Continental Winter Tyres

6th December 2025/in All Continental Tyres Stuff, Winter Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Continental Winter Tyres

FROM ARCTIC RACING TO HALIFAX ROADS – WHY CONTINENTAL WINTER TYRES ARE BUILT FOR THE TOUGH STUFF

Every year, as winter creeps back across Halifax and the Pennines, we see the same thing at Pellon Tyres: drivers suddenly remembering how wild the weather can get around here. One frosty morning or a dusting of snow on Queensbury Bank is enough to remind anyone that winter tyres aren’t just a luxury — they’re proper peace of mind.

But what many people don’t realise is just how much motorsport technology sits behind the winter tyres we fit today. And no brand demonstrates that link better than Continental.

Continental in Motorsport – Not Just Racing, But Extreme Racing

Continental have been involved in motorsport for decades, but in recent years their main focus has been on events that test tyres in the harshest, most unpredictable conditions imaginable.

Extreme E – Rallying Across Ice, Desert, Mud & Snow

Extreme E is an off-road, all-electric racing series that blasts across some of the toughest terrain on the planet:

Arctic sprints across snow and ice
Deep desert sand
Rock-strewn tracks
Mud, gravel, and soaked ground

This is basically rallying on steroids.

Continental are the exclusive tyre supplier for the entire championship, meaning every team relies on them to survive these brutal stages. The tyres must grip in freezing temperatures one month and blistering heat the next.

And here’s the important bit:

The same compounds and tread ideas developed for Extreme E feed directly into Continental’s winter tyre range for everyday drivers.

So when we fit Continental winter tyres in Halifax, you’re getting a bit of Arctic racing pedigree thrown in.

How Motorsport Tech Improves Winter Tyres

1. Better Grip in Freezing Conditions

Motorsport tyres used in cold climates need to stay flexible even when temperatures drop well below zero.
This research directly shapes Continental’s winter compounds, helping road tyres:

grip icy roads better
shorten stopping distances
keep control on slush and packed snow

Ideal for those early-morning runs across the moors or a December trip over to Hebden Bridge.

2. Tread Patterns Inspired by Off-Road Tyres

One look at Extreme E tyres and you’ll see similarities with Continental’s winter tread:

deep grooves
wide channels to push away water and slush
biting edges for packed snow
strong shoulder blocks for cornering stability

Designs that work in Greenland or Patagonia also work up Oldham Road or on the top road past Mixenden.

3. Stronger Construction = Safer Driving

Rough rally surfaces demand reinforced sidewalls and tough internal structures. Continental brings this strength into its winter ranges to:

handle potholes (Halifax roads need no introduction!)
reduce the chance of blowouts
keep the tyre stable under load

It’s not just about grip — it’s about durability.

4. Real-World Testing Under Real Pressure

Motorsport provides something no lab ever can:
feedback from vehicles being pushed to their limits.

That data (braking forces, temperature changes, traction loss, impact loads) is used to fine-tune Continental’s winter and all-season tyres.

Why Continental Winter Tyres Suit Halifax Drivers

Halifax and the surrounding hills can be unpredictable even on a good day. We get:

sudden frost
slush on steep roads
side winds on exposed moorland routes
early darkness and wet nights

Continental winter tyres tackle all that with ease thanks to their motorsport roots. Whether you’re driving a VW Tiguan, a Ford Puma, or your trusty family runabout, the improvements in grip and safety are noticeable straight away.

And because Continental develops their tyres in extreme racing environments, you can be confident they’ll handle whatever a Pennine winter throws your way.

Thinking of Winter Tyres? Come See Us at Pellon Tyres

If you’re wondering whether winter tyres are worth it this year, or you want to compare Continental with other premium brands, pop into the garage. We’ll show you the differences, explain the technology in plain English, and help you pick the right tyre for your car and your budget.

And of course, we always fit and balance them properly.

Fiat Panda for 4 Kormaran All Season Tyres

18th September 2025/in All Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Fiat Panda for 4 Kormaran All Season Tyres

Kormoran All-Season Tyres Fitted to a Fiat Panda – Ready for Autumn and Winter

This week at Pellon Tyres here in Halifax, we had a tidy little Fiat Panda come in for a full set of tyres. The customer chose Kormoran All-Season tyres, a cracking choice as we head into the colder months. It got me thinking about just how important all-season tyres have become, especially here in Yorkshire, where we never quite know what the weather’s going to do next.

Why All-Season Tyres Make Sense – Fiat Panda for 4 Kormaran All Season Tyres

Back in the day, most drivers just ran summer tyres all year round. If it snowed, well, you just “got on with it”—usually by sliding about and hoping you’d make it to work! But things have changed, and rightly so. Modern tyres are designed with specific weather conditions in mind.

All-season tyres are the perfect compromise for most UK drivers. They combine the grip and performance of summer tyres with the cold-weather flexibility and extra sipes (those tiny slits in the tread) you’d find on winter tyres. This means they can handle a frosty morning commute, a wet motorway run, or even a dusting of snow without you having to change tyres twice a year.

For many of our customers here in Halifax, this makes all-season tyres a cost-effective choice. You get year-round safety, fewer trips to the garage for tyre swaps, and better peace of mind when the weather turns.

Kormoran might not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of tyres, but they’ve been around for years and are part of the Michelin group. That means you’re getting proper European engineering and quality at a more affordable price.

We’ve fitted Kormoran tyres to all sorts of vehicles over the years and always found them to be a solid, reliable choice. The tread design on their all-season range is ideal for British weather – not too aggressive, so they don’t wear quickly, but grippy enough to give you confidence when things get a bit slippy.

This particular Panda is now ready for whatever Halifax roads throw at it – rain, sleet, frost, or even the odd snow shower we’re famous for on the hilltops.

A Quick Look Back at the Fiat Panda

Since we’re talking about the Panda, let’s have a quick look back at its history here in the UK. The Fiat Panda first appeared on our roads back in the early 1980s. It was a simple, boxy little car – cheap to run and easy to fix – which made it a hit with students, first-time drivers, and anyone needing a practical little runabout.

Over the years, the Panda has grown up a bit but kept its charm. The second-generation model brought more comfort and refinement, while the current version is a clever city car that still has a bit of that original “no-nonsense” personality.

The Panda 4×4, in particular, has a bit of a cult following. It’s one of the smallest proper off-roaders ever made, and it is still a common sight in rural Italy – and even on some of our Yorkshire farms. With a decent set of all-season or winter tyres, they’re almost unstoppable in bad weather.

Preparing for Autumn and Winter Driving -Fiat Panda for 4 Kormaran All Season Tyres

As we head into autumn, now is the perfect time to think about your tyres. The first frosty morning always seems to catch people out, and by the time the first snow falls, garages like ours are booked solid with people rushing in for winter tyres.

Fitting a set of quality all-season tyres now means you’re prepared well ahead of time. You’ll get better grip in wet weather, improved braking distances when it’s cold, and a safer, more confident drive overall.

At Pellon Tyres, we’re always happy to help you choose the right tyre for your car and your budget. Whether it’s Kormoran, Michelin, or any other brand, the key thing is making sure your car is ready for whatever Yorkshire weather can throw at it.

So, if you’re thinking about changing your tyres before winter sets in, give us a shout or pop in – we’ll get you sorted in no time.

Winter Tyres Work

24th August 2025/in Winter Tyre Articles/by Eric Roberts

Winter tyres work

Your winter tyre Tips

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Snowing scenes like this call for “Winters to be fitted.”

Winter tyres have, in the past three years, helped millions of motorists make safer journeys and arrive home safely. Remember, winters work. We are now approaching the time, usually November, when you should fit your winter tyres, or if you do not have any, then you should consider buying yourself a set.

Even if you can’t afford a set of four, it is still a better and safer proposition to fit a pair on your drive wheels. Out of all the thousands of customers that have had winter tyres fitted, I have never had a single complaint about the performance; in fact, most drivers will give them a raving review.

This is one of the reasons why fleet companies are fitting winters into their fleets. All-weather Tyres work. They know that it makes sense to fit them for the safety aspect, and they also know that it will benefit the drivers when they are out in snow and wet weather, and when the fleets buy them, you know they must be good, as they will not waste a penny unless it is necessary.

Better Winter and All-Season Tyres for Improved Safety on the Road

What’s up, folks? What’s up with that? It’s getting frigid, no doubt about it. So, now is a good time to discuss winter and all-season tyres. Significant advancements in tyre technology over the past few years have greatly increased road safety. Let’s get a cup of coffee and dive in!

Tyre land: A Tale from Long Ago; Winter Tyres Work

Do you remember when all-season tyres weren’t truly appropriate for all seasons and winter tyres were in short supply? The time for that has passed. We now have solutions that make driving safer in practically any weather, from the blazing heat of summer to the whiteout conditions of the apocalypse.

Tyres for the Winter: It’s Not Only for the Mountains

Winter tyres used to be something only mountain residents or those going on a ski trip would think about. Nonetheless, they are quickly becoming necessities due to the erratic nature of modern winters. These tyres now have improved tread patterns, deeper grooves, and cold-resistant rubber compounds.

All-Season Tyres Can Handle Any Road Condition

When it comes to safety, all-season tyres are a clear victor. Recent updates have made them more effective in the rain, and their grip in snow and ice is excellent. A set of all-season tyres is like a Swiss Army knife for your automobile, especially now that more storms are hitting the UK.

Being Calm Throughout the Storm

More and more storms have been occurring recently. Tyres have been modified to function in a variety of wet conditions, including floods, deep snow, and dreadful rain. What I mean is stuff like stiffer sidewalls for improved control in windy circumstances and water-dispersion technology to help minimise aquaplaning.

Improving Traffic Safety in Halifax

What’s in it for us here in Halifax? The weather here, as we all know, is indecisive. It could be sunny one second and hailing the next; the weather is impossible to predict. More than anywhere else, we need reliable tyres to keep us safe on the twisty roads we drive on every day.

Finishing Up: Winter Tyres Work

That’s all I’ve got, guys. Technology advancements in tyres have greatly increased traveller security, particularly in the face of erratic weather patterns. Technological advancements are worthy of praise, whether we’re talking about all-season tyres that can handle any weather or grippy winter tyres.

So long for now! Winter tyres work

You know where to find me if you’re thinking about getting new tyres. Be careful, stay warm, and help me make this winter’s roadways as safe as possible! Winter tyres work; its a fact

We at Pellon Tyres here in Halifax, West Yorkshire, recommend that you go for an economy winter tyre such as Jinhu Winters if you are on a low budget, or an excellent mid-range tyre is the Falken Winters. For SUVs or larger sedan types of cars, you could look no further that choosing a leading brand such as Michelin or Pirelli Winters; they are all excellent products

.As the article says, there were 6,000 road accidents here in the UK due to snow and ice, according to the Department of Transport (DFT)

Why Winter Tyres Make Such a Difference on Yorkshire Roads

One thing we know far too well up here is that Yorkshire weather does whatever it likes. Anyone who has tackled the tops between Halifax and Burnley, or the climb out of Sowerby Bridge towards Ripponden in January, will tell you exactly why proper winter tyres matter. When temperatures drop below 7°C, regular summer tyres stiffen up like old boots, losing grip just when you need it most.

Winter tyres stay soft and flexible, biting into cold, damp tarmac and giving you the confidence to stop quickly — especially when a sheep decides to wander out on the moors, as they often do!

Even a light dusting of frost can turn Halifax’s hills into ice rinks. That’s when winter tyres earn their keep, giving you the traction to pull away smoothly instead of spinning your wheels and going nowhere fast.

Better Braking in Snow and Ice — Proven by the Experts: Winter tyres work

Lots of drivers still think winter tyres are only for deep snow — not true. According to the Department for Transport, over 6,000 accidents every year in the UK are directly linked to snow and ice. (Source: gov.uk).
A huge chunk of these happen at low speeds — junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights — where a few extra feet in stopping distance makes all the difference.

Independent tests show winter tyres can reduce braking distance on ice by up to 30% and in slush by up to 50% compared to summer tyres. All-season tyres perform well too, but winter tyres are unbeatable when it gets properly cold.

This is why so many European countries make them mandatory during certain months. We might not have that rule here, but the science still stands.

Why Fleet Companies Switched to Winter Tyres Years Ago: Winter tyres work

You touched on this already, and it’s worth reinforcing: businesses don’t spend money unless it saves money.

Fleet operators worked out long ago that winter tyres reduce:

Accident risk
Lost working days
Repair costs
Vehicle downtime

Many ambulances, delivery vans, and taxi companies across the UK now run winter tyres as standard because they keep vehicles moving when conditions turn bad.

If fleets rely on them, that tells you everything you need to know.

A Quick Word on All-Season Tyres — A Great Option for Many Drivers

Not everyone wants two sets of tyres, and that’s where all-season tyres earn their popularity. The newer generation — such as Michelin CrossClimate, Goodyear Vector, and Falken AS210 — are a world apart from older designs.

Modern all-season tyres offer:

Strong wet weather performance
Excellent snow traction
Year-round comfort
No need for seasonal swap-overs

They’re ideal for drivers who stay mainly in towns or on motorways, while proper winter tyres remain the best choice for rural areas, steep hills, and exposed moorland roads around Yorkshire.

Looking After Your Winter Tyres — A Few Tips: Winter tyres work

To keep them performing at their best:

Check pressures regularly (cold weather drops PSI quickly)
Rotate the tyres halfway through winter
Store them in a cool, dry shed or garage when off the car
Keep them away from direct sunlight and chemicals

A well-looked-after winter tyre can last 4–5 seasons, making them a solid investment.

Why Pellon Tyres Is the Go-To Winter Tyre Centre in Halifax

We’ve been fitting winter tyres for decades, long before they became fashionable. Our customers often tell us the same thing:

“Once you’ve tried winter tyres once, you’ll never go back.”

We stock everything from budget options like Jinhu, through solid mid-range tyres such as Falken, right up to premium choices including Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental. So no matter your budget, there’s a safe choice available.

For online shoppers:
👉 www.pellontyres.co.uk

For local weather lovers:
👉 A handy winter driving guide from the UK Government:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-adverse-weather-conditions

Posts

Continental Winter Tyres

Table of Contents

Continental Winter Tyres

FROM ARCTIC RACING TO HALIFAX ROADS – WHY CONTINENTAL WINTER TYRES ARE BUILT FOR THE TOUGH STUFF

Continental in Motorsport – Not Just Racing, But Extreme Racing