All Tyre Articles-Including seperate manufacture posts

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Frightening to think about what is going to happen when the new idea “Smart Motorways” take off! Many people don’t yet know this, but the new idea is this; when you use the new Smart Motorway and your vehicle develops a fault that causes your vehicle to loose power and stops running.

Consequently, you the driver is then expected to slow down to a stop in whichever lane you are in. Accordingly, you will not be required to try and move over to the hard shoulder. So, it will not be there anymore, you simply stop in whichever lane your vehicle breaks down in.

Dunlop Tyres Declining-A Brief History of one of the tyre companies that I worked for !

17th October 2019/in All Dunlop Tyres Stuff /by Eric

Dunlop Tyres Declining

Dunlop Tyres

Bicycles the first for Dunlop

So, In the days of Queen Victoria! Britain was going full steam ahead in the industrialized nation that we had become. Inventions were arising thick and fast.

In the year of 1889 cam a patent from John B Dunlop. His company was founded in Dublin. Subsequently, was called the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co Ltd. Dunlops company manufactures his very own patent! Called the Pneumatic tyre. Importantly, in those days just for the bicycle.

So, the bike was getting very popular in those days. Well informed people were starting to form clubs for racing. Strikingly, a famous racer in those days was called Willie Hume .Winning seven races on the new Dunlop tyres. Word soon spread, and full production started in 1890 in Belfast Northern Ireland.

Dunlop were able to open up similar businesses in Europe and North America and opened a factory in Australia.They then began having financial difficulties and indeed had to sell off the overseas operations. Furthermore, to this day The company had to split and in Australia they have been a separate company, both making different brands using the same name.

Dunlop UK then opened a large factory in Birmingham the UK. In a short time they started the production of car tyres. Importantly, the Birmingham plant became known as “Fort Dunlop” . Of course, a very famous part of the Birmingham Brummy landscape. I visited the fort many times in the past! Importantly, I was always made to feel very welcome. Consequently, they became a very rich company. Having had Worldwide operations in distribution. Manufacturing included owning their rubber plantations in Ceylon and Malaya.

In the 1930s Dunlop went into making other products

In the 1930s Dunlop Began diversifying into other rubber products, these were latex, golf balls, and other sporting equipment. They also started making rubber boots and “O” rings. In 1950 they then started making and supplying tyres for Formula 1 cars.

In 1971 Dunlop merged with Italian tyre giants Pirelli to form the biggest companies in the world. By 1984 they once again started with financial difficulties and the company was sold to Sumitomo Rubber Industries of Japan. The tyre brand name was split up over three groups and also all the other products that Dunlop made such as sports goods were sold off to various other companies. That just about brings us up to date, Dunlop and Goodyear now trade under the same brand names with the same parent company and made in different factories around the World.

Moving forward to 2019 ! Dunlop tyres are in decline. In my opinion Dunlop are certainly not the force they once were. Of course like anything else new tyre companies have moved ahead. Stealing the older tyre companies business with new ideas an enthusiasm. Of course , I am a keen follower of the Dunlop brand and in fact sell many Dunlop Tyres from my Halifax retail depot.

About Eric Roberts

Hi, I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre industry now for 40 years. Happily, I used to work for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Now owning a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre, and I am a keen blogger about anything to do with cars and their related products that will help my business.

Dunlop Tyres-Dunlop were a major contributor to the motor racing scene

Illegal Car Tyre Re-cutting-What next? this is extremely dangerous?

16th October 2019/in All Part Worn Tyres Stuff /by Eric

Illegal Car Tyre Re-cutting

Re-cutting Car Tyres-is it common practice in some countries?

So,when I first saw the video at the bottom of this post! Incredibly, I was truly shocked and amazed at the same time . At first I was outraged at what was going on and so was the writer of the original article. But I began to realise that this practice does actually go on in other countries around the world.

This tyre was a part worn that had a massive repair done to the sidewall and only lasted for two days, before letting the lady customer down in a town centre.

The video has been filmed with a sense of pride. Of course, by the guy who is doing the actual tyre re-cutting. Unfortunately, it reminds me of the time when I used to re-cut truck tyres. Re-cutting tyres was carried out when I worked for a national company years ago. I know that we can re-cut truck tyres ! Of course, as long as we stick to the rules and regulations. Set out for us to follow. But the practice of re-cutting car tyres, has up to now been unheard of.Unless somebody can point out where this is a legal thing to do?

Bad tyre repair cases are now cropping up now on the part worn tyres

I am sure that many of you tyre professionals out there have come across some pretty bad examples of things that are related to part worn tyres. There seems to be little care or thought towards the safety or the law where the part worn market is concerned.

Only last Saturday we had customer in that bought two part worn tyres fitted about two weeks before. Only to find that they had completely fitted the wrong size, they were not even a legal match, they were far too small. When the customer was questioned as to why he had allowed this he said that the guy told him that it was perfectly alright and he also said that he felt a little threatened by the guys attitude, when he was questioning him about the wrong size.

This sort of thing is just the tip of the iceberg

The worst ones are the bad repairs that have been carried out by these people. We have seen some horrific cases. Where the tyre has only lasted a few days before blowing out. Of course, in some cases these tyres never keep their pressure. Unfortunately, the customer brings them into us for sorting out.

The thing that I cannot understand though. Is that I have never met one customer. Who wants to go back where they bought the dodgy tyres, to complain. Perhaps some drivers are so hard up financially. That they have no choice but to buy these things. So, when problems arise they dare not go back in fear of been intimidated by these people.

This tyre had a clear side-wall failure, that was fitted to the inside.we picked up the problem when the customer said that he had a bad wheel wobble?.

Dodgy tyre dealers must know that they are breaking the law. When they sell the public these things. So do you have to be a special type of person sell them in the first place. Looking at the state of some of the premises, it is a wonder that people go there in the first place! But as I say people can and must be desperate to keep their cars on the road. Including buying part worn tyres for their cars.

To go back to this video; I cannot recognize the language of the people that who are Car Tyre Tread Grooves Re-cutting ? But it could even be here in the UK.

I only hope that these do not make their way to our shores !

but nothing surprises me to what lengths these people will go to, to make money. As I have said on many occasions I see nothing wrong with selling Illegal Car Tyre Re-cutting ,part worn tyres as long as they were processed and sold within the law of our land.

Another fact that has come to my attention came to me from Serge Dejeen…In ETRTO recommendations it’s clear re-grooving of passenger car tyres is not permitted.
Extract of ETRTO “Re-grooving or re-cutting: Re-grooving or re-cutting consists of cutting a pattern in the base of the tread, deeper than the original pattern, to prolong mileage performance. Re-grooving or re-cutting of passenger car tyres is not permitted.
Note should be taken of national legislation.”
ETRTO= European Tyre and Rym Technical Organisation, is a professional organisation of standardization (as well as JATMA and TRA).

Please take a look at this video and let me know what you think??

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. Selling tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk . So by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. Of course we offer courtesy cars to local motorists. Needing to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. Also an official MOT testing station and are members of Trading Standards. Finally, who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship

Dangerous Tyres-One in five UK cars is fitted with ‘dangerous’ tyres | This is Money

13th October 2019/in All Part Worn Tyres Stuff /by Eric

Dangerous Tyres

These figures do not surprise me one little bit ?

So, next time you are one of the “sardines” driving up and down British motorways, think about the one in five cars that are passing you.

I know that it does not work out quit like that but I think you have got the gist of what I mean.

As a tyre guy all my life. So, I am sad enough to look at almost every car tyre that I pass. Even on a morning when I walk my dogs, then I look at the state of the tyres on the cars parked up.

I wish I could spray them bright red or yellow so to catch the eye of the drivers?

Drivers just seam oblivious to the condition of their cars tyres. Organisations like Tyresafe.org are trying to make drivers aware of the state of their tyres and bloggers in the tyre trade keep on harping on about it. But I fear that it is all dropping on deaf ears.

Eric Roberts

Comparison site Confused.com said it conducted 1,000 vehicle spot checks up and down the country and found that 21 per cent had at least one tyre that need to be replaced.

Source: One in five UK cars is fitted with ‘dangerous’ tyres | This is Money

Goodyear Tyres Test Track-Tyre Tests in Luxembourg “Scared me to Death” ??

13th October 2019/in All Goodyear Tyres Stuff /by Eric

Goodyear Tyres Test Track

Goodyear Tyres Test Track-New Goodyear tyres “Vectra” tested in Luxembourg

I remember receiving a phone call from Goodyear tyres. Thus, offering a place for Peter and I to go to the Goodyear Tyres Test Track to Luxembourg. Hence, to attend the World launching of Goodyear tyres new product the “Vectra tyre”. This was a brand new product.Hence, from Goodyear Tyres. For this reason, would fit somewhere in the centre of Goodyear tyre price range. Hence, this was not going to be in the cheap tyre range.But was an all season tyre giving the tyre good grip in all kinds of climates.

Peter and I did not know what to expect. Therefore, we happily agreed to attend. We flew to Heathrow Airport in London. Where we were to attend a champagne reception. We then were to board a jumbo jet to Luxembourg. This was going to be a top class weekend. I could not wait to find out what the next day would bring. It was all kept a secret by Goodyear. Unknown to us a similar event was also taking place in Donnington park the week later. But Peter and I were asked to attend the premier event in Goodyear Tyres Test Track Luxembourg.

Goodyear Tyres Test Track; Hanna Mikkola a Goodyear tyres test driver

The following day. After a top class meal in the hotel. So, we were driven by coach to the Goodyear test track. Each party was given a number (raffle ticket style).

Goodyear Tyres Test Track-A typical Goodyear franchise in the USA will be fitting for Goodyear Online

Goodyear tyres had a fleet of bog standard Vauxhall Cavalier 1600cc saloon cars. Fitted with brand new sets ( of the then unknown), Goodyear Vectra all-season tyres. When our number was called out we were to proceed to the pickup area where we would be driven around the test track by a well known professional driver to test the tyres under very stressful conditions.

I do not remember all the drivers, but some were very famous and very fast. They were Russell Brookes, Jacki Stewart, Donald Heggie and our driver first time round was no other than Hannu Mikkola. All these drivers were regular test drivers for Goodyear tyres, from rallying to F1 Grand Prix drivers, top class test drivers.

We were given crash helmets and got in the car driven by Hannu Mikkola. I made the first mistake by jumping in the front. The first part of the course was a straight ending in an 180-degree bend. Hannu revved the car to its limit and let the clutch out. My eyes nearly popped out and my stomach came up into my throat,(I think I screamed out but the engine gave off so much noise that I wasn’t sure). I was literary scared to death and I was totally pushed back in my seat with my eyes totally closed with fear. Peter was in the same bad condition sat in the rear seat.

Goodyear Tyres Test Track

Eric Roberts

At these speeds in a bog standard Vauxhall Cavalier. Frighteningly, the car and the tyres were making screams and noises that I have never heard before. I was literary frightened to death. The new Goodyear tyres did really well but were burned out after only two laps of the course. Significantly, the driving was so intense. When we stopped Pete and I shot off to the beer tent. Consequently, downing a few beers as fast as we could. Afterwards, we sat at the same table as Hannu. Importantly, who turned out to be a great guy and we had a laugh. Especially, about our extreme driving experiences ! Alter lunch we both threw our track tickets away and vowed never do this again. Goodyear tyres were great hosts and money was no object! But boy was I glad to get out of that car.

Goodyear Tyres Test Track-Vauxhall Cavalier as used by Goodyear tyre test team

Car Tyres Repairs from Repair Specialists

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)-and summer tyres-can both give you Temperature Problems

12th October 2019/in All Tyre Articles /by Eric

TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems).

So, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems” have been around for quite a while now. it was developed to compliment cars that were fitted with run flat tyres or cars that did not have a conventional type spar wheel and tyre.

TPMS Warning lights can be triggered by tyre temperature drops

When a run flat tyre loses pressure, there is no way of knowing so a special valve with a sender, was invented and when there is a loss of air pressure in the tyre the sensor in the tyre valve picks this up and sends a message to the cars computer which lights up a warning light in the cab and alerts the driver that something is wrong with one of his/hers tyres.

The idea is a simple one really, but it is not that long ago that a driver would not go anywhere without his spare wheel? How things have changed. Now most cars are fitted with in cab warning technologies and it is very common for us to see on a daily basis.

There is however one thing that has cropped up, those drivers may not know. This is that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in susceptible to temperature changes. This is basic science, when the temperature rises then the air expands and when it cools down then the temperature lowers.

Monitoring Systems valves.

When the temperature drops on cold freezing night. Then so does the air pressure in your tyres. Pressures can drop as much as 10 psi on a really cold night. This can then trigger off your tyre pressure warning light in the car.

It may not happen to all cars! But it is worth noting that if this happens to you. So then you will know what has been happening on that cold dark winters night. In some cars the light will correct itself. Going back out as the air temperature rises. Subsequently, you could increase the air pressure in your tyres and this will stop this happening.

The second temperature related part is the way a summer tyre acts when they get cold too!

Regular tyre pressure checks are very important

TPMS and summer tyres in the cold

This temperature issue is probably a little bit better known, but here goes. Summer car tyres and winter car tyres. Importantly, have different chemical compositions in their tyre compounds. The main difference is the addition of “silica” compounds. Into the mix that makes the winter tyres.

The different compounds are there to give different characteristics to the tyres in different weather conditions and heat and cold. Summer’s will get much stiffer and harder in cold weather, making the tyre more difficult to handle when braking and cornering. This change in character starts to come in when the temperature gets below 7 degrees.

Winter tyres remain flexible in the cold

The winter tyres with their different compounds will remain flexible and pliable in colder weather and this combined with a tread design that has been developed to dissipate water, slush and snow, makes the winters the perfect fitment for your car from November to march here in the Northern hemisphere.

If you are looking for a set of tyres for your car at this time of year then I would strongly advise fitting winter tyres, they have been proven time and time again to be the safest option for your car and your family.

As an update then the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have increased to nearly all car makes and models. So, the importance of tyre pressure to save fuel and emissions cannot be under estimated! So, moving on a few years since I first wrote this post then a few things have happened! Firstly, as reputable tyre dealers then we have to keep a large stock of electronic valves to replace old ones that break or just need replacing.

Going forward we are finding that most problems are caused by seized up metal valve caps. So use plastic valve caps where possible. Importantly, when the warning light comes on please check out the tyre and the tyre pressures ?

Winter tyres like this Yokohama W-Drive are made of special compounds to cope with any winter weather that may come your way.

Eric Roberts

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs. Of course, to all makes of vehicles. Members of Unipart Car Care centres. Giving a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. Also we sell Toyo Tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk. So, by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. Offering courtesy cars to local motorists. Importantly, who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. Also an official MOT testing station and are members of Trading Standards. Finally, who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.

Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres-Run-Flat tyres will get you out of Trouble in an Emergency

8th October 2019/3 Comments/in All Michelin Tyres /by Eric

Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

For high standard of equipment and In all fairness Michelin are not the only company to make a run-flat product. Most tyre companies including some budget tyre brands make a run-flat tyre.

Michelin’s call their tyre the ZP or Michelin Zero Pressure.

This of course refers to the fact that when the run-flat tyre deflates, it will carry on running with zero air in the tyre. This is exactly what the run-flat does. Because of the much stronger

Michelin run-flat tyres

side walls the tyre will not deviate from its course. The driver is warned about the deflation from inside the car by the TPMS system (tyre pressure monitoring system).

Let’s face it our roads are probably the busiest in Europe and nobody enjoys having to change a wheel at the side of the road, in fact they now warn us to stay well away from the car, at the top of the embankment, while the recovery truck turns up, because of the many accidents caused by broken down vehicles being hit from behind by other vehicles who lose concentration and smash into them.

With the Michelin Zero Pressure run-flat technology fitted to your car this will be avoided. These tyres will lose pressure from a nail or a screw penetration but your car will keep a straight line and you will be able to drive home, albeit at the reduced speed of 50 mph, but the tyre will let you travel 50 mile which should be enough to get you out of trouble and have the tyre changed

Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres-Can you mix run-flat tyres with normal radial tyres?

Michelin recommend that you should never mix a Michelin Zero Pressure run-flat with a non-run-flat normal radial tyres. The only exception to this rule is if you were stranded in the middle of nowhere and the only tyre depot for miles around could only get you a normal tyre then this would be acceptable as a last resort, get you home step and the tyre must be changed back to a run-flat as soon as possible.

The Michelin Zero Pressure run-flats have completely different sidewalls; they are made of much thicker materials and are known as “Self-supporting tyres” or SST’s. They have two other identification markings on the sidewalls.
1: ZP allows you to drive at 50 mph for speeds up 50 mph (most of the M1 motorway at the moment)
2: ZP SR allows you to drive for 20 miles at 50 mph

Michelin Zero Pressure offer the same ride capabilities as a normal radial tyre

The first time I drove a BMW Mini that was equipped with run-flat tyres I thought I was in an old truck going down a cobble road. The ride was horrendous, and my staff, who regularly test drive cars say that this is a common thing, the ride is very hard, because the sidewalls are so thick and re-enforced. Michelin claim that their Zero pressure tyres are not the same and give just as good a ride as their normal radial tyre range.

Although I have not tried out as car fitted with Michelin Zero Pressure, this has got to be a step in the right direction and I will try out these tyres as soon as possible to quantify their claims.
However some fleet companies are now looking at the Michelin Zero Pressure, because of the more comfortable ride and also improved fuel consumption. These tyres have been tested by fleet company Alphabet’s Operational Services Manager, Andy Williams,
He explained: “The comfort compromise everyone used to associate with run-flats has disappeared with the latest technology of tyres.

I have tried Michelin’s new Zero Pressure (ZP) range

Trust me, you can’t tell the difference from standard tyres. Yes, there have been critics of run-flat tyres in the past, but Michelin has answered all of them. It is high time fleet managers start to embrace the new technology as it has so much to offer.

The combination of a smooth ride and the increased safety is something they just can’t afford to ignore. The fact that a tyre keeps its shape when it loses pressure could be life-saving in the event of a tyre blow-out.”
As I have stated earlier this means that the fleet car user can now safely drive the vehicle to a tyre centre or garage and have the tyre replaced.

This will help to reduce down time caused in the past by the driver calling out the emergency services because they are not able to change the wheel themselves, or the car is stranded in a dangerous place.

For the private drivers who are fitted out with run-flat tyres it would be well worth trying out these new Michelin Zero Pressure, because of the better and less harsh ride, that is associated with the other run-flat makes of tyres.

Eric Roberts

Am I getting soft on Part Worn Tyres? 22% of British Drivers Now Using Them-should we be worried?

7th October 2019/1 Comment/in All Part Worn Tyres Stuff /by Eric

Part Worn Tyres

These are very alarming figures 22%, almost a quarter of the driving public are buying these part worn tyres

But I am now thinking differently about the problem. In my opinion the Part Worn Tyres market has increased due to the financial crisis and a lot of young families are having to make

This tyre came from a car recently and was bought as a part worn tyre. the so called repair in the tyre only lasted 2 weeks before failing. The lady bought this tyre with good intent, not knowing that it was indeed rubbish.

huge economic changes in their household budgets, but they regard their car as sanctity, a necessity, they will keep it running at whatever cost, even if it means running the car without insurance or road tax.

This is also where part worn tyres come into it. If it means keeping the car running then they will pay say £20 for a part worn tyre, I do not think that they care about its condition, all I can say is that they must trust the person that they are buying from, as long as it gets them about and they can keep their car running.

It is the tyre industry that should make sure that the tyres that these people are using are in fact safe to use and come under the Part Worn Tyres law (Under The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg.7.) part of the Consumer Protection Act) that we have here in the UK and probably other countries too.

17% of drivers would also keep buying part worn tyres.

In my opinion the economic crisis has hit us all to the extent that we will probably never recover again. The retail market place has changed considerably over the past years, with consumers having to make huge cuts in their spending habits. This includes everybody, and I have to admit that includes my family. We are changing our shopping habits and the companies that are making changes to cope with the lack of consumer spending are becoming the winners.

Starting at the top of the chain, families are now shopping on a daily or twice weekly basis. Here in the UK the winners are becoming the smaller chains such as Lidl and Aldi, who are pushing the huge supermarket customers into second place, primarily because of the changing shopping habits of the consumers. We also having the cheaper clothing retailers who are doing well in this climate, stores such as Primark are sweeping the floor with much cheaper clothing than the high street stores, who are suffering from the general downsizing of the consumers.

In my opinion this is also the same problem that is affecting the tyre market at the moment.

Drivers at the lower end of the economic scale are forced to buy part worn tyres to keep their cars on the road. According to the recent survey 17% of these drivers would also consider a repeat purchase of part worn tyres, which could mean that these people are taken out of the new car tyre market altogether. There has always been a slice of the tyre market that have bought second hand tyres, but this time the increase is quiet significant and is effecting many of the smaller tyre retailers up and down the country.

Fighting back with cheap budget tyres

One of the knock on effects of this gap in the market place is the price deflation of the budget tyre brands. My own business has seen a Sharpe increase in the cheap new tyre market. The manufacturers that are suffering are the mid-range tyre market and the leading companies appear to be holding their own, we are still getting our customers asking for their favorite brands. These are usually the older drivers that are known as the “Silvers” and that include me?

These are the drivers that will stick to Michelin and Dunlop and can still afford to pay the price for them.

I am only forming my opinion on the facts that are affecting my tyre business here in Halifax Yorkshire UK. But asking about and traveling around has opened my eyes to the number of part worn tyre bucket shops that have opened up in the last few years has quadrupled. The increase in these operations has opened my eyes to the extent of our industry wide problem. We seem to be more at the battle front in the poorer northern towns, especially the ones with a large immigrant population, such as Halifax.

Part worn tyres are also affecting the large companies

This problem probably multiplies the more depots that you own , so the huge tyre companies such as kwik-Fit must be pulling their hair out, in fact This recent survey was financed by Kwik-Fit and its findings were released to the rest of the industry. Roger Griggs of Kwik-Fit said…

“This research highlights the problems that British drivers have experienced with part worn tyres. Many of the second hand tyres sold in the UK are brought in from Europe by the container-load, having been taken off cars across the Channel. Motorists considering a part worn tyre should perhaps ask why a tyre that is no longer good enough for a Dutch, German or Danish driver would be good enough for them.

‘We recognise that drivers are keen to keep their motoring costs low, and we work hard to provide products and services to help them do that. There comes a point where cutting costs can compromise safety and this is especially true with tyres. After all, these are the only thing connecting a car with the road, so we urge drivers to consider whether they really need to opt for the unknown quality of second hand tyres.”

My problem with part worn tyres is the number that are found failing due to the damage that was already present

Of course, when the tyres were fitted to the new customers car. This is due to the fact that tyres that are sold are not sold legally. Here in the UK we have a set of rules that states that part worn tyres should be tested for any faults or damage or objects in the tyres and the tyre s should be checked whilst under pressure. Then after the tyre is checked and found to OK, then a special patch should be stuck (vulcanized) to the tyre with the name of the company or tester displayed on the tyre.

I now know that the effect of part worn tyres on the businesses of reputable tyre retailers

Having forced them to start selling these part worn tyres themselves and in a way I cannot blame them. One guy that I know has set up a separate small depot specifically for selling these tyres. He has kept the two companies separate for obvious reasons, but at least he is now clawing some of the lost business back and he is also running the operation within the current part worn tyre laws.

I can now understand better the predicament that many people find themselves in. Forced by financial circumstances, to buy these second hand tyres. So, thinking that we have all been affected by this crisis and will be for some time to come.

Now believing that they is a place for part worn tyres, but they must be bought and sold within the law and we must get rid of these people who sell all the rubbish and dangerous tyres, by strengthening the current laws and more importantly, to clamp down on these dodgy tyre businesses that sell this rubbish through stronger law enforcement.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts.

Eric Roberts

Pirelli Run Flat Tyres Can We Repair Them?

5th October 2019/1 Comment/in All Pirelli Tyres Stuff /by Eric

When the run flat tyre first came on to the market

Firstly, I was not so sure what to think? These tyres were developed together with the car manufacturers Consequently,were designed to specifically fit the cars on which they were to be fitted for safety reasons.

The customers BMW with the run flat tyre problem

So, the whole concept surrounding these tyres is based on safety. Both for their car and more importantly the driver. Another factor was that these cars could do without a spare wheel, thus reducing the weight of the car. This has contributed to the “green” credentials of the cars that they were fitted to.

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have to be used with run flat tyres

Pirelli Run Flat tyres were specifically developed to be based on the specifications of the cars on which they are to be fitted. This means that, Run Flat tyres may only be mounted on vehicles that are specifically made to have the Run Flat tyres. This was one of my first bones of contention, when my young apprentice tyre fitter snapped the TPMS valve where it was located on the inside of the wheel where the normal tubeless valve would normally be fitted. (cost me £80 to replace)

New tyre fitting machine

I also had purchase one of the new style tyre fitting machines. Because of the difficulties that we encountered when trying to remove and re-fit the tyre from the wheel. The new type machines were equipped with special tyre hold down tools that held the tyre in place so that the fitter could use both hands when removing and fitting these difficult tyres. After a while we were used to fitting these tyres and also learned about the TPMS systems that accompanied these tyres fitted to the car.

The Pirelli P7 Cinturato run flat tyres was also developed as a more environmentally product.

Because Pirelli had also taken the time to not only make the tyre into a run flat. But also make the tyre into a high performance design tyre. Of course, with lower fuel consumption and reduced road noise. They were also able to use a more eco-friendly compound to the tread area, giving this tyre more stability in the footprint area. The development of this tyre brought together many improvements making it a highly safe product that would complement medium and high powered vehicle such as the BMW range including the BMW Mini models.

When a loss of pressure arises in a run flat tyre then you must only continue at 50mph

The high volume of cars that are now fitted with the run flats. So, have helped me in thinking that these tyres have become a success story. At first I wasn’t sure I thought that they were just a passing fad that would go as quickly as the appeared. But I was wrong, because I have listened to some of the stories from my customers, of how they prevented them from having an accident and also of how they were able to carry on with their journey

Pirelli run flat tyre showing the extent of the damage

The truth is that if your tyre suddenly loses pressure . Frighteningly, when you are doing 70 mph. Say on a busy motorway, then you will have a better chance of getting out of a sticky situation. Of course, than you would have with normal radial tyres.

Car remains stable after a blowout

Your car will remain stable and not deviate and possibly cause a crash. Even in busy traffic, as happened to a friend of mine recently. His tyre blew out and he hit the central reservation. So, causing the car to swerve and have an accident. Although he was badly injured he is now fully recovered. But I am sure that of he had run flats fitted to his car. Then the car would have kept the line and not crashed into the barrier. Throwing it into the path of the traffic in the other lane.

Also if you do lose tyre pressure and it will tell you on your TPMS instrument. Located on the dash of your car. After this, then you must only drive at 50 mph. At 50 mph you can drive the car 50 miles. This is usually enough distance to enable the driver to reach the safety of a garage. Including the nearest tyre centre and have the tyre attended to.

Pirelli recommend that we should not repair run flat tyres

As the heading suggests Pirelli. Are one of the manufacturers that do not recommend that we repair run flat tyres. We at Pellon Tyres here in Halifax have been known to repair these tyres. But only if knew that there was a screw in the tyre and the tyre had not deflated. Including the fact that the TPMS light had not come on. We have since stopped this procedure altogether. Now and only fit a new tyre. Because we just do not know what damage was done, when the tyre was de-flatted.

This reminds me of a recent case in mind. One of our lady driver customers. Owning a very nice BMW, had noticed her TPMS light was warning her of a problem. Consequently, with her near side front tyre, which had a pressure loss. The BMW was fitted with Pirelli tyre as original equipment size 225/45×18 P7 Cinturato.

Heading for the M62

She was heading from the M62 motorway, back to Halifax when the incident happened and was not too sure what the light coming on meant. She carried on driving and then decided to pull in and give us a ring for advice. Because the car was fitted with a TPMS system we knew that the car would be on run flat tyres and so we recommended that she drove the car carefully to our depot in Halifax, a distance of about 5 miles well within the 50 mile recommended by Pirelli.

When she arrived, the inside of the side wall of the flat tyre was completely coming away and so we had to fit the lady a new tyre. The customer worked in a high up position for the local council, but because we had a tyre in stock she was able to attend her meeting. If she had normal radial tyres fitted then she would have been delayed until someone came out to change her wheel, so everybody was happy…more reading… Pirelli run-flats

Eric Roberts

Pirelli Runflat tyres

Pellon Tyres offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. Selling Pirelli Run Flat Tyres online from our website www.pellonautocentre.com by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. Offering courtesy cars to local

Second picture showing that this run flat was able to drive even with the inside of the tyre ripped apart

motorists who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. We are also an official MOT testing station and are members of Trading Standards. Carrying out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.

AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER- From the 1960,s to Today-Avon tyres are Still Supporting Motorsport

1st October 2019/3 Comments/in All Tyre Articles /by Eric

AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER

AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER?

Old sixties Garage with a vintage Avon tyres advertising sign.

In my long career in the tyre industry, (too long), it is fair to say that there has been many changes that have taken place in the tyre industry, some were good and others bad. The large tyre manufacturers bought out the small niche manufacturer, for example Goodyear Tyres took over Kelly and Lee tyres and a few others on the way, Continental Tyres bought out

Avon tyres ZR5 slick racing tyre on an F3 car

Semperit tyres and a few others, (the names of who slip my mind at the moment), and so on and so forth.

We also remember the fight to take over control of the tyre retail chains, starting off in the sixties and the seventies. Michelin took over British retailer ATS, Dunlop formed the National Tyres chain, by merging some acquisitions, including the very large retailer Marsham tyres. Pirelli formed the Central tyre group, and the list goes on and on.

I worked for a small tyre company in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, UK

But we were swallowed up into the National tyre group and became primarily Dunlop and India tyre retailers. This was the main aim, to sell the products of the mother company. To be true full, I really enjoyed what was going on, and it all became a learning curb to me for the future. Times in the sixties were great for me as a teenager; it really was the “swinging sixties”.

I clearly remember that the working man had more disposable income, and they were beginning to buy more cars, these cars needed puncture repairs and new tyres, things started to get busy. We had a very mixed type of business community, in the area where we were living, from large textile mills to farming on the outskirts of the towns. We also had all off the service industry that comes with a large populated area, such as hauliers, builders, bus companies and the smaller types of business like the solicitors and local banks and building societies all of who used cars and trucks and therefor had to buy tyres.

In the sixties we had to be “jack of all trades”.

Where as in today’s tyre market we generally stick to one thing, such as we in Halifax only service cars and other companies specialise in truck or earth mover tyres. We never knew what would come into us next; it could be a puncture repair on a tractor rear from a farmer to a small cart wheel from a mill basket on wheels. We also had a mix of different cars, from the rich mill owners with their Rolls Royce’s to a bus conductor with his Mini.

One of the things that stand out in my mind is that we used a large amount of inner tubes in those days and also wheel balancing was relatively new thing, most wheels were balanced with

Shaving a tyre at the Snetterton race track, this removes the small stones and grit that have penetrated the tyres outer layer

a simple bubble balancer and wheel alignment was not a word in our vocabulary in the sixties. Radial tyres were replacing X ply’s and more and more cars were coming out on radial tubeless tyres.

Avon Tyres come into the story

Some of the cars that were coming in for tyres would include the new Rover 2000. I remember this car because apart from the fact that it was very different in style and size the car came out on 165×14 Pirelli Cinturato tyres, but I believe that it was my first introduction to Avon tyres, who also made 165×14 radial tyres for this model. The new Rover became very popular with the new “middle management” customers and in 1966 a TC version was released which made the car capable of over 100 mph.

Avon tyres were better known for their motor-cycle tyres, but started to push into the car tyre market. We were also witnessing new tyre sizes to fit the newer types of cars that were competing for the new wealth that was emanating from then new business confidence that was giving the UK a “buzz”. Cars like the E-Type Jaguar were getting more popular as second hand versions became available, from their start off at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961.

Jaguar cars were getting more popular amongst the wealthy mill owners who would by one for the wife and kids, but they came out mainly on Dunlop tyres who had formed a good relationship with the Jaguar company, although I do remember that Dunlop had balancing problems with some of the tyres. It was in the 1980’s that Avon tyres were fitted to some Jaguars, the tyre that was used was the Avon tyres Turbo-Steel radial and was fitted to the XK model.

AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER-Avon became more popular

Bringing out many different tyre designs and patterns over the years, but one of the things that have impressed me is that they have always had a strong involvement in “motorsport”. This developed from the motor-cycle side of the business. But back in the sixties and seventies the car manufacturers started to race and rally sporty versions of their models. Such cars as Minis, MGB’s and Ford Cortina’s were developed into track and rally cars. Avon tyres are one of the few companies that have kept up the

Avon tyres historic racing tyre

tradition right up to the present day, and can offer tyres that are just as good and competitive as they were in the original racing days.

Avon tyres still make tyres from the 450×17 vintage car tyre to the textile radials that have a special cling rubber tread compound that is used in making the Avon textile radial. The Avon Historic All Weather tread patterned tyres are designed to give excellent road holding in all-weather applications while keeping the period look of the historic range of racing cars. It is FIA approved for different historic racing series throughout the world. The textile radial is a “V” rated tyre so is capable of speeds of up to 150mph, ideal for vintage racing.

AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER-Avon tyres ACB9

This tyre was developed as a formula Ford 1600 tyre and is used for the pre 1974 historic car championships. The tyre is also used for the pre 1965 1000cc formula 3 races and small bore vintage cars such as the MG Midgets and Frog Eyed Sprites. It is a great attribute to Avon to continue making these tyres an all sorts of sizes for this different array of cars.

The list of tyres that Avon make goes on and on and I will be covering some of them in different articles. From my early youth to the present day I have always been a huge fan of the Avon Company and we still buy their tyres to this day. We were sad when Avon were taken over by Cooper tyres but the old name has survived, and we can look forward to many years of this excellent tyre product.

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

CAR TYRES-technical developments to create a Greener tyre.

24th September 2019/in All Michelin Tyres /by Eric

Like any other product that is man made car tyres develop and change over the years.

The tyres that were made say thirty years ago would not be suitable for today’s cars. The tyre has developed into part of the evolution of greener cars, especially in recent times when

vehicle emissions have become a very important part of new car development.

Tyre companies are trying all sorts of new techniques to develop car tyres that will give a better “rolling resistance”. Better rolling resistance makes it for a car to move forward easier, whilst at the same time enabling the car to give a smooth ride and stick to the road when cornering and in bad weather conditions.

Tyre companies are using new and much lighter materials, including new materials that go into the compounds that make the materials that are used for the outer layers of the car tyres, for making the sidewalls and tread area. One of the main products used is still latex of course but tyres companies are now trying other materials to try lesson the use of petrol-chemicals derived from oil.

One of these leading the charge is Yokohama tyres. Yokohama is experimenting with many materials and one of the more successful ones has been “orange peel oil”. Another tyre company that are trying new materials is Goodyear tyres. Goodyear has teamed up with a biotechnology company called DuPont. The two companies are working together to produce molecules to try to match the molecules that are found in tyre compounds. Rubber is a molecule and by replicating similar molecules from sugar molecules they will be able to manufacture a product that could be used to make tyre with and replace the dependency of latex, the natural material that tyres are made of at the moment. For more reading… http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/news/making-tires-green.html

Continental tyres are also one of the Worlds car tyres development innovators. Over the years they have formed what they call their “green kitchen” to enable them to develop more environmentally friendly compounds, by replacing the more dangerous chemicals used in tyre making with new more eco-friendly products, similar to what Goodyear and other tyre companies are experimenting with. More information…http://www.continental-corporation.com/www/csr_com_en/themes/news/reifenmischung_en.html

Michelin Tyres UK are going down the same road. Michelin have always been at the front of car tyres development, ever since the invention of the “steel belted radial” and are now looking at all possible ways of future tyre development, including the use of old tyres…

“Terry Getty’s, Michelin’s research and development director stated that the tyre giant’s innovation strategy continues to focus on exploiting raw materials to the maximum. He further said that TREC is a perfect illustration of eco-design and will help them creating latest high-performance tyres using high-quality raw materials derived from old car tyres”.

This includes Michelin’s latest tyre, which will not lose any grip all the way down to the tyre tread wear bars, due to the different compound depths within the tyres.

Now more important to switch your Michelin tyres round

Tyre rotation has become just as important as ever, because of the new developments and the need gain every bit of wear that you can out of your tyres. In my opinion there is also a need to match the tyres that are fitted to the car, especially if your car has the latest tyre specs that have been developed between the car and the tyre manufacturers.

We are pleasantly surprised though, how many of our customers do indeed practice this now. They are up to date with the fact that car tyres from different tyre manufacturers are now different and that they should be matched up for a better performance, that will give the car the same handling qualities when braking and cornering, in any type of weather conditions.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. We also sell Economy car Tyres online from our website www.pellonautocentre.com by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. We offer courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. We are also an official MOT testing station and are members of Motor-codes, who carry out checks for high standard of equipment and workmanship.