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Four Wheel Alignment Halifax+Three reasons why wheel alignment is in so much demand

16th February 2021/in All Car Repair Articles /by Eric Roberts

Four Wheel Alignment Halifax

With modern steering and braking, becoming more accurate. Then wheel alignment is becoming more and more crucial. Hence, for the correct handling of your car.

As a result, it takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle. Which is why proper four wheel alignment should be carried out on your car. Simply put, all of combined components of your steering mechanism that help your vehicle to keep in a straight line are only corrected by having a wheel alignment.

Why is Four wheel alignment Halifax important?

Improper wheel alignment can effect driving performance as well as cost you money. Total 4 wheel alignment sets all four wheels positioned straight ahead. Including your steering wheel. The steering wheel gives you the first sign of an out of aligned steering geometry. The first sign to the customer, is that the car pulls to the left or the right.

Four Wheel Alignment Halifax

Whilst driving, your vehicles steering can also have a feeling of looseness or wandering. All of these signs can be corrected with a total alignment check. When corrected then your steering geometry will be corrected to the car manufacturers specifications. Of course, when the alignment is corrected then your will feel good again. Steering correctly and pulling to the left or right.

Another of the signs of wheel misalignment is uneven or excessive tyre wear. Therefore, if your vehicle is not aligned properly, your tyres can show premature wear. Usually on the inside or outside of your tyres tread area. This is because your car is not driving in a correct straight line. Hence, your tyres are sort of being dragged against their will. Thus, causing to wear off on the tread edges.

So, by having your vehicle aligned properly. It corrects any rolling resistance that affect your tyres. Another, fact worth looking at is that when your wheels are out of alignment.Then the tyres are causing a resistance between the car and the road. Because of the dragging affect. Believe it or not this means that your car engine is doing extra work to push the car along. This extra work then increases the amount of fuel that the car needs.

Having your cars wheel alignment correctly set up will help you drive more safely. Of course, you will not be consistently battling against your steering wheel to keep the car in a straight line.

Four Wheel Alignment Halifax- recommended

Simply put, your front wheels “steer” or drive the vehicle while the rear wheels “direct” the vehicle. Four-wheel alignment solves handling problems by referencing all four wheels to a common center line. As a result of say an accident in the car then it is more likely or not that the cars alignment will need correcting. Also hitting one of our millions of potholes will knock out your alignment.

It takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle, which is why proper wheel alignment is important. Simply put, all of components that make your vehicle go straight are called alignment. As I have said a sizable pothole can bump your suspension out. Subsequently, of the precisely calculated set of measurements. Required to that dictate proper wheel alignment.

When you have new tyres fitted then spend a little more to make sure that the alignment on your car is correct. This way you will enjoy trouble free driving. Without battling against your cars steering wheel.

Eric Roberts

Toyota’s Prius EV-Refresh, hydrogen fuel cell Batteries on tap from 2015 – Newsday

Toyota’s Prius EV

Newsday Toyota’s Prius EV refresh,

hydrogen fuel cell car on tap for 2015 Newsday The next Prius, which is expected in 2015, will include improved batteries and smaller, more powerful electric motors, and will be built on the company’s new global…

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

This is great news about the Toyota’s Prius EV Hydrogen Batteries

This news is good news for the many motoring fans.Thus, who think that the future should be a mix of technologies. In the World of cars. The past twenty years alone we have seen many new developments. Of course, In the battery World.

Apart from modifying the ever present free flow lead acid batteries. So we have seen the new battery types such as AGM and GEL batteries cropping up to serve as back up Varta batteries. Hence, for many industries such as computer back up systems and even for the early computers that we all used. All this new technology was introduced along with need for progress and the appetite from consumers and industry for better and faster electrical equipment.

Toyota’s Prius EV

This development has never stopped. Of late we have developed many new types of batteries. As a result, that were funded by Governments and large corporations. So, to satisfy the need of the ever expanding electrical and engineering projects. Whether they were large or small.

The next generation of batteries was to be known as the NiMH, Nickel metal hydride batteries. Mainly for use the ever expanding miniaturization of personnel computers. These were followed by the invention of the Lithium- Ion batteries . Invented in the 1990’s for use on the Stealth aircraft in the USA. Also used in the space program by NASA, the American space agency.

The latest surge in EV development. Came when there was an urgent need to save the Earth from greenhouse gases. The main culprit is pollution from fossil fuel driven cars. So the Governments of the World. Have got together and agreed that emissions had to be reduced. This caused a frantic rush. Thus, for the car makers to come up with an alternative fuel supply. Hence, to gasoline products. Of course, the answer would be the electric or the hybrid car. At first car makers came up with the Lithium-Ion batteries and are still developing today.

Toyota’s Prius EV Looking for alternatives

However because these cars will not travel far. Of course, before the batteries require re-charging. Scientists are trying to come up with an alternative. One of the companies to do this is Toyota’s Prius EV from Japan. This new type of Toyota’s Prius EV battery is called the Hydrogen-cell battery and in my opinion will be the winner of this technology race in the future.

The car. Toyota’s Prius EV is expected to be coming onto the market as early as 2015. Already gas stations are been prepared by adding Hydrogen pumps on their forecourts. In my opinion, yet another step forward.

See on www.newsday.com

MOT Test Safer Roads-The annual MOT Test make our roads a safer place to drive on.

15th February 2021/in mot testing, mot testing Halifax /by Eric Roberts

MOT Test Safer Roads

MOT Test Safer Roads

Some motorists may think that the ministry of transport (VOSA) are in a money making racket. Because you have to take your car to be MOT tested every year to pass a roadworthy test. But they do not see that having those MOT tests, . Actually help prevent accidents and cut down on road deaths by keeping badly maintained vehicles off the road.

By carrying out an MOT test every year on vehicles that have been on the road for three years from their first registration, VOSA has successfully managed to lower the number of unsatisfactory cars on the road, making things safe for the rest of us.

So if you have had your car for at least three years then you need to find your nearest MOT test station and have your car MOT tested. The easiest way is to book online, you can search for MOT Halifax if you need to find your nearest testing station if you live in the Calderdale area of West Yorkshire.

MOT Test Safer Roads-Any testing station?

It is possible to take it to any testing station to have it tested there.Consequently, you can be on your way home soon after you get a test completed. The only thing you need to know. Hence, is that they are a fully accredited testing station. Able to carry out a thorough and legal test. It is also important that they don’t let you get away with small mechanical faults. Of course that would affect the road worthiness of your vehicle.

After all, this will defeat the whole purpose. Thus, of having the tests carried out in the first place. You want to make sure that your vehicle gets through the test as smooth as possible. As a result, there are many checks that need to be performed. During the MOT Test , your car has to meet the standard. So, for ,these checks. Consequently, you will be ready to go home in no time with a pass. The bodywork on your car needs to be in good condition. Therefore, no rusting or rotten holes. The fuel system, emissions tests and exhaust system. All needs to be good working order without any excessive CO2 than is required.

MOT Test Safer Roads-Your car could fly past the MOT test

Seat belts and seats must not be rotted and be able to keep you secured. Your brakes must still have enough pads left in them before the next brake check, and your tyres need enough tread to make sure you have the minimum legal requirements. . Make sure your lights and indicators are in good working order and your wipers must be in good condition to ensure they clear the windscreen when it is raining and the rubber blades are in good shape. Your steering and suspension need to be within regulation standards to make sure you are able to control the movement of the vehicle no loose worn parts. Your registration, plates and Vehicle identification need to be in good order as well. So look after your car and it should fly through the MOT Test Safer Roads.

Peugeot Partner Van- BEWARE OF YOUR FUEL CAP ? It could cut off your Engine?

15th February 2021/1 Comment/in All Car Manufacturer Articles /by Eric Roberts

Peugeot Partner Van Fuel Cap caused us a big problem ?

Importantly, this is one of those pieces of advice to help other drivers! Not to make the same mistake. So.on a recent visit to France, we were getting short of diesel in our Peugeot Partner van. My wife and I sometimes drive down to France to take a few things with us. When we had a house in the South West of France. This time we needed to take down a new oven. Because the oven we had was 7 year old and the paint was peeling off. We decided to buy the oven back in the UK. Simply because when we checked online then ovens were cheaper here in the UK.

Peugeot partner van **fuel cap** cut-off ?

We also had some rubbish to take to the local tip in France. So the van seemed the best option. Another key point is that our van only about 18 months old. Having all the mod-cons that you would find in a modern car.Including air-conditioning and a plug point for the iPod. So that we can listen to our own choice of music.(French radio stations are not easy to pick up and the music’s not very good)

The journey had gone well and we were making good time.

In any event, we pulled into a service station on the A16 motorway to fill up with diesel. I filled the Peugeot Partner Van up with the diesel . Carefully, then started to put the fuel cap back into the diesel tank port. Michelle, my wife went to pay the fuel bill. When inserting the Peugeot Partner Van fuel cap. Stupidly, I fumbled with the cap ! Which then did not go straight into the hole. Struggling, I twisted it a bit before the fuel cap finally went into place ! Unknowingly, I had accidentally triggered off the Peugeot Partner Van Fuel Cap theft Sensor.

Quickly, I then jumped back into the cab to wait for my wife .

Surprisingly, the wipers had automatically, switched on ! Then to my horror they would not switch off ! Added to that all the lights were also flashing on and off. Scarily, the Peugeot Partner Van would not start ? This was a nightmare. I was panicking. Calmly, my wife rang the AA, Luckily, we had taken out continental breakdown cover.

Shockingly, the AA told us that we were not covered on a French service station. Alternately, we had to call the Police who would tow us off the services. So,to a suitable location. Then the AA breakdown cover would kick in. See another website price comparisons for more information…http://www.money.co.uk/breakdown-cover.htm

We also noticed that another British car had broken down near where we were broken down

I asked the guy with the defunct engine, if he had sorted out the problem . Surprisingly,he was still waiting for a recovery truck to take him off the services. He too was in the AA and was waiting for the Police recovery vehicle to attend him. Sure enough the truck arrived and the guys car was winched on to the back to be taken away.

Surprisingly, the French breakdown mechanic came over to our Peugeot Partner Van . Straight away ! He knew what had happened, (most French mechanics are experts on Peugeot and Citroen vehicles, because that’s all they work on) .

I had tampered with the Peugeot Partner Van Fuel Cap anti theft fuel cap device ?

We understood from his limited English and our limited French, that I had tripped the fuel cap anti theft device, this stops people from steeling your fuel, this is very good if you know that it exists, but I did not ?

The mechanic knew what to do straight away, all he did was to dis-connect the battery and the system re-set itself. All this from start finish only delayed our journey by about an hour.

The mechanic made an invoice out for the AA and we gave him 20 Euro tip and we all went on our way.

So if this happens to you just dis-connect the battery and the whole thing will re-set itself.

Please note that the British Breakdown services Cannot enter French service areas (by French Law).

Since this incident in France we have sold the van and now gone onto Ford transit Connects.

Of course these small vans are invaluable for delivering batteries from our online battery shop

So, we deliver batteries that are too large or expensive to be delivered by courier. So, many of our leisure and truck batteries are either too heavy (over 30 Kg). Leisure batteries are sold in mainly sold in multiples and so these have also got to be delivered by our own transport. Visits to France are now a thing of the past ! However we now do many thousands of miles here in the UK, delivering to England, Scotland and Wales.

Hybrid Car Ownership-Looking like the Hybrid is Winning the New High Tech Car Race

14th February 2021/in All Car Manufacturer Articles /by Eric Roberts

Hybrid Car Ownership

As the owner of a small independent garage in Halifax UK. Then I am determined not to be left behind . Hence, in the new technology car race. For this reason we are going to participate in as much learning about the “Hybrid Cars” that I think will dominate the future car market. After all it is not rocket science and all we have to do is search the internet to find out more information about this type of vehicle.

There is no doubt the the “Hybrid cars” are wonderful for the environment. Of course, they can get 55-60 miles per gallon in city driving. In my opinion, Hybrid cars are much better than electric cars. Because there is no need to recharge them. Another disadvantage of pure electric cars. Hence, is the limited journey. Electric cars can only do a certain journey time before they require re-charging at a charging station.

As a business owner with collecting and delivering I would find this unacceptable? Not knowing if your van would return or not during a days work would be out of the question? Of course at the moment all we have to do is make sure that we have sufficient petrol or diesel. So to complete our journey. At the moment this would not be possible in an electric car “EV”.

Hybrid Car Ownership- Gas engines turns to electric power

Of course hybrids would be a better replacement and probably save half the cost of standard fuel. because the hybrid would use the battery at time. Especially in city driving where low speeds are the norm. In city driving the gasoline side of the engine is shut down. So the hybrid cars would run the electric motor. Thus powered by the battery. When the batteries need to be charged again the gasoline engine wills start again.

Another advantage is that the battery is also charged when the cars brakes are applied. This is known as “regenerative braking” Because of the lower amount of power needed when braking for an extended amount of time, when the hybrid car brakes it usually will return to the electric motor side.
Hybrids and all-electric vehicles create their own power for battery recharging. Thus, through this process known as regenerative braking. As a result, I have explained what regenerative braking is and how the process works in general terms. Of course, I think that it is a complicated are to get into?

Hybrid Car Ownership-Staff education required

I can understand that in hybrid or all-electric vehicle. So, the word “regenerative,” in terms of regenerative braking. Of course, means capturing the vehicle’s momentum (kinetic energy) and turning it into electricity. In turn, this recharges the cars on board battery as the vehicle is slowing down and/or stopping, when braking occurs.

All clever stuff? but it all these things that we have to re-train in. For this reason, we will looking into the future and I will be sending my staff to as many courses that may be required. Subsequently, we will not fall behind. I am afraid that many smaller garages may fall behind and eventually have to close.

Subsequently, we will not stop or prevent this massive drive towards greener vehicles. As a result, I have decided to grasp the opportunity and as a team to learn as much as we can about this new technology. So as not to fall behind.

Wheel Alignment Check-Enjoy The Perfect Ride with Wheel Alignment & Balancing

14th February 2021/2 Comments/in All Wheel Alignment Stuff, All Wheel Balancing Stuff /by Eric Roberts

Wheel Alignment Check

Pellon Tyres new Hofmann 4 wheel Alignment machine ask for a free Wheel Alignment Check
Importantly, you should always be mindful of your wheel alignment. The cost of wheel alignment is cheap if you consider the benefits it will give you.
Front end alignment does not take more than twenty minutes to accomplish with a computerized wheel alignment service. As a result here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax UK we are upgrading our Alignment machine.Hence to a new Hofmann 4 wheel alignment machine. Additionally, with a customers print out.
Whichever the case, having a misaligned front wheel can also be very dangerous. Thus, for many reasons. One-Is that you could lose control of the steering wheel. Secondly, is that it could lead to more serious problems. Of course, with the under chassis of your car.
So, you know when you are due for a front end alignment. Because, your steering wheel veers to the left or right when you are just driving on the road. Believe me you will know the felling when your car pulls to one side. This should not happen. It is very difficult to drive a car which has the steering misaligned. Because, you always have to keep a tight control on the steering wheel. Making sure you do not cause any accidents on the road due to the lack of vehicle control.
Aside from tyres being worn out faster. Of course, you are also wasting fuel . Because, the engine of your car exerts more energy and so works harder. Just to enable your car to run straight without pulling to one side. Of course, you are also using up a lot of your vehicles steering and hydraulic fluid. Everything has to work harder. Including the driver of the car.
Wheel Alignment Check could save you money?
Of course, you are also running a great risk by driving your car with misaligned tyres. Front end alignment does not take more than twenty minutes to accomplish. Hence, with a Hofmann computerised wheel alignment service. Because, it is more accurate. Measuring the precise alignment of all four wheels. Subsequently, this is much better than our old manual wheel alignment gauges.
The basic front end alignment cost is cheap, costing £34.90 for both wheels. A four wheel alignment price depends on the model and difficulty of the job in hand! Including, depending on whether or not your steering parts are seized up or not?. On top of the alignment cost. You can also include wheel balancing service. For an additional fee of around £10 a wheel. Naturally, it is important to have the wheels of your car aligned.
Another and more costly affect of having a car with misaligned wheels is your premature tyre wear. Because, if you continue running your car with misaligned wheels. Then your tyres will wear prematurely. Also the tyres will be worn out faster than the normal rate. The moment you notice a slight veering of the steering wheel either to the left or to the right. So you know your car needs front wheel alignment immediately.

Finally wheel alignment is more important than ever, cars are now fitted with large expensive tyres which can be prematurely damaged.

Broken Spring Problem-Roadwork causing damage to many cars -Car Damage Big Problem in Halifax-

13th February 2021/1 Comment/in All Car Repair Articles /by Eric Roberts

Broken Spring Problem

Roadwork causing Broken Spring Problem to many cars including many broken springs
WAFF
Mechanics said you should have your car alignment checked every year, but if you drive through a roadwork zone often or hit a big pothole, you should have it checked as soon as possible.

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Broken Springs a problem

As to damaging your car’s tyres. So potholes are notorious. Including, ruining the alignment of your wheels. Of course, as well as the suspension and undercarriage of the vehicle. Therefore,when the car’s alignment is affected. Perhaps most serious but often the most overlooked problem. Hence,is that your steering wheel wont be straight.

Importantly, this can cause your car to veer off to the side. naturally when you are driving. Thus, left untreated this can become a potentially damaging problem.

Potholes are bad news for motorists everywhere. Increasing the chances of hitting a pothole and having your tyres damaged. Hence is significantly high.

After the terrible winter we have just had. Then it is important that drivers are on the constant lookout. Especially for potentially dangerous potholes when out driving. As a result, some of the potholes. Are created by the disastrous winter conditions.

Literally tearing people’s car tyres to pieces when driving over them. Especially on those dark winter nights.

Broken Spring Problem caused by huge pothole

Potholes are impossible to see. It is estimated that in Britain the price of repairing all the potholes on the roads is in the region of ₤ 10 million and will take around ten years to repair every single one.

If you come across a particularly big pothole. That you believe is going to cause your car suspension including the springs and tyres some serious damage. Then the best course of action is to avoid them as best you can. If this is not an option drive over the potholes at a very slow speed, this should minimise the impact of hitting one.

There are some things though that people need to be made aware of when it comes to potholes. Including, the damage that they inflict upon a car’s tyres. Are you aware that you are not liable for the pothole damage to your car? Drivers can claim for damages caused by a pothole. Just send them the proof from a photo or an image from your cellphone.

If you are planning on travelling around Great Britain. So and would like to check what the roads . Especially, in the areas you are going to be driving. Then there are many websites that have been set up to inform you. Many even have maps. Hence,to let you know where potholes are. Simply search for this kind of information on Google.

Because, you are bound to find a number of these websites.

Broken Spring Problem could be anywhere in the world

The problem of roadworks appears to be World wide. This article by WAFF is about the roads in the USA, but we have just the same problem here in

the UK. These roads with there ditches and potholes are not doing the cars suspension any good at all.

We seam to have half the roads in Yorkshire dug up at the moment ( probably getting ready for the Tour De France cycle race). The main problem for my garage at the moment is Broken Spring Problem and wheel alignment in Halifax being knocked out of position. These roads also have other premature steering problems such as worn out ball-joints.

The main problem to me. Is when the authorities repair a road they do not fill back the hole correctly. Of course, in a week or two, holes appear in the road. Thus, causing the surface to break up and later more pot holes spring up.

Most motorists do not know that they have a Broken Spring Problem

Of course, until their car has an MOT test, and it fails the test not knowing that if they knew where the hole in the road was, then they could have taken a photo and claimed for the damage caused from the local council.

I suppose I should not be complaining as long as we get some of the work in our garage ?

Moving forward to 2019, then things have not really improved ! So, the old problems of potholes and motorists buying part worn tyres have not gone away. Significantly, even our motorways appear to be affected by the dreaded pot holes. These days I do many miles delivering our battery products, all over the UK.

So, most motorways are affected by these holes which are mainly on the white lines areas where the carriageway is split. Some roads in Scotland are badly affected. So, I suppose these roads are extremely busy ! However its no excuse not to repair the holes to make driving much safer ?

Unsafe Partworn Tyres-RMA Warning: Unsafe Used Tyres for Sale

13th February 2021/in All Part Worn Tyres Stuff /by Eric Roberts

Unsafe Partworn Tyres

Tyre Review RMA Warning: Unsafe Partworn Tyres
On Sale Tyre Review The Rubber Manufacturers Association has taken a proactive stance regarding the sale of unsafe used tires to consumers, issuing a news release to consumer publications and newspapers…

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Used tyres a Worldwide problem

Of course, the problem is of unscrupulous part worn tyre dealers selling Unsafe Partworn Tyres . Consequently,that are not fit for purpose ! So this problem will not go away! Unless strong enforcement is used backed by the law. This article from the “Tire Revue”

points out the problem facing cash strapped motorists all over the world .Including drivers here in the UK and the USA.

Authorities such as “Trading Standards” must keep on trying to stamp out the people who are selling these death traps. Here in the UK we even import the old tyres that German drivers discard and are taken off their cars.

What a stupid state of affairs !

It makes me feel sick! Subsequently, we also fit Unsafe Partworn Tyres taken from scrap yards. Of course these tyres from the end of life cars and there could be any amount of structural damage to the tyres without not knowing anything about it.

UK Motorists just fit these Unsafe Secondhand Tyres onto there cars ! As long as the price is right ! Of course, not knowing what dangers lurk inside them. Significantly, they could blow out at any time. So putting your families and other motorists life at risk. Good luck to the RMA in America.

So lets all think twice before buying these potential death traps just to save a few pounds ?

THE TYRE IN THE PICTURE WAS bought by a customer who asked us to fit it for them, including “THE NAIL“

See on www.tirereview.com

MOT Test Fee-How “LOW” can “MOT TEST FEES GET” ?

12th February 2021/in mot testing, mot testing Halifax /by Eric Roberts

MOT Test Fee

“In recent times the price of an MOT Test Fee has dropped.

So, enabling garages to try and attract the cash strapped motorists. All sorts of deals have been advertised. Incredibly, even “FREE”, testing. Which is allowed under the “DVLA MOT Rules” signs outside garages.

So, as the owner of an MOT test centre in Halifax. I am amazed at the number of garages giving away “cheap MOT tests” . Of course, the official mot test fee should be £54.85 (no vat). As stated on the www.gov.uk web-site.

Not mandatory, this MOT Test Fee is only a recommended charge to be used by garages. So, based on the time and equipment that it should take to carry out the mot test according to VOSA the Government test agency here in the UK.

Significantly, the Government totally regulate our testing stations.

Including visits by their inspectors ? Consequently, who also make sure that we have the correct equipment and that all our paperwork is in order. Naturally, we have regular updates for testing procedures .

Such as any mechanical updates or different specifications that may have to changed during a test. Our testers are also checked by the ministry guys. Making, sure that they are carrying out the correct testing procedures. We have to provide a suitable reception and viewing room for the customers, and also use VOSA’s own computer system to register the test results and store all the other information about my garage and the cars that are entered into the system.

In other words in my opinion we are controlled by the Government !

Ensuring that the testing procedure is carried out correctly and within the law. If we stray form the correct procedures we are subject to all sorts of penalties. Which would ultimately result in the closure of your MOT station. I am not moaning about all this, to the contrary. I think that the system is a very good system and is the envy of many countries. Of course, it is not perfect but then again nothing is in the World of garages.

The average hourly rate that we charge for mechanical work in the independent garage sector. Is said to be around the £40 per hour mark ! In my opinion is a very fair price to charge. The Government maintain that because we here in the UK use the private sector to test cars. Then the MOT Test Fee is only a recommended fee and garages could charge what they want. So, the problem is that when they visit, they ask you what you charge in your garage. Subsequently, they don’t seam to like it if you discount the MOT Test Fee,(that’s the impression that I get). But surly they are the ones that think the pricing should be controlled by the private sector.

mot test prices have dropped “big style”

In recent times the price of an MOT Test Fee has dropped. Enabling garages to attract the cash strapped motorists. All sorts of deals have been advertised. Even “FREE”, testing that is allowed under the DVLA MOT Rules. Can be seen up and down the country. Obviously this is a move to attract the motorist into you garage ! Hoping that you may get some mechanical work from a test failure! Nothing wrong with that ! you may say.

The problem is that we have all huge investments in these mot test stations.

Meaning that the price we are getting is far lower than the investment in staff and machinery. I understand that we all have to take the good with the bad ! But I now feel that it is time that the Government stepped in. They could do two things in my opinion. They could have a minimum priced paid for a test, based on the average hourly rate, say perhaps £40, or make the £54.85 in to a mandatory MOT Test Fee to all motorists, and not just a recommendation.

It will be interesting for some feedback from other garage owners with mot test stations here in the UK. So, since this article first appeared. Computerization has made significant changes to the DVLA garage procedures. In fact testers have now to be examined t more regular intervals that previously. In my opinion this is a good thing !

Also, testing procedures are now adjusted more often.

Because of the regular changes to emission testing procedures emanating from the of requirements of the European Union strict emission laws. Of course to bring down the nations “carbon foot print” So, reducing the C02 emissions. Naturally, this has affected diesel cars the most.

We all know about the diesel car scandal ? Most car manufacturers were falsifying the C02 figures of their diesel models. Of course this brought a clampdown from the regulators. Significantly turning round the theory that the diesel cars were better for the climate that the petrol cars. Responding to this the EU came out with much stricter emission rules. So resulting in stricter MOT emission testing in the EU member countries.

However, I have recently learned that VW have been selling the older diesel cars to countries like Albania, at highly discounted prices ! So much for emission standards ! There are rules for some and rules for others ! Many diesel cars can now be treated to clean the internal workings of the engine. Significantly, improving the cars chances of passing the MOT test.

We offer an engine carbon cleaning service for this purpose.

Check Your CAR AIR CON – to Cool You In British heat Wave that is expected?

12th February 2021/in Air-conditioning in Halifax /by Eric Roberts

Car air con

Firstly, I know that we have all seen and heard these false weather warning ! So, in the past and nothing ever comes of them. Especially from the “Daily Express” newspaper group. This warning from the “Daily Mirror” is of a heat wave that may last up to two weeks; nice if it happens.

I did think though that it was about time I did an article about your air conditioning system. In my opinion, it is always a good thing to remind our customers. That it is important to have your air con system checked out and serviced.

Car air con in winter

Many drivers make the mistake of turning their car air con off in winter. I appreciate that with it on the car uses slightly more fuel. But the truth is that when it is switched off. Then the parts of the car air con system are not being used and will eventually deteriorate. Up to the present time, most of the parts and hoses are often made of rubber and plastic. Because it is a sealed system. You are likely to get a loss of pressure.

Of course, due to leakage and this leads to the system failing. In due time, with the car air conditioning system not working and probably leading to a more expensive repair. Some of our customers think that the heating system will not work. Hence with the air con switched on. But this is not so, the car will be hot or cold with the air con in winter and summer.

How does your air con work?

Basically, all car air con systems work in a similar fashion. It operates by taking a gas known as R134a refrigerant and pressurize it in a sealed system using a compressor. As the system is pressurized it heats up by absorbing the air around it. The hot gas is then passed through a series of tubes, similar to a car radiator which dissipated the heat.

The gas loses its heat and gets really cold by turning into a liquid. Consequently, this is the stage when the cold air is blow into the cars cabin! Cooling you down.

Some of your cars air con component parts

At the very heart of your air con system is the compressor. The compressor is the part that takes the R134a refrigerant gas and pressurizes it to cool the air. The compressor is operated by an engine belt. But has also had an electric clutch system that controls the demand for colder air. In other words, the compressor will turn on and off as you demand colder air in the cars cabin.

Importantly, the next part to explain about is the Condenser. The condenser is mounted at the front of the car next to the main car radiator. For this reason and is usually smaller in size. This is the part that converts the gas into a liquid as it becomes cooler. Just like the radiator cools the water down that comes red hot from the engine, a similar principal.

The next part is like a small radiator and is called the Evaporator. The evaporator does exactly opposite to the condenser and super-cools the liquid as it passes through the tubes. At this stage air is forced through and into the cars cab. Thus, super cooling the cars interior to the delight of the occupants on a hot sunny day. As the gas cools down again it is turned back into a liquid and the cycle starts over again.

Another important part of your car air con is called the thermal expansion valve.

The expansion valve controls the flow of the super-cooled refrigerant to the evaporator; Without delay, this equipment helps to regulate the cold air that ends up in your cabin. The next part of the car air con system to mention is the accumulator also known as the “drier”. The drier protects the compressor from damage that may be caused by any liquid that makes its way back and could damage the compressor. It does this by a chemical process that absorbs any moisture to the system, it also acts as a filter catching any small pieces of rubbish that may have made its way into the system.

That just about covers the general idea of how your car air con system works without trying to get too complicated. Cars have all got different variants and are fitted with sensors to pick up temperature and differences in pressure, but most Old Cars work off a similar system. Toyota Cars have a different system to say BMW cars.

We at Pellon Auto centre here in use a Duel gas air con machine to service the cars with and what it does is to recirculate the gas and add more if required and then re-pressurizes the system. Many cars loose pressure because they have not had their air con switched on in winter and the system has lost pressure, but most servicing machines can find a fault and we use a special spray to find any possible leaks in the cars system.

Hope this air con advice was of use to you

Pellon Tyre and Auto centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. We also sell tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk

Important Notice

Because of air pollution then we now have to use a new type of gas on new car models. Importantly, we will notify our customers as to which type they have on there vehicles. So, new style gasses cost twice the amount as the old type gasses. We are sorry about this and charge as fairly as possible ?