Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Even the largest domestic vehicles, like a pick-up truck or a van, aren’t always big enough for your driving needs. When you need to add extra capacity to your vehicle, whether it’s space for a horse, extra storage, or even somewhere that doubles as a home on wheels, the answer is simple: tow another structure behind your existing vehicle.
Towing is popular with many drivers, but it does come with responsibility. The DVLA has laws around towing, and drivers need to be aware of them and compliant at all times.

While this might seem obvious,

even two years after a major change in towing laws was implemented, only 14% of respondents to a recent survey were aware of the developments. The law now allows those who passed their driving test from after January 1997 can tow trailers of up to 3,500kg MAM without undertaking additional training.
Just because less training is now required, that doesn’t mean that towing isn’t still a dangerous pastime or that it isn’t a privilege that we need to take very seriously. Driver ignorance could potentially be fatal, especially when you’re towing a heavy trailer or caravan.

Here are some of the many reasons why this ignorance could be dangerous and how drivers can brush up on their knowledge before they hitch up their trailers.

Drivers Might Be Making Mistakes When Hitching-Ignorance Of Towing Laws

If drivers are ignorant of basic towing laws, then it begs the question: What else don’t they know about towing trailers or caravans? One of the most significant areas where they could be going wrong from the start is hitching their trailer to their vehicle.

Having properly fitted tow bars that are attached by an expert fitter and used correctly is crucial for ensuring that the trailer is properly secured from the start of the journey. Incorrectly hitching a trailer to a vehicle can result in
detachment while driving. This not only endangers the occupants of the towing vehicle but also poses a significant risk to other road users, so drivers need to be aware of how to do this correctly.

It Might Mean Poor Driving Etiquette-Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Ignorance of towing laws can lead to improper use of overtaking lanes and slow lanes, causing frustration among other drivers and increasing the likelihood of road rage incidents. The law dictates how drivers should behave when they have a trailer, and if they don’t understand one aspect of it, they probably won’t grasp driving etiquette when towing a trailer or caravan.

This can lead to problems with other drivers and potential dangers. One area that could cause significant problems is overtaking others and turning correctly around other drivers when towing a trailer.

Towing a trailer affects visibility and manoeuvrability, so not having proper overtaking and turning techniques can lead to collisions, especially in tight spaces or when attempting manoeuvres without a clear understanding of the trailer’s path.

Ignorance Of Towing Laws
Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Proper Maintenance Might Not Be Undertaken

Drivers who don’t understand the law might not be interested in maintaining and caring for their vehicles, tow bars, and trailers effectively. Towing puts additional strain on all the vehicle’s components.

Ignoring maintenance requirements can result in mechanical failures while on the road, leading to accidents or breakdowns, so drivers need to be aware of these issues and manage them effectively. Drivers who view towing as a simple experience might not maintain their vehicles correctly when towing.

Ignorance Could Lead To A Lack Of Attention When Towing

Any vehicle can be challenging to drive, but when your car has an extra piece attached at the back that is long and heavy, there are additional issues that you need to bear in mind. As such, towing a trailer requires heightened awareness of the road and surroundings.

Not knowing how the trailer affects blind spots, turning radius, and overall vehicle length can lead to accidents or issues, especially in tight urban areas with narrow streets. Also, towing often comes at a reduced speed limits on certain roads. Ignoring these limits can lead to dangerous situations, as trailers require more time to slow down or stop safely. As a result, driver error could cause serious problems for road users.

What You Can Do To Stay Up-To-Date-Ignorance Of Towing Laws

Whether you’re a caravan owner, a horse transporter, or you regularly use a trailer for your work, you need to understand the laws and stay up-to-date with them. To make sure that you always know about changes to the law when towing or any other aspect of driving, follow the DVLA’s blog for regular updates.

You can also make the most of sites like ours

to understand how these new rules will affect you and what you can do to ensure your compliance at all times. Being proactive will make you a better driver and ensure that you can navigate the UK’s roads safely and effectively.

 

Neglect car servicing

Neglect car servicing

Neglect car servicing
Neglect car servicing

Neglect car servicing

Daily Nation Neglect car servicing at your own peril Daily Nation If you simply asked a garage for major car servicing and handed the car over with a flat spare, one rear wheel five psi below pressure, feathering wear on one front tyre tread, a screw…

EricRoberts‘s insight:

 Neglect car servicing advice from Africa

I know that I keep going on about how important car servicing is. But its good advice when I see other countries preaching the same thing. So this article comes from Africa! Giving the  motorist some good points that affect all car drivers. Importantly to have your car serviced. Of course, there may be some serious underlying problem with your car.

Especially about hidden problems that you do not know about.

Significantly, a service should pick up. The main neglect that we come across is Car Brakes problems, For example, leaking brake cylinders that are undetected could lead to a sudden brake loss, and heaven knows what that could cause, so please have your car serviced at regular intervals. Please do not Neglect car servicing?

If you would like some advice  about your cars servicing intervals, then here you are .

From my advice I would like to stress that the newer your car is then the fewer services the car will need. Most of today’s modern cars that our customers drive are supposed to be serviced every 12000 Miles Per Year. Or at least once a year. Some of the older models require more Servicing a Car, but we tend to check out the service booklets and service the cars accordingly.

After three years, your car should have averaged, say, 12000 miles every year, but many drivers do not do that amount of miles, so in that case, i would advise you once again to stick to the mileage regime and not the time scale.

In my opinion, it is best practice to stick to the cars service manual. If you do Neglect car servicing and exceed the miles, say if you use your car for work purposes, then you should have the 12000 mile service once a year, or at least make sure that the car has a major service.

But most importantly

Please make sure that the car has the oil and filter changed, as oil contamination can always lead into other, more serious problems. Also check the time or mileage that your timing belt needs changing; this can be a major problem if you Neglect car servicing If your car requires it, most do and have a brake check. if you have a 12-mile yearly service, then all this will be taken care of.

Check Your Tyres

Check Your Tyres

Check Your Tyres
Check Your Tyres

Check Your Tyres

EricRoberts‘s insight:

This is always good advice” check your tyres”

Of course, here in the UK and most of Europe. Hence, the bank holiday season is coming up ! Time to Check Your Caravan Tyres . So, the legal limit is 1.6 mm across 3/4 of the tread from the centre outwards; if you are above that, then

So, the important thing to remember is ! Consequently, that most cars today have cars fitted with tyres.  That do not have any sipes, once you get down to 3 mm of remaining rubber on the tread area.

Of course, the sipes are the very small slits that you can see all over the tyres.

These sipes help get rid of the water. Importantly, between the tread area and the road surface,. Significantly, they are are one of the most important thing in tyres safety design ! So Check Your Tyres .

Without them, you are running on “slick tyres“. Subsequently, the type of rubber that you see on F1 racing cars is “bald.”. This gives the car excellent grip in very dry weather. But it renders them useless in wet weather. So the moral of this story is to remove your tyres at 3 mm ! For safety sake alone,.

Sipes are the tiny splits that are purposely designed.

So to help dissipate the water,. Hence, between the tyre and the road surface in wet or snowy weather. Of course, their are thousands of them in any typical tyre design. But they only operate down to the 3 mm limit on most modern tyres. Especially on the new type of SUV and high-performance performance car tyres.

There are many different types of sipes used in the design of tyres.

Some are designed to lock with each other when the tread block moves. This locking together of the sipes enables  the tread block to remain solid  (helping to improve the road holding capabilities of the tyre) whilst still helping the tyre retain its grip in wet conditions.

Other types of sipes are known as  keyhole sipes. This type of sipe is shaped so that the bottom of the sipe is wider than the top. As a result, it is similar to a keyhole design. This comes from the fact that as the tyre wears. So, the depth of the grooves and sipes are reduced. Then the sipe width is increased. So, retaining the overall volume.

Tyre safety Check Your Tyres  information can be found at www.tyresafe.org

See on www.pistonheads.com

Yokohama Tyres 19545×16

Yokohama Tyres 19545×16

Yokohama Tyres 19545×16

Yokohama Tyres 19545×16 have proved to be a good seller to the younger tyre market and that’s where we missed out in the past.

We started to sell Yokohama  about ten years ago but we found it a difficult product to sell. Yokohama was now a very big seller of wheel and tyre packages, and it was a thing that we found hard to sell here in Halifax.

At the time, we did not know that this particular product was one of the first things to be sold on the internet,, and the market for wheel units was bought by the younger drivers online from a company in Macclesfield selling cheap Yokohama Tyres 19545×16 and wheels online.

We then fell out

with Yokohama tyres and concentrated on other tyre companies. This was before we joined Point-S. Point-S are an independent tyre dealer group here in the UK. And gave us the chance to buy directly from the tyre manufacturers for the first time in a few years. We are no longer members of Point-S !

This opened the door for Yokohama tyres again

And we started to deal with them for a second term. This time, we were aware of the internet and could price up our tyres competitively. With special price structures, we were able to sell this excellent product at very competitive prices and we are now able to offer our customers a good deal for an excellent product. Yokohama Tyres 19545×16 have proved to be a good seller to the younger tyre market and that’s where we missed out in the past.

This driver of this White Citroen DS3 specifically asked for

Yokohama Tyres 19545×16 for his car and were definitely the tyre choice for the younger driver. I would also like to take this chance to thank Yokohama for the very professional manner that they showed when fitting my tyre depot with brand new signage and display materials.

Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres

Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres

Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres
Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres

Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres

Bridgestone and Jaguar: a match made in automotive heaven


When it comes to great automotive collaborations, few match the relationship between Jaguar, one of Britain’s most renowned vehicle manufacturers, and Bridgestone, a worldwide tyre technology behemoth. This alliance is more than just about performance and precision; it is the story of two pioneers collaborating to produce the ultimate driving experience. So, get a cup of coffee and let’s look at why Jaguar automobiles with Bridgestone tyres make such an excellent combination.

The Pride of Britain meets Global Innovation


Jaguar has long been a symbol of British luxury and performance, with its origins deep in the history of the UK automotive industry. Jaguar has always been about sophistication and speed, from the streets of Coventry, where the company was founded, to the sleek, futuristic designs that roll off the manufacturing lines today. Pair such elegance with Bridgestone’s cutting-edge tyre technology, and you’ve got a winning combination.

Why Bridgestone tyres are ideal for Jaguar. Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres


Jaguar vehicles are known for their agility, style, and power, which necessitates a tyre capable of keeping up. Bridgestone tyres are designed to compliment Jaguar vehicles’ high performance, ensuring that whether you’re navigating the winding roads of the Yorkshire Dales or cruising down the M1, your ride is smooth, safe, and highly responsive.

Bridgestone’s commitment to innovation means that they are always pushing the limits of what tyres can achieve. Their Dueler, Potenza, and Turanza series are all popular choices for various Jaguar models, with each designed to highlight the luxury automobiles’ particular features. The Potenza series, which emphasises high-speed stability and precision handling, is suitable for the sportier Jaguar F-TYPE, whereas the Turanza series provides comfort and longevity for the more calm Jaguar XF.

A Legacy of Trust and Performance.


Jaguar and Bridgestone’s collaboration extends beyond common goals; it is founded on trust and a track record of performance. Both corporations have consistently invested in technology that results in safer, more enjoyable driving experiences. Bridgestone’s Ecopia tyres, for example, not only improve fuel efficiency but are also specifically designed to complement Jaguar’s newer, more environmentally conscious models.

Local Ties That Bind. Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres


It’s difficult to discuss Jaguar without acknowledging its uniquely British background. Jaguar, like Yorkshire, has its own story of ingenuity and tenacity, and it represents a proud chapter in the British industrial narrative. This local pride is reflected in the cooperation with Bridgestone, a worldwide corporation that has always recognised and responded to the specific demands and characteristics of the regions it serves.

Wrapping Up


So, whether you’re a Jaguar fan or just someone who values the better things in life, the marriage of Jaguar cars with Bridgestone tyres exemplifies what can be accomplished when tradition meets innovation. This collaboration not only combines expertise and engineering but also demonstrates a common commitment to excellence, keeping Britain at the forefront of the automotive world.

The next time you’re out and about, whether it’s for a trip to the nearby store or a drive across the moors, be aware that Jaguar and Bridgestone have improved a piece of history beneath your Jaguar’s bonnet and on the asphalt. Safe travels, and may your voyage go as smoothly as the partnership that made it possible!

Importantly, one of the greatest cars ever made

is the Jaguar XJ 220. Unfortunately, many of the car experts did not like the car and were very disappointed when the fist came out. The new Jaguar came equipped with a V12 engine. As a result, the engine was mounted at the rear . making the car suitable for racing use. Indeed, a version of the XJ 220 is the XJR 9 . I went on to win the prestigious Le Mans 24-hour race .

This has been a special project for Bridgestone tyres . Although Bridgestone Jaguar tyres are available for all Jaguars tyre needs,. Then the development of tyres for the XJ 220 was to become a special project. In fact, it was stated that no profit was to be made on the sale of these tyres.

The XJ’s  tyres. Bridgestone Jaguar Tyres

Consequently, were originally the sizes of 255/45zr17 and 345/35zr18 and could cope with the cars top speeds of over 200 mph. Consequently, owners of these cars could not buy new tyres, as they were not made and unavailable.

Bridgestone are now proud suppliers of tyres for the whole jaguar range going into 2022.

As a result of the tyres being unavailable

, Bridgestone has now started to make the tyres available again. Including the Potenza RE031. Of course, Incorporating sports performance with ride comfort, the Potenza RE031 is original equipment (OE) on selected vehicles. Original equipment (OE) on Lexus RX330.

After months of development, Bridgestone has finished creating new tyres for Jaguar’s iconic 1990s supercar, the XJ220. The tyre manufacturer partnered up with Jaguar specialist Don Law Racing to create new rubber for the turbocharged supercar, the British firm also supplied the original pre-production car that Jaguar originally used for testing.

Source: Bridgestone celebrates finishing new Jaguar XJ220 tyres with a documentary film | Evo

Pellon Tyres is now a member of Tyresafe.org to promote tyre safety in Halifax

Noisy Car Brakes

Noisy Car Brakes

noisy car brakes
Car Brakes-Friction Zone

Noisy car brakes

I was surprised to see this nice-looking red car 

Being the owner of a busy garage has many “ups and downs.”. One of the more pleasant aspects of the job is seeing the number of different cars and car models that would appear in any given week.

This past week has seen cars as diverse as a Rolls Royce Wraith ( which was one of only 220 cars produced) to a Wolsey Hornet Mini from the late 1960s, not counting the everyday cars such as Ford Fiestas and VW Golfs. We had a Citroen DS3 call in to us early in the week with rattling car brakes.

It was in my favourite colour, a very bright red ( I love red cars). We put the citroen car with the Noisy Car Brakes on a ramp and removed all the wheels to check the Brakes, and sure enough, the front pads were worn down to the metal and the friction from “metal to metal” had also damaged the front discs. The rear brakes were cleaned and checked and were good for further use.

We contacted the customer and was given the go-ahead to replace the brakes

Of course, this meant that the customer was getting good-quality brakes with a nation-wide guarantee. The  job was completed and the customer went on his way. Importantly, I took a couple of pictures because I am a great fan of the Citroen DS3.

The colours are very bright and modern-looking,

with a choice of 11 colours and four different roof colours, You can even have colour-coded alloy wheels and different carpet designs. There is also a sports version known as the D-Sport, which comes with blue teeth and climate control. The car also include 17-inch alloy wheels; the one I looked at came with Yokohama tyres and looked great. They also come out with additional body modifications and really look very stylish.

This car, in my opinion, is a great tribute

to the new Citroen DS3 designers, who had to compete with the BMW Mini and the great little Fiat 500.

More reading…

The DS3 is the first in a range of very different Citroen models that put the emphasis on style and personality, along with strong performance and driver appeal. With its stylish look and compact size, it’s easy to see why so many comparisons have been drawn with the popular MINI and Fiat 500.

We are now members of Tyresafe.org

“The engine combines strong low-rev performance – 110bhp at 3600rpm and 199lb ft at 2000rpm, enough for a sub-10.0sec 0-60mph time – with a claimed 62.8mpg (combined cycle) and 118g/km of CO2 emissions, which sees annual road tax costing just £20…”EVO

 

Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch
Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch No Duel mass Flywheel on this Peugeot 206

Do you have a problem with the clutch on your Peugeot 206 Estate?

How to Tell the Difference!
Ah, the dependable Peugeot 206 estate, a sight that is well-known on the roads of Halifax and beyond. It is frequently seen trundling along the picturesque countryside of Yorkshire or whizzing through the cobblestone lanes of our old cities. There is no doubt that it is a dependable workhorse; yet, just like any other vehicle, it is not immune to wear and tear, particularly when it comes to the clutch.

It is important to know how to determine when the clutch on your Peugeot 206 is about to give up the ghost. Before you find yourself parked outside the Piece Hall, waiting for a tow, here is a straightforward guide that will assist you in recognising the warning indications that may present themselves.

The Spongy Pedal Test, Number One

1. First things first, let’s speak about how the clutch pedal feels in your hand. It is a good indication that something is wrong if pressing it down results in a sensation that is similar to that of a Yorkshire pudding that has been left out from the Sunday roast. If the clutch pedal seems softer than it normally does, this could be an indication that there is air in the hydraulic line or that the clutch plate has worn out.

A high point of abrasion-Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

When you lift your foot, the next step is to examine where the clutch engages you. When a car is in good condition, the clutch should be engaged only a short distance from the ground. Friend, if you discover that you are almost entirely releasing your foot from the pedal before the vehicle begins to move, then it is possible that your clutch is experiencing a failure. This high biting point is a clear indication that it is time to call your neighbourhood garage for assistance.

      This is the Rev Test.

      You should start your engine and depress the clutch pedal while you are parked in a secure location. Proceed to shift into a higher gear, such as third or fourth, and apply some gas in a gentle manner. During the most recent Halifax Town match, if the engine revs increase at a quicker rate than your enthusiasm, but the car is not speeding up in accordance with the increase in revs, then your clutch is slipping. This is a typical example of your clutch apologising for assistance and letting you know that it is probably time for a change.

      Movements that are juddering-Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

      Have you ever had that juddering sensation as you are pulling out of a junction, as if the vehicle has just consumed a cup of Yorkshire tea that is too strong? Not only is that shudder annoying, but it may also be an indication that your clutch or engine mounts are worn down. There is a clear indication that something is wrong since it seems as though the car is hesitant to move forward.

      Extraordinary Sounds-Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch

      Keep your ears open for any sounds that are out of the ordinary when you are using the clutch. Any noises that are groaning, squeaking, or chirping must be avoided at all costs. These sounds may indicate that the clutch plate is not properly aligned or that the bearing has become worn out. The sound is reminiscent of the mysterious creaks that may be heard in an old mill in Yorkshire; it is charming, but it is definitely an indication that something needs to be fixed.

        Local Garage: A Source of Hope

        You shouldn’t waste any time if you notice any of these warning indicators. Pay a visit to the garage that is quite close to you here in Halifax. We are not only concerned with resolving issues; we are also concerned with preserving a portion of your everyday life by ensuring that your Peugeot 206 estate is capable of performing its functions, whether it be a drive to the moors or a trip to the local shop.

        It is important to keep in mind that a clutch that is in good operating order will result in a more comfortable driving experience, reduced wear and tear on your vehicle, and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, make sure to keep an ear and an eye out for these indicators. Your wallet and your Peugeot will be grateful to you for this.

        And if you ever find yourself in need of a battery or any other kind of guidance, feel free to stop by our garage or check out our website. We are here to keep your motor running smoothly by adding a little bit of charisma and knowledge from the local area!

          It is important to keep in mind that a clutch that is in good operating order

          will result in a more comfortable driving experience, reduced wear and tear on your vehicle, and improved fuel efficiency. Additionally, make sure to keep an ear and an eye out for these indicators. Your wallet and your Peugeot will be grateful to you for this.

          And if you ever find yourself in need of a battery or any other kind of guidance, feel free to stop by our garage or check out our website. We are here to keep your motor running smoothly by adding a little bit of charisma and knowledge from the local area!

          Owing to the number of vehicle breakdowns.

          Hence, the recovery wagon has been busy bringing in broken down cars for most of this week. Consequently, the owner of this Peugeot 206 estate 2003 model.  Observed that they “could smell burning”, coming from their vehicle. Followed the the stopping  with a bang !

          As a result of running a good garage, then we get many customers giving us repeat business.  This Peugeot was to be no exception. Consequently, this Peugeot 206 Estate has had the Clutch problem for some while ! But the driver is deaf and so  could not here the clutch slipping.

          A slipping clutch is signs of more worrying problems ahead. Usually detected by the sound of the clutch slipping. Which is a very distinguished and worrying noise. Especially when setting off in gear up an incline.

          So a good clutch just bites and off you go. However a slipping clutch squeals a little before biting and gradually gets worse, until total failure.

          Anyway the car was diagnosed as a clutch problem, and the job would be done by our main man Ryan. Because, job is a straight forward one and the new Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch was fitted and working in a few hours.

          The Peugeot 206 Estate Clutch was collected by the customer the same day and a good job done.

          For more reading…

          ”Recently it got to the point where the noise from a worn out clutch thrust got on my nerves, so it had to be changed. I had a local mechanic in Spain (where the car is kept) change the complete clutch assembly and cable. The cable was a genuine Peugeot part (or so I’m told) but the rest of the assembly was not”… http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=90831

          Rolls-Royce MOT

          Rolls-Royce MOT

          Rolls-Royce MOT
          Rolls-Royce MOT

          Rolls-Royce MOT

          This Roller will probably be the nicest car that we have had in the garage for its This magnificent car was brought into my garage for an Rolls Royce MOT. We were very pleased to see such a fine specimen of a vintage Bentley Wraith.

          This magnificent Rolls-Royce Wraith car, a 1939 drop-head coupe, is one of only 220 in the World. Its designer, James Young and Company of London’s Bromley, is significant. Later, London-based Rolls-Royce dealer Jack Barclay purchased it. This magnificent car was brought into my garage for a Rolls-Royce MOT. We were very pleased to see such a fine specimen of a vintage Bentley Wraith model. Although the new DVLA MOT Rules state that these cars do not have to have a Rolls-Royce MOT any more,. Most owners still go through the procedure for insurance purposes.

          It was in 1931-Rolls-Royce MOT

          that the then-Rolls-Royce company “bought out ” Bentley Motors” . Consequently, the whole works was moved from the Bentley factory in Cricklewood, London, NW2. Of course, to Derby, in the North midlands of the UK.

          Bentley cars that were produced there are were commonly referred to as the “Derby-Bentley s”. These cars were first introduced in 1933. Hence, the first of these Bentley s that were made in Derby was simply known as the 3 1/2-litre. Subsequently, they were very similar in design and look to the Rolls Royce 20/25.

          Thus, that was made in the same year.-Rolls-Royce MOT

          The Bentley cars very soon became the more powerful and sporty versions of the  Rolls Royce. These 3.5-litre engineered Bentley’s that were produced in Derby were not in the same technology class as the ones produced in Cricklewood, London.

          In 1936, the Derby-made Bentley’s and the new Rolls-Royce were fitted with 4.257-litre engine and a four-speed gearbox.

          this vastly improved the cars performance giving the owner far more acceleration power and making the car feel very sporty to drive. These cars were made until the beginning of World war 2

          Production lasted until the outbreak of World War II, with over 1200 examples produced Many of these cars are still running today, like the fine example that was presented to us here in Halifax, UK. More

          reading...http://www.coachbuild.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=50&g2_itemId=7787&g2_GALLERYSID=ca3cbacf38f4443917eafa41ebe53fba

          Michelin Tyres Development

          Michelin Tyres Development

          Michelin Tyres Development
          Michelin Tyres Development

          Michelin Tyres Development

           It is no surprise to the older drivers amongst us that Michelin Tyres Development has always been at the forefront of tyre design 

          Ever since I started work as a junior tyre fitter all those years ago. So, I have marveled at the skill and professional work. That Michelin Tyres Development  have put into their products. Even going back before my time ! French tyre makers were at the top of tyre development.Subsequently, all the other tyre companies were playing catch-up.

          Enter the first steel-belted radial that started it all off for Michelin tyres.

          This was to be the tyre that changed their history. Including the great American tyre makers of the time. Of course, this new tyre from Michelin tyres was to be a far cry from the cross-ply. Significantly, the majority of other European tyre companies make it.. Including the bicycle-belted tyres that were developed in the USA.

          The new Michelin Tyres Development was to be known as the Michelin”X”. Consequently, first appearing in 1949 (a year after I was born). This tyre would revolutionise the tyre industry ! a product that would last longer and prove better car handling. Especially for the type of suspension that was used on European cars.

          This tyre was to be fitted as original equipment to Lancia and Citroen cars, as well as to the Mercedes 190 SL models.

          It took a good ten years before the other tyre makers started to catch Michelin Tyres Development up, all-trying to copy the steel-belted “X” tyre.

          Compared to the cross-ply tyre, the radial had many advantages. They  gave much better mileage and road holding ( I must admit that when I was in my early tyre fitting days). I can remember drivers complaining about Michelin  being bad in wet weather. This also gave added bonus of lower fuel consumption, a great

          bonus for some of those old gas-guzzling cars.

          This is also the same time that imported cars were coming into the UK, such as the Citroen 2 CV and Renault Dauphins.

          More reading…The Dauphine took over from the 4 CV in 1956, but not as a replacement. The name dauphine (heiress) was highly significant. Release was a major event on the motoring scene, and followed up by a successful career on French and export markets.  

          Dauphine played its successor’s role to the full, boasting all the latest features of the epoch, such as adjustable seats, heating, and an automatic gearbox. The finish was very smart, with a red and black steering wheel and matching seats. The dashboard layout was uncluttered, and the interior roomy.  

          Dauphine was a four-seater, with rear bench and two separate seats at the front. In January 1957, the US motoring weekly The Motor crowned it the “prettiest little four-seater in the world”. Sure, it was beautiful, elegant and shapely, totally in keeping with spirit of the 1960s.”…http://www.renault.com/en/vehicules/hier/pages/renault-dauphine.aspx

          The Dauphin did not do too well in the “cold, Damp British climate”

          So, soon, it had a bad reputation for bad rust. But it did come out on Michelin tyres, and I will never forget. Of course, the first time I had to remove one of these products  from the rim. The tyre just fell off the wheel; it was so easy to do. A big improvement on the struggle we had when fitting Dunlops . In those days, we only had a hand-held tyre bead breaker and some tyre levers; balancing was carried out on a small “bubble” wheel balancer, which I still believe never really worked.

          To conclude, Michelin Tyres Development has never looked back, not even in the early days. Because of their better cornering, they were used in the early motor-sport cars with great success.

          Pellon Tyres is now a member of Tyresafe.org to promote tyre safety in Halifax

          017 EFB Batteries

          017 EFB Batteries

          017 EFB Batteries
          017 EFB Batteries

          017 EFB Batteries

          So,  bringing this post up to date in 2021, the EFB battery is becoming very popular. Happily for us, the winter of 2020/21 has become a very cold, snowy winter. If most people hate the bad weather, then of course we love it. cold weather means a little more business for us.

          Specialist products give us a few more sales than normal. However, this year is the year when batteries on new car sales from a few years ago are due to be replaced! Including the start-stop batteries known as the EFB and the AGM.

          Vehicle owners will have noticed by now that these batteries are more expensive than a regular car battery. Of course the batteries are different due to technology and more expensive parts inside the battery.

          Numax EFB batteries are great mid-range battery

          So, when sourcing a good-priced battery for my customers, I finally chose the Numax brand.  Firstly, Numax are available at the moment! Like many other products, batteries are suffering shortage problems.

          Mainly due to the massive demand from consumers after battery factories were shut down due to the “Corona Virus Pandemic”. This is causing massive shipping problems, with stock orders going out of the window.

          However, Numax and Lucas are now the same products and are coming through at regular intervals.

          Lucas brand AGM Batteries

          There has been an increasing degree of partnership with Japanese corporations. Such as with Sumitomo on car-body systems . Or Yuasa Battery Company. In response to the growing likelihood that Japanese components firms.

          Therefore, will make inroads into the European market . So deeply as they already have in the United States. Lucas Automotive have had  success in 1989 in attracting orders. From BMW and Saab-Scania . Thus, for fuel injection systems,. Was an indication of its ability . Hence, to compete directly in Europe… http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/lucas-industries-plc-history/

          As we can see in this. History of the Lucas company .

          Then, Lucas were doing cross-country deals. In the expanding car component sector. Including a deal that was struck with Yuasa batteries of Japan. As a result, these batteries went under the Lucas brand name. They were imported with many battery part numbers .

          Coming into the UK and the USA that were unfamiliar to the British battery manufacturers .

          Yuasa batteries actually started producing batteries in the USA in 1979. Producing car and AGM batteries . Hence, in 1996, the great Lucas empire. It merged with the American company Varity Corporation and the UK part of the company.

          017 EFB Batteries

          More reading…

          “Now trading under the name of ‘Lucas Electrical’ . Then the company concentrates on after-market component supply. Rather than as an original equipment supplier to manufacturers.

          Initially, the Lucas name was used on Elta’s existing products . Automotive light bulbs have been gradually expanded to cover much the same range as the original Lucas company: light units, batteries, switches and controls, ignition components, re manufactured starter motors and alternators, wiper blades and electrical accessories.

          Operations and manufacturing take place at several locations in the UK as well as overseas”… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LucasVarity

          This is the stage where the Lucas battery label in the famous green and white Lucas colours was sold off to a British Battery company in the Midlands.