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Michelin Tyres Development-Set their Targets High as far back as the Thirties

2nd February 2023/in All Michelin Tyres/by Eric Roberts

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It is no surprise to the older drivers amongst us that Michelin Tyres Development has always been at the forefront of tyre design

Ever since I started work as a junior tyre fitter all those years ago. So, I have marveled at the skill and professional work. That Michelin Tyres Development have put into their products. Even going back before my time ! French tyre makers were at the top of tyre development.Subsequently, all the other tyre companies were playing catch-up.

Enter the first steel belted radial that started it all off for Michelin tyres.

This was to be the tyre that changed their history. Including the great American tyre makers of the time. Of course, this new tyre from Michelin tyres was to be a far cry from the cross ply. Significantly, made by most other European tyre companies . Including, the Bias-belted tyres that were been developed in the USA.

The new Michelin Tyres Development was to be known as the Michelin”X”. Consequently, first appearing in 1949 (a year after I was born). This tyre would revolutionize the tyre industry ! With a product that would last longer and prove better car handling. Especially, for the type of suspension that was used on European cars.

This tyre was to be fitted as original equipment to Lancia and Citroen cars and also to the Mercedes 190 SL models.

It took a good ten years before the other tyre makers started to catch Michelin Tyres Development up, all trying to copy the steel belted “X” tyre.

Compared to the cross-ply tyre the radial gave many advantages. They gave a much better mileage and road holding, ( I must admit that when I was in my early tyre fitting days. I can remember drivers complaining about Michelin being bad in wet weather ?). This also gave added bonus of lower fuel consumption, a great

bonus for some of those old gas guzzling cars.

This is also the same time that imported cars were coming into the UK cars such as the Citroen 2 CV and Renault Dauphins.

More reading… “The Dauphine took over from the 4 CV in 1956, but not as a replacement. The name dauphine (heiress) was highly significant. Release was a major event on the motoring scene, and followed up by a successful career on French and export markets.
Dauphine played its successor’s role to the full, boasting all the latest features of the epoch, such as adjustable seats, heating, and an automatic gearbox. The finish was very smart, with a red and black steering wheel and matching seats. The dashboard layout was uncluttered, and the interior roomy.
Dauphine was a four-seater, with rear bench and two separate seats at the front. In January 1957, the US motoring weekly The Motor crowned it the “prettiest little four-seater in the world”. Sure, it was beautiful, elegant and shapely, totally in keeping with spirit of the 1960s.”…http://www.renault.com/en/vehicules/hier/pages/renault-dauphine.aspx

The Dauphin did not do too well in the “Cold Damp British climate”

So, soon had a bad reputation for bad rust. But it did come out on Michelin tyres, and I will never forget. Of course, the first time I had to remove one of these products from the rim. The tyre just fell off the wheel it was so easy to do. A big improvement on the struggle we had when fitting Dunlops . In those days we only had a hand held tyre bead breaker and some tyre levers, balancing was carried out on a small “bubble” wheel balancer which I still believe never really worked.

To conclude Michelin Tyres Development have never looked back and in the early days. Because of their better cornering they were used in the early motor-sport cars with great success.

017 EFB Batteries-Numax and Lucas Car batteries are back again

1st February 2023/1 Comment/in All Battery Information/by Eric Roberts

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017 EFB Batteries

017 EFB Batteries-here in the UK

So, bringing this post up to date in 2021 then the EFB battery is becoming very popular. Happily for us the winter of 2020/21 has become a very cold snowy winter. Whist most people hate the bad weather then of course we love it. Cold weather means a little more business for us. Specialist products give us a few more sales than normal. However, this year is the year when batteries on new car sales from a few years ago are due to be replaced! Including the start-stop batteries known as the EFB and the AGM.

Vehicle owners will have noticed by now that these batteries are more expensive than a regular car battery. Of course the batteries are different due to technology and more expensive parts inside the battery.

Numax EFB batteries a great mid range battery

So, when sourcing a good priced battery for my customers I finally chose the Numax brand. Firstly, Numax are available at the moment! Like many other products then batteries are suffering shortage problems. Mainly due to the massive demand from consumers after battery factories were shut down due to the “Corona Virus Pandemic”. This is causing, massive shipping problems with stock orders going out of the window.

However, Numax and Lucas are now the same products and are coming through at regular intervals.

Lucas brand AGM Batteries

There has been an increasing degree of partnership with Japanese corporations. Such as with Sumitomo on car-body systems . Or Yuasa Battery Company. In response to the growing likelihood that Japanese components firms. Therefore, will make inroads into the European market . So as deeply as they already have in the United States. Lucas Automotive have had success in 1989 in attracting orders. From BMW and Saab-Scania . Thus, for fuel injection systems . Was an indication of its ability . Hence, to compete directly in Europe… http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/lucas-industries-plc-history/

As we can see in this. History of the Lucas company . Then, Lucas were doing cross country deals. In the expanding car component sector. Including, a deal that was struck with Yuasa batteries of Japan. As a result, these batteries went under the Lucas batteries brand name. They were imported with many battery part numbers .Coming into the UK and the USA that were unfamiliar to the British battery manufacturers .

Yuasa batteries actually started producing batteries in the USA in 1979. Producing car and AGM batteries . Hence, in 1996 the great Lucas empire. Merged with the American company Varity Corporation and the UK part of the company.

017 EFB Batteries

Lucas Premium Batteries-Key to Hassle-Free-Car Maintenance from Johnson Controls

1st February 2023/in All Battery Information/by Eric Roberts

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Lucas Premium Batteries

Of course, since I wrote this post in 2016, then things in the automotive industry have moved on. Especially, in the battery world. Including Lucas batteries!

Because of new emissions laws then the auto industry have had to develop cleaner and greener engines. Emission laws have become much stricter and car makers have had to develop cleaner engines. Including “Start-Stop “engines. I think we all probably know by now what this is. However judging by the emails that i have to respond to on Ebay ! Then you would not think so.

Customers still want the cheapest car battery possible ?

So, customers with large cars are always trying to cut corners by asking about the cheapest battery for their car. Annoyingly, they are always asking if our small 063 battery will fit their vehicle ! Of course the correct battery is usually ten times bigger and more powerful ! But they would fit the cheapest car battery possible if the could !

So, why this is I will never know ! This brings me on to “Stop-Start” batteries. Because of the constant switching on and off of the car engines that are fitted with stop-start then a stronger battery with a deep cycle capability had to be developed. So, this development came in two forms! The AGM car battery and the EFB car battery.

Consequently, the AGM battery comes out on the larger car models and the EFB car battery on the smaller car models. This is usually the general rule of thumb. So, without getting too technical, your battery will state which type it is. Of course the images on this post clearly show the different types ! AGM of EFB.

Not only are batteries a mode of transportation

Significantly,battery selection can be a reflection of their respective owners. Of course, this relates to the selection of different types of Lucas Premium Batteries and which car drivers buy. So, as I have siad earlier some of our online customers just want the Cheap Car Batteries. Whilst other people prefer to buy a better known brand, such as Lucas Premium Batteries.

If you require a certain type of battery for your vehicle. Say with a different terminal type,such as early Ford vehicles, like say the Ford Cortina or early Ford Escort. Of course, you can look for products on the search engines and type in ” Batteries to fit Ford Cortinas”.

Owning a vehicle has also become supposedly easier

Because there are more options now and the second hand car market is more organized and sophisticated. Of course, thanks to the Internet and e-commerce. However, a lot of people prefer to hold on to their old cars and vans! Because the not-so-recent global economic crisis has decreased their purchasing power. the average family in the UK spends £3000 a year less than before the financial crisis started.

So,for these reasons, it is important to keep your vehicle in tiptop shape for as long as possible. naturally,this could be achieved with proper vehicle maintenance. Apart from the periodic oil changes and tune-ups ! So, it is also crucial that your car be installed with dependable and well-performing Premium grade Batteries.

Even with the advent od electric cars, the majority of the world’s vehicle owners drive cars run on fossil fuels.

Because of engine development including on-board computers. Specifically,these cars require more a more powerful supply of electric energy ! Without good quality Premium Batteries .Your car will not be able to start !Nor will it be able to have access to electrical power in the event of an alternator failure.

In addition, as I have said, nearly all recent car models have an on-board computer . Which is also powered by electrical charge supplied by the car batteries. Suffice it to say, people must pay as much attention to their car batteries as other aspects of their cars. There are numerous dealers of well-known brands such as ApolloPower batteries, Varta batteries, and of course Lucas batteries. All of which can be found at regular shops or online battery stores. They are best places to go to for information and recommendations for the most suitable Premium Batteries for your particular vehicle. There are certain factors to consider in choosing a Replacement Car Battery ! So be aware of these ! Consequently, by ensuring the longevity of your battery and the overall stress-free maintenance of your vehicle.

The first consideration is which battery is for you.

This can be determined by your old batteries part number ! Also by measuring the dimensions of your existing battery, including the terminal layout ! There are standard group sizes which cover all types of Lucas batteries.

You can find out the group size of your car battery by checking the owner’s manual or through certain online sources for battery cataloguing. Another important factor to consider is what the Amp/Hr rating is for your battery ?

This is an important element in choosing a good car battery . Because it determines how long the battery can supply the required electrical power. Of course, in case the car’s alternator fails to function. In my opinion,the best way to make sure that you buy the correct one ! So is to replace it with exactly the same part numbers as the one on the car.

For extra assistance, then you can also telephone your online dealer to help in choosing the correct one for your vehicle. Beware of online companies who are not willing to help you. On the whole, a confident honest company will have all contact details at hand to give you the correct advice. In the event of not giving you there contact details then do not buy from them ? Subsequently, they may not be there in two years time ! To cover you in case your battery should go faulty.

What is Cold cranking amps ?

Cold cranking amps or CCA refers to your power rating in terms of its ability to start your vehicle . Supplying electrical power even during extremely cold weather. Naturally, you will can indeed choose a new battery with a rating CCA higher than or equal to car’s original one. This will ensure that your car will continue to operate smoothly even in the harshest winters. Last but not least is the quality of the brand of the car battery that you can buy .

As I have reiterated before, there are many brands to choose from ! But only a handful are reliable and of good quality. In the UK, you can easily find Lucas Premium Batteries for any type of vehicle. Along with other makes and types, this is one of the most cost-effective brands known for its long life and stability.

Eric Roberts

Change wipers during drier months for optimum visibility, First Line says

31st January 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorised/by Eric Roberts

Despite the warmer, drier weather being associated with the summer months, the importance of having fresh wiper blades with good adhesion to the windscreen glass is just as important as any other time of year,

Source: Change wipers during drier months for optimum visibility, First Line says

Heat Causes More Tyre blowouts-A surge following excessive UK temperatures

31st January 2023/0 Comments/in All Part Worn Tyres Stuff, All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

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Heat Causes More Tyre blowouts

So, this is good advise from the attached article (Garage Wire). Importantly any extra heat build up will put any suspect tyres at risk. I am thinking mainly about tyres that have not been repaired correctly. Of course this brings me onto part worn tyres. In my humble opinion that unless these tyres are tested then the motorists could be driving on death traps.

Well worn tyres also come into this category. There is no excuse to be driving along on bald worn out tyres. However it is still surprising at the number of my customers in Halifax UK are driving about on such tyres.

So, tyres are produced under very high temperatures. Consequently heat is one of the tyres worse enemies. Thus the hotter the tyre gets during operations then the higher the risk of some kind of blowout. Any tyre that has been incorrectly repaired will be at a higher risk. Tyre repairs are governed by certain UK standards and laws. However, there are unscrupulous member’s of our society that ignore these rules. So putting the drivers who look for a cheap job on their tyres at risk.

Stick to new tyres if possible!

Of course as the owner of a tyre centre then I would say this wouldn’t I! However it makes safety sense to stick to buying new tyres where possible. Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we try our best to give our customers a good deal. We sock and offer a great range of quality brand cheap tyres. All are brand new and much safer in red hot weather, such as we have recently witnessed.

Motorists have this week been suffering with tyre blowouts this week after the UK was hit with its highest ever recorded temperatures. Driver were urged to remain vigilant as tyres are at a much bigger risk

Source: Tyre blowouts surge following excessive UK temperatures

Dishonest MOT testers a Nightmare-Halfords MOT tester admits issuing 31 fraudulent certificates

30th January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters, Automotive industry/by Eric Roberts

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Dishonest MOT testers a Nightmare

As the owner of an MOT station then I must sympathise with the huge multi nation companies that are involved with MOT testing. Thus, MOT testing is a very important and trustworthy job to have. So, you are not just working for your particular company but are doing this in conjunction with the UK Government. Consequently, a very responsible position to hold.

In my business in Halifax UK, we have two testers. Both these guys hold very high positions in my business. Indeed they are the key to a successful garage business. As a garage owner we are held fully responsible and regularly checked by the VOSA MOT standards agency. If I had hundreds of MOT testers working for me then I would not sleep at night.

Total trust essential.

Multinational companies such as the company in the attached article must have a difficult job selecting the correct candidates to be an MOT tester. If they get it wrong then heads will certainly roll. So, as I have said as the business owner I am held totally responsible for any wrong doing or Illegal practises by my MOT testers.

Importantly testers are operating under fair but strict rules. Therefore I find it impossible to get my head round the way that these important members of our staff are selected and also kept under control of these strict government guide lines. So, this is probably why that every so often we read stories like this. Members of staff that just cant work within the rules. Consequently this tester from Taunton was caught and prosecuted whilst working for Halfords. I can only hope that these massive companies treat and pay their testers with the greatest of respect, as I do. Otherwise it will surely be big trouble for them!

A Taunton-based MOT tester has admitted issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the required checks. Anton Keith Fricker pleaded guilty to 31 counts when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Courts on July 13 following a

Source: Halfords MOT tester admits issuing 31 fraudulent certificates

096 New Car Battery -Check Your Alternator as well as your old battery

30th January 2023/1 Comment/in All Battery Information/by Eric Roberts

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096 New Car Battery

096 New Car Battery and Car Alternators

If your car requires another 096 New Car Battery. Hence, it is well worth having your cars dynamo checked out. We here at batteriesontheweb.co.uk have fitted thousands of car batteries . Only for the car

owners to return in a week or two . Stating that theirs is “not working very well”. Only to find out after a test. That it is not working correctly.
When you have a new one fitted . Then, you should ask yourself a few questions?.

Has yours failed? Are you absolutely certain that it isn’t something else . Such as the starter?. Determining which part has failed . Therefore, is essential toward avoiding unnecessarily costs . By

replacing something that hasn’t even really failed. Although it is usually the case the faulty alternator can also have damaged your 096 New Car Battery. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to determine that your has failed and has not in fact, packed in?.

If you own an voltage testing machine, you can test to see whether your car’s Alternator is charging correctly. For most people this isn’t practical, as few motorists own such an expensive piece of equipment. For everyone else, there is a practical way for you to easily check to see if yours is working properly:

096 New Car Battery

1: Connect a volt meter to your 096 New Car Battery. These can only cost about £6 from E-Bay and are a useful tool to own.

2: Start your car

3: Observe the voltage output on the volt meter so that you can make an accurate determination.

If there is an increase in voltage when you start your car,

then your alternator is more than likely working just fine. It will be most Likely that your battery is the culprit; check the 096 New Car Battery itself and the connections to make a final determination.

If there is no increase in voltage, you are likely looking at having to replace your alternator.

The next step, of course, is to determine whether you will replace the alternator yourself or have someone else do the job. Some things to keep in mind as you weigh your options include:

If you trust your vehicle to a local service centre. Of course that will the total cost of the work be including the part and labour? Will there be a guarantee? From a local centre they will certainly be a guarantee, on most parts this will be 12 months on electrical goods and 2 years on other parts.

If you decide to do the work yourself, do you have all the tools on hand to get the work done? Do you own a repair manual? Do you want to purchase a new alternator or will a re-conditioned unit do the job? Another option would be to buy one from the local scrap yard, but you could be in a similar position six months down the road.

096 New Car Battery

Your choices today are much greater than they were say ten years ago, before internet shopping became a strong factor in bringing down the price of high auto parts prices. Several online wholesalers, including the Andrew Pages(now closed) of this world. This way of buying is fine but to-days cars are becoming much more refined and complicated and even we at PellonAutocentre in Halifax make mistakes and order the wrong ones.
In my opinion it would be best to leave the job to the experts, who will give you a FREE car battery test and also knowing that the work carried out will be guaranteed throughout the UK, to give you a great peace of mind.

Dangerous Part-Worn Tyres-Trading Standards prosecute deadly tyre sellers

29th January 2023/in All Part Worn Tyres Stuff, All Tyre Safe.org stuff/by Eric Roberts

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Dangerous Part-Worn Tyres

TyreSafe has today distributed the following release.

Of course, as members of “Tyresafe” then we are pleased to see that some of the people selling these things are brought to some sort of justice !

Including, the good news of recent convictions of retailers. Consequently, across the whole of the UK. These have once again highlighted the potential risks. Significantly, aimed at unsuspecting motorists take when taking the risk of buying part worn tyres.

Cases in Scotland and London revealed how dangerous and illegal tyres were being sold

Subsequently, part worn tyre traders who sell these to the public. So, have been investigated by Trading Standards and TyreSafe. Resulting, in each instance, that the retailers have now faced stiff penalties and fines. Hence totalling thousands of pounds.

Expressly ,in December 2018, the owner of Springside Tyre and Valet Centre. So, in Irvine, Scotland was handed a 120-hour Community Payback Order. Explicitly, for breaches in product safety and consumer protection regulations. Of course, following prosecution by Trading Standards officers from North Ayrshire. Accordingly, at the accused hearing. So, it was revealed tyres had been offered for sale with an 80 mm nail through a sidewall. Including a part worn tyre with a mechanics socket embedded in the tread.

In other cases

Subsequently, over a two month period, three other part worn tyre dealers were prosecuted. Henceforth, by Brent & Harrow Trading Standards having to pay a total of over £15,000. Another prosecution, in January 2019, the director of Grays Tyres (Kingsbury) was fined £3,600 and ordered to pay £1,112 costs. Including a £60 victim surcharge. Directors of S & F Tyres Ltd (Kingsbury) pleaded guilty on behalf of himself and his company. Both of which were each fined £2,500 and ordered to pay £1,122 costs and a £50 victim surcharge.

In February the director of Pennant Tyres (Willesden) was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,117 and a victim surcharge of £75. Colleagues in Ealing brought charges against the director of JFH London Ltd trading as Perivale Tyres (Greenford), who entered a guilty plea and was fined £500 and ordered to pay prosecution costs.

Stuart Jackson, Chairman of TyreSafe, said:
“The continued vigilance of Trading Standards teams the length and breadth of the UK means at least some illegal and unsafe part worn tyres are being removed from the market. However, it is clear we are just scratching the surface of a trade where a completely unacceptable level of professional incompetence and worryingly high proportion of dangerous products are being sold. Nobody is arguing for an outright ban of part worns but when over 60% of tyres inspected by Trading Standards and TyreSafe are unsafe to return to the roads, it is clear that the sale of part worn tyres all too often represents a clear and present danger to road safety”.

MOT backlog peaking in October-DVSA data suggests – Pellon Autocentre Halifax

29th January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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MOT backlog peaking in October

So, this graph shows the expected peak when motorists will have to have their cars MOT tested. Along with these cars will be the ones that are due for testing after the August 1st deadline. Crucially, this will mean a very busy time for testing stations to cope with the huge expected influx. Of course it is not only the tests but the work that has to be done once a car fails.

I suspect we will have to add a temporary extra day to cope. With the expected spike in extra MOT failure work. Looking back it all seams a bit crazy and in my opinion the MOT exemptions had no need to take place. In fact many drivers are still having their vehicles tested. Importantly, it is still up to the car owner to make sure the car is roadworthy.

Insurance companies will be reluctant to pay out if an accident occurs and the car is found not to be roadworthy.

Here at pellon Autocentre we will continue to encourage our customers to have their test done on the due date. Firstly as I have just said it is their duty of care to make sure the car is in a good state of repair. Including, such things as tyres are kept in line. However I have an air of excitement now. So cant wait for some catching up to be done! especially after weeks of staff furloughing ?

Eric Roberts

The number of MOT tests is set for a dramatic increase following a return to mandatory testing on 1 August, DVSA data seen by Garage Wire shows. The number of tests is expected to overtake pre-exemption
Source: MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests – Garagewire

Nissan Navara-Blocked EGR Valve

28th January 2023/0 Comments/in All Car Repair Articles/by Eric Roberts

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Nissan Navara-Blocked EGR Valve

So, we are now starting to increase our work-power after the drop in business due to the “Corona Virus” pandemic. Importantly cars are now been driven after the long lockdown. Because vehicles of many shapes and technologies have been stood about unused then different problems are occurring. The other day was no exception with various cars turning up. Including a Nissan Navara with engine running problems.

The Navara was suffering from a few problems! Mainly suffering from a reduction in power. Hence the car was struggling to accelerate without much power. Immediately, we suspected a problem with the EGR valve. Importantly, EGR valves play a vital role in controlling your vehicles exhaust emissions. Introduced to aid vehicles that are controlled by strict emissions regulations in place.So, our laws governing this come from the European Union at the moment.

However like most mechanical and electrical parts can eventually go wrong! Including this Nissan Navara. So here at Pellon-Autocentre, Halifax, then we make sure that we have all the latest electronic diagnostic tools and associated equipment. Of course all my regular customer know that we have a team of highly trained technicians. Categorically, enabling our staff to diagnose and treat any EGR valve problems.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR)

There is no doubt that the EGR valve is an important part when it comes to the smooth flow and running operations of the modern car engine. Failure of this valve can lead to a reduction in power as in the Nisan presented to us. Other problems ensuing will include a reduction in fuel efficiency, the vehicle will start using more fuel. This problem is often picked up on the MOT emissions test. Causing the vehicle to fail the test due to emissions failure.

The EGR valves eventually get sooted up. Especially when the vehicle is only used locally. Of course, motorway driving increase the heat of the engine and therefore keeps the soot level down by burning the soot off.

So, this Nissan was found to have a very heavily sooted up EGR valve as seen in the image. After cleaning with a special fluid the EGR valve worked fine and the Nissan was back to normal running, including fuel efficiency.

Eric Roberts