New tyre labelling

Independent Tyre Centres

/in /by

Independent Tyre Centres

Independent Tyre Centres
Independent Tyre Centres

Independent Tyre Centres

What part will independent tyre centres have?

This has always been a subject close to my heart. I have worked in the tyre trade now for a good 40 years, and like many more like me, we started our own tyre businesses in the seventies and eighties.

So we have now resigned as members of the independent tyre group. Due to the fact that they were becoming too large, I thought they were ineffective.

The majority of us used to work for national companies that were then under the ownership of the top tyre manufacturers before deciding that we could succeed in running our own businesses. Many ex-managers for companies like Tyreservices, a Goodyear-owned subsidiary, and National Tyreservices, who were then owned by Dunlop, decided that if they could run a depot for someone else, then they could do it for themselves, so they looked for premises and started their own businesses.

Here in West Yorkshire. I can think of at least six people who worked for the national  retailers. Then leaving to start their own  businesses. Some also worked for the tyre manufactures. Of course, the likes of Morris Palmer in Hull, who left Goodyear tyres to form the famous Savoy tyres ! Now run by his son. This was happening all over the UK. Revolutionized the way that tyres were sold.  To the growing market and expansion of the car market. Most households had a car by then and business was good and profitable. So, I started a business that we called Kut-Kost tyres. Accordingly, we grew into three depots and made a good living.

The advance of the tyre wholesaler. Independent Tyre Centres

Life went on for a few years and as we were selling more tyres,. Of course, then, the manufacturers were offering better deals . Many of us were tempted to buy in quantity. We were at this stage having to compete with the emerging Kwik Fit Tyre Discount stores . Including the ever-more competitive Nationals.

Before computers! Local newspapers would have up six different adverts. Offering all sorts of deals to the motorists. Driving down the tyre prices! Followed of course by lower profit margins. Significantly, buying containers was a way of increasing our bottom line.

At this stage we were all on a different level and knew who was the competition and could price our products accordingly to compete. What we didn’t see was the growing number of

wholesalers that were springing up all over the country and were growing at an alarming rate. I remember my first visit to Southam tyres in the old Rolls-Royce factory in the midlands and was in awe at the amount of stock he carried. Reg Bond also started his empire around the same time, forming Bond International from an old warehouse in Pocklington North Yorkshire and the rest is history.

Many  retailers started to buy better deals, shifting their purchases from the manufacturers to the  wholesalers in our relentless search to maintain our profit levels.

Many other things were happening, but looking back I think that this was a mistake and it gave too much power and the wholesalers, who later decided to form their own retail outlets in direct competition to ourselves, but we are all fighters and with some ducking and diving we always seem to come up with some alternative supplies of tyres and battle on.

Then, I sold Kut-Kost to Superdrive, a newly established American business that is a Shell Oil company. Kwik-Fit had expected Superdrive to provide direct completion, but when the project fell through, Kwik-Fit eventually purchased my old depots from Superdrive. I then purchased and developed the business that I am in now, Pellon Tyres here in Halifax and 25 years on, we are going through the same torrid times that we had to endure in the early days.

In the past two years, the tyre market has seen some huge changes. Independent Tyre Centres

The development of the internet and the rising popularity of online shopping among motorists are to blame for these changes. I have no problem with that and indeed, as one of the Norths Independent Tyre centres,. I sell tyres online but not at a national level. But in the Yorkshire catchment area. The internet has now made it possible to buy tyres from the rest of Europe, of course, which are now in direct competition with the British wholesalers. In my opinion, it is a good thing and drives down the price of tyres . So, the tyre manufacturers are the companies that are once again making good profits. Of course, as they did in years gone by, they would deal with retail outlets directly.

More disruption in the tyre world is ahead of us .Independent Tyre Centres

I must admit that I was feeling vulnerable as I was stuck out on my own in little Halifax. Not knowing who was going to buy out what. Just like the seventies and early eighties. The next thing to come along! Has been the emergence of the Giant supermarkets wanting a slice of the tyre cake.

I must confess that I have embraced the chance of earning extra profit by fitting for these companies. But I have a feeling that we may be “bitten in the bum” by these companies. The latest rumor that I picked up. Was that the Tesco/Blackcirces combination were going to turn some Tesco sites into tyre fitting operations. Similar to Costco’s operations (as an update Michelin tyres have now bought Blackcircles). (So to update this then the Tesco-Black Circles deal never happened).

If this is a fact, then I fear that it will start a new round of competition from the big tyre companies

All jostling to keep up their tyre numbers. I meanwhile think that I have made a good move by once again after many years dealing with the big five manufacturers. With all the benefits that brings,.

As I said earlier, we Independent Tyre Centres are tough, and I am sure that whatever is thrown at us (now including the Corona Virus),. We will struggle until these disruptions pass, and we will see better days again.

Vauxhall Vivaro Subframe Bushes Collapse

/in /by

Vauxhall Vivaro Subframe Bushes Collapse

Vauxhall Vivaro Subframe Bushes Collapse
Vauxhall Vivaro Subframe Bushes Collapse

Vauxhall Vivaro Subframe Bushes Collapse

 Taking on the Task

Subframe bushing replacement is a difficult undertaking. Many parts, including the suspension and steering rack, must be disconnected in order to remove the complete front subframe. After disassembling everything, we used a specialised tool made for squeezing the new bushes into position. The task would have been almost impossible without it.

We made sure all bolts were torqued to specification and that no corners were cut after carefully reassembling the subframe and installing the new bushes. A brief driving test verified the change: the van was handling smoothly once more, and there was no longer any pounding noise.

Transits can be seen all across Halifax and the neighbouring areas. The Vivaro plays a crucial role in Calderdale’s daily operations, from delivery drivers negotiating the city’s winding roads and steep hills to plumbers and electricians. At Pellon Tyres, we’ve worked on more Vivaros than we can remember, whether it’s replacing clutches, repairing damaged tyres, or fixing suspension problems like this one.

We consistently strive to restore these vans to service as quickly as possible, acknowledging their critical role in the operations of neighbouring businesses.

Concluding remarks

Don’t leave it up to chance if your van is making strange noises or isn’t operating as it should. Bring it to Pellon Tyres so that our knowledgeable staff can investigate the issue. We take pride in Pellon Tyres Repairs the Vauxhall Vivaro Front Subframe

From construction sites to delivery routes, the Vauxhall Vivaro is a true workhorse that can be seen all around Halifax and the UK. It is dependable, adaptable, and popular with many nearby companies. However, it periodically requires some maintenance to stay in peak condition, just like any other hard-working car.

Vivaro’s Banging

Recently, a frequent customer brought their Vauxhall Vivaro into Pellon Tyres. Every time they encountered a bump, they were alarmed by a loud banging sound emanating from the front end. We could tell right away that it needed a thorough inspection because it didn’t sound good.

The issue was immediately apparent once we had the Vivaro on the ramp: the front subframe bushes had deteriorated and, in some cases, completely collapsed. The subframe, which holds important parts like the engine and suspension in place, needs these bushes to stay stable. When they malfunction, the van’s handling and safety may be impacted in addition to producing an unsettling noise.

A Demanding Position

Subframe bushing repair is a serious, all-day, hands-on task. The suspension and steering rack were among the primary parts that had to be disconnected in order to remove the complete front subframe. This is the kind of work that calls for perseverance and a systematic approach.

After removing the subframe, we pushed the new bushes into position and removed the old ones using a specialist tool. It would be nearly impossible to complete without this instrument, but it simplified an otherwise difficult procedure. The next step was to carefully refit everything, making sure that each bolt was torqued in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

An Overview of the Vauxhall Vivaro’s Past

Since its introduction in 2001, the Vauxhall Vivaro has become a common sight on British roads. The Vivaro, which shared its design with the Renault Trafic and then the Nissan Primastar, was a mid-sized van that was jointly developed by Vauxhall (then a part of General Motors) and Renault.

The Vivaro, which was primarily manufactured in Luton, became a mainstay for couriers, craftsmen, and companies in need of a dependable van with lots of room. It has changed over time with more streamlined designs, enhanced technology, and more potent engines. In keeping with the movement towards greener motoring, the most recent models also come with electric variants.

The Vauxhall Vivaro is a familiar sight here in Halifax, either parked outside local shops or climbing the steep roads of Calderdale. Whether it’s a delivery driver travelling across Yorkshire or a plumber with a van full of tools, this vehicle is as adaptable as the people who drive it.

Over the years, we at Pellon Tyres have seen a good number of Vivaros. We understand how crucial it is to keep these cars on the road, whether it’s through regular maintenance or more involved fixes like this subframe job. They are, after all, livelihoods on wheels, not just vehicles.

Why Pick Tyres from Pellon?

Don’t wait for the issue to worsen if your Vivaro—or any car—is making strange noises or doesn’t feel right. Bring it to Pellon Tyres, where our skilled staff will carefully and precisely diagnose and resolve the problem. We are committed to promptly resolving any issues, understanding the significance of your van to your daily life.

Therefore, we can assist you with anything from worn tires to banging noises or anything in between. Talk to us, and we’ll take care of the rest. Your van will appreciate it!Halifax’s preferred garage for both minor and large repairs.

Give us a call or stop by for a conversation if you have a Ford Transit or another reliable car that has seen better days. We are always pleased to assist!

Continental Tyres Halifax

Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres

/1 Comment/in /by

Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres

A few years ago, on a week-long bus tour of Continental Tyres UK Ltd.’s technology and engineering centres in Germany, one item attracted more attention from journalists than nearly any of the other whiz-bang connected-car stuff: a simple tyre pressure monitor.

Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres

Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Revolution on the Road: The Impact of TPMS Valves on Tyre Performance.


Okay, let’s get into something that’s shaking up the world of motoring, especially when it comes to keeping our tyres in tip-top shape: the mighty TPMS, or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. It’s a handy piece of equipment that’s becoming as indispensable as a decent brew on a long journey.

For those who don’t know, TPMS is a sophisticated system that monitors your tyre pressure and informs you if it becomes too low or too high. It’s like having a little mechanic tucked away in your dashboard, continuously ensuring that your wheels are in good condition for your travel.

Why is TPMS a game changer?
First and foremost, safety is a major concern here. Properly inflated tyres are essential for safe handling and braking. Before TPMS, you had to get down and dirty with a tyre gauge to ensure your pressures were correct. But let’s be honest: how many of us did that on a regular basis? With TPMS, there is no guesswork. If something goes wrong, you’ll know right away, allowing you to fix it before it becomes a major issue.

However, it is not just about avoiding flats and blowouts. TPMS helps keep your tyres wearing evenly, allowing them to last longer. No more replacing tyres sooner than necessary because one was under a higher load than the others. That is not just beneficial for your budget; it is also good for the environment because you are not wasting tyres.

TPMS with Fuel Efficiency: A Happy Marriage.


Another benefit is that using the proper tyre pressure results in increased fuel efficiency. Think about it. Under-inflated tyres increase resistance as you roll. More resistance implies your engine is working harder and using more fuel. With current fuel prices, every penny counts, doesn’t it? TPMS keeps your tyres at the proper pressure, allowing you to use a more fuel-efficient powertrain.

A Local Perspective: Keeping Yorkshire Rolling.
Returning to our hometown of Yorkshire, we understand that our roads may be a mixed bag. From Halifax’s cobblestone streets to the twisting country routes around the moors, you’ll need your vehicle to be in top condition. TPMS provides an extra boost of confidence, whether you’re hauling items across the country or simply going to the store.

It’s also great for our local garages. This technology means that they are not only treating problems but also preventing them. It’s another string in their bow, another service they can provide to keep us safe on the roadways.

Wrapping up with a bow. Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres


So, there you have it: TPMS is more than just another acronym to know; it’s a true revolution in keeping our vehicles running safely and effectively. It’s about having peace of mind knowing that while you’re blasting out the songs on your trip through the Dales, your car is looking after itself and you.

Next time you stop by your neighbourhood garage, talk about TPMS. If your car is not currently equipped, it may be time to consider upgrading. After all, we all deserve a little smart tech in our lives, especially when it helps us stay safe and efficient. Let’s keep those tyres inflated up and keep enjoying the ride!

Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres

This article written by Bob Gritzinger. Therefore, it is all about new ideas and inventions. Thrown about by the Auto industry at the moment. Consequently, this idea from Conti has now been tested on truck tyres. But at the moment, I don’t know whether it has been a success or not.

I suspect it will be effective. Because the concept of a monitor. Hence, vulcanised into the tyre. Relaying out information electronically about such things as tyre pressures and the inside temperature of the tyre is obviously of great benefit to the driver of the vehicle.

The device will be able to aid truckers. Because it will also be able to send the driver information. Thus, about the load that the tyre is carrying. Including  the traction details of the tyre, with this gives the driver the knowledge that the full load and road conditions can be checked as the truck is rolling along. I don’t know what sort of signals the “Ice road truckers” would be getting from their in-built TPMS tyres?

TPMS valves are becoming more common. Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres

The new Continental Tyres UK Ltd valve sends out the information. Hence, out by wireless signals. Therefore, is picked up in the cab by the driver on an in-car system very similar to the ones now where the TPMS Valves signals are fitted to the wheels. Continental Tyres UK Ltd says that this is all part the future that may introduce the driverless vehicle to our towns and cities. If an object penetrates a

tyre the system will pick up the loss of pressure and stop the car in some sort of safe area and the problem reported and fixed.

See on www.forbes.com

Continental Tyres Spies in Your Tyres are still a great favourite of company boss Eric Roberts. Continuing to do so in the future drive to build sales at Pellon Tyres in Halifax.

Big Five Tyre Makers

Conti Eco Contact 5

/4 Comments/in /by

Conti Eco Contact 5

Conti Eco Contact 5
Conti Eco Contact 5

Conti Eco Contact 5

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Conti Eco Contact 5 and Michelin have amongst the best Rolling resistance in the  World of tyres

Rolling resistance is a word that we in the tyre World have been familiar with for many years now. It is only in recent years that the words have come to be synonymous with

Saving fuel and reducing running costs are important to drivers. Our ContiEcoContact5 eco tyres are engineered to provide the best fuel economy possible.

saving energy and reducing fuel consumption.

The Conti Eco Contact 5 is the new fuel-saving tyre from the Continental tyre company.

In recent years tyre manufacturers have published the rolling resistance of each individual tyre that they bring out. The tyres have to put the fuel efficiency on the left hand side of the new labels, the best starting at A and then downwards.

Over the years Michelin tyres have always been amongst the top performance when it comes to energy saving tyres with Bridgestone a close second as shown in the figures bellow from the excellent: The daily green website:

The best performer was

the Michelin Energy Saver A/S, which delivered 53.8 mpg in a Prius, meaning a 4.74% improvement. The Bridgestone Ecopia EP100 was next, with 53.5 mpg and a 4.12%. On the other hand, both the Michelin HydroEdge with Green X and the Goodyear Assurance Comfor Tred (terrible name) actually did worse (down .59 and 2.64%, respectively) than the control tires… http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/cars-transportation/low-rolling-resistance-tires-461009

Please do not forget though the thing that makes all tyres more fuel efficient is to keep your tyres correctly inflated at all times and that includes the Continental Eco Contact 5

See on blog.conti-online.co.uk

Michelin Uptis tyre

Michelins New Uptis

/1 Comment/in /by

Michelins New Uptis

Michelins New Uptis
Michelins New Uptis

Michelins New Uptis

Michelins New Uptis Airless Tyres

I am not really surprised at this particular development coming out of the Michelin Tyres stable! Since the first tyres were produced back in the 1800’s.So the large tyre companies have been in the race to try and beat the rest. Both in tyre development and tyre safety issues.

Nothing in the tyre industry really stays still.
Over the years, the general principle of tyre has remained and is based around “air”. So, Pneumatic tyres are filled with air. Keeping this air in a tyre at the correct pressure has always been the challenge.
Unfortunately for me, I am old enough to have worked in the tyre industry when most tyres were fitted with an inner tube.

However, about fifty years ago, most tyre manufacturers were making radial tyres, which were also tubeless tyres. Hence, as a young tyre fitter at the time, things became much easier. As inner tubes became less used and less important,.

Punctures were less common

The tubeless tyre was not only easier to fit but could still hold some pressure when a puncture occurred. Hence, very often, the nail or other objects would seal the tyre a little. So, help the motorists get home and then change the wheel. Having the tyre repaired at their convenience.

Tubed tyres would deflate immediately, leaving the driver stranded. Tubeless was to be the standard for many years. However, with the increasing amount of traffic, a new safety tyre would be on the cards!
Runflat tyres were to be introduced as a new safety measure. So, these tyres were developed so as not to deflate when punctured! Especially at high speed.

These tyres enabled the driver to limp home at 50 mph without having to change the wheel. Importantly, the vehicle also remained in a straight line without swerving, possibly causing an accident. These tyre and wheel units only come out on certain vehicle brands. Other companies designed different tyre safety features with the same outcome in mind. So, to prevent accidents caused by a flat, deflated tyre at speed,.
The answer was to be a tyre without having any air to worry about.

Michelin is involved in most technological Advances- Michelins New Uptis

I am a great admirer and fan of Michelin tyre products. Mainly because, in the past, they have been in the advanced stages of new tyre developments. Going way back to the invention and development of radial tyres.

This new, advanced Uptis tyre will be no exception. Michelin first developed a tyre called the “Tweel“. This is an airless tyre that does not have any punctures. The tyre was to be used for certain off-road uses. Such as dump trucks and other site vehicles.

Down time is important and these Tweel tyres saved money by not having to stop to repair tyres. However, it was always in the corner of Michelins eye to improve the technology for road use and general motoring.
The Uptis has now been developed along with general motors on their new small EV car range as soon as 2024. The new tyres have been tested on these cars and will, of course, bring extra safety.

No puncture repairs! Michelins New Uptis

The new units will be available as an extra. The tyre and wheel are in one piece so a separate tyre will not be an option.
Going forward, I do think its a good idea but like the EV, will just be part of the big mix. Better-off drivers will be able to afford them, just like electric cars. However, I do not think they will kill everybody off; they will just be another option. TPMS systems now give drivers of cars with conventional tyres fitted. So you “take your choice and pay the price,” like most things in this world.

Winter Tyres Halifax UK

Which Tyre Choice

/2 Comments/in /by

Which Tyre Choice

Which Tyre Choice
Which Tyre Choice

Which Tyre Choice

New tyres, remoulded tyres or part-worn tyres? Which Tyre Choice

To start off this article, Which Tyre Choice? I am going to say that, in my opinion. So, you is better to use remoulded tyres (re-tread tyres have a new tread bonded to the old carcass remould tyres area full bead to bead re-mould ). As a result, instead of purchasing unregulated, part-worn tyres,. If the worn parts are sold under the 1994 laws that govern worn tyres, then that is fine. The 1994 legislation comes under the following law… The legislation

The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994. Set out minimum safety standards for the supply of part-worn tyres. To comply, it is important that you and your staff are fully aware of these Regulations.

“Under the Regulations. it is illegal to supply any part-worn tyre that is capable of being fitted to a motor vehicle or trailer unless the conditions detailed below are met”..

This only applies to the UK, of course; the States will have their own legislation. Remould tyres are a good substitute for older vehicles and vehicles that go off-road. Rubber tyres were, at one time, very popular. Older cars and vans and the increase in cheap imported new tyres from China. So, put an end to many remoulding companies here in the UK.

Another good point about moulds. As a result, most aircraft tyres (large and small) are remoulded. Of course, the same applies to trucks. Many of the trucks that you see hurtling down the highway. Will be fitted with remoulded or re-tread tyres. You may have noticed the strips of tread. That are discarded at the side of our motorways; these are the tread that have stripped off the tyre carcass, usually due to the tyre having a puncture or being run underinflated, which has caused it to overheat and therefore come apart.

Which Tyre Choice: New tyres are what they are

brand new tyres and, therefore, will be extremely safe to use .the failure rate of new tyres is very low; in fact, I have not seen a genuine faulty tyre for a few years now. Remould tyres are also very well made by the few companies that remain making them; the failure rate for car and van tyres is a bit higher than new tyres, but still not worth bothering about. As I said earlier, the problem I have is the sale of un-regulated, worn tyres; otherwise, you will be safe on new or remould tyres. For further tyre choice and tyre safety information, see www.tyresafe.org

So, in my opinion,

properly governed and legal part worn tyres have a part to play when funds are running low, as in the Corona Virus.