Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

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Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

Fiat Abarth Spider MOT Test in Halifax – A Rare Italian Treat at Our Garage

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming a true Italian gem to the ramp here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax – the stunning Fiat Abarth 124 Spider. This rare little sports car glided in for its annual MOT test, and it immediately turned heads.

It was one of those moments when you stop and appreciate a car for what it truly is – not just a mode of transport but a piece of driving art. With its aggressive stance, twin tailpipes, and low-slung roadster lines, the Abarth Spider is a real showstopper – and this one looked absolutely immaculate.

🏎️ A Modern Classic with Italian Flair and Japanese Reliability

The Fiat Abarth Spider is something of a modern motoring oddity – in the best way possible. Built in collaboration with Mazda, it shares its platform with the ever-popular MX-5, but Fiat has added its own Italian twist. Under the bonnet lies a punchy 1.4-litre turbocharged engine, pushing out 168 bhp, which gives it a bit of bite – perfect for the twisty roads of West Yorkshire.

Originally revived in the mid-2010s, the 124 Spider pays homage to the original Fiat 124 of the ’60s and ’70s – a roadster remembered fondly for its motorsport credentials and stylish looks. The Abarth version dials things up with:

  • Sharper suspension
  • Faster steering
  • Brembo brakes
  • A signature raspy exhaust note that brings out your inner racing driver

📌 Fun Fact: The Abarth’s exhaust system – known as the Record Monza – is specifically tuned to give a deep growl. It’s one of the first things you’ll notice when it starts up.

🚘 Abarth 124 Spider – Perfect for Yorkshire Roads Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

There’s no denying that this is a car built for driving. Whether you’re winding along the Hebden Bridge switchbacks, climbing the Pennine Hills, or cruising into Halifax on a summer evening with the roof down, the Abarth Spider feels right at home.

With its compact body and agile handling, it’s a joy to manoeuvre even on our narrower local roads. The drive has that “wind-in-your-hair” feel, reminiscent of proper old-school sports cars – but with modern safety and reliability built in.

It’s the kind of car that begs you to take the long route home – purely for the fun of it.

🔧 MOT Test – A Clean Bill of Health for This Italian Thoroughbred

When this particular Abarth rolled in, it was clear from the get-go that the owner takes serious pride in it. The paintwork was spotless, the interior was clean and well-kept, and the whole car just felt loved.

Ou MOT technicians in Halifax gave it a thorough inspection – brakes, emissions, suspension, and the usual safety checks. It passed its MOT test with flying colours, as expected from such a well-maintained example.

At Pellon Autocentre, we see all sorts of cars – from work vans to everyday hatchbacks – but it’s always a treat when something a bit special comes in, especially when it’s looked after by a true enthusiast.

🏁 Why Enthusiasts Still Love the Fiat Abarth Spider

In an age where many cars are more about touchscreens than torque, the Abarth Spider is a welcome reminder that driving can still be about feel, sound, and connection.

  • No fake engine noises here – just genuine turbocharged grunt
  • A proper manual gearbox, not a paddle-shift in sight
  • Lightweight chassis and rear-wheel drive for real driver engagement

It’s a car with soul, and you can feel that every time you fire it up or flick it through a tight bend.

👀 See One? Give It a Nod – It’s Earned It Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

If you ever spot a Fiat Abarth Spider parked up in Halifax, Brighouse, or Sowerby Bridge, take a second to admire it. These cars are rare, characterful, and brilliantly fun. A modern classic, if ever there was one.

And if you’re lucky enough to own one, remember we’re always here to help keep it in top condition – from MOTs and tyres to brakes and servicing, we’ll treat it with the respect it deserves.

✅ Need an MOT for a Fiat Abarth Spider in Halifax?

We love seeing performance cars, classics, and rare motors here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre. Whether you own a Fiat, a BMW, or a trusty Ford, we’ll give it a thorough, honest MOT and expert advice on anything it needs.

📍 Find us in Halifax
📞 Book your MOT today – quick, reliable, and DVSA-approved
🛞 Click here to book online

Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test

 

mot testing and car servicing

Car Servicing under Warranty

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Car Servicing under Warranty

Car Servicing under Warranty
Car Servicing under Warranty

Car Servicing under Warranty

Your car service can be carried out when the car is  under the manufacturerwarranty

So, as a garage owner of long standing ! This is a question that I am always asked. Albeit too late to benefit my garage. Of course, when customers come to us for say a tyre fitting. Naturally, then they sometimes ask us what the price of a service would be for their car. Some customers then say that we can’t do the car  servicing ! Because the car is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Subsequently, they must take their cars to the main dealer (franchise garage).

This ruling was brought out in the European Union (EU) in 2010

As an update to previous legislation. Consequently, this is similar to the American version of “Right to repair act”. It was brought up to date to prevent car manufacturers from adopting protectionism. Including diverting the cars that they made to their franchise dealers. Thus not allowing any work to be passed onto the independent garage sector. While the vehicle was still under warranty. This also would have included Prestige Car Servicing. Giving the main dealer garages the monopoly for all the work. Whilst the car was still in the warranty period.

This was not acceptable to the EU. Car Servicing under Warranty

So, as car repair bills were then accounting for 40% of running and owning a family car,. Unfortunately, the costs were going to rise in future years. In my opinion, this legislation was not very well publicised. Because the general public do not know much about the fact that you can take your vehicle to a reputable independent garage,. Finally, even if the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty scheme,.

More reading…European Union Auto legislation

Car owners are still told that they must return their cars

to the franchise dealers for servicing. Including out-of-warranty repair work. Including such things as brake pad replacements and other wear and tear items. Tragically, or else if they don’t, it will affect their car’s warranty. This is simply NOT TRUE?

A couple of my customers have told me recently that this is what the salesman told them when they bought their new vehicle. One was a guy with a BMW, who told him that the car

had to be serviced by the BMW garage to keep the cars warranty. Another woman customer had bought an Audi TT from the local Audi franchise and they told her the same. I am not sure if it is a lack of knowledge by the car salesman, but I suspect that they must be trained to say these things.

The EU legislation states that all car makers. Car Servicing under Warranty

So, they have to offer the least: a two-year unlimited mileage warranty on all their cars. This starts from the day the car is first registered. These car sales people should know the law and I am sure the same thing is applicable in the USA, as I stated under their “right to repair laws”. The two-year minimum warranty ruling also applies if the car changes ownership within the warranty period.

The 2010 EU ruling, along with previous legislation,

has been around for quite a while now and all franchise garages know that you cannot force a new car buyer to return the car for all its car servicing or brake work.  Enabling the car to retain its warranty. The only stipulation is that the independent garage that is carrying out the service should carry out the work according to the cars manufacturing service manual and also use service parts of the same quality as the original equipment fitted the vehicle.

If possible, look out for a garage that is one of the “good garage schemes.”. My garage is a member of one of these schemes and you may think that I am blowing my own trumpet.

But in my opinion ! Standards are high and customer care is a priority at most of these regulated garages. I must stress, though, that if a part is found to be faulty,. Then the franchise dealer has the right to repair the van under the terms of the car warranty. In my opinion, this is entirely fair and reasonable. Because it will be the manufacturer who will be paying for the faulty parts being repaired. Consequently, they need to have proper procedures in place and a correct paper chase

Third-party sold warranties are not the subject of this post. Including extended warranties offered by the garage that have sold the car. So, my advice is to be careful with that situation. You might need to have your car serviced at the dealership where you purchased the van in order to take advantage of some of these additional warranties that are not subject to the rules governing manufacturer’s warranties.

We recently had this type of problem with a car that had a worn-out clutch. Car Servicing under Warranty

The lady customer brought the car to us for a new clutch fitting. Unfortunately, she did not tell us that the car was still under warranty. She genuinely thought that she did not have to pay for the clutch fitting. Unknowingly, and that we could claim the money back from the car manufacturers. After a long argument and many phone calls to the main dealer, she finally paid us for her clutch fitting and went away a very confused and disgruntled lady, never to be seen again.

This was a perfect case of the car owners not knowing about their warranty procedures.

“Under EU law, you may invoke your guarantee at any dealer in the manufacturer’s network, regardless of the EU country in which you bought the car. So if you buy your car in Germany and take it back with you to France,. So, you go to a car dealership for that make of car close to your home to ask for a manufacturing fault to be remedied (within the guarantee period), rather than travelling back to Ermany.” http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/cars/faq/index_en.htm 

car brakes problem

Jaguar XF Brake Problems

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Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Jaguar XF Brake Problems
Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Jaguar XF Brake Problems – Past Lessons, Present Fixes

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we’re fortunate to have a loyal customer base, including a few proud owners of the stylish Jaguar XF. As someone who’s been in the garage game for a long time – going right back to my days as an apprentice mechanic – I’ve always had a soft spot for Jaguar cars.

They’ve come a long way over the decades, but some things haven’t changed – particularly the ongoing issue of brake vibrations.

🚗 A Bit of Jaguar History – From Fox’s Biscuits to Flared Arches

Back in the day, we had a number of wealthy customers who brought their Jags in for service – including one of the Fox family, the directors behind the Fox’s Biscuits empire. He was always rolling in with a fresh set of new Jaguars – typically keeping four or five on the go at once – which kept us busy with regular servicing and brake repairs.

I particularly remember the Jaguar XJ4 when it launched in the late 1960s – a real head-turner with flared arches and a brand-new tyre spec: the ER70VR15, specially made for Jaguar by Dunlop Tyres. These tyres were engineered in partnership with Jaguar to cope with the power and handling of the new cars.

🛞 The Original Brake Vibration Mystery Jaguar XF Brake Problems

But as great as the XJ4 looked, it wasn’t without its issues – particularly vibration through the brakes and steering wheel. I remember working for National Tyre Service at the time (owned by Dunlop), and we were constantly trying to balance Jaguar wheels as precisely as possible.

Back then, we didn’t have the fancy laser-guided balancers we use today – just basic machines and plenty of elbow grease. In fact, some of the worst cases were taken in secret to a Dunlop test facility in Leeds, where engineers would even skim the tread off tyres in an attempt to make them perfectly round. That’s how serious the vibration problem had become – and how committed Jaguar and Dunlop were to protecting their reputation.

🛠️ Back to the Modern Day – Jaguar XF Brake Issues Still Exist

Fast-forward to today, and we’re still seeing similar issues on the Jaguar XF, especially when it comes to brake judder and droning noises. We regularly carry out brake servicing on several local XF models, and a pattern has started to emerge.

🔍 Case 1 – Vibration at Low Speed Jaguar XF Brake Problems

One XF owner came in reporting a strange issue: the car ran perfectly at high speeds but vibrated when slowing down between 60 and 40 mph. We road-tested it, but – as is often the case – the problem wouldn’t show itself while we were behind the wheel.

The customer had also visited the main dealer, who confirmed this is now a recognised fault with the XF range. The likely cause? Disc brake or hub runout – a slight misalignment that causes vibration when the brakes are applied.

🔧 Case 2 – New Discs and Pads, But Still Vibrating

Another Jaguar XF came in for servicing and needed discs and pads all round. We replaced them, but a few months later the customer returned, complaining of a slight vibration through the brake pedal.

We took the car in for inspection and – while everything looked fine – we suspected a faulty disc. We replaced it under warranty with help from our supplier, but this time we took an extra step: we thoroughly cleaned the hub face before fitting the new discs.

Sure enough, a small amount of rust build-up on the outer part of the hub had caused a very slight misalignment. Cleaning it completely and re-seating the new discs fixed the issue.

🔧 Top Tip – Always Clean the Hub Face Jaguar XF Brake Problems

This experience has led us to a clear conclusion: if you’re fitting new brake discs to a Jaguar XF (or any precision car, really), it’s vital to clean the hub face thoroughly. Even a tiny bit of corrosion can throw off the alignment just enough to cause brake vibration.

It’s a simple fix that many overlook – and it could save a lot of head-scratching (and repeat visits) later on.

📍 Jaguar Brake Repairs and MOTs in Halifax

If you drive a Jaguar XF and you’ve noticed:

  • A pulsing brake pedal
  • Droning noises when slowing down
  • Juddering through the steering at low speeds

…bring it in to Pellon Tyre and Autocentre for a full brake inspection. We specialise in brake repairs, MOT testing, and servicing for prestige cars.

With decades of hands-on experience and a real passion for cars, we’ll keep your Jaguar running smoothly – without the mystery vibrations.

Eric Roberts

New Safety Investment

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New Safety Investment

New Safety Investment
New Safety Investment

New Safety Investment

This article highlights the new safety investment and the recent incident at Pellon Tyres in your style.

Investing in Safety:

Pellon Tyres’ New Spring Compression Cage

You can bet your last penny that working in the automotive trade will keep you on your toes, but you never know what the day may bring! At Halifax’s Pellon Tyres, we take great pride in the excellent quality of our work and—above all—the security of our employees. However, life occasionally throws us a curveball that forces us to think, adjust, and change.

During recent car coil spring replacement work, one of our reliable mechanics—who has been with us for a long time—had an event of this kind. Compressing an automobile spring can be a bit of a nerve-wracking experience for those who are not familiar with it. A lot of force is involved, and if things go wrong, it’s like trying to restrain a tangled beast. Unfortunately, the beast prevailed on this specific day. When the spring came loose, it exploded with a loud crack and almost hit our man in the face.

We were all shaken in the aftermath. He had two shiners at the end, and his dark eyes gave the impression that he had been through ten rounds with a heavyweight fighter. Fortunately, and above all, he is now recovering from a bit of shock. However, that experience served as a sobering reminder of how easily things may go wrong. At Pellon Tyres, we take safety very seriously, so we felt we had to act to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

New Safety Investment
New Safety Investment

Acting to Ensure Safety-New Safety Investment

We started investigating new methods to make working on springs safer once the dust cleared and our mechanic’s eyes started to heal. We’ve made an investment in a premium spring compression cage after doing some research and weighing our options. There is no chance for the spring to escape and cause damage because this piece of equipment is made to fully enclose it during the compression process. A simple concept that truly saved lives.

Making sure our crew returns home safely at the end of each day is more important than merely guarding against the occasional black eye. Our top priority has been and will continue to be that. Purchasing new equipment is undoubtedly an investment, but when it comes to our employees’ safety and wellbeing, no expense is too high. Pellon Tyres takes pride in caring for its own members of Halifax’s close-knit community.

The Significance of It-New Safety Investment

Since 1989 we have been a part of the Halifax community, and we have always tried our hardest to assist our team, our clients, and the community. Purchasing a new compression cage is a commitment that we will continue to step up when necessary, not just a business choice.

Please know that we take every safety precaution (thanks to Sykes Pickavant) when working on your car if you happen to drop by our garage. You can rely on us to provide work of the highest calibre thanks to the expertise of our staff and the new safety precautions. Our employees will work in a safer environment, and I will have one less concern at the end of the day.

Going Ahead-New Safety Investment

We now proceed with greater strength and safety than before as our mechanic recovers from shock. I’m happy to have this new cage in our garage; it’s a terrific investment for Pellon Tyres. It serves as a reminder that we have each other’s backs and eyes protected in our line of business.

Halifax, be careful. And don’t forget that we’re here to help you work safer and more intelligently if you ever need tyres, MOTs, or just some sound advice.