Second-hand tyres

MOT Test for Safer Roads

MOT Test for Safer Roads

MOT Test for Safer Roads
MOT Test for Safer Roads

MOT Test for Safer Roads

Some motorists may think

that the Ministry of Transport (VOSA) is in a money-making  racket. 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, you can 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? MOT Test for Safer Roads

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, 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 roadworthiness of your vehicle.

After all, this will defeat the whole purpose.

Thus, the tests were carried out in the first place. You want to make sure that your vehicle gets through the test as smoothly 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, there are no rusting or rotten holes. The fuel system, emissions tests, and exhaust system. All need to be in good working order without any more CO2 than is required.

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

Seat belts and seats must not be rotted and be able to keep you secure. 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 with 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.

Good Garage

Peugeot Partner Van

Peugeot Partner Van

Peugeot Partner Van

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. On a recent visit to France, we were running out 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 years old and the paint was peeling off. We decided to buy the oven back in the UK. Simply because, when we checked online, ovens were cheaper here in the UK.

We also had some trash to take to the local tip in France. So the van seemed the best option. Another key point is that our van is 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 having 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 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 stealing your fuel, This is very good if you know that it exists, but I did not ?

The mechanic knew what to do right away; all he did was disconnect the battery and let 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

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Cars and Climate Change

Hybrid Car Ownership

Hybrid Car Ownership

Hybrid Car Ownership
Hybrid Car Ownership

Hybrid Car Ownership

I am 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 “hybrid “cars” as 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 that “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. There is no need to recharge them. Another disadvantage of pure electric cars. Hence, this is a limited journey. Electric cars can only do a certain amount of travel before they require recharging at a charging station.

As a business owner who collects and delivers, 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 called an “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 any 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 on an electric motor. As a result, the battery powers it.When the batteries need to be charged again, the gasoline engine will 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 period of time, when the hybrid car brakes, it usually returns 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 area to get into?

Hybrid Car Ownership: Staff education required

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

All clever stuff? Hybrid Car Ownership

but it’s 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 as 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, learn as much as we can about this new technology. So as not to fall behind.

2024 Hybrid Car update. Hybrid Car Ownership

Just a thought of mine to update things the way I see it. Certainly, in my opinion, the EV market has slowed down. The winner seems to be the hybrid car market. I still feel that people are not convinced about the truth about the electric car, which is perhaps not as green as we were first told. Including logistical objects, such as how many people would not be able to plug an electric car in on their particular property. Especially in older structures such as the UK Victorian streets.

Steering Wheel Not Straight

Important Wheel Alignment Check

Important Wheel Alignment Check

Important Wheel Alignment Check
Important Wheel Alignment Check

Important Wheel Alignment Check

Wheel alignment brief history

After much studying, it is difficult to identify a specific person or group of people who “discovered” wheel alignment for cars. Importantly, the concept of aligning the wheels of a vehicle has likely been around for as long as vehicles have existed. However, the development of modern techniques for measuring and adjusting wheel alignment is a result of the evolution of the automotive industry over the past century.

Of course, combined with the advent of the modern computers. So, computers are now the brains of the modern wheel alignment machines. Consequently, keeping all the updated data for modern cars, Enabling technicians to carry out extremely accurate wheel alignments and other steering geometry.

The first vehicles were simple carts

with wooden wheels that were prone to wear and misalignment. As vehicles became more complex with the invention of the internal combustion engine and the development of pneumatic tyres, it became important to ensure that the wheels were properly aligned to improve tyre wear and handling.

Over time, various methods and tools have been developed to measure and adjust wheel alignment, including mechanical gauges, laser alignment systems, and computerized alignment systems. These tools allow mechanics to precisely measure the alignment of a vehicle’s wheels and make adjustments to correct any misalignment. Today, wheel alignment is an important part of vehicle maintenance and is performed by mechanics and technicians at auto repair shops and dealership service centres.

Important Wheel Alignment Check
Important Wheel Alignment Check

Pellon Tyres new Hofmann 4 wheel Alignment machine ask for a free wheel 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 have upgraded 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.

4 wheel alignment

4-wheel alignment, also known as 4-wheel geometry or wheel-alignment-check, refers to the process of adjusting the alignment of all four wheels on a vehicle to ensure that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This type of alignment is important for maintaining proper tyre wear and handling, as well as ensuring that the vehicle travels in a straight line.

Faster cars and complex tyres have increased the necessity for modern computer driven alignment machines. It is difficult to determine exactly when 4-wheel alignment became popular, as the concept of aligning the wheels of a vehicle has likely been around for as long as vehicles have existed.

However, the development of modern techniques for measuring and adjusting wheel alignment is a result of the evolution of the automotive industry over the past century.

Over time, various methods and tools have been developed to measure and adjust wheel alignment, including mechanical gauges, laser alignment systems, and computerised alignment systems. These tools allow mechanics to precisely measure the alignment of a vehicle’s wheels and make adjustments to correct any misalignment. Today, mechanics and technicians at auto repair shops and dealership service centers perform 4-wheel alignment as a standard part of vehicle maintenance.

Will save you money? Important Wheel Alignment Check

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 wheel-alignment-check 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. Important Wheel Alignment Check

of having a car with misaligned wheels is premature tyre wear. Because if you continue running your car with misaligned wheels,. Then your tyres will wear prematurely. Also, the tyres will wear 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.

Now onto 2024 Pellon Tyres are now members of Tyresafe.org

Broken Spring Problem

Broken Spring Problem

Broken Spring Problem

Broken Spring Problem
Broken Spring Problem

Roadwork causing Broken Spring Problems to many cars, including many broken springs

WAFF

EricRoberts‘s insight:

Broken springs are 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 constant lookout. Especially for potentially dangerous potholes when out driving. As a result, some of the potholes. Arare a result of the terrible winter weather.

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

A broken spring problem caused by huge pothole. Broken Spring Problem

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.

The broken 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 a broken wheel alignment in Halifax being knocked out of position. These roads also have other premature steering problems, such as worn-out ball-joints. All MOT test failures.

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.

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, they will 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, it appears that the dreaded pot holes are affecting even our motorways. These days, I drive many miles delivering our battery products all over the UK.

As a result, the majority of motorways have these holes. Broken Spring Problem

which are primarily on the white lines where the carriageway divides.Some roads in Scotland are badly affected. So, I suppose these roads are extremely busy ! However, is there no excuse not to repair the holes to make driving much safer ?