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Tyre Aquaplaning- Watch out for sudden rain downpour? Especially with bald tyres.

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Tyre Aquaplaning

Like the rest of the planet. Britain has been struck by large spells of torrential rain. Here in Halifax, UK, we are part of the Calder valley, river and canal system. The river Calder is surrounded by steep hills. Also with many small country roads at each side for much of its length. This has a funneling effect for any rain that falls. Especially, heavy rain.

This winter has seen really bad flooding in the Calder valley. As a result, towns such as Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd were very badly flooded. In this case, on Boxing Day of 2015.

Our area was deluged. Therefore, the water was coming down the country roads, like rivers. Accordingly, the vehicle in which I was travelling was fitted out with winter tyres. Because of this, I felt safe and secure in the knowledge that the car would not aquaplane. My car ploughed through the water and I felt confident that my winter tyres were disposing of all the water that the heavens could throw at us.

Tyre aquaplaning is caused when builds up in front of your tyres at a faster pace than the weight of your car can push out of the way. This causes the car to rise up, and creates a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road surface.

Tyre Aquaplaning

When this happens. Then, your car is virtually out of control, Of course, and can have a will of its own. Often, drifting out in any direction and even off the road. The worse scenarios are combined with the lack of tyre tread (bald tyres). We have all seen the effects. As a result on racing tyre slicks, (the racing tyres with no tread pattern at all) when there is a sudden downpour during a race.

The race cars just lose total control, well this is what happens with your tyres aquaplaning.

Better still fit winter tyres, they are not just for the snow, but will get rid of most of the water and will make your life much safer, during any bad weather.

Also watch out when it rains for the first time after a dry spell. The rain mixes with the oil and other chemicals on the road surface and can make it very slippery. This condition often causes many crashes.

If you are driving through a storm and the rain gets too heavy then pull over and stop (when it is safe to do so of course).

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Michelin Star-Not tyres this time-but Michelin Restaurants and their Star System.

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A few months ago I decided to look into the history of the Michelin star rating system for restaurants.

I found it fascinating. Hence, how the whole thing started. From the desire to help the early motorists to secure a good place to eat on their travels. To today’s

the sophisticated way that Michelin award recognition to the best eating places all over the world.

I got it into my head that I must visit such a place to see what the difference is. My wife Michelle and I make sure that we go out at least once a week together and preferably on our own. I must admit that I prefer good Italian food, but now later on in life can take in an Indian meal. Eating out is a good time to reflect on the week gone by and talk about our garage business because we have a large grown up family, it is a real time have a bit of one on one conversation together.

However back to Michelin star?

Michelle’s birthday is on the 17th of December. It becomes increasingly difficult to buy something so near Christmas. In recent years I have treated her to a concert and a hotel stopover (which we both love doing). This year I thought about the Michelin star, and looked up about the Star Inn in a village near Helmsley, in North Yorkshire.

The Star is on the main street of a picturesque village called Harrome, about three miles from Helmsley. I looked it up online and discovered that the Star also

Does overnight accommodation. This also included a taster evening the first night, and because we decided to take the two-night deal the second night included a choice from the a la carte menu.

Did we arrive on wet, misty December day? The rooms were all individually set out. Hence, and were all decorated in a countryside style.

This was to be the first time that I had visited a Michelin star restaurant. I could not wait. Thus, the building itself dates back to the fourteenth century. As a result and from the outside looks small with a beautiful thatched roof. The pub part of the star is like stepping back in time and is one of the best pub’s I have ever visited.

I started to see that this is what every business should be run like? All the staff were very kind and helpful. The most important thing to me though was the staff’s knowledge about the food, the wine and their understanding of the business and the history.

Michelin Star

This is what dealing with customers, and the public is all about. The Star had hundreds of small thoughtful ideas to make the public’s stay a better experience.

This is what running any business (even a garage) was all about, little touches that are not expensive to implicate, but make a huge difference to the public’s experience, when they visit your tyre shop or garage.

The food was out of this world, and the wines we tasted were all part of the experience, I sort of thought they would be because that’s what a Michelin star is all about.

The thing I did not expect was the total business experience? You could compare this with your business experience and procedures, to improve the way that we treat our garage customers and add those little extra touches that make a world of difference, that can also give you a better bottom line.

I must congratulate the Star Inn for opening my eyes. Especially, to the way that a business should be run. Especially a company that deals with the public. So we all can add those little touches that make a difference. hence, to the visitor experience. I like to think that I run my garage and tyre business in a similar fashion. But it gave me a whole new enthusiasm and insight. For this reason, into make better profit margins. By not thinking cheap all the time.

I would like to end by also thanking Michelin for introducing me to the Star Inn; we have decided to make a visit there an annual pilgrimage near my wife’s birthday. I would recommend any business owner to visit and see how a company that deals with the public should be run.

More Information…http://www.thestaratharome.co.uk/

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Broken Engine Mounting-Mercedes A Class thought his engine was dropping out?

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Last week was a busy week, one of the jobs was a broken engine mounting.

The customer came into our garage here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK, with what he thought, “Was the engine dropping out”?

He told us that the Mercedes Class A an increase in engine noise and vibration felt inside the car, as if the engine was ready to fall out?. The customer thought that the noise was even louder, when the car was stood still and idling. The guy was very distraught. He explained how the car made a noticeable thumping noise when he changed gears.

Ryan Linton had a good idea of what it could be. Consequently, the customer left the car with us for examination. Like any other part of the car the engine mountain can be prone to breaking. It is similar to a large exhaust bracket that supports the engine against vibrations. Once it breaks it sounds like the engine will fall out.

A few weeks ago we also had a Mazda 3 in to us with a broken engine mounting problem. The Mazda had a top engine mounting problem and caused the car to vibrate badly when idling. Other cars show different signs, but in general all the noises are stressful, for the car owners.

Broken Engine Mounting

The mountings are checked on the MOT test, but the rubber part of the mountings can break apart very quickly.

Ryan checked out the Mercedes and as suspected the car had a broken engine mounting. Because we are a part of Unipart Car Care centres, all our work is guaranteed and covered by a nationwide warranty scheme. Because of this we use replacement parts that are of the same standards as the original equipment parts.

The engine mounting is the part that holds the engine to the body. Or to the engine cradle (sub-frame) of the car. This is to reduce the amount of engine vibration felt inside the car. Most engine mounts are filled with rubber as shown in the image and works. Because, there will be no direct metal-to-metal contact between the engine and the car body In most cars. Furthermore, the rest of the engine and gear box assembly are bolted together and held in place by three or four other mountings.

Ryan went ahead and removed the old mounting. When the new one arrived he fitted it and the car was as good as new. Ryan road tested the car and gave the

thumbs up. When the guy picked the Mercedes up he was highly delighted with the cost, because he was convinced that he needed a new engine?

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General Tyres 100 Years-A great tyre company from the Continental tyres Stables

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General Tyres 100 Years

General tyres are very well known for their excellent 4×4 tyre range. However nor many people know that they manufacture a full range of summer and winter tyres, for regular cars. All the general tyres are made by their owners, Continental tyres. The tyres are manufactured by Continental, alongside their world winning tyres.

The General tyres use the same casing as the ones used to make Continental tyres. They are the exact same quality and will the driver the same excellent performance that we expect from their Continental parents.

We are now proud to announce that we here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, Yorkshire UK have become the General tyre dealer for the Halifax area. We would also like to congratulate General Tyres 100 Years of been in business.

The regular tyre that we will be offering the Halifax public will be the Altimax Comfort for the regular tyre for summer use and delivers high performance and long service life. The Altimax has a new asymmetric tread, and features the unique Replacement Tyre Monitor and Visual Alignment Indicator designed to indicate tyre wear and provide advice for timely replacement (the legal limit).

This is a great development in General Tyres 100 Years car tyre history.

General tyres also make the Altimax Comfort tyre. ; the Altimax Comfort car tyre ensures a safe grip on wet and dry roads. The non-directional tread also has great attributes, with its durability and great comfort.

The next tyres to come along in the General Tyres 100 Years history, is the Altimax Sport. This tyre guarantees the driver a precise steering experience and safe driving in all challenging conditions. A new, asymmetric tread pattern design with an innovative and up to date silica compound provides the driver with exceptional wet grip and opportunity for high mileage.

General Tyres 100 Years have been developing tyres for many years. All of this experience combined with the manufacturing skills of Continental, have been

precisely aligned to the winter road conditions, here in Europe and has been optimally combined to create the Altimax Winter plus.

General Tyres 100 Years

 Wide longitudinal and lateral grooves reduce the risk of aquaplaning in bad wet weather and provide superb traction. Therefore, this winter tyre with its special compound guarantees high mileage, which is a great plus for a winter tyre. An all-round success and excellent choice for anyone who wants to safely survive the winter in their car!

Finally, we at Pellon Tyres will be stocking the excellent Eurovan 2 tyre . Which achieves high mileage and powerful traction when shifting those heavy loads. General Tyres 100 Years’ experience have helped develop new tread structure. Consequently, which help  enhance brake performance and handling on dry roads and in curves. Because, this is very important for van drivers on today’s busy roads here in the UK. . Staggered opposing tread grooves in the shoulder reduce noise and heighten ride comfort. Because of this the flat tyre contour ensures even wear and lengthens the tyre’s life.

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Motorhome tyres from Michelin-Massive motorhome fit new tyres-sad ending?

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Motorhome tyres from Michelin

Last Saturday saw yet another campervan pulling onto our forecourt for some new tyres fitting. The guy had fitted Kumho tyres in the past but was a little disappointed with the low mileage that he had achieved.

The guy told us that his father always fitted Motorhome tyres from Michelin. His father had two front Motorhome tyres from Michelin fitted about two months ago and was highly delighted with their performance.

Consequently, they pulled his twin rear wheel motorhome into the forecourt and we decided that we should jack the vehicle up and remove the wheels outside. As we were fitting the tyres the customer came into the reception for a free coffee and a chat. I love chatting to my customers, as I believe that it’s all part of giving a good service. Although I don’t always feel like talking all the time, then I make an effort

Motorhome tyres from Michelin

Excellent, Motorhome tyres from Michelin are specially designed specifically for vans and motorhomes; these are the exact tyres for the job. They are called the “Michelin Agilis” and are the ones to fit to achieve a better mileage and carrying capacity.

Especially relevant, they are closely related to van tyres are built with extra performance in terms of load capacity and sidewall kerb wear.  You would be surprised if you saw the campervan owners who fit normal car tyres to their vehicle. Because, the correct tyre choice of campervan tyres can lead to reduced fuel consumption due to reduced rolling resistance. Because of their ability to carry all the extra weight that a motorhome may carry.

Because there is no doubt that this customer has made the correct choice of tyre for his motorhome. Finally, to end on a sad note the guy told me that his father did a six week drive to Spain and sadly past away. He now has to go to Spain and drive his father’s vehicle back home, to sell it.

More information… http://www.michelin.co.uk/tyres/van-motorhome-tyres#type=type_2

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Cabin filters Not Changed- So are too often forgotten, Corteco says

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Cabin filters Not Changed

Cabin filters Not Changed

So, this image tells a story. This is a cabin filter which should be changed on most models of cars. Of course they are not changed!

Cabin filters are very important. Importantly, they filter out all sorts of nasties from entering your cars cabin. Demons like pollen and other invisible irritants that make many people feel realy ill! Hay fever is the enemy that comes to mind.

However, there are many other little monsters that can get into the car cabin area. Dust particles from all sorts of pollutants enter the cabin when the filter is removed or not changed when required.

Should be changed at the correct servicing interval?

So, these filters are part of most vehicles big service. However they are often overlooked and not changed by many service centres. Here at independent garage, Pellon Autocentre we save the old service parts and physically show our customers the old dirty parts. In my opinion this is the best practise. Including, the old air filters and oil filters.

Corteco has highlighted the importance of regular cabin filter replacement. Cabin air filters work to block out pollutants and irritants emitted by other vehicles on the road. Throughout the colder months, filters work to demist the windows

Source: Cabin filters are too often forgotten, Corteco says – Garagewire

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Camshaft Sensor-Peugeot 206 camshaft Sensor Problems and Location

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Camshaft Sensor

Lady customer called in with her Peugeot 206 1.4 with a couple of problems

So her first problem was that the car was difficult to start from cold. Consequently, the battery was turning the engine over but the engine would not fire up !

Also  when she was driving along the engine felt to be juddering. This culminated with a warning light that had come on in the dashboard.

The engine in the Peugeot 206 1.4 is a KFU 16 valve engine. Research into this and we found out that this model of car is a little prone to these kinds of Camshaft Sensor Problems.

The customer left the car with us and we pulled the car in to the garage, for  examination.

First job was to plug the car into our Snap-On engine code reader. So we soon found that the code that came up was a KFU engine code. Which related to the camshaft sensor. The camshaft sensor is located to the rear right hand side of the engine. Of course, at the side of the air box, and is difficult to spot as you can see on one of the pictures.

Consequently. this  sensor is an important part in the evolution of the modern car engine. Thus, helping  your car run smoothly. Because it is hidden away these sensors can be difficult to find. As we soon found out in this Peugeot 206.

The Camshaft Sensor operates from magnets. Hence, collecting information about the camshaft speed of the car. So, information that it gathers is sent to the car computer. This  in turn works out the timing of the ignition. As a result calculates, the timing of the fuel required by the engine. Through the fuel injection system. The information that is sent by this sensor is vital. Hence, for the engine to work correctly.

The Peugeot camshaft sensor in your car can become weak

Peugeot sensors in this particular model can become weak for some reason. Sending out an intermittent signal to the car computer, instead of the correct information. Thus causing the car not to run properly, as in the case of this ladies car. Ryan Linton then proceeded to change the faulty Camshaft Sensor with genuine Peugeot Parts. So, clearing the fault codes in the cars computer. Of course, this did the trick and the car was running smoothly and back to normal! a job well done.

tpms for run flat tyres

Run-Flat Tyres- Why this is still a grey area for the tyre retailer/tyre shop?

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The repairing of Run-Flat Tyres is still a grey area.

What hit home to me was after the following incident at my tyre shop in Halifax Yorkshire UK. A customer from a Timber Merchants. Based just across the road from us. Brought his BMW in to us because the TPMS light had come on. The light showed that the passenger side front tyre had lost some pressure.

On inspection. We found a nail had penetrated the centre of the tyre. Sticking to our policy, we explained to the guy that we did not repair Run-Flat Tyres, and therefore it would require a new tyre. The guy was given the price of a new tyre. He then took his car back across the road and parked it up.

About fifteen minutes later and to our surprise, we saw a mobile fitting van pull up and the guy took off the wheel and repaired the tyre.

I realise it was up the guy to do what he wants with his car and eventually I got over it. It did open my eyes though, to see if the Run-Flat Tyres problem had moved on.

Run-Flat Tyres latest information

I decided to ring the technical departments up myself, to get the information from the horse’s mouth, so to speak?

Out of all the tyre companies that make the Run-Flat Tyres, three companies were against repairing their Run-Flat Tyres; these were Yokohama, Continental, and Pirelli. They were all adamant that they should NOT be repaired.

Amongst the others, BF Goodrich said that repairs were permitted under the BSAU 159 (1990) tyre law, but there could only be one repair maximum.

Bridgestone tyres said that you could only repair their Run-Flat Tyres if the pressure did not drop below 15 psi.

Firestone tyres are the same company as Bridgestone and so had the same Run-Flat Tyres stipulations.

Run-Flat Tyres

Michelin tyres stated that you could repair them using the same BSAU 159 regulations as long as it was a Michelin ZP type. The only exception to this is if the

Michelin tyre state on the sidewall that “this tyre cannot be repaired” only one repair per tyre.

Dunlop and Goodyear are now the same company and when I rang them they said that both makes of Run-Flat Tyres could be repaired to British Standard 159.

Kumho Tyres also stated that their Run-Flat Tyres could be repaired to the BSAU 159.

In line with many of leading tyre companies, I have considered the implications and we will not offer to repair run-flat tyres. In my opinion this is a grey area. I am not prepared to put any of my customers at risk, due a possible tyre failure due to a tyre repair failure. There are too many other considerations that come into play. My main concern is the grey area of “how much pressure the tyre loses”.

We only have the customer’s word for the actual amount of pressure that the tyre may lose. If the tyre has been run on, with little pressure in, then it could look alright, but could have material breakdown. This tyre could look fine but it would not be safe to repair due to structural breakdown.

The link below explains exactly what the BSAU 159 tyre law states and also some updates… http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2003/1316/pdfs/uksi_20031316_en.pdf

all weather and winter tyres

Winter Car Check-Winter conditions will soon be upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere?

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Winter Car Check

Winter Car Check a Bargain?

 

This reminder about a check up for winter from Burrows Garage in Doncaster here in the UK. So, reminded me of the winter checks that we also offer to our customers here in Halifax, Yorkshire UK.

For a small sum of £19.90 we will give your car a levels check. When the winter conditions are imminent we check out the washer and wiper and replenish them with de-icing fluid (anti-freeze). We check the anti-freeze levels in the cars cooling system, as well as the lights and tyres.

This is a popular service for our customers and helps prepare their cars for the worst of the winter conditions ahead.

If we do find any problems with the tyre or lights, then we inform the customer before any other action is taken. We never fit any new parts on a Winter Car Check without the customer’s permission.

Winter Car Check

Fresh, clean oil reduces friction inside the engine, meaning less energy is needed to run the vehicle and that means less fuel is used. Modern oil uses clever technology to ensure more of it bonds to engines internal parts, reducing friction and further wear. In winter conditions it helps keep viscosity in cold and freezing weather.

There are many different grades of oil and you must ensure the correct oil is used for your engine – but take your car to a garage for a levels check, and all this will be handled for you.

I thoughrely recommend that you give your car the treat of a winter service. So which are now ongoing from October to any other time throughout winter. This time of year can be particularly busy, because it is the start of the winter tyre season. As soon as the winter conditions arrive the phones never stop ringing.

Pellon Autocentre Halifax Winter Car Check includes:

  • Top up of coolant
  • Top up of screen wash
  • Battery test and light bulb check
  • Full lights and wiper check
  • Tyre wear and pressure check and report
  • Complete visual health check and report
Davanti tyres

Davanti tyres come to Halifax-Partners with Everton AFC.

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Davanti tyres come to Halifax

Davanti tyres come to Halifax

Eric Roberts is proud to announce that his company Pellon Tyres will be shortly selling the full range of Davanti tyres. So, to those who are not familiar with the name Davanti tyres are a British company . The idea was conceived by the family tyre wholesale business of the founder and still owner of Oak tyres. His name his Larry Cross. Larry and his sons are well in control of this family tyre wholesale business.

The Davanti brand was conceived to allow independent and family owned tyre retailers to have a unique tyre brand. As a tyre dealer myself for over 40 years, then this is a great advantage to be able to market a great tyre product with a chance of making a decent profit. In recent time most profits made from tyres has been directed to the banks of the large tyre wholesalers. These wholesalers are trying to take charge and control of most tyre imported to the UK.

These large companies have all the financial power to buy almost all the tyre products for their own retail outlets and distributing the rest amongst the small independent retailers. Ensuring that the main chunk of profits are kept for themselves.

Larry Cross wanted to break the status-quo

In the past 40 years of been aa tyre retailers then something comes along to break the mold. Either a new tyre manufacturing company to the market place or a new wholesaler with ideas. In this new post covid world we are all looking to sustain our profits. Prices of the services that we have to operate under such as electric and fuel are going through the roof.

Profit is not a dirty word. So to sustain this then I am always looking at new ideas. Looking for a new reliable tyre brand is always a winner. Especially a brand that can give exclusivity in our own area of  Halifax UK. I believe that I have now found the answer in the Davanti tyre brand. The tyre is well tried and tested and will be available for us to sell to our retail customers at a good competitive price.

With the deal available from Oak tyres we will be able to slow price rises and of coarse will help balance our  profit and loss account. Great news going forward and I am looking forward to a good long partnership with the Davanti tyre product.