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.
XV24MF caravan batteries are a good buy.
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.
Every now and again at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre here in Halifax, we come across a car problem that sounds frightening to the customer but isn’t always as serious as it first appears.
Brake pedal creep is a good example.
A customer notices that while sitting with their foot firmly on the brake pedal, the pedal appears to slowly move further towards the floor.
Of course, anything unusual involving your brakes is going to worry you — and rightly so. Brakes are probably the most important safety system fitted to any vehicle.
This particular story started not in Halifax, but over on the Yorkshire coast in Bridlington.
A Cold Day in Bridlington
Our customer Joan and her husband had decided to have a day out at the seaside.
Anyone who knows Bridlington will know that a nice Yorkshire coastal day can change very quickly! Unfortunately, the weather turned cold and wet, so Joan decided to sit in the car, enjoy some fish and chips and leave the engine running to keep warm.
While sitting there she happened to keep her foot resting on the brake pedal.
After a while she noticed something strange.
The brake pedal was slowly sinking down.
Naturally, this frightened her. You don’t need to know much about cars to know that a brake pedal heading towards the floor doesn’t sound particularly good!
Later, when the engine was switched off, the pedal became firm again.
Joan remembered that we had carried out some brake work on the car a couple of months earlier, so when she returned home she contacted us here at Pellon.
We booked the Vauxhall in and decided to check everything thoroughly.
Never Guess When It Comes to Brakes
Whenever somebody tells us that a brake pedal is sinking, we don’t simply assume that it’s normal.
There are several faults that can cause a soft or sinking brake pedal, some of which can be serious.
We therefore started with the basics and inspected the braking system.
This included checking the brake pads and discs, brake fluid level, brake pipes, flexible hoses, calipers and the system for any signs of fluid leakage.
Everything looked fine.
The pads we’d previously fitted were correctly installed and wearing normally. The brake fluid was at the correct level and there were no obvious leaks.
That was good news, but we still needed to understand why Joan had experienced the sinking pedal.
What Causes Brake Pedal Creep?
Traditionally, a brake pedal that slowly sinks while constant pressure is applied can point towards a problem with the brake master cylinder.
Inside the master cylinder are seals that maintain hydraulic pressure. If those seals become worn or damaged, brake fluid can sometimes bypass them internally.
The driver presses the pedal and, rather than remaining in one position, it gradually travels further down.
That’s something that needs investigating.
However, modern braking systems are considerably more complicated than the systems we worked on when I first entered the motor trade.
ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assistance systems, stability control and increasingly sophisticated brake servos have changed the way a brake pedal can feel.
So a little pedal movement doesn’t automatically mean that the master cylinder has failed.
Brake Servos Can Change Pedal Feel
Most modern cars use a brake servo to help the driver apply the brakes.
Without assistance, stopping a heavy modern car would require considerably more pressure from your leg.
The servo multiplies the force you apply to the pedal.
Some vehicles use powerful twin-diaphragm servos, giving greater assistance without requiring the driver to push exceptionally hard on the pedal.
This is particularly useful on larger and heavier vehicles.
However, that additional assistance can sometimes contribute to a small amount of pedal movement while constant pressure is being applied with the engine running.
Switch the engine off and the assistance disappears after the stored vacuum has been used. The pedal then feels much harder.
That’s very similar to what Joan had noticed while sitting in Bridlington.
Modern Cars Need Powerful Brakes
Cars have changed enormously over the years.
Many are now larger and considerably heavier than equivalent models from decades ago. Hybrid and electric vehicles can be particularly heavy because of their battery packs.
Manufacturers have therefore developed braking systems capable of safely controlling all this extra weight.
Modern vehicles can have larger discs, more powerful calipers, sophisticated ABS systems, electronic stability control and emergency braking assistance.
Hybrid and electric cars add another technology into the mix: regenerative braking, where the electric motor helps slow the vehicle while recovering energy for the battery.
All these developments have made cars safer, but they’ve also made diagnosing braking complaints more complicated.
That’s why I don’t like guessing when somebody comes into Pellon complaining about unusual brake behaviour.
Test it properly.
Putting Joan’s Vauxhall on Our Brake Tester
After inspecting the braking system, we carried out a road test.
We then put Joan’s Vauxhall onto our MOT brake tester at the Halifax garage.
This equipment allows us to measure the braking force produced at the wheels and compare the performance across the axle.
The results were excellent.
The brakes produced the correct stopping force, and everything indicated that the braking system was operating correctly.
Most importantly, Joan could leave knowing that we’d actually tested the brakes, rather than simply telling her that everything was probably alright.
That’s an important difference.
When Should You Worry About a Sinking Brake Pedal?
Although brake pedal creep can sometimes be a characteristic of the braking system, never automatically assume that’s the case.
If your brake pedal suddenly feels different, becomes unusually soft, travels much further than normal or continues towards the floor, have the car checked.
The same applies if you notice a brake warning light, reduced braking performance, pulling under braking or signs of brake fluid loss.
There are plenty of things on a car that can wait until tomorrow.
Brakes aren’t one of them.
Brake Technology Has Changed
Having worked in the tyre and garage trade for many years, I’ve seen braking systems develop enormously.
Older braking systems were comparatively straightforward. Today’s cars can combine conventional hydraulic brakes with ABS, traction control, stability systems, automatic emergency braking and electronic parking brakes.
The latest hybrid and electric cars can combine conventional friction brakes with regenerative braking as well.
All this technology is designed to keep us safer, but it also means that diagnosing a brake complaint increasingly requires proper equipment and experience.
The driver’s description remains important too.
Something as simple as Joan telling us when the pedal moved, what the engine was doing and what happened when she switched the engine off gave us valuable clues.
Halifax Hills Are No Place for Poor Brakes
Here in Halifax and Calderdale, brakes certainly earn their keep.
We don’t exactly live in the flattest part of Britain!
Drive around places such as Pellon, Queensbury, Sowerby Bridge or the surrounding Calder Valley and you’re constantly climbing and descending hills.
That makes keeping your braking system in good condition particularly important.
At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre we’ve always believed in a simple principle:
We don’t replace parts unless they need replacing.
If there’s a fault, we’ll find it and explain it. If everything tests correctly, we’ll tell you that as well.
That’s exactly what happened with Joan’s Vauxhall.
Joan Went Away Reassured
Once we’d completed the inspection and brake performance test, we could reassure Joan that her braking system was working correctly.
What she’d experienced sitting in Bridlington was understandably worrying, but thankfully it wasn’t the catastrophic brake failure she’d feared.
And that’s really the message behind this story.
If something feels different with your brakes, don’t ignore it — but don’t panic either.
Get the vehicle properly checked.
Sometimes there will be a fault requiring repair. Other times, as with Joan’s Vauxhall, proper testing can confirm that the braking system is doing exactly what it should.
Either way, you’ll know.
And when it comes to brakes, peace of mind is worth having.
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
An MOT tester who issued false MOT certificates-MOT tester fined
at a Surrey garage was hit with a £1,300 fine and 200 hours of community service. On January 4, Benjamin Aaron Sinclair pleaded guilty in Guildford Magistrates Court to seven offences of fraud by false representation. I must confess that it must be a nightmare when this sort of thing happens in your garage and MOT centre.
Many years ago, I had to advertise for an MOT tester because the one I had left to go work was in a larger main dealer garage. The grass is always greener! The applicants were not what i was looking for. However, I managed to select one and crack on with the Testing.
At first, I thought he was trustworthy. However, we heard a couple of rumours from people in the trade and discovered otherwise. he was as crafty as a fox. However, we managed to catch him fiddling a non-MOT item and was dismissed immediately.
Since then, I have always trained my MOT testers and promoted within. Ryan Linton and Dale Linton are my long-term testers. Alternating the testing with other management skills.
While employed by Godalming Garage Ltd in Godalming, Surrey,-MOT tester fined
The tester was accused of granting MOT certificates to seven vehicles without executing a test in order to profit financially. The offences happened last year between February 18 and April 6. I am amazed at these people thinking that they can get away with these things. MOT testers are very well monitored at all times. Both by the ministry and also in-house, as in this case at Godalming garage.
Magistrates also ordered Sinclair to pay £1,300 in costs and a £95 surcharge for victim services, along with 200 hours of unpaid labour to be completed within the next 12 months. GW Podcast: Appreciating the influence of data from the garage workshop The DVSA registered 1,324 incidents of MOT Fraud between 2021 and 2022. Out of these, 351 cases in 2017 and 710 in 2018 were the most serious cases, including dishonesty and negligence, representing a considerable increase.
The DVSA has the authority to prevent anyone from taking tests.-MOT tester fined
This, to me, is the worst part. This type of thing brings shame to your garage, just for a few extra pounds in your pocket. MOT testers are hard to find these days. So, there is no need to try to fiddle your employee’s out of a few pounds. However, some people are like that and are never satisfied with whatever pay they get at the end of the week.
288 authorised examiners were barred from the MOT programme- MOT tester fined
in 2021, and a total of 127 authorised examiners were prohibited from operating Vehicle Testing Stations.
This includes suspensions for 185 tester cases and 85 authorised examiner cases involving the most serious offences, like dishonesty and gross carelessness.
An MOT tester has been slapped with a £1,300 fine and 200 hours’ community service for issuing fraudulent MOT certificates at a Surrey garage. Benjamin Aaron Sinclair admitted seven counts of fraud by false representation at
A VW Up! Tyre Check at Pellon Tyres – Choosing Falken Ziex ZE320 Tyres in Halifax
Saturday mornings can be lively at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, and after the earlier BMW job, the next customer arriving in the yard was the owner of a small but very popular car – a Volkswagen Up!.
The driver had called in for one of our free tyre checks, something we encourage motorists to do regularly. Tyres are often forgotten about until they become a problem, and a quick inspection can sometimes prevent trouble later on.
When we checked the tyres on this particular VW Up!, it was clear they had done plenty of miles. The tread was well worn and getting close to the legal limit, so we advised the customer that it would be wise to replace all four tyres for safety.
After discussing a few different tyre options and price ranges, the owner decided to go for a set of Falken Ziex ZE320 tyres, which are an excellent choice for a car like the VW Up!.
The Volkswagen Up! – A Small Car That Became a Big Success
The Volkswagen Up! was first introduced in 2011 and quickly gained popularity across Europe. It was designed as a compact city car, but despite its small size, it offers surprising practicality.
Around Halifax and the Calderdale area we see quite a few VW Up! models coming into the garage for tyres and servicing. They are especially popular with:
younger drivers
commuters
people wanting an economical second car.
One reason for the Up!’s popularity is its simplicity and reliability. Volkswagen designed the car to be easy to drive, economical to run, and affordable to maintain.
With fuel prices always on motorists’ minds, a small car like the Up! can be very attractive. Many models achieve excellent fuel economy, which is ideal for drivers travelling between towns such as Halifax, Brighouse, Sowerby Bridge and Hebden Bridge.
VW Upi for 4 Falken ZE320 Tyres
Ideal for Yorkshire Roads: VW Upi for 4 Falken ZE320 Tyres
Although the VW Up! is a small car, it is actually very well suited to the roads we have here in West Yorkshire.
Anyone who drives around Calderdale will know that the area is full of steep hills, narrow lanes, and twisting roads. From the climb up towards Queensbury to the winding routes across the Pennines, driving conditions can change quickly.
Cars like the Volkswagen Up! are:
light and nimble
easy to park in busy town centres
economical for everyday journeys.
But just like any vehicle, they still depend heavily on good tyres to stay safe.
Why Tyre Choice Matters: VW Upi for 4 Falken ZE320 Tyres
Small cars often run on relatively narrow tyres, but that doesn’t mean they can be ignored.
Tyres affect several important aspects of driving:
braking distance
wet weather grip
steering control
fuel efficiency.
When tyres become worn, especially in the wet conditions we often experience here in West Yorkshire, braking distances increase and the risk of aquaplaning becomes greater.
That’s why we always recommend replacing tyres before they become dangerously worn.
Falken tyre label
Falken Tyres – A Brand That Has Grown in Popularity
The tyres chosen for the VW Up! were from Falken, a brand that has become increasingly popular with our customers at Pellon Tyres.
Falken is a Japanese tyre manufacturer and part of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries group, one of the largest tyre producers in the world.
Although Falken started in motorsport, the company has successfully transferred that technology into tyres for everyday road cars.
Here in the Halifax area we have found Falken tyres to be a very reliable choice, offering an excellent balance between price and performance.
The Falken Ziex ZE320: VW Upi for 4 Falken ZE320 Tyres
The particular tyre fitted to the VW Up! was the Falken Ziex ZE320, a modern tyre designed for small and medium-sized passenger cars.
Some of its key features include:
excellent wet grip
good fuel efficiency
quiet running
strong tread life.
For drivers looking for a quality tyre without paying premium prices, the Falken Ziex range has proved extremely popular.
Many customers who have tried Falken tyres for the first time often return for them again when the next replacement is needed.
Falken tyres on wheels ready for balancing
Falken Tyres in West Yorkshire
In recent years we have seen a steady rise in the number of drivers choosing Falken tyres throughout Halifax and Calderdale.
This is partly because motorists today are looking for tyres that offer good value but still perform well in all weather conditions.
With the mixture of town driving, country lanes and motorway journeys that many local drivers experience, tyres need to be versatile.
Falken tyres cope well with:
wet roads
uneven surfaces
long motorway journeys.
That makes them well suited to the type of driving many people do in West Yorkshire.
The Importance of Free Tyre Checks: VW Upi for 4 Falken ZE320 Tyres
The VW Up! owner who visited us on Saturday did exactly the right thing by calling in for a free tyre inspection.
It only takes a few minutes to check tyre tread, pressure and condition, but it can reveal issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Tyres should ideally be checked:
once a month
before long journeys
whenever the car feels different to drive.
Our team at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre is always happy to carry out these checks, and there is never any obligation.
Another Job Completed
Once the customer had decided on the Falken tyres, the car was taken into the workshop and the new tyres fitted and balanced.
Before long the VW Up! was ready to head back out onto the roads of Halifax with a fresh set of tyres and improved safety.
For us, it was another satisfying job completed during a busy Saturday morning.
Supporting Local Drivers in Halifax
At Pellon Tyres we see vehicles of all types every day, from small city cars like the Volkswagen Up! to large SUVs and vans.
But the message is always the same:
Good tyres are essential for safe driving.
With the mix of hills, rain and winding roads that characterise the Calderdale area, keeping tyres in good condition is particularly important.
Whether it’s a quick tyre check or a full replacement, we are always happy to help keep local drivers safe on the road.
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