3 Critical Car Maintenance Tasks You Cant Afford To Skip

Car Oils More Important-Get the Right Oil for Your CAR.?

Car Oils More Important

Many different types of Car Oils for the modern car

So engine technology has changed in a big way in recent years. This new trend began with increasing price of fuel at the garage forecourt. Importantly, started by the car manufacturers to try new methods of increasing the miles per gallon. Of course, one of the ways was to lower the viscosity of the Car Oils they used in their engines. So, one of the first of the new Car Oils grades was 5W-30. Improved, Car Oils reduced the friction levels on the moving parts of the engines.

Also in recent years engines have had to be modified to reach much higher emission standards, by the car manufactures , making engines much more sophisticated and a need for much more finer quality Car Oils  to be used, modern cars are now fitted with much more complicated exhaust and after treatment units, requiring special low SAPS oil, which is needed to protect these units.

These new Car Oils also help with extended service intervals for cars. Special “long life oils” have been developed to help increase the length between car service intervals, thus reducing the amount of waste .

All these changes have led to the growth of the number of oil based products on the market to enable the independent Auto centre to service all the different engines out there in the market place. Many garages now have to check each vehicle to see which Car Oils to use when Servicing a Car, and indeed have to keep as many as seven different grades of oil to cope with the diverse number of grades required. The garages can not now rely on keeping a basic viscosity alone

What if you fill your car engine with the wrong oil?

As I was saying earlier in my article it is important that the motorist checks his manual to what the correct type of liquid gold that his car engine takes, the same applies if you are a garage or a regular guy who changes his own oil and filter.

Car servicing is now becoming a specialist job now and although the service intervals are becoming further apart, the service itself has become more complex. The main driver of this being the drive by car makers to make cars with less emissions, this includes the drive by tyre manufacturers for tyres with a better rolling resistance and compounds using silica, the results of all this have become staggering, changing the face of motoring over the past decade.

Incidentally according to “Warranty Direct” the cost of the average job to rectify an engine that has had the wrong oil put in, is £2000.00, so you might consider taking your car to your local service centre near you, if you dont know where your nearest one is, look for your local MOT testing station.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Also sell tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk . Easily,by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. So, we also offer courtesy cars to local customers . Naturally, who need to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. Finally, we are also an official MOT testing station.

3 Critical Car Maintenance Tasks You Cant Afford To Skip

Use OEM Spec Oils-Millers Oils dispels myths: OEMs, specs, approvals, warranties and Block Exemption

Use OEM Spec Oils

Use OEM Spec Oils

So with loads of cheap oil offers floating about our garages then it is make sure that the oil has the OEM specifications. of course most of us garage owners are familiar with the consequences of this. Most of the rules and laws that govern the way we service vehicles are set in law by the EU. Although we are no longer a member we are still part of the agreement network until things change in the future.

Car manufacturers are not able to tie their cars to their dealer network for servicing. So, this allows the independent garage network to service models as long as the same standard of oils and service parts were used. Most of the good garages are well aware of this and unfortunately others dont give a damn!

Oil companies such as Millers Oils here in West Yorkshire have to set certain qualities and standards into their oils. Thus allowing them to be used on a car that is under warranty. This means that car manufacturers  can not turn a car away for warranty work simply because it was serviced else ware.

Main dealer garages  often tell their customers this untrue story. Cars and Vans can be serviced when a new car is still under warranty as long as the parts used are of the same quality as the original equipment parts. Of course including oils such as Millers Oils.

When it comes to oils there are two phrases that are often used: “meets specification” and “OEM approved”. Whilst commonly used, Millers Oils often gets asked what the difference really is and does the difference affect

Source: Millers Oils dispels myths: OEMs, specs, approvals, warranties and Block Exemption

replacing your car

Why do some people prefer used cars?

Why do some people prefer used cars?

Why do some people prefer used cars?

As a used car dealer, we know that our visitors are considering buying a used car, so in this article, we decided to write down why you should buy a used car.
After your home, your car may be the most expensive commodity you have considered or bought. We know that you need to manage your finances in the best way without giving up your love for beautiful cars.
There are ups and downs in buying used cars and new cars; however, today we will discuss the main reasons why second-hand cars may be your best choice. For beginners, the most obvious reason for is that it can save you a lot of money. We will also tell you about how much you can save on average with a used car.
Lets start with the first and most obvious reason:

New car loses

Car loses value. This is because the number of exceptions to be handled is small. There is no free dinner in the world, my father used to say. Honestly, this also applies to vehicles. Regardless of the benefits of a new car (free maintenance, warranty, low capital), the inevitable depreciation method is still an inevitable cost factor and a good reason to look for a used car.

Once you take the new car out of the seller& parking lot, its value will drop. Essentially. Some brands of cars are more expensive than others, and some new cars generally have a longer service life than ever before, but there is still a loss of up to 40% in value in the first year of purchase.

Reduce insurance cost

The cost of a car is a key factor in determining the cost of car insurance. Since used cars are cheaper than the new version, insurance costs should be lower. Reid said that because certain elements of car insurance can be eliminated, more money can be saved.

Warranty

Some used cars still have part of the original factory warranty. You can create a new warranty for other used vehicles. The extended warranty period of the used car provided by the manufacturer can give factory-trained technicians the opportunity to use high-quality parts and immediate service to repair your car. In addition, you don’t need to buy a new car to use part of your savings, brakes Naples FL and have a warranty that covers all costs up to 100,000 miles or
more. What new car is that?

Reliability

Do you remember that classic cars like Ford rusted for ten years in the 1970s? The occurrence of this situation in modern cars requires the great power of the original owner of the vehicle.

Todays cars, trucks, 2021 SUVs Birmingham all and vans have a longer service life. According to IHS Automotive, in the midsummer of 2015, the average age of cars on American roads reached a record of 11.5 years. The tank also predicts that by 2020, the number of vehicles in service for 12 years will increase by 15%.

You can check if you own a used car

Have you heard of car test drives, but have you heard of ownership checks? The latter is becoming more and more popular, and this is for good reason. When the clerk is yelling in your ear, dont provide too much information around the block. In contrast, trial owner status means that you can buy a vehicle and guarantee that if you change your mind, you can get a full refund within a few days.
For many buyers, the vehicle defect warranty for a new car is worthwhile. However, today, almost every car manufacturer offers a new car. The Certified Used Car program makes buying a used vehicles Puyallup wa less of a worry. CPO plans vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and there are significant differences between certified manufacturers and certified manufacturers.

The distributor and the former almost always provide more reliable packaging. Manufacturer-certified vehicles have a certain guarantee (although the number of kilometres and time covered vary), and usually provide additional benefits such as free breakdown assistance or free car rental when you need to visit a store.

caravan and motorhome batteries

Ten Year-old Tyre Ban- Takes effect

Ten Year-old Tyre Ban

Ten Year-old Tyre Ban

Of course this ban does not yet apply to car tyres, though it may be worth watching this space. It always amazes me that a law has to be introduced to stop these things from happening. However there are very old tyres fitted to vehicles out there just ready to cause an accident. So, I have found that particular types of vehicles are prone to having old tyres fitted.

One that springs to mind is the caravan and trailer scenario. For some strange reason the caravan owners keep their tyres fitted the longest. Because, many have their caravans parked up for much of the time. So, only travelling for their annual vacations and actually driving the caravan and using mileage on the tyres. many caravan do change and indeed up-grade their caravans to  better model but many do not.

These are the ones most likely to have over aged tyres fitted. Indeed one tyre that we removed from a caravan wheel was a 21 years old Michelin zx tyre. Of course the tell tale sign is to look for crazy paving type cracking in the side wall and bead area of the tyre. Tyre guys are also familiar with the tyre brands that are introduced over the years. This is why we spotted this Michelin ZX tyre. They were in fact good tyres, but not that good?

Tyres aged over ten-years fitted to front-steered axles of goods vehicles with a weight exceeding 3,500kg, buses, coaches and minibuses are now illegal after new legislation came into force this week. MOT test stations have been

Source: Ten-year-old tyre ban takes effect

lead-acid batteries

Varta Car batteries-Varta Car Batteries Online UK made by Johnson Controls

Varta Car batteries

Our company is regarded as the UK’s No.1 supplier for all things battery related. Please visit our website to view our huge range of Varta Car batteries

Varta Batteries –A little History

“Varta batteries stands originally for (Vertrieb Aufladung Reparatur Transportabler Akkumulatoren) .With its headquarters in the German cities of Berlin and Hagen . Hence, in the district of Westphalia. Consequently, the business was bought by a certain Gunther Quandt . Just after the first world war.

The Varta Car batteries company . Then made batteries .Used in the second world war German battle machine. Batteries they made were used to help power submarines . Also for the German Luftwaffe. Mostly, the batteries were made by slave labour. Thus, under very poor working conditions. Perhaps the dark side of Varta Car batteries that we should forget.

The modern day Varta product . Therefore, is one of excellence . Raising standards of the new car battery world. With its quality battery products. After many changes in directors and company ownership . Varta Car batteries was purchased by Johnson Controls in 2002. Hence,this was thought to be a great step forward . Of course, in the battery industry . Raising the standards of quality even higher.

It is thought that Johnson Controls . As a result, paid in the region of $240 million for the  batteries side of the business .Accordingly, the deal went through by the end of 2003″

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Members of Unipart Car Care centres .Giving a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. Selling tyres online from our website www.pellonautocentre.com . Hence, using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size. As a result, we offer courtesy cars to local motorists. Needing to go to work and leave their car with us for work doing. Consequently, we are also an official MOT testing station.

Important-Since this post then Johnson controls have sold off their battery part of the business.

mot testing and car servicing

Maintenance-Emissions-and Privacy: The OBD Story

Maintenance-Emissions

Maintenance-Emissions

Of course, this all started before the 1950′. As a result, car engines and their faults were diagnosed and repaired by a few gauges and hand adjusted. Hence, by a mechanic. Most automotive systems were done like this.

I remember when I was an apprentice mechanic, in a small British leyland independent garage in Batley Yorkshire UK. Whenever there was a suspicious engine problem. Then our chief mechanic “Brian” would put a long screwdriver to his ear and the other end to the engine. Quietly, listening for any sound that would give him a clue as to what the problem could be?

Naturally, as time went by then cars became more complex and problems became more complicated. Therefore, I remember the middle of the 1960’s . Engine problems became to rely more and more on using diagnostic equipment. Our boss “Tom” leased a massive machine with a video display. Thus, I think that it was made by Tecalamit, but I could be wrong?

Of course, the machine looked massive to me. Wires came out of it from all directions. Subsequently, I never got to learn how to use it, it was deemed as too complicated for an apprentice. The machine was a video display terminal and it was to help us with diagnosing engine problems. As far as I could remember the machine was able to check the engines temperature and vacuum also the oil pressure.

Maintenance-Emissions move on

Later in the 1960’s came the computerized systems. With the introduction of the fuel-injected models of Volkswagen Type 3 cars. Consequently, followed by the sporty 280Z made by Datsun . Following this, in the 1980’s General Motors put its computerized “Assembly Line Diagnostic Link ” into service. Hence, this was to examine error codes with the speed of 160 baud. However, this speed increased to 8192 baud by 1986 along with UART or “Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter” at half duplex. This type of diagnostics continued until the invention of complete on-board diagnostic packages. Of course that we see today.

The next part follows in this interesting article-

Source: Maintenance, Emissions, and Privacy: The OBD Story | Hackaday

Check Your caravan Tyres

Flat Tyre-A Woman’s Guide to Changing their own Wheel?

 Women Drivers do often change their flat tyre

Sometimes it may be great to play a damsel in distress. So, having a strong and well-toned man fix your flat tyre. Importantly,  I think every woman ought to know how to change to the spare wheel. After all, having your tyre blow is never something anyone plans. Of course, you may not have any ready eager boy scout waiting around to rescue you. There is no need to keep the wheel changing in a man’s domain. Times are changing and you should too. Time to empower yourself and get ready to tackle that flat tyre !

 1. First of all, if there is a place for you to move your car out of the way !

So, if there is a place to where you can get out of the way, then move your car there. Make sure oncoming traffic will be able to see you. Turn on your hazards and if you have an warning triangle. Then place where it will be clearly visible. Also make sure the place you move your vehicle to as flat and even as possible. Avoid soft ground and inclines. Whenever possible place some bricks, blocks or large rocks . Naturally, under your car to prevent your car from rolling backwards.

 2. If you have hubcaps, remove them.

These are the covers of your wheels. Check you manual on how to remove them. I highly suggest you look at this beforehand and not when you have already blown a tyre.

 3. Next you need to remove the wheel nuts.

These are the nuts or bolts that hold your wheel in place. You will need a wheel brace to do this. Of course the wheel brace comes in different shapes and sizes . Commonly known as a “Spider” . So, the spider wrench is the T shaped wrench. Of course, that should be together with all your other tools. The shape of the wrench makes for easy leverage. However, if your upper body strength is lacking the heft or muscle needed to loosen the lug nuts. Importantly, you may have to resort to step on the T-arm to obtain better leverage. Always remember, left to loosen and right to tighten.

 4. Now you need your car jack to raise your car.

Most cars have a flat plate behind the front wheels and just in front of the back ones for this purpose. Place the jack under the “jacking point” nearest to the tyre to be changed ! Raising the jack with the jack handle to meet the jacking point plate. Double check and make sure your car will be steady once it is raised. Safety is crucial whenever you are working with your car. Now raise your car about 15 cm of the ground. Don’t forget that when you re-fit an inflated spare wheel.Thus, will need room so make sure there is enough space for the spare to be placed on.

 5. by grabbing it with both hands, one on each side.

So after removing the wheel nuts!  Pull the flat wheel straight and off. Quickly,line up your spare with the bolts and slide it on. Replace the lug nuts but do not tighten them completely. When you have lowered your car, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in opposite pairs. Make sure these are as tight as possible ! Because you absolutely do not want your tyre to come off when you start driving away.

 6. It’s time to clean up and put things back in place.

Put all your tools together and place them back where they were stored. Always put them back in the same place so you know right where to find them in case of emergencies. Knowing where all of the tools are before you get into an emergency situation is suggested. Put your flat tyre where you spare one was and make sure to have it fixed right away.

7. Of course many cars dont have spares now !

many cars now run on run-flat tyres and do not have a spare wheel. In my opinion this is a great idea ! So when a puncture occurs then the driver can carry on driving the car. Albeit at a steady 50 mph ! Cars with runflats can then make their way to a tyre centre and have the problem attended to. Some cars only carry a can of air sealant and no spare wheel. This idea is save on the weight of the car and reduce emissions.

8.I would advise most ladies to join a motoring organisation

Although that you now know how to change your flat tyre ! I would strongly recommend that any motorists and not just ladies should join one of the road side assistance companies. So we all must have noticed how busy our roads are now getting. Especially, on the motorways. Recently, I had the dis-pleasure of having a tyre blowout on the M1 motorway.

Of course, it was dark and raining and was a very frightening experience. However it is a job that I have done all my life and quickly changed the wheel at the roadside. However it did open my mind to the thought that this would have been horrific for a lady driver to attempt this task. Simply it would be far better to join the “AA” “Green Flag” or the “RAC“. Naturally putting your mind at rest !

 A woman alone with her car and a flat tyre could be a signal for the less than honourable to take advantage of the situation. If you have no recourse but to change the tyre yourself, make sure you have some form of protection nearby like pepper spray. Also make sure to call a friend or relative to let them know what happened when your tyre blows so someone is aware of where you are and the situation you are in. This will at least give people you know the information of your whereabouts.

9, Having your tyres in good condition is one way to avoid a flat tyre.

While some causes like a puncture from a nail or other sharp object cannot be avoided. So, keeping your tyres well inflated. Along with careful driving will lessen the chances of your having to change a flat in the future.

And if you need new tyres ! Contact us on www.pellontyres.co.uk as we are independently owned tyre centres across the UK . Consequently, to help you find the right tyre for your need. Its knowledgeable and professional staff will be able to give you brand neutral car safety advice to help you make the right decision for your tyre needs. And if your car needs other types of auto service, they offer than as well.

• An open and honest approach with the customers

• A high standard of work and excellent value for money

• 12 month guarantee on parts and labour

• An open invitation to inspect, review and rate the garages of your choice to make the best informed decision for your needs

 Stay safe on the road ladies!

 

Scrap Tyre Dumping Returns

Tyres-Tarmac Mix Help Make a New Road A90 and Quieter Driving

Tyres-Tarmac Mix

Tyres-Tarmac Mix;First UK road to use the scrap tyres mix a great step forward

Breedon Aggregates have successfully completed the relaying of the A90 road in Scotland. Hence, the most remarkable thing about this is that they used a mix of tarmac and shredded waste tyres.

As a result, this is a massive step forward. Consequently,the new Tyres-Tarmac Mix  has a very promising future.Of course, the A90 road runs between Perth and Dundee. Moreover, the road is a duel-carriageway for most of its length. Of course, this particular stretch of road is one of the busiest in the country. Hence, is expected to be a great test for the Tyres-Tarmac Mix experiment. This road carries about 35,000 vehicles a day. So is also exposed to very inclement weather conditions.

As intended, the new material will be rigorously tested over the next few years. One of the most important tests is a skid resistance test. Signs so far are very promising. As a result,the surface has so far passed all the tests.

Tyres-Tarmac Mix from Denmark

New technology for the success of the new mix came from a Danish company,Genan. Enabling, the rubber particles from the shredded tyres to bind with a binding agent at low temperatures. Which also helps the environment because very little heat is required.

Most people know that since 2006, European Rules have banned the disposal of waste tyres to the landfill sites, leaving very large amounts of scrap tyres to find other uses in many various forms of recycling. According to the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association, nearly 500,000 tons of scrap tyres arose in the UK in 2009. Studies show that for every ton of scrap tyres used for rubber modification of bitumen and asphalt, 1.1 tons of CO2 emissions are saved compared with burning of the tyres for use in Cement kiln heating.

Tyres-Tarmac Mix-One day they may buy our old tyres again?

This is a great step forward and we must thank Breedon Aggregates for their work in this field to turn a waste product such as old tyres into a wonderful new product that will benefit us all in the long run. Breedon are now going to market the new product and sell it under the brand name of Breedon Polymer R+, and the tarmac will be produced at all its English and Scottish plants, a great step forward and who knows that some day companies may once again buy the old tyres from us again ?.

 Please click the link bellow for more information from Breedon Aggregates.

http://www.breedonaggregates.com/news/2012/05/31/breedon-aggregates-gives-a90-a-novel-retread/

mot test-Online Bookings on Increase

MOT Tests Book Early-Impending MOT wave

MOT Tests Book Early

MOT Tests Book Early

I would like to take this opportunity to warn drivers about the huge impending MOT Test backlog that is imminent. So we are coming up to the anniversary, of the Governments postponement of testing due the Covid 19 pandemic. I and many other experts predict  a mad rush and a possible doubling up of up-coming MOT tests.

Our advice would be to take advantage of 28 day extension that is now open to motorists. This will give motorists a 28 day extra period in which to book in their car for the MOT test. This will mean that your original test date will remain the same for the following years test.

Here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK we have remained busy testing for most of the summer period. Meaning that things can only become busier and probably not been able to cope with the large influx of  the extra overlapping tests from the pandemic.

28 day extension is well advised!

So, by early booking your MOT test then you will be “killing two birds with one stone”. This will spread out the backlog of tests for the MOT stations. Enabling customers to go to their favourite garages for their annual tests. For instance last year we could not cope with all the test presented to us! Thus causing some customers disappointment by having to test the car at a strange and unfamiliar garage.

Testing stations are only allowed a certain amount of test slots in any working day. So by taking advantage of the 28 day period it enables the garages to spread out the work loads. The customer still retains  the correct amount of test time for next year and we are all happier.

The last 18 months have turned the traditional MOT demand curve on its head. And while this caused initial uncertainty for the independent aftermarket, there is now a significant opportunity on the horizon. Nearly three quarters

Source: LKQ Euro Car Parts warn of an impending MOT wave – Garagewire