Most female customers are very confident when buying anything, including having their car repaired.We now even have more female
So in general then I think that the garages who try to deceive female customers off. Of course, will be dishonest and also try to pull the wool over the eyes of all their customers ? men and women. “THESE GARAGES ARE A FOOL TO THEMSELVES”. So, our lady customers know when they are not been told the truth.
Hence, if the price looks and sounds wrong, then it probably will be wrong.
We are not currently members of Unipart Car Care Centres. Having regular Servicing tips meetings and contacts with other garages.
It is our experience that ourfemaley customers make up 60% of our total customer base. So, if a garage wants to keep this very important customerbase,e then the ladies have to betreatedt in the correctmanner,r especially by our mechanics..
Female customers look for a trustworthy garage- Servicing Tips for Women
Believe me the ladies know what they are on about and would not go to the garage with their car that they did not trust. So, if they thought that they had been ripped off, they would not go back there a second time. Another addition to this story is that we now have an increasing number of female mechanics, with many Motor Mechanic Jobs going to females.
Incidentally, they are just as competent as male mechanics and are probably more sensible. A strange thing happened the other day? a lady customer who was in for an MOT test asked us the price of a service to go with the MOT test. The lady agreed to the price and we duly did the work;The lady was happy with the job and the price paid and went home satisfied. About an hourlater, the ladies husband rang us up and told us in no uncertain words that we had RIPPED his wife off. WOW.
HERE IS A SECOND OPINION…Servicing Tips for Women
“You don’t ‘suggest’ a price to the garage looking to do the work, whether you know a bit or not. There is a price for the part(s) and a price for the labour. The part(s) you can research, but they may be privy todiscounts, etc. that you aren’t due to trade links, and the labour charge you either agree to or don’t.
You could dispute the number of hours charged, but if you think it would take a shorter time, do it yourself. What a daft American study from three probably biassed and slightly bitter women who have fallen foul, in theiropinion, of the motor trade”…
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/car-repair-garage.jpg331444Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-05-01 19:39:172026-05-01 19:39:17Servicing Tips for Women
We’ve had a good number of Ford Focus vehicles arrive at Pellon Tyres in Halifax. Since its debut in 1998, the Focus has been a steadfast favourite on UK roads, so it’s really no surprise. It’s a dependable workhorse, a family-friendly hatchback that can handle both a lengthy road trip and a short trip to the grocery store. However, we discovered that even the reliable Focus can experience occasional problems when a recent customer brought one in with grinding brakes.
The Issue of Grinding
When the driver used the brakes, this specific Ford Focus made a noise that sounded like a metalworking factory. Grinding sounds are never a positive sign, and it was simple to identify the cause once we got it up on the lift. In fact, the front brake discs and pads were dangerously old and in poor condition.
The metal backing plate may scrape against the disc due to worn brake pads, which reduces braking effectiveness and produces that terrible grinding sound. In addition to being a typical example of wear and tear, it serves as a reminder of the significance of routine maintenance. If left unchecked, this might have resulted in an accident or, worse, a far more expensive repair.
Ford Focus Front Brakes Overhaul
A Brief Overview of the Ford Focus Tradition
In the world of automobiles, the Ford Focus is somewhat legendary. Thanks to its cutting-edge engineering and contemporary style, it quickly became popular and replaced the Escort in the late 1990s. Its many revisions have kept up with the times while maintaining its original formula of reasonable performance, affordability, and usefulness.
The focus is all around Halifax and the United Kingdom. Whether you’re taking the kids around Calderdale or heading up to the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend escape, this type of vehicle is suitable for any kind of lifestyle. We manufactured the third generation model in our shop between 2010 and 2018. Even though these cars are reliable and sturdy, they are not unbeatable like other cars.
Why Do Brake Issues Like These Occur?
Brakes may experience issues for a number of reasons. The issue with our customer’s Focus stemmed from normal wear and tear. If not replaced immediately, brake pads will naturally deteriorate over time and begin to eat away at the discs. However, additional elements may also be involved:
1. Habits of Driving: Your brake pads will deteriorate more quickly if you use your brakes a lot, which could be the result of aggressive driving or a lot of city driving.
2. Halifax’s hilly terrain: Pay attention to our local roadways. Your brakes may suffer from the high slopes in Halifax and the neighbouring Pennines, particularly if you ride them frequently on the descents.
3. Inexpensive Components: Occasionally, consumers choose less expensive brake components. Although it may save a few pounds up front, this frequently results in less dependable brakes and faster wear.
4. Neglected Maintenance: By neglecting regular maintenance, possible problems like this one may go undiscovered until they become serious ones.
Ford Focus Front Brakes Overhaul
Ford Focus Front Brakes Overhaul in Halifax – Staying Safe on Yorkshire Roads
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we often see vehicles come in with brake problems that could have been sorted much earlier. One recent job involved a Ford Focus that needed a full front brake overhaul.
Brake issues are not something to ignore, especially when driving around the steep and often demanding roads of Halifax.
🚗 The Problem – Worn and Noisy Brakes
The customer brought the vehicle in after noticing a grinding noise coming from the front of the car.
This is one of the most common warning signs we hear about, and it usually means:
Brake pads are completely worn down
Metal is contacting metal
Damage to brake discs has already started
By the time you hear grinding, the problem has already gone beyond a simple pad change.
🔧 The Solution – Front Brake Discs and Pads Replaced
In this case, the solution was straightforward.
We carried out a full front brake overhaul, which included:
Replacing the worn brake discs
Fitting new, high-quality brake pads
Checking the braking system for any additional issues
Using good quality parts is important, as braking performance directly affects safety.
🛣️ Road Testing Around Halifax
After fitting the new components, we carried out a full road test on local roads.
This is something we always do to ensure:
The brakes are operating correctly
There are no noises or vibrations
The vehicle is safe to return to the customer
The result:
👉 Smooth, quiet braking and full performance restored 👍
The customer drove away happy — and more importantly, safe.
⚠️ Why You Should Never Ignore Brake Noises
It’s tempting to ignore small noises, but when it comes to brakes, that can be a costly mistake.
Grinding or unusual sounds can lead to:
Increased repair costs
Damage to discs and calipers
Reduced stopping ability
The longer it’s left, the worse it gets.
⛰️ Halifax Driving Conditions Make Brakes Even More Important
Driving in and around Calderdale means:
Steep hills
Frequent braking
Stop-start traffic
All of this puts extra strain on your braking system.
👉 Nobody wants to be caught out on a steep Halifax road with failing brakes — it’s simply not worth the risk.
👍 Regular Maintenance Saves Money
One thing we always say is:
👉 Catching problems early saves money
If the customer had come in sooner:
It may have just needed brake pads
Instead of discs and pads
Regular checks and servicing can prevent larger repair bills later on.
☕ A Friendly Reminder
We always try to keep things simple and straightforward here.
If your car is making a noise: 👉 Don’t ignore it 👉 Get it checked
We’re always happy to have a look and give honest advice.
And as we like to say here in Halifax…
👉 Let’s get the kettle on and sort it properly 👍
👉 Book Your Brake Check in Halifax
If you’re concerned about your brakes or hearing unusual noises, you can book in with us online:
Buy Tyres Online in Halifax – Fast Local Fitting at Pellon Tyres
If you’re searching to buy tyres online in Halifax, you’re in the right place. At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we’ve made it easier than ever for local drivers to choose, book, and fit tyres without any hassle.
Whether you’re commuting across town, heading over the Pennines, or just popping into Halifax centre, having the right tyres fitted safely is essential.
🚗 Order Tyres Online in Minutes: Buy Tyres Online in Halifax
Halifax has a long history as a hard-working Yorkshire town, and like many local businesses, we’ve grown alongside the community. From the days of textile mills to today’s busy roads, one thing hasn’t changed — the need for reliable, safe motoring.
👉 Book Your Tyres Online Today
If you’re looking for tyre fitting in Halifax or want to buy tyres online quickly and easily, visit the following:
It only takes a few minutes to get booked in, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your vehicle is in experienced hands.
🚗 Tyres to Suit Every Journey Around Halifax
Whether you’re nipping through town, heading up towards the hills, or commuting further afield, having the right tyres fitted makes a big difference to comfort and safety.
Roads around Halifax can be unpredictable with changing weather, steep climbs, and the odd pothole, so it’s always worth choosing tyres that suit your driving needs.
By using our online system, you can take your time comparing options and make sure you’re getting the right balance between price, performance, and durability — all backed up by local fitting you can trust.
Well, we’ve finally experienced some summer weather here in Halifax—genuine sunny days that might make you feel like you’ve mistakenly arrived in Spain!ly arrived in Spain! With the heat comes the moment when you step into your car, turn on the key, and anticipate a refreshing blast of cold air, only to be met with a sigh of disappointment.
We’ve had quite a few customers popping in recently with air con complaints. Most of the time, it’s nothing major—the gas has just run low and needs topping up. Your car’s air conditioning system, like anything else, needs a bit of TLC to keep working properly.
The proud owner presented us with a beautiful red Jaguar just the other day. After conducting a thorough inspection, we discovered that the condenser was malfunctioning. A quick replacement later, and the air con was back to its full icy glory. This resulted in another satisfied customer and a car that is now ready for summer driving!
At Pellon Tyres and Autocentre, we offer full air conditioning system checks and re-gassing services. It’s a quick job that makes a huge difference, especially if you’re planning any summer road trips. A well-maintained system keeps you cool and helps demist your windscreen in winter too—so it’s useful all year round.
Jaguar in for Aircon Condenser
How Does Air Con Work in a Car? Jaguar in for Aircon Condenser
In simple terms, your car’s air con works by removing heat and moisture from the air inside the vehicle. The system relies on a special refrigerant gas, a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a few other components. Over time, the refrigerant can leak out or become less effective, which is why your cold air turns lukewarm—or disappears altogether.
The condenser, like the one we replaced on the Jaguar, is a key part. It’s like a mini radiator that cools down the gas from the compressor and turns it back into a liquid. Blockage or damage prevents the system from performing its function properly.
Other common air con faults include: Jaguar in for Aircon Condenser
Leaking pipes or seals
Faulty compressors
Blocked or dirty cabin filters
Electrical issues with fans or switches
It’s blowing warm air instead of cold
There’s a musty or damp smell coming through the vents
It’s making odd noises when switched on
The windows are fogging up more than usual
It hasn’t been serviced in a couple of years
Customers, particularly those in newer cars with automatic systems, often fail to recognise the need for system checks. However, rest assured that we are always available to provide a thorough explanation and inspection.
Jaguar in for Aircon Condenser
Why Bother? Jaguar in for Aircon Condenser
Apart from keeping you cool and comfy, a working air-con system helps keep the car safer. It clears steamed-up windows fast in winter, stops you from getting drowsy in hot traffic, and even filters out some pollen and dust—handy for anyone with hay fever.
Therefore, if your car’s air conditioning system is malfunctioning, whether it requires a simple re-gas or a more complex repair such as the Jaguar’s condenser, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We will address the issue and ensure you return to driving in comfort.
Stay cool! We’ll take care of the problem and make sure you can drive comfortably again.
A Bit of History About Pellon Tyres
Pellon Tyres has been part of the Halifax community since 1989, when I took over a small section of the company from a retired chap who was sadly retiring due to illness. Back then, it was just a modest little garage, but over the years we’ve gradually expanded, bit by bit, to take over the full site we have today.
We have always operated as a family-run business, supported by a loyal team that maintains a strong focus on providing good, honest service. From puncture repairs to MOTs and everything in between, we’ve grown into a trusted local name—and we’re proud to still be here helping drivers from Halifax and beyond, more than 30 years later.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpg00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-04-30 19:39:072026-04-30 19:39:07Jaguar in for Aircon Condenser
Car Air conditioning brings many problems for their drivers
Car Air conditioning
Car Air conditioning
Here in Halifax in the UK, we are experiencing a particularly warm and pleasant summer. We are at the moment in the middle of the main holiday season and trade can be a little hit and
miss. Many of our customers have had their cars serviced in preparation for their summer holidays, so the servicing side of the business can be a little slower this time of year.
However, one of the things that have kept us going in this hot summer is the number of cars with Car Air conditioning systems that break or have never worked for years.
The hot weather makes them dig deep into their pockets and have theair con Operating Systems serviced or repaired. The cars that come to my garage with problems are usually older cars and some come to us complaining that they are having strong smells coming from inside the car.
This is due to the Car Air conditioning system not been used often
with a build-up of nasty’s in the evaporator located just behind the dashboard, this consists of molds, fungi and bacteria, that can cause some drivers to feel ill. This problem can be remedied by using an anti-bacterial spray which should get your car back to smelling fresh again.
Unfortunately, the Car Air conditioning system in cars are not covered by warranty and the system will need servicing from time to time when the gas starts to deplete and the air con system stops working properly, leaving the driver hot and sweaty.
For some reason motorists in the UK, where we have four seasons a year switch off their air con systems in the winter time. I do not think they know that you can run the air con and the car heater at the same time and also the smaller cars with the lower engine capacities will use much more fuel and so they switch the air con off.
Car Air conditioning system can dry out if not used
This result is that the system will dry out and start to damage some of the internal parts. Including small “O”, rings that act as seals within the air con system.
These are normally lubricated by the “PAG OIL” that circulates within the system when the air con is in use. The consequences of this are the refrigerant gas that is confined to the system . So,will leak out through the broken “O” ring. Causing it not to work.
To find where the leak is we have to re-gas the system . So,and try to find the leak with a special chemical .That we use to show us where the leak is and then repairing the fault.
In fact, this was the case just the other day. A customer called into to see us with a problem with his Car Air conditioning. In fact, it was not working at all.
The car was an older Volvo V40 and the customer always switched the air con off in winter. The car was five-year-old and so we started the process of re-gassing the system. So, in order that we could find out what the problem was.
Indeed, we used our special leak-detecting tool.
Finding out the place where the gas had leaked more or less straight away. The problem was due to his air con system drying out. Breaking one of the “O” ring seals.
This is a common thing with most cars. If the engines do not run then the hoses and other rubber parts will dry out and perish, because of no lubrication exactly the same as the air con system, the “PAG OIL” circulates in the system and oil all the parts when the system is running.
The particular “O” ring was located in the high-pressure pipe part of the condenser which had to be removed and a new one fitted. Here at Pellon Autocentre can repair most models of cars air con and heater systems in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire.
Many other things can go wrong with air con
but I will cover those when and if they happen in other blogs.
The new “O” ring was fitted and the driver drove away much happier with his nice cool Volvo.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes and models of vehicles. Significantly, we also sell tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk . Finally, by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size.
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we’re here to keep you safe on the road all year round.
The Mclaren super car maker to end the wiper blade.
Rumours are rife that the McLaren car maker is considering introducing this type of technology into their new models. It would be great to see if this idea works, but not if you are a wiper blade manufacturer.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/first-wiper-blades.jpg400267Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-04-29 19:39:022026-05-03 09:33:27WIPER BLADES – Things of the Past?
Check Your Levels: Before Hot Weather Driving – Essential Safety Tips for UK Motorists
When the sunshine finally arrives in Yorkshire — usually all at once — drivers start heading off on day trips, coastal runs, and long weekends away. But every year we see the same thing here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre: cars arriving in our bays suffering from problems that could have been easily avoided with one simple reminder…
👉 Always check your levels before you set off.
Hot weather puts extra strain on your engine, cooling system, brakes, tyres… basically everything. A five-minute check on your driveway can save you a world of trouble later on — including breakdowns, overheated engines, or worse.
Let’s go through the essentials.
1. Engine Oil Levels – The Lifeblood of Your Engine
Your engine oil is the number one thing that keeps everything running smoothly, especially when temperatures rise. Oil thins out when hot, so if your level is already low, your engine has to work twice as hard.
Most modern engines now use synthetic oiland specific grades designed to protect the engine at high and low temperatures. If you’re unsure which oil your car needs, don’t guess — pop down to Pellon Autocentre, or check your handbook.
Key tip: Always check your oil when the engine is cold and parked on level ground.
Check Your Levels
2. Coolant Levels – Crucial in UK Heatwaves: Check Your Levels
Coolant prevents your engine from overheating. In hot weather and slow-moving traffic (and we all know Yorkshire gets its fair share on bank holiday weekends), coolant is absolutely vital.
If your level is low, your car can overheat surprisingly fast. This can warp your engine head, damage gaskets, and cost thousands in repairs.
A quick top-up before setting off makes all the difference.
3. Washer Fluid – Don’t Get Caught Short on Motorways
It sounds simple, but drivers forget. Dust, pollen, insects, sea spray near the coast — they all smear across the windscreen and can completely block visibility.
You don’t want to be scrambling for a bottle of water to pour over the screen on the hard shoulder.
4. Tyres – The Most Important Part of Summer Safety
This is the part we see go wrong most often.
Hot roads + under-inflated tyres = tyre blowouts.
Your tyres are made using heat processes, so when they’re already warm and the tarmac heats up to 50°C or more, the pressure inside rises. If the tyre is already weak, worn, or under-inflated, it can explode.
We see plenty of customers every Monday with blown tyres that could have been prevented.
Avoid part-worn tyres. They might look like a bargain, but you don’t know where they’ve been or what damage they’ve suffered.
A quality new tyre — even a budget one — is always the better and safer choice.
Set off earlier or choose a quieter route when possible.
7. Basic Summer Safety Checks Every Driver Should Do
Before you head out:
Check all fluid levels
Top up washer bottle
Test wipers
Check lights
Inspect tyres and pressures
Make sure your spare wheel or repair kit is ready
Ensure your breakdown kit and phone are charged
Five minutes now can save you hours later.
Local Yorkshire Weather Challenges: Check Your Levels
Here in Halifax and across West Yorkshire, the landscape adds extra strain:
Steep hills
Stop-start driving
Sudden changes in weather
Heavy traffic through towns like Huddersfield and Bradford
Cars overheat faster in this environment, making level checks even more important.
Final Thoughts – Check Your Levels & Stay Safe
Hot weather is great, but it brings challenges for both drivers and vehicles. A few simple checks can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your engine, and keep your family safe.
If you’re unsure about anything — from tyres to oil grades — we’re here to help at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre in Halifax, ready to get you sorted quickly and safely.
Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine whenever it decides to arrive!
As we always remind our customers here in Halifax, looking after your car in hot weather isn’t just about topping up the odd fluid — it’s about keeping the whole vehicle calm and comfortable when the temperatures shoot up.
Modern engines run much hotter than older ones, and that means coolant levels, oil quality and even brake fluid condition become far more important on long summer drives. If you’re unsure which oils or fluids your particular model needs, you can always look on our Pellon website for guidance: 👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk
Check Your Levels
Another thing worth checking before you set off is your car battery. Many people associate battery failures with winter, but the truth is that heat damages batteries too. Hot weather increases evaporation inside the battery, which leads to sulphation and a sudden loss of performance.
We regularly see cars turning up at the garage after a long trip to the coast with warning lights flashing, simply because the battery has overheated. A quick battery check can save you from being stranded on the roadside.
You should also keep an eye on your brake performance during hot spells. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and when temperatures rise, this moisture can heat up and cause brake fade.
If your brake pedal feels spongy after a steep drive through the hills around Halifax, it might be time for a fluid change. The DVSA also reminds drivers that braking efficiency is a key MOT requirement — worth reading here: 👉 https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot
Finally, let’s not forget about summer fuel economy. Many drivers notice their MPG dropping during warm weather, often because the car is working overtime to run the air-con while crawling through traffic.
Poorly inflated tyres can make this even worse. By keeping your pressures spot-on and your tyres in good condition, you’ll save money, improve handling, and reduce the risk of a blowout. You can find more tyre advice and booking options on our site: 👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk
We always check the system properly before doing anything, so you know exactly what’s needed.
💡 A Simple Tip (Most People Don’t Know This)
Even in winter, it’s a good idea to:
👉 Run your air conditioning for 10 minutes every couple of weeks
This helps:
Keep seals lubricated
Prevent gas loss
Stop the system from seizing up
🚙 Getting Ready for Summer
With warmer weather finally arriving across Halifax, now is the perfect time to get your air con checked.
Don’t wait until:
You’re stuck in traffic
Heading away on holiday
Or trying to cool the car down on a hot day
👉 Get it sorted early and avoid the rush.
👍 Final Thoughts: Air Conditioning Problems Halifax
Air conditioning problems are one of the most common issues we see at this time of year, and they’re usually quick and straightforward to fix if caught early.
Here in Calderdale, with our mix of damp weather, hills, and everyday driving, it’s no surprise that systems need a bit of attention.
So if your air con isn’t performing as it should, pop into Pellon Tyres — we’ll be happy to take a look and get you sorted.
❄️ Understanding Air Con Gas – Why Prices Can Differ
One thing that often catches customers out when they come in for an air conditioning service is the difference in price. The main reason for this is that modern cars use two different types of refrigerant gas, and they are not the same.
Most older vehicles (generally pre-2017) use a gas called R134a.
This has been around for many years
It’s widely used and more affordable
Still perfectly effective for cooling
However, newer vehicles are now fitted with a newer type of gas called R1234yf.
Introduced to meet environmental regulations
Has a much lower impact on the atmosphere
But is considerably more expensive
💷 Why the New Gas Costs More
Customers are often surprised at the difference, but there are good reasons:
The newer gas is more complex to produce
It requires different handling equipment
It’s designed to be more environmentally friendly
👉 All of this adds to the cost of servicing systems that use it.
🚗 How to Tell Which Gas Your Car Uses: Air Conditioning Problems
Most drivers won’t know which system their car has, and that’s completely normal.
At Pellon Tyres, we can quickly check this for you, but as a rough guide:
Older cars → usually R134a
Newer cars (around 2017 onwards) → likely R1234yf
There is usually also a label under the bonnet confirming the type.
👍 Why This Matters for You
The important thing is the following:
👉 Your system must be filled with the correct gas
They are not interchangeable, and using the wrong one can cause damage.
That’s why it’s always best to have your air conditioning serviced by someone who knows exactly what your vehicle requires.
💬 A Simple Explanation We Give Customers
We often say it like this in the workshop:
“It’s not that the job is different — it’s just the gas your car uses.”
And once people understand that, it makes perfect sense.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars – Are They Still the Future?
Over the years at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, I’ve seen plenty of changes in the motor industry. From carburettors to fuel injection, and now electric cars, things never stand still.
A few years ago, there was a lot of excitement about hydrogen fuel cell cars, and many people believed they would quickly become a real alternative to petrol, diesel, and even battery electric vehicles.
So where are we now?
🚗 What Is a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car?
Put simply, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle works by:
Taking hydrogen gas from a tank
Passing it through a fuel cell
Creating electricity to power the motor
The only by-product is: 👉 Water vapour
So in theory, it’s a very clean system.
🌍 Why Hydrogen Looked So Promising
There are some real advantages to hydrogen:
Quick refuelling (similar to petrol or diesel)
Long driving range
Zero emissions at the tailpipe
Lightweight compared to large batteries
And as you rightly pointed out, hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements in the universe.
⚠️ So Why Haven’t They Taken Over? Hydrogen Fuel cells
This is where things have slowed down a bit.
Although manufacturers like Hyundai and Toyota have developed hydrogen cars (such as the Toyota Mirai), the biggest issue has been infrastructure.
👉 Simply put:
There are very few hydrogen filling stations in the UK
Most are concentrated around major cities
So for drivers in areas like Halifax, it’s just not practical at the moment.
⛽ The Infrastructure Challenge
Unlike petrol stations or EV charging points, hydrogen requires the following:
Specialised storage
High-pressure systems
Expensive installation
Although there were plans to roll out more hydrogen stations across the UK, progress has been slower than expected.
🔋 Electric Cars Took the Lead: Hydrogen Fuel cells
While hydrogen was developing, battery electric vehicles moved ahead quickly.
With companies like Tesla leading the way and government support for EV charging networks, electric cars have become far more common.
👉 Charging points are now widely available 👉 More models are on the market 👉 Costs are gradually coming down
So electric cars have taken an early lead.
⚙️ Efficiency and Production
Another important factor is how hydrogen is produced.
Most hydrogen today is still made using fossil fuels, which reduces its environmental advantage.
There is “green hydrogen” (made using renewable energy), but:
It’s currently more expensive
Not yet widely available
So while hydrogen is clean at the point of use, the full picture is more complicated.
🚛 Where Hydrogen Is Still Strong: Hydrogen Fuel cells
That said, hydrogen is far from finished.
It’s actually showing real promise in areas like the following:
Heavy goods vehicles (lorries)
Buses
Industrial transport
These vehicles benefit from:
Quick refuelling
Long range
👉 Which suits hydrogen perfectly
👍 My Honest View from the Trade
After 45+ years in the motor trade, my view is simple:
👉 Hydrogen will be part of the future — but not the whole answer
For everyday drivers:
Electric cars are currently more practical
Infrastructure is already in place
But hydrogen could still play a major role, especially in commercial transport and specialist vehicles.
🧠 The Future – A Mix of Technologies: Hydrogen Fuel cells
It’s becoming clear that the future won’t rely on just one solution.
We’re likely to see a mix of the following:
Electric vehicles
Hydrogen-powered vehicles
Improved petrol and hybrid systems
Each will have its place depending on how the vehicle is used.
🌱 Final Thoughts
Hydrogen fuel cell cars once looked like they might take over quickly, but the reality has been more gradual.
They are:
Clean
Efficient
Technically impressive
But until infrastructure improves, they remain a smaller part of the market.
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We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
