So, I suppose this lesson that I am about to teach you could be a lesson for all types of business, not just garages! This type of customer has always been a laughing point when the garage guys meet over a pint of beer!
Subsequently, we vey often get onto the customer who calls into the garage and says ” could you just fit a set of front brake pads, or could you just fit me a “head light bulb”. Yes these are just customers you have to avoid!
The sign in the car window that I have used as the image for this post.
Unquestionably, this says it all. Admitably, not all small jobs go wrong! However, your staff must be made of the customer who just pops in and they are tempted to fit the “small job” between customers that are already booked in.
So the number of times that these so-called “small jobs” have been fired would amaze you. Of course, the latest and most common one is “can you just fit a light bulb“. This is one that you need to watch out for! Some are relatively easy to fit. However, many are also a nightmare, requiring half the cars front end to be stripped down before the bulb can be fitted.
Another similar problem is the “can you fit my own brake pads “customer.
This is a temptation to a new garage owner. So a customer walks in with new set of usually cheap brake pads and asks you if you can just fit these! As tempting as it may be, we never fit customers own parts. Consequently, you will always find that its not just the pads that are gone. So, then you are in a dilemma. Probably one that you never needed. Garages and similar industries cant do “right for wrong”!
Garage Owners Beware
So we all know the other problems
associated with the simple job of just fitting a set of brake pads. Anything can go wrong, and believe me, it often will. My advice is to stay clear of these customers.
Established garages will know all their good customers and will generally be too busy to accommodate the “can you just” brigade. My advice is to stay clear of these people and politely say that you are fully booked and, in any case, do not fit customers own parts.
Driver of the Peugeot 406 could not switch off the engine
Peugeot 406 Lights
Subsequently, the first time that we saw this particular car was when it was in for an MOT test. Gloomily, the owner said that the car would probably fail the test. Because some of the lights were not working as they should! However, the owner’s disappointment came to an end when the car passed the test.
Surprisingly, contrary to what we thought, all the lights were indeed fine. In good working condition. The weather at the beginning of the year. Indeed, it was warm and sunny. The customer picked up his car ! and we heard nothing from the customer or his Peugeot 406 (with the suspected lights problem).
Peugeot turns back up with a central locking problem- Peugeot 406 Lights
So, we did not see the car again until later in the year. Turning up again with an unrelated problem. Hence, the central locking was not working as it should ? We checked out all the likely things and found nothing to miss. When the car was in our hands, the central locking was working fine. Subsequently, we could not find any problems.
The customer collected his Peugeot 406 back home, and sure enough, he returned with yet another problem ! The car’s side lights were in a permanent position. In other words, they were switched off but remained on (if you get what I mean) .So,once again, we checked all the likely culprits. Including the fuses and switches, and everything was just fine. Significantly, the car was having a number of “lights and other electrical problems” at differing times (very strange). When investigating, we found this clip from another Peugeot owner with similar problems in the forum of the Peugeot 406 web-site…
“Then, with the car locked, the brake lights came on. Then went off, then glowed dimly then stayed on. At this point I pulled the fuses for the brake lights and nothing at all happened. The lights stayed on. Disconnected the battery and then reconnected. Lights stayed off until I tried the brakes with the ignition on. “I removed the BSI (with the battery disconnected) and (with battery back on) turned on the ignition to find all the lights still lit up. Must be the dash board. Out with the dash on with the soldering iron.
Every pin and connection to the dials. Put back in; no joy. Brake lights are on with or without the dash board. removed the brake light switch. (What a swine that is to remove!)—lights still on! I looked for all the earth points around the car. I got to the drivers foot well and I could hear a buzzing noise. Could it be a relay?”…
Of course, this was a problem that we had not come across before. Surprisingly, the whole thing came to a head when the car engine would not switch off ! To stop the engine from running, we had to stall the car’s engine. Amazingly, we just could not find a problem.
Had to call in an a Citroen/Peugeot expert ! Peugeot 406 Lights
As a last resort, I had to call for help and enlisted the help of a mechanic friend called Richard. Richard had heard about this problem before and went straight to the foot well of the driver’s side.
The weather was terrible for a couple of weeks prior to the cars problems occurring ! Torrential rain and wide-spread flooding were a national problem ! Because of all the heavy rain here in the UK, the footwell had become flooded. Consequently, when we lifted the carpet at the driver’s side, we found a wet, soggy mess.
Peugeot 406 wiring was rotten with the wet ?
Specifically, the Peugeot 406 lighting and engine problems were found . Subsequently, the plugs that connected the wiring together were perished and rotten. Of course, causing all the short-outs and strange electrical things to happen. Firstly, we drilled a hole to release the water . Secondly, we re-wired the damaged wires together. So, it was very time-consuming, but a good job was done. We still do not know where the water is getting in, but I have added some advice from the Honest John website…
“Dry the interior out; remove all mats. Stay inside the car while a friend gently sprays a hose, one section at a time, for several minutes. Wait a few minutes, then inspect. Make sure you train the water on the sunroof, side windows, light clusters, rear hatch, doors, and main windscreen; these are the common areas that could leak. After a thorough dowsing, gently bounce rear and front of car to dislodge any water that may be sitting somewhere inside. Also, covering the dry car interior carpets with newspaper will show the presence of water and possibly the direction of the leak if you have a dark trim”…http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=48178
Water can cause many electrical problems in your car ? Peugeot 406 Lights
Thinking back the cars owner could relate the problems after we had had heavy rain fall. So, when the water leaked into the car then it shorted out some of the cars electrics . Of course if any water enters the car then much damage can occur. It even happened recently to a nearly new Ford transit delivery van that I bought from the local Ford dealer.
Apparently, unknown to me, the van had a new windscreen fitted before we bought the van. On a recent delivery to a customer in Lancashire, I experienced a very heavy period of rainfall. Surprisingly, the van came to a sudden stop ! Fortunately, I had just pulled off the M56 motorway. So, the engine was completely dead , refusing to start !
After a couple of hours of waiting, the RAC guy turned up and recommended that I be towed to our base in Halifax, UK. To our horror we found that the windscreen had been incorrectly fitted and water had entered the cab onto the ECU (Vans computer). So, after the shock and a couple of thousand pounds lighter, the van is now back on its delivery runs !
There is no doubt in my mind that, over the many years of being in the tyre industry, Michelin has the best reputation for quality and reliability. Michelin is one of the best-known and most respected tyre brands in the world. The company has been in business for over 100 years and has a long history of producing high-quality tyres for a wide range of vehicles.
I can honestly say that in all those years, I have never seen a genuine Michelin faulty tyre. Michelin has played a significant role in the development of the tyre industry and the advancement of tyre technology from the early days of the automobile to today’s modern tyre market.
Michelins History
The history of Michelin began in 1888. Of course, when the company was founded by brothers Andre and Edouard Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand, France. The company began by producing bicycle tyres. However, they quickly expanded into the automotive market. In 1891, the company developed the first removable pneumatic tyre. Importantly, this revolutionised the tyre industry and made it possible for cars to travel at faster speeds.
throughout the early 20th century. Michelin continued to innovate and develop new tyre technologies. In 1946, the company introduced the radial tyre. which had a stronger and more flexible sidewall and offered improved fuel efficiency and a longer tread life. This innovation quickly became the industry standard and was widely adopted by other tyre manufacturers.
Michelin became well-known for the excellent mileage that their car tyres could achieve. Other tyre companies could just watch and try to follow. The secret was in the steel chords that were part of the radial tyre mix. These were patented by Michelin. making it very difficult for other tyre companies to copy.
The result for some tyre companies was a mess. when the steel chords were broken, say, by a puncture. The steel belts would rust and cause all sorts of problems. Michelin coated their steel belts with a copper coating. So, the steel is protected, and a nail or screw that goes through the steel belt won’t let water in and cause problems.
Moving quickly on
In the decades that followed, Michelin continued to push the boundaries of tyre technology. The company was one of the first to make run-flat tyres, which let a car keep going even if one of its tyres gets a hole. They also made tyres that can fix themselves and have sensors that keep track of the pressure and wear.
Today, Michelin is known for producing high-performance tyres that offer superior grip, handling, and overall driving experience. The quality and performance of Michelin tyres are demonstrated by the fact that Porsche, Ferrari, and BMW all use them on their high-performance vehicles.
Michelin ruled supreme when it came to innovation, recently developing the Michelin CrossClimate, a summer tyre with winter capability.
Michelin is also a major manufacturer of commercial vehicle tyres such as trucks and buses. The company has developed tyres that are specifically designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which is important in today’s world where there is a growing concern about environmental impact.
Michelin and the environment
In addition to producing high-quality tyres, Michelin is also committed to sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of its operations. The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has put money into projects to use renewable energy and recycle.
Finally, Michelin is a tyre brand that has made significant contributions
to the growth of the tyre industry and the advancement of tyre technology. From the invention of the automobile to the modern tyre market. As I have said earlier in this post, Michelin has been at the forefront of innovation and has consistently produced high-quality tyres that offer superior performance, durability, and safety. Michelin Quality Pays
A Recent MOT Failure – The Little Fault That Could Have Been Dangerous
Running a busy garage like Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax means that we see all sorts of vehicles every day. Some come in for routine servicing, some for tyres, and others arrive for their annual MOT test.
Most cars pass without too much trouble, but occasionally we come across a vehicle that reminds us just how important the MOT test really is.
Earlier this week we had one such case.
The Car Arrives for Its MOT Test: A Recent MOT Failure
The customer arrived with a small family hatchback that had been running well by their own admission. In fact, the driver told us that they were fairly confident the car would pass its MOT without any problems.
At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, our MOT tester Dale always carries out the checks in a calm and methodical way. We believe that doing things properly is the only way to keep customers safe on the road.
The vehicle went up on the ramp, and the inspection began.
At first glance, everything looked fairly normal.
But as we often say in the garage world, it’s what you can’t see straight away that sometimes matters the most.
A Recent MOT Failure
A Serious Brake Problem Discovered: A Recent MOT Failure
During the brake inspection, Dale noticed something that immediately caught his attention.
The rear brake discs were badly worn and heavily corroded.
Now, a lot of drivers don’t realise that brake discs can rust and deteriorate over time, especially if the car is used mainly for short local journeys around town.
Halifax, like many Yorkshire towns, has plenty of hills, damp weather, and the occasional salty winter road. All of this can take its toll on braking components.
In this particular case, the corrosion had reached a point where the braking surface was no longer safe. The brake pads were also unevenly worn and were no longer making full contact with the discs.
Under MOT regulations, this meant the car could not pass the test.
Brakes are, without question, one of the most critical safety systems on any vehicle.
When a driver presses the brake pedal, they expect the car to stop smoothly and safely. If the discs or pads are worn out, stopping distances can increase dramatically.
In wet weather, which we see plenty of here in West Yorkshire, worn brakes can become even more dangerous.
This is exactly why the MOT test exists—to identify problems before they lead to an accident.
Explaining the Problem to the Customer: A Recent MOT Failure
We always try to explain faults clearly to customers so they understand exactly what has happened.
In this case, the driver was surprised because they hadn’t noticed any obvious braking issues.
However, brake wear often happens gradually. Drivers become used to the way the car feels, so they may not notice the deterioration over time.
Once we showed the customer the worn discs and pads, they could immediately see why the MOT had failed.
Carrying Out the Repairs
Fortunately, the repair itself was fairly straightforward.
We fitted:
• New rear brake discs • New rear brake pads • A full brake system inspection
Once the work was completed, the vehicle went back through the MOT retest and passed without any further problems.
All of these areas are inspected during the MOT test and can affect your vehicle’s safety.
A Garage with a Long Local History
Pellon Tyre and Autocentre has been serving motorists in Halifax and the surrounding Yorkshire area since 1989.
Over the years we have seen thousands of vehicles pass through our workshop, from small city cars to large vans and family SUVs.
Every MOT test tells its own story, and occasionally we come across faults that remind us just how important regular checks really are.
Final Thoughts
The good news in this case was that the problem was found during the MOT test rather than during an emergency stop on the road.
After the brake repairs, the customer left with a vehicle that was safe, reliable, and fully road legal again. And that, at the end of the day, is exactly what the MOT system is designed to achieve
6 reasons why I am happy to have run-flat tyres on my car
Safety: Run-flat tyres can help to maintain stability and control of the vehicle even in the event of a puncture, allowing the driver to safely navigate to a repair shop or service station.
Convenience: Run-flat tyres eliminate the need to change a tyre on the side of the road, which can be time-consuming and dangerous.
Peace of Mind: With Bridgestone Runflat Tyres, you don’t have to worry about getting stranded on the side of the road with a flat tyre.
Space saving: Run-flat tyres do not require a spare tyre, which can save space in the trunk and allow for more storage options.
Cost-effective: Run-flat tyres have a longer lifespan than traditional tyres, which can help save money on replacements over time. However, this is not always true. Some of my customers say that the tyres have less mileage. Due to the weight of the extra rubber layers. Therefore, they can be less economical.
Better fuel efficiency: Bridgestone Runflat Tyres are designed to maintain their shape and structure even when deflated, which can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Bridgestone tyres
So, Bridgestone Tyres first started to develop the concept of the Bridgestone Runflat Tyres. Of course, in Japan, it is part of a type of aid for disabled people. The tyre that was used was a 175/70×13 that had a strengthened side wall. Consequently, this was fitted to the Honda Civic. As a result, this was done in the “International Year of the Disabled.”.
Later this side wall protection technology was used on the Porsche 959. Bridgestone called the new tyre the Potenza RE71.
This new development proved to be a success.
So, in the 1990s, Bridgestone developed the TPMS, or ”Tyre Pressure Monitoring System” . This was to enable the driver to know when a tyre had lost pressure. Henceforth, a light on the dash would light up when the tyre pressure dropped. Subsequently, warn the driver if a tyre goes flat.
In my opinion, this made the Bridgestone Runflat Tyres much safer. Of course, this system was going to become very popular as a safety feature. So, it was fitted to many of the German-made cars, such as BMW.
Runflat tyres are safer, allowing the driver to carry on driving the car with a flat tyre. Bridgestone Runflat Tyres
There are restrictions, though. Specifically, the car must be driven at 50 mph for a maximum distance of 50 miles. This enables the driver to drive the car to a safe stopping place. explicitly, without the car swerving or deviating off course. Those cars that are fitted with this Runflat Tyres Safer system. Therefore, do not carry a jack or spare wheel !
In my opinion,this lets the system down.
Some car makers will tell us that this makes the car lighter. As a result, it is more fuel-efficient and, thus, greener. In my opinion, I feel that, in general, it is a good idea and makes the vehicles much safer. Significantly, if the car experiences a sudden loss of air (blowout),. Assume you’re on a busy highway. Of course, with run-flats, the car will not deviate. Keeping it in a straight line makes driving with Runflat Tyres much safer.
The odds of this happening, though, are not as high as the motorist having what I call a “normal puncture”,
this is where the grey area is and this is what Bridgestone says…
“With certain types of punctures in the tread area, the Bridgestone Runflat Tyres technology tyres may be repaired subject to certain conditions (depending on how far and at what speed the car was driven after the puncture). Please consult your nearest RFT-authorised dealer to have yours inspected. Before attempting a repair, consult the vehicle owner’s manual for restrictions. “The vehicle manufacturer may restrict the use of repaired tyres on its vehicles.”
“In my opinion we would repair a runflat tyre only if the customer says that he has had a slight loss of pressure and we can find an object such as a screw or nail within the legal area of a normal tyre puncture for example ¾ of the tread width from the centre of the tread outwards and the tyre had not run whilst in a totally deflated state, we would have to take the drivers word for this, so we always take caution and inspect the tyre for any signs of running under inflated, such as
carbon dust or creasing and cracking on the inside of the casing. If we are not sure, we will always fit a new tyre.
In my opinion, the answer is no, but the following text from Bridgestones website does open a slight gap…
“Bridgestone EU do not recommend mixing tyres with Run-Flat Technology and standard tyres on the same vehicle, even if paired in axle sets. If you have a puncture, tyres with Run-Flat Technology are designed to permit you to proceed to a tyre dealer where you can have the tyre checked and replaced if necessary with another tyre with Run Flat Tyres Technology. In exceptional and emergency circumstances, a conventional tyre of the same size can be fitted. It must be noted that standard tyres do not have Runflat Tyres Safer characteristics and should be removed at the earliest opportunity”… http://www.runflat.eu/english/qa/
In my opinion, they should say that the two different types of tyres should not be mixed, but they say that you can mix them in an emergency. Could the fact that the car owner just can’t afford them be classified as an emergency?
Ring your insurance company is the advice that I give to all you 2nd and 3rd hand BMW Mini owners when you fall on the floor at the cost of replacing runflat tyres.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offers car and van servicing and repairs for all makes of vehicles. We sell cheap runflat tyres online from our website, www.pellontyres.co.uk. Of course, by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. Offering courtesy cars to local motorists who need to go to work Naturally, they leave their cars with us for work. official MOT testing station.
As a guy working in the tyre industry all my life, this subject fascinates me.
Especially when I was young and working on tyres for the very first time. Little did I know then, but my interest in tyres and the surrounding industry was to last the rest of my life. I even sometimes lie on my back in bed and try to reel off the tyre types that say ‘Michelin’ or ‘Pirelli’ that I produced when I was a young tyre fitter in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, UK.
The guys in the paragraphs below don’t know what they started all those years ago, in different parts of the world. The pneumatic tyre was first invented by Robert William Thomson in 1845. However, it was John Boyd Dunlop who developed the first practical pneumatic tyre for use on bicycles in 1888.
Thomson, a Scottish inventor, came up with the idea for the pneumatic tyre as a way to improve the ride comfort of carriages. He filed a patent for his design, which consisted of an inner tube made of India rubber, filled with compressed air and surrounded by a casing. However, the patent was not granted, and the invention was not developed further.
Dunlop, a Scottish veterinarian, was motivated to develop the pneumatic tyre for his son’s tricycle.
He observed that the solid rubber tyres on the tricycle caused a rough and uncomfortable ride and sought to improve the situation. It is also great to know that once again it was the British who were at the forefront of yet another great world invention.
He experimented with different designs and eventually came up with a tyre made of canvas, filled with compressed air and sealed with a layer of rubber. He filed a patent for this design in 1888 and established the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Company to manufacture and sell the tyres. Dunlop was the first tyre company that I worked for, and I still have fond recollections of this great British icon.
The pneumatic tyre was a significant improvement – History of Car Tyres
over solid rubber tyres, providing a much smoother and more comfortable ride. It also had better traction and durability. The invention of the pneumatic tyre revolutionised the transportation industry and is still in use today.
Dunlop’s invention was not the first attempt at pneumatic tyres, but it was the first practical one that could be mass-produced and that would work well in real-world use. The invention was a response to the need for better tyres for vehicles, which would provide a more comfortable ride and increased safety.
Profound impact- History of Car Tyres
This invention has had a profound impact on the transportation industry, making it possible to travel faster, longer, and more comfortably than ever before. A great story from Scotland. Who would have thought the car tyre would keep rolling on right up to today?
1845: Robert William Thomson patents the first design for a pneumatic tyre
1888: John Boyd Dunlop patents the first practical pneumatic tyre for use on bicycles
1891: The Michelin brothers begin producing their own version of pneumatic tyres under the brand name “Michelin”
1895: The pneumatic tyre is first used on automobiles
1908: The first pneumatic tyre for motorcycles is developed by Dunlop
1971: Radial tyres become the standard for cars and light trucks
As you can see, the development of pneumatic tyres was a gradual process, with several key inventors and companies contributing to its evolution over the course of many decades.
Significant advancements in tyre technology during the last ten years have revolutionised driving efficiency. History of Car Tyres
Modern Tyre Technology – How Tyres Have Become Safer Over the Past 20 Years
When we look back at the early days of tyre development, the main focus was simply on making tyres that lasted longer and gave a reasonable amount of grip on the road. But over the past twenty years or so, tyre technology has moved on enormously.
In fact, the tyres fitted to modern cars today are far more advanced than many drivers realise. A huge amount of research and development goes into them, and the improvements have made driving both safer and more comfortable than ever before.
Advanced Rubber Compounds: History of Car Tyres
One of the biggest developments has been in rubber compound technology.
In the past, tyre manufacturers mainly used natural rubber mixed with carbon black. While this worked well enough, the grip levels were limited, especially in wet conditions.
Today’s tyres use silica-based compounds, which dramatically improve grip on wet roads. Silica helps the tyre remain flexible at lower temperatures while also reducing rolling resistance.
This means modern tyres can provide:
Better wet braking performance
Improved fuel economy
Longer tyre life
It’s a clever balance that engineers have spent years perfecting.
Improved Tread Patterns: History of Car Tyres
Another area where tyres have improved dramatically is in tread design.
Older tyres often had fairly simple tread patterns, but modern tyres are designed using computer modelling and testing on specialist tracks.
The grooves and channels in the tread are carefully shaped to move water away from the contact patch, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
Some tyres now feature:
Wide water-dispersing grooves
Multi-directional tread blocks
3D sipes that open and close during braking
All these features help the tyre maintain better contact with the road surface in wet conditions.
Stronger Tyre Construction: History of Car Tyres
Tyre construction itself has also improved.
Modern tyres are built with advanced steel belts and reinforced sidewalls, which give them greater strength and durability.
This helps tyres cope with the extra weight and power of modern vehicles. Cars today are heavier than they were twenty or thirty years ago, especially with the rise of SUVs and electric vehicles.
Despite this, tyres today are able to handle these loads safely while still providing good comfort and handling.
Run-Flat Technology
Another innovation that has appeared on many modern vehicles is the run-flat tyre.
Run-flat tyres are designed so that if the tyre loses pressure due to a puncture, the reinforced sidewalls allow the vehicle to continue driving for a limited distance.
In most cases, drivers can travel around 50 miles at reduced speed before the tyre needs replacing.
This technology means drivers do not have to stop immediately at the roadside, which is particularly useful on busy motorways.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): History of Car Tyres
These systems monitor the air pressure inside each tyre and warn the driver if the pressure drops below a safe level.
Under-inflated tyres can cause several problems, including:
Increased tyre wear
Poor fuel economy
Reduced braking performance
Risk of tyre failure
By alerting the driver early, TPMS helps prevent many of these issues before they become dangerous.
Reduced Rolling Resistance
carmakersAnother area where tyre technology has improved is rolling resistance.
Tyres that roll more easily require less energy to move the vehicle, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions.
Manufacturers now design tyres that offer low rolling resistance without sacrificing grip or safety. This is particularly important today as car makers try to meet stricter environmental regulations.
For electric vehicles, efficient tyres are even more important because they help extend battery range.
Tyre Labelling and Safety Standards
In recent years, tyre safety has also improved through European tyre labelling regulations.
These labels give drivers useful information about tyre performance in areas such as:
Wet grip
Fuel efficiency
External noise
This helps motorists make better choices when purchasing new tyres.
It has also encouraged manufacturers to keep improving their products in order to achieve higher ratings.
Continuous Development
What many people do not realise is that tyre companies continue to spend millions of pounds every year on research and testing.
Companies like Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli and others run extensive development programmes. Tyres are tested in extreme conditions, from freezing winter tracks in Scandinavia to hot test tracks in southern Europe.
The aim is always the same: to produce tyres that offer maximum grip, safety, durability and efficiency.
A Quiet Safety Hero
Tyres rarely get the attention they deserve. Drivers often focus on engines, brakes and electronics, but the truth is that tyres are the only part of the car that actually touches the road.
Over the past twenty years, tyre technology has quietly become one of the most important safety developments in modern motoring.
From advanced rubber compounds to intelligent pressure monitoring systems, today’s tyres are far more capable than those fitted to cars in the past.
So while tyres may look much the same as they always have, the technology inside them has changed enormously — and that has helped make driving far safer for everyone on the road.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/tyre-were-invented-for-old-bikes.jpg419463Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-03-11 18:39:052026-03-12 17:21:36History of Car Tyres
The School Bus Vivaro and Michelin Agilis CrossClimate Tyres – Ready for Anything Halifax Weather Throws at Them
On Monday morning we had something a little different pull onto the forecourt at Pellon Tyres in Halifax. Instead of the usual builders’ vans and delivery vehicles, it was a Vauxhall Vivaro school bus belonging to one of the private schools in the Calderdale area.
The school runs a small fleet of these vehicles and uses them to collect pupils from around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, and the surrounding villages. Over the years they’ve learned that reliability is everything. When you’re transporting children to school every morning, you can’t afford breakdowns or tyres that struggle in winter weather.
That’s why every one of their vans runs on 215/65R16C Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tyres. They’ve tried other tyres in the past, but experience soon showed them that these Michelin tyres were simply the best for the job.
The Vauxhall Vivaro – A Perfect School Transport Van
4The Vauxhall Vivaro has become one of the most popular vans on British roads over the past twenty years, and for good reason.
Originally launched in the early 2000s, the Vivaro quickly gained a reputation for being:
Strong and dependable
Comfortable to drive
Spacious enough for passengers or equipment
For school transport duties, the Vivaro works brilliantly because it sits nicely between a large minibus and a normal van. It’s big enough to carry a group of pupils comfortably but still compact enough to navigate the narrow roads and tight lanes we have here in Calderdale.
Anyone who drives around Halifax will know exactly what I mean. Roads like Pellon Lane, the steep climbs up towards Mount Tabor, or the twisting lanes around Norland and Ripponden can be a real test for any vehicle, especially during winter.
The Vivaro handles these roads well. It has a sturdy chassis, good driving position, and modern diesel engines that provide plenty of pulling power when climbing some of our famous Yorkshire hills.
Inside, the school version of the van is fitted with rows of proper passenger seats, giving the pupils a safe and comfortable ride to school each morning. Safety is obviously the main concern, and vehicles like this are inspected regularly to make sure everything is working as it should.
But one of the most important safety features of all is something many people overlook.
The tyres.
Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
Why the School Chooses Michelin Agilis CrossClimate Tyres
This tyre is designed specifically for commercial vans, which means it has to cope with heavy loads, constant use, and sometimes very rough weather.
The size fitted to these Vivaros is 215/65R16C, which is a common van tyre size and ideal for vehicles carrying passengers or equipment.
What makes the Agilis CrossClimate stand out is that it’s built as an all-season tyre with true winter capability.
It carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which means it meets the European standard for winter tyres.
In simple terms, it works brilliantly in:
Rain
Cold temperatures
Ice and snow
But it also performs well during normal British summer conditions.
Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
Perfect for Halifax Winters: Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
Anyone who lives in Halifax or the wider Calderdale area will know that winter weather can be unpredictable.
One day it’s rain and drizzle rolling in from the Pennines, and the next day the whole place is covered in snow.
Areas like:
Illingworth
Mixenden
Ogden
Mount Tabor
Wainstalls
can become particularly tricky when snow arrives. These higher parts of Halifax often catch the worst of the weather blowing across from the Pennine hills.
Standard tyres can struggle badly in these conditions. The rubber hardens in the cold, and the tread simply can’t grip the snow properly.
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tyres are different.
Their special tread pattern is designed with deep grooves and gripping edges that bite into snow and slush. The rubber compound also stays flexible in cold temperatures, which keeps the grip levels high even when the thermometer drops.
The school drivers have told us many times that these tyres have allowed them to keep running safely when other vehicles were sliding around or stuck.
When you’re responsible for a van full of children, that kind of confidence is priceless.
Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
Built for Hard Work: Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
Another reason these tyres work so well on vans like the Vivaro is their strength.
Commercial vans work much harder than normal cars. They carry heavy loads, travel long distances, and spend most of their lives on the road.
Michelin designed the Agilis CrossClimate with reinforced sidewalls to resist kerb damage and potholes.
And let’s be honest, Yorkshire roads can be pretty rough in places.
After winter frosts, potholes start appearing everywhere. From King Cross to Hebden Bridge, drivers often find themselves dodging craters in the road.
These tyres are built to take that punishment.
They also wear very evenly, meaning they last longer than many cheaper alternatives. For businesses or schools running fleets of vehicles, that makes a big difference to running costs.
Ideal for School Ski Trips: Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
One of the more interesting things the school told us was that the vans sometimes travel much further than just Halifax.
Every year the older pupils are taken on skiing trips across Europe, and the same Vivaro vans are often used to transport luggage and equipment.
When those journeys head into mountain regions where snow can be deep and roads icy, having proper winter-approved tyres becomes essential.
The Michelin Agilis CrossClimate tyres cope brilliantly with these conditions. Their aggressive tread design allows them to plough through snow-covered roads with confidence.
It’s exactly the kind of performance needed when travelling through Alpine passes or snowy resort towns.
A Tyre That Works All Year
One of the biggest advantages of these Michelin tyres is that they remove the need for seasonal tyre changes.
Many vehicles in Europe run separate summer and winter tyres, swapping them twice a year.
But here in the UK, where winters are unpredictable, an all-season tyre that performs properly in snow is often the best option.
That’s exactly where the Agilis CrossClimate shines.
Drivers get:
Strong summer performance
Excellent wet grip
Genuine winter capability
All in a single tyre.
Keeping Calderdale Moving: Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
Seeing that Vivaro school bus on the forecourt reminded me just how important tyres are to everyday life in our town.
From school transport to delivery vans and family cars, the right tyres keep people moving safely across Halifax and the surrounding valleys.
Here at Pellon Tyres, we’ve fitted thousands of van tyres over the years, and the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate is definitely one of the best we’ve seen for commercial vehicles.
When winter arrives in Calderdale and snow starts drifting across the Pennine hills, it’s always reassuring to know that vehicles like that school Vivaro are running on tyres designed to handle whatever the weather throws at them.
And judging by the school’s experience, those Michelin tyres are more than up to the job.
Agilis CrossClimate
Product Benefits:
Safety in every weather condition:
Grip-maximising tread compound, for indentation in the ground whatever the temperature.
Unique V-shaped tread pattern with wide grooves for optimal water and snow evacuation.
A rigid sculpture with 3D self-locked sipes to improve dry braking performance.
A unique tread pattern to maximise traction on soft ground (snow, mud, grass, gravel…), combining:
V-shaped sculpture, with massive tread blocks for optimal gearing.
Full-depth sipes with sharp edges, for a long-lasting clawing effect.
Wide grooves with self-cleaning capacity.
Last generation tread wear Indicator:
4 levels to monitor the remaining rubber depth (0% = Legal Tread Indicator reached. Tyre needs to be changed).
Easy to monitor tyre wear, hence reducing maintenance downtime.
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 Roberts2026-03-11 16:07:022026-03-11 16:23:09Vivaro School Bus for Michelin Winter Tyres
I am sitting here writing this article. I must admit that I am envious of all the people who are now buying their caravan batteries. So, in preparation for the new caravan season,. The year has been a poor year for car batteries because of the very mild winter.
I suppose, though, that we battery dealers should not really complain.
We have had a decent run of very cold winters. Hence, we should have known that we were due to have a mild one. So, and we certainly did. In fact, it is the first year that I can ever remember in my 65 years. We did not have any snowfall whatsoever.
We have now written last winter off as a bad year.Especially for car battery sales. Thus, we are already looking forward to the leisure and caravan battery seasons. Which has already started with a bang (what you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabout), as the saying goes.
Britain is now the largest touring caravan market in Europe. We took over from the then-number-one country, Germany, in 2003. Of course, we were still number one in 2006, when the latest figures were released by… http://www.politics.co.uk/ .It is estimated that there are over half a million touring caravans in the UK.
Including another 330,000 static caravan holiday homes. I am going to write about the growing number of motor homes in another article.
Caravan Batteries
Over the years, many caravan owners have asked me the same question? Is there a difference between caravan batteries and car batteries? And the answer is YES. In the early days, car batteries were used to power the minimal electrics that caravans would use.
There were no TVs, Fridges and all the other modern-day electrics that you can see in today’s modern caravans—just a few light bulbs and an electric pump. The normal car or truck battery would have done the job perfectly.
Now we have seen the development of a new type of leisure batteries. The most popular one that we are now selling is, in fact, a 100-amp battery that is made and developed by the largest battery maker in the world, Johnson Controls.
They decided that the design of the car battery was fine, but it needed to hold more storage than starter power. This was done by using thicker plates that were able to store more power to supply the caravan with the electricity that it needed for the evenings.
This type of battery, known as the LV26, was then marketed as a leisure battery and would provide the caravan owner with auxiliary power, which was able to be
charged by the car’s electric system on a route, or, as now with the use of solar panels, on a sunny day. You can upgrade to an AGM battery system, which will work better with solar panels because of the better charge and discharge rate, but for the average caravan trip, the LV26 will be perfect for the job.
These caravan batteries have now been tried and tested over the years, generally do a good job, and will give the caravan owner good service for about four or five years.
To aid in prolonging the life
of your caravan batteries, I would invest in a 12v smart battery charger and connect it to your battery over the winter period, We advise using the Ring Automotive chargers, which are online-only and available when your caravan is not in use. I hope that this article is of use to you Happy caravan trips.
Eric Roberts
Hi, I would like to introduce myself. I have worked in the garage, tyre, and cheap caravan Cheap Caravan Battery business now for 40 years.
A recent customer inquiry came up with an old problem. As a result, she had been sitting in her car on a cold day in Bridlington. Of course, on the east coast of Yorkshire. The lady’s name was Joan. Joan and her husband had decided to go on a day trip to the seaside. Unfortunately for them, the weather turned out to be very cold and wet. Consequently, she decided to have some fish and chips and keep the engine running to keep warm. For some strange reason, she rested her foot on the brake pedal.
Indeed, for some reason, the pedal had slowly crept to a stop near the end of its play.
This startled Joan? However, the rain stopped, and the day brightened up. The engine was switched off, and the pedal became hard again. At the end of the day, the couple returned home. As a result of the peddle experience, she gave us a call. Consequently, we checked the Vauxhall car records.
Hence, the brakes had some work carried out on them about two months previously. Therefore, to alleviate her concerns, we booked the car in for another brake check.
Although we last carried out any brake work for two months,. Then we decided to check them out? On account of that, we did fit a new set of pads on the brake service.
Sometimes, when you replace new pads. Hence, it is possible to forget to open the brake bleed nipple. Thus, when you push back the piston to remove the old pads,. Because the bleed nipple is closed, the fluid is pushed back into the brake master cylinder. As a result of this, the fluid can reverse the seals in the master cylinder.
Brake Pedal Creep
Brake Pedal Creep – What Causes It and Should You Worry?
Every now and again in the garage we come across a problem that isn’t a fault exactly, but something that still worries drivers. One of these is something called brake pedal creep.
This happened recently when one of our customers, Joan, called in because she felt that the brake pedal slowly sank down when she held her foot on it, especially when the car was idling in traffic.
Naturally, this can feel alarming if you have never experienced it before. Your first thought might be that the brakes are failing or that there is a leak somewhere in the system.
However, as with many things in the motor trade, the answer is not always as straightforward as it first appears.
Checking the Obvious First: Brake Pedal Creep
When Joan arrived at the garage, the first thing we did was carry out a full visual inspection of the braking system.
This included checking:
Brake pads and discs
Brake fluid level
Brake pipes and flexible hoses
Calipers and wheel cylinders
Signs of fluid leaks
Everything appeared to be in good order.
The brake pads had been fitted correctly and were wearing evenly. There were no leaks in the system, and the brake fluid level was exactly where it should be.
Normally, if a brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when held down, it can indicate a faulty master cylinder, where the internal seals are allowing fluid to bypass internally.
But Joan’s car showed no signs of this problem.
Because of this, I decided to dig a little deeper into the issue.
Brake Pedal Creep
A Problem Seen on Some Vauxhall Cars
While researching the problem, I discovered that brake pedal creep had been reported on certain Vauxhall models.
There had even been discussions linking the issue to the way the ABS braking system interacts with the brake servo and master cylinder.
In many cases, it turned out that the braking system itself was still working perfectly. The pedal movement was simply a characteristic of the braking system design rather than a fault.
The Effect of Modern Diesel Engines: Brake Pedal Creep
Another factor that has been mentioned over the years is the development of modern diesel vehicles.
Diesel cars have become:
Larger
Heavier
More powerful
Because of this, vehicle manufacturers have had to design stronger and more efficient braking systems.
To stop these heavier vehicles safely, several changes have been introduced:
Larger brake discs
Bigger brake calipers
Larger piston sizes
Bigger bore master cylinders
These improvements increase the amount of braking force available but also change the hydraulic characteristics of the system.
A larger master cylinder moves more brake fluid but sometimes produces slightly less pressure for a given pedal movement.
This is one reason why the brake pedal can feel slightly different on modern vehicles compared with older cars.
Twin Diaphragm Brake Servos
One thing I discovered that I hadn’t realised before was the increasing use of twin diaphragm brake boosters, also known as brake servos.
The brake servo uses engine vacuum to reduce the effort required to press the brake pedal.
With a twin diaphragm design, the servo provides more assistance to the driver, meaning the brakes feel sharper and easier to apply.
Manufacturers use this design to help stop heavier cars without the driver needing to press the pedal too hard.
However, the downside is that the extra servo assistance can sometimes allow the pedal to move slightly further under constant pressure, which drivers then notice as brake pedal creep.
Why It Doesn’t Happen on Every Diesel Car: Brake Pedal Creep
One thing that puzzled me was why this issue does not affect all diesel vehicles.
If it did, there would surely be a huge outcry from drivers.
The reason is that braking systems vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Different cars use:
Different master cylinder designs
Different servo sizes
Different ABS programming
Different brake fluid pressures
So while some cars may show a slight pedal movement, others may not show it at all.
The Simple Test We Carried Out
To make sure Joan’s brakes were working correctly, we carried out a road test followed by a brake performance test on our MOT brake tester.
This machine measures the actual braking force produced at each wheel.
The results were perfect.
All four wheels produced excellent braking force, and the wheels locked when they should, showing that the braking system was working exactly as designed.
This confirmed that there was no fault in the braking system.
A Quick Check You Can Do Yourself: Brake Pedal Creep
If you ever notice brake pedal creep in your own car, there is a simple check you can try.
With the engine switched off, pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes hard.
This removes the vacuum stored in the brake servo.
If the pedal then remains firm and does not sink, it suggests the master cylinder is likely fine and the issue may simply be related to servo assistance or vacuum operation.
Of course, if you are ever unsure, it is always best to have the braking system checked by a professional garage.
Brakes are one thing you should never take chances with.
Modern Brakes Are More Complex Than Ever
Modern braking systems are far more complicated than those fitted to cars years ago.
All these systems work together to improve safety and stopping performance, but they can sometimes create small differences in pedal feel that drivers notice.
Brake pedal creep is often one of these characteristics rather than a fault.
Joan Was Reassured
After explaining everything to Joan and showing her the brake tester results, she was greatly relieved.
Her brakes were working perfectly, and the car was completely safe to drive.
Situations like this show the importance of having a proper inspection carried out by an experienced garage, rather than worrying about something that may turn out to be normal.
It is always better to check and be safe.
Final Thoughts
Brake pedal creep can feel worrying if you notice it for the first time.
But in many cases, particularly with some modern diesel cars, it can simply be a result of the design of the braking system rather than a fault.
The key thing is to have the system checked properly so you know everything is working as it should.
At the end of the day, your brakes are the most important safety system on your vehicle, and peace of mind is worth a lot when you are out on the road.
As we all know, driving with faulty brakes can be extremely dangerous.
Of course, not only for you but also for other motorists. Worn or damaged brakes can reduce stopping power. Therefore, it would be more difficult to stop the vehicle in an emergency.
In this post, we will discuss some of the risks associated with driving a car with worn or damaged brakes. Importantly, that’s why it’s important to have your brakes checked and replaced as soon as possible.
One of the main risks associated with driving with faulty brakes is increased stopping distance. The driver is not aware of this slow process.
As the brake pads wear down, they become less effective at stopping the vehicle, which can lead to a longer stopping distance. This can be especially dangerous in situations where an emergency stop is needed. Emergencies, such as when a child runs into the street or a car in front of you suddenly stops,.
Another risk associated with driving with faulty brakes is decreased control.
So, if the brake pads are worn or the brake disc (rotor) is damaged, the vehicle may not stop as smoothly or as easily as it should. This can make it difficult to control the vehicle. Especially in tight turns or on wet or slippery roads. Driving with faulty brakes also increases the risk of collision.
If the brakes fail completely, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle, which can lead to a collision. Additionally, if the brakes are worn or damaged, the driver may not be able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
Brake pads can also seize due to a lack of servicing. This, in fact, is what happened to me. I was coming up to a zebra crossing on my way home from a day trip to Blackpool, UK. Although the crossing was empty, I applied my brakes.
The car did not come to a halt; instead, it continued on its way. My brakes had seized! I was an apprentice mechanic at the time and pulled up as soon as possible. The brakes were red-hot and untouchable. After jacking up the car and removing the wheels, I was able to release the brakes, and we were able to drive home cautiously.
Another risk is that, when the brake pads are worn out- Dangers of Driving with Faulty Brakes
So, they need to work harder and hotter to perform their function; this can cause the brake disc to warp, which can lead to the need to change both brake pads and discs, adding more cost and time to the repair.
Indeed, this is a very common problem. Our customers leave the brake pads too long, and this eventually leads to them wanting both pads and discs. It is important to have your brakes checked and serviced regularly.
Your garage mechanic can check the thickness of your brake pads- Dangers of Driving with Faulty Brakes
discs, and other brake components and determine if they need to be replaced. Here at Pellon Auto Centre in Halifax, UK, we carry out this work on the car’s main service.
As I’ve already said, having your brakes checked and serviced regularly can help them last longer and make sure they keep working right.
In conclusion, driving with faulty brakes can be extremely dangerous, and it’s crucial to keep them in good working condition. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, such as squealing or grinding noises, Whether you have reduced stopping power or a soft brake pedal, it’s important to have your brakes checked and replaced as soon as possible.
Checking and fixing your brakes on a regular basis can help you find problems before they get worse and can also make them last longer. I know from the Dangers of Driving with Faulty Brakes experience that it’s not very good when you press the brake pedal and the car doesn’t stop. Believe me!
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/bg_servicing.jpg6722120Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2026-03-10 06:40:372026-03-10 06:40:37Dangers of Driving with Faulty Brakes
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