment problems regularly at Pellon.

Potholes are certainly one culprit.

Hitting a kerb can do it.

Worn steering or suspension components can affect tyre wear too.

Sometimes the driver won’t notice anything particularly wrong.

The steering wheel may feel reasonably straight, and the vehicle may appear to drive normally.

Meanwhile, the tyres can be wearing unevenly.

Eventually somebody looks at the inner edge and discovers considerably less tread than expected.

After what we’d just witnessed with the Transit, checking alignment certainly didn’t need much explaining!

Protecting the Investment in Premium Tyres: Renault Koleos Gets Premium Continental Tyres

A pair of Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres in this size represents a worthwhile investment in the vehicle.

Correct wheel alignment helps protect that investment.

When the wheels are pointing where the manufacturer intended, the tread has a much better chance of wearing evenly across its width.

That potentially means getting more useful mileage from the tyres as well as maintaining good handling.

We always say that wheel alignment isn’t simply about making a steering wheel straight.

It’s about helping the vehicle and tyres work properly together.

A Typical Day at Pellon Tyres in Halifax

This Renault Koleos job was nothing spectacular.

And that’s actually what I liked about it.

Two premium tyres fitted correctly.

Wheel alignment checked and adjusted.

Vehicle back to the customer.

Job done.

That’s everyday life in an independent garage such as ours.

We’ve been serving motorists around Halifax and Calderdale since 1989, and no two days are ever quite the same.

One vehicle can arrive with a tyre so badly destroyed that experienced tyre fitters stand around looking at it in disbelief.

The next one simply needs a pair of good-quality Continental tyres.

Thankfully, the Renault Koleos was very much the second type!

Quality Tyres Fitted Properly

Whatever tyres a customer chooses, our job is to make sure they’re suitable for the vehicle and fitted correctly.

Not everybody needs or wants a premium tyre, and we’re always happy to discuss different options.

But when somebody decides to fit a premium product such as the Continental PremiumContact 6, they’re choosing a tyre from one of the world’s most established manufacturers.

Combine that with correct pressures, regular tyre inspections and accurate wheel alignment and you’re giving those tyres every opportunity to perform properly and wear evenly.

So after yesterday’s shocking Ford Transit discovery, this Renault Koleos was a welcome return to normality at Pellon Tyres.

Two Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres, a wheel alignment and another customer safely back on the roads of Halifax and Calderdale.

Sometimes the ordinary jobs are the ones we’re happiest to see!

Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

10th August 2026/0 Comments/in All Tyre Articles, Electric cars/by Eric Roberts

Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

Hyundai KONA Electric Gets New RoadX Tyres at Pellon Tyres Halifax

We had a very nice-looking blue Hyundai KONA Electric arrive at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax recently. The car required two new RoadX tyres, and it gave me another opportunity to look at a model that I have grown to like very much.

The Hyundai KONA has become a familiar sight on the roads around Halifax and Calderdale, and I can understand why.

It is one of those cars that seems to have hit the right spot for British motorists. It is not enormous, but it still gives you that slightly higher driving position that many people now prefer. It is comfortable, packed with modern equipment and available with petrol, hybrid and fully electric power.

In fact, Hyundai themselves continue to offer all three versions of the KONA in the UK, something that gives customers plenty of choice rather than forcing everybody down the same road.

A Blue Hyundai KONA Electric Arrives at Pellon: Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

The particular car that came into our Halifax garage was the fully electric version and looked very smart in blue.

Like all electric vehicles, however, it still needs looking after.

Sometimes people think that because an electric car does not have a conventional petrol or diesel engine, there is very little maintenance required. There is certainly less engine-related servicing, but many of the normal wearing components are still there.

Brakes still wear. Suspension components still wear. Wheel alignment can still be knocked out by our Yorkshire potholes, and, most importantly for us at Pellon Tyres, electric cars certainly still wear their tyres!

Indeed, tyres are particularly important on an electric vehicle because of the weight of the battery and the instant torque produced by the electric motor.

Our KONA customer required two replacement tyres, and we fitted a pair of RoadX tyres.

RoadX Tyres – A Budget Tyre That Has Impressed Us

Over my many years in the tyre trade, I have seen hundreds of tyre brands come and go.

Some budget tyres have been good. Others have been less impressive.

The important thing for us at Pellon Tyres is that we get to see what actually happens to tyres once they have been fitted to customers’ cars.

Customers come back for servicing, MOT tests, puncture repairs, brakes and replacement tyres. Consequently, over time we can build up our own picture of how different tyre brands perform in everyday motoring.

From our own experience at Pellon Tyres, RoadX has become one of the budget tyre brands that has impressed us the most.

In fact, judging by the results we see from our own customers, I would put RoadX amongst the best tyres we sell at the lower end of the tyre price market.

One of the things that has particularly impressed us is the mileage customers appear to be getting from them.

Of course, tyre mileage varies enormously.

A driver travelling steadily up and down the motorway will normally get different tyre wear from somebody constantly driving around town. Wheel alignment, tyre pressures, vehicle weight and driving style all make a difference.

Here in Halifax we also have another problem – hills!

Anyone living around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Queensbury, Northowram, Shelf and the surrounding Calderdale district will know exactly what I mean.

Our roads are rarely flat.

We have steep climbs, sharp bends, wet roads and plenty of braking and accelerating. Add our famous Yorkshire potholes into the mixture, and tyres can have quite a hard life.

Despite all this, we have been very pleased with the performance and mileage we have seen from RoadX tyres.

For motorists watching their spending, that matters.

Budget Doesn’t Always Mean Poor Quality: Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

The tyre market has changed enormously during my lifetime in the trade.

Years ago, motorists mainly recognised the big European names. Michelin, Goodyear, Dunlop, Continental and Pirelli dominated people’s thinking.

Those are still excellent tyre manufacturers, and we sell plenty of premium tyres at Pellon.

However, not every customer wants or can afford a premium tyre.

That is particularly true today, when families are faced with rising household bills and the general cost of running a car.

This is where a decent budget tyre can make sense.

There is a huge difference between simply buying the cheapest tyre you can find on the internet and having a reputable garage fit a budget tyre that it knows and trusts.

At Pellon, we see these tyres coming back after thousands of miles of use.

That real-world experience is valuable to us.

RoadX is one of the brands that has earned our confidence in the budget sector.

Why the Hyundai KONA Has Been Such a Success

The KONA itself has been an important car for Hyundai.

The original KONA Electric was one of the earlier electric SUVs to achieve significant worldwide success. Hyundai announced that the electric model had passed 100,000 global sales by June 2020, just over two years after its launch.

That was quite an achievement at a time when many motorists were still very unsure about electric cars.

The KONA has continued to develop since then.

Today’s UK range includes petrol, self-charging hybrid and fully electric versions, which I think is one of its strengths.

Instead of telling customers that there is only one answer, Hyundai allows people to choose a power system that suits their own circumstances.

This is particularly relevant here in Yorkshire.

Someone who has a driveway and home charger and mainly travels locally might find the KONA Electric ideal.

Another driver doing different types of journeys might prefer the hybrid.

And somebody who simply wants a conventional petrol car can still buy one.

We Know the KONA Hybrid Personally! Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

I can also speak about the KONA from personal experience.

My wife Catherine has a Hyundai KONA Hybrid, and I have driven the car myself on many occasions.

I think it is a cracking little car.

It is comfortable, easy to drive and absolutely loaded with equipment. More importantly, Catherine’s KONA regularly achieves over 60 miles per gallon in our own use.

That is not a laboratory figure or something I have copied from a brochure. It is what we have actually experienced with the car.

The hybrid system works away quietly in the background.

Hyundai’s self-charging KONA Hybrid combines a petrol engine with an electric motor and uses regenerative braking to recharge its hybrid battery. There is no need to plug it into a charger.

For many motorists, I think this is an excellent halfway house.

You get some of the advantages of electric driving without having to think about finding a charging point.

Modern Safety Equipment

Another thing I like about the KONA is the amount of technology available.

Depending upon model and specification, the KONA range can include a wide selection of driver-assistance and safety equipment.

The current KONA Electric, for example, is available with advanced driver assistance technology, including systems designed to help manage speed, distance and steering when driving on motorways.

Cars have changed beyond recognition since I first entered the motor trade.

Back then, if you had a heater and a radio you thought you were doing well!

Today cars can warn you about vehicles around you, help keep you in your lane, display information in front of the driver and even assist with parking.

Some drivers might think there are too many gadgets, but there is no doubt that properly used safety technology can be extremely useful.

Electric Cars Still Need Good Tyres: Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

The blue KONA Electric in our workshop also demonstrates something that I think independent garages will increasingly see.

Electric cars are not the end of the independent garage.

They are simply another stage in the development of the motor car.

They still need tyres.

They still require wheel alignment.

They still have suspension.

They still have brakes.

They still need MOT tests once they reach the appropriate age.

And they still occasionally hit potholes!

Here in Calderdale, I don’t think the last one is going away anytime soon.

Correct Tyre Pressures and Alignment Matter

Whatever tyres you choose, looking after them properly is essential.

Correct tyre pressures help the tyre wear evenly and can also help with efficiency.

Wheel alignment is equally important.

If a wheel is running even slightly out of alignment, the tyre can begin wearing badly on one edge. Sometimes the customer doesn’t realise anything is wrong until thousands of miles have been taken off the tyre’s potential life.

This is why we regularly recommend having the alignment checked when unusual tyre wear is found.

With the price of tyres today, spending a little money getting the alignment correct can save considerably more in the long run.

RoadX – Good Value for Halifax Motorists: Hyundai Kona for RoadX Tyres

The two RoadX tyres fitted to this Hyundai KONA Electric were a good example of what many of our customers are looking for.

They want a safe, sensible tyre at an affordable price.

Not everybody needs the most expensive tyre on the market, and there is nothing wrong with saying that.

We will happily supply premium tyres to customers who want them, but we also believe in offering good-value alternatives.

Based on what we have seen ourselves at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, RoadX has performed extremely well for a tyre in the budget price sector, particularly when it comes to the mileage we see customers achieving.

That is why we are happy to fit them.

Read about the Skoda Superb with its new RoadX tyre fitted

Another KONA Back on the Roads of Calderdale

Once the two new RoadX tyres had been fitted and everything checked, our smart blue Hyundai KONA Electric was ready to head back onto the roads of Halifax and Calderdale.

For me, the job brought together two things that have changed enormously during my lifetime in the tyre trade.

First, we have the electric car.

Who would have imagined when I started working with tyres all those years ago that we would one day regularly have battery-powered SUVs sitting on our ramps in Halifax?

Secondly, we have the growth of good-quality tyres manufactured for the budget end of the market.

The tyre industry is now truly worldwide, giving motorists far more choice than we ever had years ago.

The important thing is choosing the right tyre for the car, the driver’s budget, and the type of driving they do.

The Hyundai KONA has proved itself to be a very successful modern car. Hyundai itself had one of its strongest-ever years in Britain in 2025, selling more than 93,100 vehicles, with alternative-fuel cars accounting for 58% of its UK sales. The company specifically credited strong demand for the KONA Electric as part of its growing electric-car business.

Having driven Catherine’s KONA Hybrid myself, I can understand the attraction.

Comfortable, economical, well equipped, and easy to drive—it suits our Yorkshire roads surprisingly well.

And with a fresh pair of RoadX tyres underneath our customer’s blue electric KONA, it was ready for plenty more miles around our beloved Halifax and Calderdale.

Pellon Tyre and Autocentre—keeping Halifax motorists safely on the road, whatever powers their car.

Ford Puma for new Michelin Tyres

6th August 2026/0 Comments/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

Ford Puma for new Michelin Tyres

Bright Blue Ford Puma for new tyres CrossClimate 3 Tyres at Pellon Tyres Halifax

It is always nice when a customer arrives with a car that catches your eye, and this week it was certainly the turn of a bright blue Ford Puma. The striking colour stood out as soon as it drove into our depot here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, and after discussing the customer’s requirements we fitted two new Michelin CrossClimate 3 tyres in size 225/40R19 93Y XL to the front of the vehicle before completing a full four-wheel alignment.

As we always say, fitting quality tyres is only part of the job. Ensuring that the vehicle’s wheel alignment is correctly adjusted helps the new tyres last longer, improves steering response and gives the customer the best possible driving experience. It is money well spent and something we recommend whenever new tyres are fitted.

The Rise of the Ford Puma: Ford Puma for new Michelin Tyres

The Ford Puma name first appeared in Britain during the late 1990s on a stylish little sports coupe that quickly became a favourite amongst enthusiastic drivers thanks to its sharp handling and sporty looks. Although production of that original Puma ended in 2002, Ford recognised just how popular the name had become.

In 2019 the famous Puma badge returned, this time on a compact SUV built on the highly successful Ford Fiesta platform. It proved to be an instant success with British motorists. Combining the higher driving position that many people now prefer with excellent handling, economical engines and plenty of clever storage space, the modern Ford Puma has become one of the UK’s best-selling cars.

One of its cleverest features is the “MegaBox” beneath the boot floor, providing extra space for shopping, muddy boots or even taller items that would normally be difficult to carry. It is just one of many reasons why families and commuters alike have taken to the Ford Puma.

Here in Halifax and throughout Calderdale we now see Ford Pumas almost every day. They are equally at home negotiating the busy streets around Halifax town centre as they are tackling the winding roads across Ogden, Wainstalls, Ripponden or the climb towards Queensbury. It is exactly the sort of versatile vehicle that suits Yorkshire driving.

Michelin CrossClimate – A Tyre That Changed the Market

When Michelin first introduced the original CrossClimate tyre back in 2015, it changed the way many motorists thought about tyres. Traditionally drivers had to choose between summer tyres for warmer weather or winter tyres for snow and ice.

Michelin decided there was a better solution.

The CrossClimate range was developed to combine the performance of a premium summer tyre with genuine winter capability, giving motorists one tyre that could cope with changing weather conditions throughout the year. It carried the recognised Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) marking, showing that it met strict winter performance standards while still offering excellent performance during warmer months.

Now Michelin has taken the range another step forward with the CrossClimate 3.

Why the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Is So Popular: Ford Puma for new Michelin Tyres

The latest Michelin CrossClimate 3 has been designed for today’s modern vehicles, including petrol, diesel, hybrid and electric models. Michelin has improved wet weather braking, increased tyre life and reduced rolling resistance, helping improve fuel economy while maintaining excellent grip throughout the year.

Features include:

Excellent grip in dry, wet and light snowy conditions.
3 Peak Mountain Snowflake winter certifications.
Improved longevity compared with the previous generation.
Lower rolling resistance for better efficiency.
Suitable for hybrid and electric vehicles as well as conventional petrol and diesel cars.

For many of our customers around Halifax and Calderdale, all-season tyres make perfect sense. Yorkshire weather can change several times in a single day. One moment it can be warm sunshine, the next heavy rain, followed by frost during the evening in winter.

Having a tyre designed to cope with those changing conditions provides extra confidence throughout the year.

Completing the Job Properly

Once the two new Michelin tyres had been fitted to the front axle, we carried out a full wheel alignment using our modern alignment equipment.

Wheel alignment is often overlooked, but it is extremely important. Even a slight knock against a pothole or kerb can alter the suspension geometry. This may cause uneven tyre wear, poor steering, increased fuel consumption and reduced handling.

Correct alignment ensures:

Longer tyre life.
Better steering accuracy.
Improved fuel economy.
Reduced tyre wear.
A smoother and safer driving experience.

Considering the number of potholes we continue to experience across West Yorkshire, it is well worth having the alignment checked whenever new tyres are fitted.

Premium Tyres Are Worth the Investment: Ford Puma for new Michelin Tyres

At Pellon Tyres we supply tyres to suit every budget, but there is no denying that premium tyres such as Michelin continue to justify their excellent reputation.

Drivers often tell us they immediately notice quieter running, improved grip and greater confidence, particularly during heavy rain or on fast motorway journeys.

After all, your tyres are the only part of the vehicle actually touching the road. The combined contact area of all four tyres is little bigger than four postcards, so choosing quality tyres really does make a difference.

Proud to Serve Halifax and Calderdale: Ford Puma for new Michelin Tyres

As an independent garage serving Halifax, Calderdale and the surrounding Yorkshire towns for many years, we are proud that so many local motorists continue to trust us with their vehicles.

Whether you drive a Ford Puma, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage or any other make of vehicle, our experienced team will always recommend the right tyre for your driving needs rather than simply the most expensive option.

That honest approach has helped build our reputation throughout the local community, and we intend to continue offering the same friendly service for many years to come.

This bright blue Ford Puma left our depot with two new Michelin CrossClimate 3 tyres and its wheel alignment correctly adjusted, ready to tackle whatever the Yorkshire weather decides to throw at it next.

Whether travelling through Halifax town centre, climbing over the Pennine roads around Calderdale or heading further afield, its owner can now enjoy the confidence that comes with quality tyres fitted and aligned by experienced professionals.

At Pellon Tyres we firmly believe that good workmanship, quality products and honest advice never go out of fashion.

Avon Tyres Decline

29th July 2026/0 Comments/in All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Avon Tyres Decline

Avon Tyres Decline – A British Motoring Legend That Slowly Disappeared

It is always nice when an unusual job turns up at Pellon Tyres because it reminds us just how much the tyre industry has changed over the years.

This week, a customer arrived carrying a beautifully restored spoked wheel from a vintage car. The tyre required was an Avon 525/550 x 18 tube-type tyre. While the tyre itself was available, the only inner tube we could source was a Michelin-branded tube, proving just how specialist these old tyre sizes have become.

As I looked at that wheel, it brought back many happy memories of my early days in the tyre trade.

When Avon Was One of Britain’s Biggest Tyre Names: Avon Tyres Decline

For many years, Avon Tyres was one of Britain’s best-known tyre manufacturers. Founded in 1904 at Melksham in Wiltshire, the company built an enviable reputation for producing high-quality tyres for cars, motorcycles and even racing vehicles.

Here in Halifax and across Calderdale, Avon tyres were a familiar sight. We fitted thousands of them over the years, and they earned a loyal following thanks to their dependable performance and British engineering.

If there was one area where Avon truly excelled, it was motorcycle tyres. Riders throughout the UK trusted the Avon name, whether they were commuting to work, touring the countryside or racing at weekends. Even today, many classic motorcycle enthusiasts still search for Avon tyres because of the company’s long-standing reputation.

The Beginning of the End

Like many famous British manufacturing names, the industry changed dramatically.

When Cooper Tire & Rubber Company from America acquired Avon Tyres in 1997, many people hoped the famous British brand would continue to flourish. Sadly, over the years the Cooper name gradually became the company’s main focus in many markets.

From my own experience in the trade, Avon slowly seemed to lose its place in dealers’ catalogues. We found ourselves selling more Cooper products while the familiar Avon range became smaller and smaller.

Eventually, the once-proud British name that had served motorists for generations quietly faded away. It was sad to witness because Avon had been part of the British tyre industry for so many decades.

I’ve probably sold many thousands of Avon tyres during my working life, so watching the brand disappear felt like losing an old friend.

When Cooper acquired Avon Tyres, the once-famous British car tyre range gradually became smaller and smaller. We found ourselves selling more Cooper tyres while Avon car tyres slowly disappeared from dealers’ shelves. Although the Avon name still survives in the motorcycle world, for those of us in the car-tyre trade, it marked the end of an era.

The Days When Almost Every Tyre Needed an Inner Tube: Avon Tyres Decline

That vintage wheel also reminded me how different tyre fitting was when I first entered the trade as a young apprentice.

Back then, virtually every car tyre used an inner tube. Fitting tubes was simply part of everyday life.

Removing the old tube without pinching it, checking it for damage and carefully fitting a new one were all essential skills that every tyre fitter learned.

Even when tubeless tyres first arrived, we still fitted tubes on many occasions.

If a tubeless tyre suffered damage that couldn’t be permanently repaired using the repair methods available at the time, it was often perfectly acceptable to fit an inner tube instead. Vehicle speeds were generally much lower than they are today, and traffic volumes were nowhere near as heavy, so this was considered a safe and practical solution.

It was simply how the industry operated.

Modern cars changed everything.

As the years passed, cars became faster, heavier and far more powerful.

Motorways expanded across Britain, average cruising speeds increased and tyre technology advanced enormously.

Manufacturers developed far more reliable tubeless tyre constructions, while modern puncture repair standards became much stricter.

Today, fitting an inner tube inside a modern passenger car’s tubeless tyre is generally no longer recommended except in very specific situations approved by the manufacturer. Modern tyres generate more heat at higher speeds, and they are designed to operate as complete tubeless systems.

Because of this, inner tubes have almost disappeared from everyday motoring.

Nowadays, it is quite unusual for our team at Pellon Tyres to see a tube in a car wheel unless it belongs to a vintage, classic or historic vehicle like the one we welcomed into the depot this week.

Keeping Motoring History Alive: Avon Tyres Decline

One of the pleasures of running an independent garage is that no two days are ever quite the same.

One day we’re diagnosing the latest hybrid technology using sophisticated electronic equipment. Next, we’re fitting an inner tube into a wheel that could easily be older than some of our mechanics!

Jobs like these remind me just how far the tyre industry has progressed during my lifetime.

They also remind me of the great British manufacturers that helped build our motoring heritage. Avon Tyres was certainly one of them, and although the famous name has largely disappeared from our roads, many enthusiasts across Yorkshire and the rest of Britain still remember the quality that the company stood for.

Here in Halifax and throughout my beloved Calderdale, we’re fortunate to see vehicles from every era. Whether it’s a modern family SUV or a beautifully restored vintage classic, every vehicle has its own story to tell—and after more than fifty years in the tyre trade, I still enjoy being a small part of those stories.

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