vw-golf-falken-tyres

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vw-golf-falken-tyres

vw-golf-falken-tyres
vw-golf-falken-tyres

vw-golf-falken-tyres

Falken Tyres for a VW Golf – A Cracking Deal for a Halifax Driver

Yesterday at Pellon Tyres, we welcomed a customer who popped in looking for a good deal on a decent set of tyres for his VW Golf. It was one of those crisp Yorkshire mornings, the kind where you can smell winter slowly creeping in, and folk start realising it’s time to get their motors sorted before the real cold snap arrives. As soon as he mentioned the Golf, we knew exactly what to recommend — a fresh set of Falken tyres.

Now, the VW Golf is a familiar sight on roads right across Halifax. Ever since the first generation rolled into the UK back in the mid-70s, it’s been one of those cars people keep coming back to. Solid, well-built and just good at everything you ask of it. I can remember seeing early Golfs parked around the town centre when I first started the business in the late 80s — small, smart hatchbacks with drivers who loved them to bits. Over the years, they’ve become part of the local landscape, from the streets of Pellon to King Cross and right over to Northowram.

Our customer’s Golf was a modern one, tidy as anything, and clearly looked after. After a quick look round and a chat, we recommended Falken ZE310 Ecorun tyres, one of our personal favourites for Golfs. Falken have come a long way in the tyre world, and more people in Halifax are starting to realise just how good they are.

vw-golf-falken-tyres
vw-golf-falken-tyres

A Bit of Falken History: vw-golf-falken-tyres

Falken started life in Japan in the early 1980s, aiming to produce high-performance tyres without the eye-watering price tags of some of the bigger names. The brand quickly gained popularity with motorsport fans, especially in drifting and endurance racing. That racing heritage matters because all the clever rubber compounds and tread designs eventually make their way into the road tyres we fit on everyday cars.

Here at Pellon Tyres, we’ve been fitting Falkens for years. We like them because they suit Yorkshire roads: plenty of wet grip for our rainy climate, strong performance on rougher rural roads, and good longevity so customers get value for money. They’re one of those “hidden gem” brands—once people try them, they usually stick with them.

vw-golf-falken-tyres
old tyres ready to be removed

Alignment Included — Because It Matters: vw-golf-falken-tyres

After fitting the new Falkens, Dale popped the Golf on the alignment ramp. There’s nowt worse than fitting brand-new tyres and watching them wear out unevenly because the tracking’s out. Halifax roads, with all their potholes and raised drains, can easily knock a car’s alignment out of line. A quick adjustment now saves a customer coming back with bald edges in a few months.

The difference afterwards was spot-on. The steering sat straight, the handling was sharper, and the new tyres sat perfectly flat on the tarmac. The customer noticed it straight away when he pulled away — always a nice moment.

vw-golf-falken-tyres
new tyres ready to be fitted

A Happy Driver Heading Home for Christmas: vw-golf-falken-tyres

He drove off with a big smile, tyres sorted, alignment corrected, and still with a bit of cash left for his Christmas shopping. That’s what we aim for: helping local motorists stay safe without breaking the bank.

If your own motor needs tyres, winter checks, batteries or any other fettling, we’re open six days a week and always happy to help.
👉 www.pellontyres.co.uk – for tyres, MOTs, batteries, servicing and more.
👉 Have a look at our peaceful Yorkshire coast retreat (Lucky Paws) if you fancy a bit of sea air.

First Time Drivers Guide

V W Problem Heater: VAG cabin heating problem

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V W Problem Heater

V W Problem Heater
Secure Your New Vehicle

V W Problem Heater

Importantly, this also includes the following car models: Audi A3 (8V chassis), VW Golf (mk7), Seat Leon (5F chassis), Skoda Octavia (7N chassis).

So, this article explains the repair instructions for a problem with the vehicle’s heater not working correctly. Fixing the heat exchanger blockage fixes the problem and is explained in this attached article!

Resolving Cabin Heater Problems in Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, and Skoda Automobiles

Greetings, esteemed group of automotive aficionados!

Presently, we shall delve into a prevalent concern that may induce chills within your Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, or Skoda. You need not worry if you’ve ever been stuck in a chilly vehicle with a cabin heater that simply won’t turn off; we’ve got your back.

Although several automobile models- V W Problem Heater

such as the Skoda Octavia (7N chassis), Audi A3 (8V chassis), VW Golf (mk7), and Seat Leon (5F chassis), have pleased numerous motorists. Even the most technologically advanced systems can occasionally fail to keep you warm and cosy.

The Issue: Cabin Heater Difficulties


Consequently, what exactly are these cabin heaters? Frequently, the problem arises due to an obstruction in the heat exchanger. This vital component can become clogged with grime, debris, and corrosion over time, impeding the proper circulation of hot coolant and the subsequent heating of the cabin.

However, have no fear, as resolving this issue is not as difficult as it may appear. Instructions on how to restore the functionality of the cabin heater are as follows:

Equipment and Materials Required: V W Problem Heater

Protective mitts and eyewear
One-dish pan
Set of sockets
The clasp pliers for hoses
A brand-new heat exchanger (available at dealerships for Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, or Skoda)
A kit for refrigerant funnels
New coolant (specific to your vehicle model)
First Step: Safety-First
Before beginning any work, ensure that your vehicle is situated on level ground and that the engine is completely cool. Gloves and protective eyewear are required, as you will be handling coolant.

(2) Remove the coolant


Identify the coolant discharge plug or valve located on the radiator of your vehicle. Carefully open the drain while positioning the drain pan underneath in order to extract the coolant. Be sure to dispose of the used coolant in accordance with the correct procedures.

Access the heat exchanger in Step 3.


There may be instances where accessing the heat exchanger requires the removal of interior ornamentation or panels. Consult the service manual for your vehicle model for specific instructions.

Step 4: Hose Disconnection

Identify the hoses connected to the heat exchanger and release and remove them using the hose clamp pliers. Anticipate the possibility of residual refrigerant escaping.

Remove the old heat exchanger in Step 5.


Remove the old heat exchanger’s mounting brackets by unbolting them. Remove it with caution from the vehicle.

Install the new heat exchanger in Step 6.


Install the newly installed heat exchanger and fasten it using the provided mounting fasteners. Reattach the hoses, ensuring that the hose connectors are used to secure them.

Step 7: Coolant Refill


Refill the coolant system with the proper coolant for your vehicle using the coolant funnel kit. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the correct coolant composition and quantity for your vehicle.

Eighth Step: Bleed the Air


Fuel the engine and allow it to operate while the heater is engaged. This will assist in the evacuation of any air pockets present in the system. Monitor the level of coolant and replenish it as necessary.

Step 9: Conduct a heat test


After the level of coolant has stabilised, inspect the cabin heater. Warm air should begin to enter the interior, signifying that the heat exchanger obstruction has been cleared.

Everyone, that concludes it! V W Problem Heater

By employing some do-it-yourself expertise and the proper equipment, it is possible to resolve the issues with the cabin heater in your Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, or Skoda and resume comfortable travel experiences. Keep yourself toasty outside!

Opus IVS has released details of the diagnostic support its IVS 360 VAG team offered to a technician requiring assistance with intermittent heat problems. Job sheet Makes and models: Audi A3 (8V chassis), VW Golf (mk7), Seat

So, looking back to the good old days,

. Then the modern driver knows nothing about car heating problems. As an old but active garage owner, I can go back in time to when certain cars were equipped with a blanket.

Yes, a blanket was provided to put over our laps, keeping us warm. Heaters were very finicky and fragile, often failing to work at all. Especially in cold winters. My first job as an apprentice mechanic brought me into contact with the first British Leyland minis.

These little cars were also freezing cold, with very ineffective heater systems that often failed the driver. Thankfully, things have changed a style including the addition of air conditioning to most car models these days.

Source: Problem job solved: VAG cabin heating not getting hot – Garagewire

vw-polo-winter-service

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vw-polo-winter-service

MOTs
Polo in for a winter service

vw-polo-winter-service

A Bit of Polo History – And Why a VW Polo Winter Service Still Matters in Halifax

The other day here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we were presented with a cracking little VW Polo for its winter service. The car was spotless, clearly well-loved, and the owner wanted it ready for whatever the good old British winter might chuck at us. Wise move if you ask me! Fresh oil, new filters, topped-up fluids — all ready for those cold Calder Valley mornings when engines like to sulk.

Plenty of motorists round here like to tie in a service when they have their MOT test, while others prefer a winter or summer service depending on how they use the car. Either way, it’s still good old-fashioned common sense — look after your motor and it’ll look after you.

Seeing that tidy Polo got me thinking about the model itself. The Polo has been knocking about British roads for donkey’s years now, and it’s become one of those cars you just expect to see in every street in Halifax, Huddersfield, and right across Yorkshire. So let’s have a quick look back at how it all began.

MOTs
VW Polo for a winter service

How the VW Polo Found Its Feet in the UK: vw-polo-winter-service

The Volkswagen Polo first arrived here in the mid-1970s, not long after its cousin, the Golf, made a name for itself. Back then petrol was cheap, cars were boxy, and most of us didn’t worry too much about emissions or gadgets. The Polo was basically Volkswagen’s answer to the rising demand for smaller, cheaper, and more economical motors — perfect for first-time drivers or families wanting a second car.

The Early Days – Mk1 (1975–1981): vw-polo-winter-service

The Mk1 Polo was a simple, straight-talking runabout — very light, very nimble, and absolutely brilliant for weaving round narrow streets and rows of terraced houses. I remember them turning up in Halifax looking a bit dainty next to the clunky British stuff of the time, but they were tough little things.

Mk2 (1981–1994) – The Yorkshire Favourite: vw-polo-winter-service

This is the Polo most of us older folk remember. The square-shaped one, often in bright reds and blues, doing the school run or parked outside holiday cottages in Bridlington. Solid as a rock. Cheap to run. Easy to fix. We’ve seen plenty of these through our doors over the years.

Mk3 (1994–2002)

VW modernised things a bit — smoother lines, better interiors, and engines that didn’t sound like they were full of spanners. These were hugely popular across West Yorkshire, especially with young drivers.

Mk4 and Mk5 (2002–2017)

By now the Polo had fully grown up. Better safety, more gadgets, nicer engines — all the things people expect these days. These models are still coming in for servicing, MOTs, and the odd winter check at our place.

Mk6 (2017–Present)

The modern Polo is miles away from that little 1970s box. Bigger, safer, faster, and full of tech you’d only have seen on much posher motors years ago. Still, the heart of it remains the same — reliable, steady, and ideal for daily running around West Yorkshire hills and valleys.

MOTs
Engine all finished

Why Winter Servicing Still Makes Sense: vw-polo-winter-service

No matter which generation of Polo you drive, a winter service can make all the difference. The cold snaps we get in Halifax — fog one day, icy rain the next — can really test a car. A simple oil and filter change helps the engine cope with cold starts, fresh coolant keeps the system stable, and checking the battery avoids those annoying “click-click” moments on frosty mornings.

And while we’re on batteries…
If you need one, we’ve got plenty over at Pellon Tyres — and we’ll even test yours for free.

(And if you fancy escaping winter altogether, there’s always the warmer months at our caravan over at Lucky Paws Holiday Home, where you can enjoy a break on the Yorkshire coast. It’s not open in winter, mind—but perfect for planning your spring getaway!)

A Little Yorkshire Nod

The Polo has become as familiar to Yorkshire roads as the sight of mist rolling over the moors or the queue outside a good chippy on a Friday night. Whether it’s a student car heading up to Leeds, a family runabout in Mirfield, or a worker’s daily commute to one of the mills or workshops across the Calder Valley, the Polo has simply become part of our landscape.

And long may it continue—especially if they all come in as tidy as the one we serviced this week!

Check Your caravan Tyres

Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

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Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres
Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

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

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. Consequently, 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.

Preferably at the top of the embankment. Importantly, while the recovery truck turns up! Because of the many accidents caused by broken-down vehicles. Of course, other vehicles will lose focus and crash into them from behind.

With the Michelin Zero Pressure run-flat technology fitted to your car,. Then 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 a reduced speed of 50 mph, the tyre will let you travel 50 miles. Naturally, this 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 recommends that you never mix a Michelin Zero Pressure run-flat tyre with a non-run-flat normal radial tyre. The only exception to this rule is if you were stranded in the middle of nowhere. With the only tyre depot for miles around, you could only get a normal tyre. Subsequently, 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- Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

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 cobbled 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 reinforced. Michelin claims that their zero-pressure tyres are not the same and give just as good a ride as their normal radial tyres.

Although I have not tried out a 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 because of the more comfortable ride and 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 – Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

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 started to embrace the new technology, as it has so much to offer.

The combination of a smooth ride and 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 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 downtime

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 tyres because of the better and less harsh ride that is associated with the other run-flat makes of tyres.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offers car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.  We also sell Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres online.

Update: Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres

We’ve noticed more drivers asking about Michelin Zero Pressure tyres lately, so here’s a quick update for folk around Halifax who might be thinking about them. These clever run-flat tyres are designed so you can keep driving for a short distance even after a puncture — usually up to around 50 miles at a steady speed.

Handy if you’re stuck on the tops between Halifax and Haworth, or down some of our narrow Calder Valley lanes where there isn’t space to start faffing with a jack. They’re built with reinforced sidewalls, so the tyre holds its shape even with no air in it. As always, we fit and supply them here at Pellon Tyres, and we’ll make sure your car is properly set up for run-flats if you fancy switching over.

Pellon Tyres is now a member of TyreSafe.org

Part Worn Tyres

Part Worn Tyres: Am I getting soft?

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Part Worn Tyres

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

huge economic changes in their household budgets, but they regard their car as a sanctity, a necessity, and 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 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 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 have 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 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 has bought second hand tyres, but this time the increase is quite 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 is the price deflation of budget tyre brands. My own business has seen a sharp increase in the cheap new tyre market. The manufacturers that are suffering are in the mid-range tyre market, and the leading companies appear to be holding their own, we are still getting our customers asking for their favourite brands. These are usually the older drivers that are known as the “Silvers,” and that includes 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 travelling around has opened my eyes to the fact that 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 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 of tyres that were found to be failing due to the damage that was already present

Of course, when the tyres were fitted to the new customer’s 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 state that part worn tyres should be tested for any faults, damage, or objects in the tyres, and the tyres should be checked while under pressure. Then, after the tyre is checked and found to OK, a special patch should be stuck (vulcanised) 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, I think that we have all been affected by this crisis and will be for some time to come.

We now believe 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, by clamping down on these dodgy tyre businesses that sell this rubbish through stronger law enforcement.

Pellon Tyres is now a member of TyreSafe.org

4 x 4 vehicle-general tyres

Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems

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Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration

Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems

Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems
Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems

Toyota RAV 4 problem just happened overnight

So, as I have said before, one of the great things about owning a garage. Importantly, there is a diversity of jobs that we can encounter. Hence, in any busy working week,. This past week was no exception. One of our lady customers called it with her car, a Toyota RAV 4 !

Alarmingly, the reason was that the car was performing badly when trying to overtake. Especially when she put her foot down, the car was very slow to respond.

She had a new Duel Mass Flywheel fitted about six months ago ! Interestingly,  she had wondered if this could have anything to do with the car’s recent problem?

The Toyota RAV 4 was fitted with the 2.0D-4 D engine. Importantly, she had not experienced many engine problems in the past. In fact, apart from the clutch, the car had been trouble-free.

Ryan road tests the car ! Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems

Ryan, our workshop manager, took the car out for a test drive. So he noticed that the engine warning light was also illuminated . So on his return, he plugged the car into our diagnostic machine. I found that the code PO627 came up. When we looked up the code fault on our diagnostic site,. Then it stated that the problem could be a couple of things.

  1. The internal fuel was below the target fuel pressure that it should be, despite the engine ECU opening the Suction Control Valve (SCV)
  2. Fuel blockage.

Toyota RAV 42.0 D Engines are fitted with a Denso electronic high-pressure fuel pump.  Controlling the fuel rail pressure and the volume of fuel are both replaceable items. Denso also make the Fuel Pressure Regulator (we call it the SCV) that can cause power problems with the Toyota RAV4

Problems.

Ryan suspected it to be the SCV, and this was confirmed by a quick phone call to a friend of ours who specialises in diesel engines and fuel pumps. He told us that the SCV valves had given him the most problems with this particular RAV 4 engine fault, and so we took it upon ourselves to tackle this particular problem.

A new SCV ordered for the Toyota RAV 4: Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems

We contacted the customer with a price. Reluctantly, she gave us the go-ahead to carry out the necessary work on the car’s engine. We could only buy the SCV parts from the Toyota dealership. Unfortunately, they were not available from any of the local factors.

The first part of the job was to remove the two bolts that fasten the radiator expansion tank to the car. Allowing you more room to work. Importantly, you can see this in the picture the arrow is pointing to ! Where the fuel pump is located. Down near the yellow dipstick top. Ryan then had to remove the air intake/inter-cooler pipe.

The only difficult thing that Ryan could see was the location of the pump and where the SCV’s were located; they were located at the back of the pump, making the job a little fiddly.

When the new Toyota RAV 4 valves arrived,. Hence, they were both coloured differently. So, one was green and the other red. It was important that the new ones fit where the old ones had come from.

Hence the colour coding.

The valves are held into the pump by two heavy duty Allen screws each and were eventually freed by using an heavy duty Allen key type bit that fitted into an impact wrench set, with an extension tube to give him some leverage. This did the trick and the screws finally gave in to the pressure.

An important thing to watch out for is that the valve seats have two O-rings. These O-rings must be replaced and refitted into the valve seats; Ryan lubricated them when fitting them back, before the new valves were fitted back onto the pump.

Possible loss of fuel ! Toyota RAV 4 Poor Acceleration Problems

Another observation is that you will lose a small amount of fuel when doing this job, so protect the immediate area of the pump with some old cloth to soak up the diesel that comes out and you will not make a mess on the rest of the engine or the garage floor. We also thought it would be worth fitting a new fuel filter, and so we did.

When Ryan completed the work

he then re-set the Toyota RAV 4 engine diagnostic trouble codes , with our engine diagnostic machine and it then only took a couple of attempts to re start the engine. Because there would have been a little trapped air in the system from when the valves were removed. If you are doing this job at home inn one of these vehicles, we do recommend that you keep everything as clean as possible and do not let any dirt or other contamination onto the new valves.

The job only took about an hour

Including the ordering of the parts. Later the car was road tested and found to be cured of the problem. Happily, our lady customer picked up the Toyota RAV 4 paid us and went on her way a happy customer.

This problem can also be found on the following Toyota models

Toyota Avensis 2.0 D-4D (CDT220) 1999>2003,Toyota Avensis Verso 2.0D-4D (CLM20) 2001>2005,Toyota Corolla 2.0 D-4D (CDE110) 2000>2001,Toyota Corolla Verso 2.0 D-4D (CDE120) 001>2004,Toyota Corolla 2.0 D-4D (CDE120) 2001>2007 (90bhp & 109bhp),Toyota Previa 2.0 D-4D (CLR30) 2001>2007. This information is from Blue Print.

Winter Tyre Storage

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Winter Tyre Storage

Winter Tyre Storage
Polestar for its winter tyre s fitting

Winter Tyre Storage

Winter Tyre Storage – An Austrian Idea That Works Brilliantly in Halifax

A few years ago, while visiting a tyre company in Austria, I stumbled across an idea that really stuck with me. The garage reminded me a lot of Pellon Tyres, but of course, their winters are very different. Up there in the Austrian Alps, snow is simply part of life for half the year. Every car seems to wear winter tyres, including Continental, Pirelli and Vredestein, and the roads are kept open thanks to good preparation and the right rubber on the wheels.

As I looked around the workshop, I noticed a clever system that many garages over there had adopted — tyre storage for their regular customers. When the cold weather arrives, drivers come in for their set of winter tyres, and the garage stores their summer ones in a clean, organised warehouse. When spring returns, they swap them back over, and the winter tyres go back into storage until next time. It sounded so simple but also like a service that people genuinely valued.

I thought, why couldn’t we do that back home in Halifax?
We may not get Alpine levels of snow, but we do get plenty of cold, icy days where the right tyres make all the difference. So when I returned, we decided to give the idea a go — and I have to say, it’s been one of the most successful additions we’ve ever made to our business.

Winter Tyre Storage
polestar-winter tyres fitting

How the Tyre Storage Works: Winter Tyre Storage

It’s all very straightforward. When a customer buys a set of winter tyres from us at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we offer to store their summer tyres safely at our depot. We label them clearly, log them on our system, and store them in a clean, dry area where they won’t be exposed to sunlight or temperature changes.

Then, once the warmer weather rolls back around, the customer comes back, and we swap the tyres — refitting the summer ones and putting the winter set into storage for the next cold season. There’s a small fitting charge each time, but it’s a great deal for both sides. The customer saves space at home, and we stay in touch with them throughout the year, making sure their car is ready for whatever the Yorkshire weather throws at it.

Winter Tyre Storage
summer tyres removed for storage

Benefits for Our Customers: Winter Tyre Storage

The beauty of this system is convenience. Many people simply don’t have space in their garage or shed to store four bulky tyres. Others worry about keeping them in damp or cold conditions where the rubber could deteriorate. By leaving them with us, they know their tyres are being looked after properly, and they can just book in when the season changes.

It also means that when we refit the tyres, our team can check the tread depth and general condition. If one is wearing unevenly, or a valve needs replacing, we can sort it there and then. It’s another small way we keep our customers safe and their cars running smoothly.

A Win-Win for Everyone: Winter Tyre Storage

From a business point of view, the storage system helps us maintain a steady relationship with our customers. Instead of seeing them just once every few years, we now see them twice a year, often catching small issues early. It’s also given us a reputation for offering that bit of extra service, which has always been part of the Pellon way.

Yesterday, while I was at the depot, we were visited by a sleek Polestar electric car for a set of tyres. It made me smile, thinking how far the motor trade has come. From the days of simple petrol saloons to modern electric vehicles, one thing never changes — tyres are still the only part of a car that actually touches the road. Whether it’s a futuristic EV or a family hatchback, the right tyres at the right time of year make all the difference to safety and handling.

Winter Tyre Storage
4 of these winter tyres to be fitted

Looking Ahead: Winter Tyre Storage

As more drivers discover the benefits of winter tyres and proper seasonal maintenance, our storage system continues to grow. Some customers have been with us since we first started it, and it’s become part of their yearly car routine. It’s nice to think that a simple idea from an Austrian garage has become such a valued part of what we do here in Halifax.

If you’re thinking about getting winter tyres fitted this season, pop in and ask about our tyre storage service. We’ll take care of the rest—and when the sun comes back out next spring, we’ll have your summer tyres waiting, ready to roll.

“Just like we store customers’ tyres safely each winter, we also shut up Lucky Paws at Thornwick Bay until the warmer weather returns.”

 

Daewoo Matiz Engine management light problem

VW Polo Performance Problem

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VW Polo Performance Problem

VW Polo Performance Problem
VW Polo Performance Problem

VW Polo Performance Problem

So, after the school summer holidays have finished,. Fortunately, then we start to get busier in the garage repair side of the business. Happily, the tyre side starts to pick up nearer November, with the approaching winter.

Like many other garages, we try to plan our work schedules. Booking the various car repair jobs accordingly.

One particular day last week

We were fully booked and very busy. Subsequently, a breakdown truck turned up on the forecourt with a black Volkswagen Passat on the back. Firstly, the car looked to have had a small front-end shunt. Because the front wheel was sticking out at an angle. The VW Passat was a 2009 TDi, and the car had been bumped when parked up in the local supermarket.

We pulled the VW off the trailer and pushed it onto a ramp. We soon discovered that the front wheel had been hit and had completely bent the steering arm. This totally disabled the car from being driven. The remedy was easy; a new steering arm was fitted, and the car was given a laser Wheel Alignment to correct and re-set the steering. The owner picked up his car and went home happy.

The next car with an engine problem: VW Polo Performance Problem

We were not so lucky with the next car that was booked in for the engine shuddering and banging. The car was a 2002 VW Polo 1.4 TDi. It belonged to a friend of the family’s son, who had just passed his driving test.

The VW Polo had been left with us, and we took the car out for a road test to try to find out what the problem was. The first thing that we noticed was that the clutch had gone, but there were other things going on at the same time; it was a mix-match of problems. Since the customer had great faith in us, we decided to fix the clutch first. We removed the clutch housing and found that the clutch had indeed gone.

After replacing the clutch, the VW Polo did go a little better, but the engine was definitely not right; it was shuddering and juddering.

The VW Polo Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) had to be checked out.

The MAF sensor is the instrument that checks the temperature and the weight of the air that is entering the VW Polo engine. This information is then sent to the on-board computer, which calculates the correct amount of fuel that the engine requires to operate.

The sensor works by measuring the current that is required to check the temperature while the air blows past. The MAF will start to clog up with dirt and other particles over time, and this blockage is the thing that can cause your engine to have problems. The symptoms are exactly what were related to this problem. Poor starting; the engine would not run properly and would not accelerate, especially up hills.

Clean MAF sensor: VW Polo Performance Problem

Some people say that if you can clean the MAF sensor at regular intervals, then these problems would not arise, but we have always found that we have had to replace the part. Importantly, we also fitted a new air filter, and the VW Polo was a different car. It was road tested, and the change of the MAF sensor revitalised the car, returning it to normal engine functions.

We also noticed that the steering had a knocking noise: VW Polo Performance Problem

and a vibration, and on inspection, we found that the car also needed a front arm rear bush. We fitted this new bush and adjusted the wheel alignment. Here at Pellonautocentre we can repair all makes and types of cars.

It was an expensive day for the customer, but you would be surprised at how many of our customers drive their cars until it drop to pieces. Nothing new there?

Just a few problems that we can get: in a busy garage.

Also sell Pirelli Car Tyres online from our website.

TPMS warning light Ignored

Pirelli Run Flat Tyres: Can We Repair Them?

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Pirelli Run Flat Tyres

Pirelli Run Flat Tyres
Pirelli Run Flat Tyres

Pirelli Run Flat Tyres

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

So, the whole concept surrounding these tyres is based on safety. Both for their car and, more importantly, for 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 with.

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

A tyre fitting machine: Pirelli Run Flat Tyres

I also had to 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 friendly product.

Because Pirelli had also taken the time to not only make the tyre 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 apply 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 vehicles such as the BMW range, including the BMW Mini models.

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

The high volume of cars that are now fitted with run-flats. So, it has helped me think 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 they 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

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: Pirelli Run Flat Tyres

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 Run Flat Tyres 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 Flat Tyres

Pirelli Runflat tyres

Pellon Tyres offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Selling Pirelli Run Flat Tyres online from our website www.pellonautocentre.com by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size.

Pellon Tyres is now a member of TyreSafe.org

Driving on Bad tyres

Driving on Bad Tyres: Risking Lives,

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Driving on Bad tyres

Driving on Bad tyres
Driving on Bad tyres

Driving on Bad tyres

So, this is a question that I often ask myself! Of course, as the owner of a tyre business here in Halifax, UK,. Responsibly, have we, as an industry, educated the public? Enough about the dangers and safety aspects of having baldness or other dangerous things wrong with the tyres on their cars.

Just as in every other walk of life in this world,. So, we have different types of tyre-buying consumers. Significantly, we have rich and poor people of different races and colours who all drive cars on our roads. Of course, the majority of us uphold the laws of our country. Including motoring laws! So, to make it a safer place for us all to drive about,.

This is a good thing, in my opinion.

Enabling a person from another country to drive about. Of course, to look for, say, a job or to look for accommodation. We have all seen cars driving around from all over the world. Generally, I think that this is a good thing. I love to visit other countries in my car. Significantly, it is one of the pleasures in life that I have always enjoyed. But I always check the important driving laws of the country that I am visiting. Before I embark on my journey,.

The point that I am making is: do we educate drivers enough about the facts about better road safety and the general upkeep of our cars? It seems to me that as a nation, we should be hammering home the safety aspects of driving and looking after your car so that it is also safe for other road users. This also includes immigrants and other foreign visitors, including foreign students.

We should perhaps give them a copy of our highway code in their own language; whether or not they will look at it is up to them, but it would be a step forward. On a student website, it is recommended that if you are going to drive here in the UK, you should buy a copy of the Highway Code, available from most bookstores for £2.50. More reading…”Help for International Student Drivers “

A mixture of foreign visitors that have good knowledge about their tyres

Here in Halifax, UK. We have a large mixture of people from other countries and continents. All of them are welcome as our customers. It is an interesting subject to study the different attitudes that people have towards road safety.

This includes all of our customers, not just visitors. I think that we should make everybody more aware of the laws and rules that we have to stick to make the UK a better place to drive in.

I have been lucky enough to visit many countries in my life. So, like most tyre guys, I always end up looking at the tyres on the cars. Usually in some car park.

It is no surprise to me that the poor countries. Such as Egypt, which I recently visited. Think nothing about driving their cars  Driving on bad tyres. Driving on bad tyres is simply a matter of economics. The richer countries that I have visited. Europe and the USA all have high standards. They are richer and can usually afford to have better tyres fitted to their vehicles.

Education is a must for all drivers: Driving on Bad tyres

I think that the problem that we have in the better off countries. Importantly, are having the crossover of different  backgrounds. In my opinion we should all re-educate the public. Keeping the high standards that we now enjoy. Some sort of campaign would remind the car driving public about the safety aspects. Of driving around in cars with tyres that are within the law.

One of the best moves that the British government have made was the introduction of the MOT test, and this model has also now been adapted in many other countries. The MOT test is carried out on the car a does not take into account where the drivers are from or the ethics of the drivers when it comes to road safety. The cars are tested and the failures must be rectified before the car can be driven on the road again.

MOT Test catch out bald tyres

Many of the worse tyres that we see have been picked up on the MOT Test Requirements and thank goodness for that? We are now finding many more cars that are coming to us with bald or faulty tyres fitted to them, and the tyres have to be changed before the car is road worthy or not.

Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax we also fit tyres from other garages that carry out MOT tests. One of these garages rang up the other day to ask us to collect four wheels and tyres from an MOT that he had just failed. Jim the other garage owner had asked me to take a look at the condition of these tyres, as he was both amazed and amused at the state of three of the tyres.

Shocking tyres: Driving on Bad tyres

Adam one of my drivers picked up the wheels and asked me to take a look. I could not believe that this car had been driving on our roads. Dangerously, with his tyres in such bad condition. So, you can see the state of them in the pictures that we took.

Many of the tyre problems that we are coming up with, are stemming from the rise in the sale of part worn tyres and I believe that this covers my whole article, I believe that our standards are being eroded by a lack of education across the whole of the driving public and this should be tackled before the situation gets any worse.

One of the organisations that are supporting the battle against Driving on Bad Tyres are www.tyresafe.org and you can see some of their excellent work by visiting their website.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Tyres are available online at discount prices