Tag Archive for: brake discs and pads Halifax

You are here: / / brake discs and pads Halifax

Posts

Campervan Brake Job

/0 Comments/in /by

Campervan Brake Job

Campervan Brake Job

Campervan Brake Job

Campervan Brake Repairs in Halifax – Keeping Visitors Safe on Yorkshire’s Hills

One thing that surprises many people is just how many tourists visit Halifax and the surrounding Calderdale area every year.

We tend to take our local attractions for granted because we see them every day, but visitors travel from all over the UK and beyond to explore our beautiful part of West Yorkshire. This was highlighted recently when a visitor touring the area in his campervan called into Pellon Tyre and Autocentre with concerns about poor braking performance.

The campervan was based on a Vauxhall Vivaro CDTi van and had been professionally converted into a very smart touring vehicle. The owner had been travelling around Yorkshire and had quickly discovered something that many first-time visitors notice – Halifax and Calderdale are certainly not flat!

After driving around some of our steep hills and valleys, the owner became concerned that the brakes did not feel quite right. Rather than take any chances, he called into our Halifax depot for a free inspection.

Campervan Brake Job

Ethan Discovers Several Brake Problems: Campervan Brake Job

One of our mechanics, Ethan, carried out a thorough inspection of the braking system.

It soon became apparent that the campervan’s braking problems were not simply caused by the demanding local roads. The front brake discs and brake pads had become heavily worn and were well past their best.

Like many campervans, this vehicle carried a significant amount of extra weight compared to the original van specification. The conversion included living accommodation, storage areas and touring equipment, all of which place additional demands on the braking system.

When combined with the steep roads found throughout Calderdale, worn brake components can quickly become a safety concern.

After discussing the findings with the customer, Ethan carried out the necessary brake repairs, fitting new brake discs and pads to restore the braking system to full working order.

Once completed, the customer was delighted with the improvement and could continue enjoying his Yorkshire holiday with confidence.

Campervan Brake Job

The Vauxhall Vivaro has become one of Britain’s most popular medium-sized vans since its introduction in 2001.

Designed in collaboration with Renault and Nissan, the Vivaro quickly gained a reputation for reliability, practicality and good driving characteristics.

The diesel CDTi models proved especially popular with tradespeople, delivery companies and campervan conversion specialists. Their combination of fuel economy, comfortable driving position and generous interior space made them an ideal platform for campervan conversions.

Today, thousands of Vauxhall Vivaro campervans can be found touring Britain’s roads, from the Scottish Highlands right down to Cornwall.

Campervan Brake Job

Halifax – A Hidden Yorkshire Gem: Campervan Brake Job

Many visitors are surprised by how much there is to see in Halifax and the wider Calderdale area.

One of the first places our customer planned to visit after collecting his campervan was the famous Piece Hall.

Located in the heart of Halifax, the Piece Hall is one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Britain. Opened in 1779, it was originally built as a cloth trading centre for Yorkshire’s booming woollen industry.

The magnificent Georgian courtyard is the only surviving cloth hall of its type in the country and has been beautifully restored in recent years. Today it hosts shops, cafés, exhibitions and major music events featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Exploring Calderdale

Visitors staying in Halifax often use the town as a base for exploring the wider Calderdale area.

Popular attractions include:

Shibden Hall

Made famous by the television series “Gentleman Jack”, Shibden Hall dates back over 600 years and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Yorkshire’s history.

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum

Families visiting Halifax often spend a day at Eureka!, one of the UK’s leading interactive museums for children.

Hebden Bridge

Just a short drive from Halifax, Hebden Bridge attracts visitors from across the country with its independent shops, cafés, canals and stunning countryside.

Hardcastle Crags

Managed by the National Trust, Hardcastle Crags offers beautiful woodland walks and spectacular scenery.

Ogden Water

A favourite spot for walkers, birdwatchers and nature lovers, Ogden Water provides peaceful surroundings just a few miles from Halifax town centre.

Why Good Brakes Matter on Yorkshire Roads: Campervan Brake Job

The experience of our campervan visitor highlights an important lesson for anyone touring Yorkshire.

The roads around Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Ripponden and the Pennine hills place greater demands on a vehicle’s braking system than many flatter parts of the country.

Long descents, steep climbs and winding roads mean that brakes often work much harder than they would on ordinary motorway journeys.

For this reason, it is especially important for campervan owners, motorhome drivers and anyone towing a caravan to have their braking systems checked regularly.

Helping Visitors and Locals Alike: Campervan Brake Job

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we help both local motorists and visitors who find themselves needing repairs whilst travelling through Yorkshire.

Whether it’s tyres, brakes, batteries, wheel alignment or MOT testing, our aim is always the same – to keep motorists moving safely.

Thankfully, our visitor’s brake problems were identified before they became a more serious issue. After Ethan completed the repairs, he was soon back on the road and able to enjoy everything that Halifax and Calderdale have to offer.

And with properly functioning brakes, those famous Yorkshire hills become a lot less daunting!

car brakes problem

Cheap Brake Pads: Are They Worth It?

/0 Comments/in /by

Cheap Brake Pads

Cheap Brake Pads
© Can Stock Photo / marekusz

Cheap Brake Pads – Are They Really Worth Saving Money On?

Over the years at Pellon Tyres Halifax, we have seen all kinds of brake problems. Some are caused by wear and tear, while others are down to poor-quality replacement parts being fitted elsewhere in an attempt to save a few pounds. When it comes to brakes, though, cheap is not always cheerful.

Most drivers never really think about their brakes until they hear a grinding noise or the MOT test points out a problem. Yet your braking system is probably the single most important safety feature fitted to your vehicle. Whether you are driving through busy Halifax traffic, coming down the hills around Sowerby Bridge, or stopping suddenly on the Bradford Road into Brighouse, you rely on your brakes every single day.

How Your Car Brakes Actually Work: Cheap Brake Pads

Modern braking systems are surprisingly clever, although the basic principle has remained much the same for decades. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure is created inside the master cylinder. Brake fluid then travels through pipes and hoses to the brake callipers at each wheel.

The callipers squeeze the brake pads against the brake discs. This friction converts the car’s movement into heat energy, slowing the vehicle down safely and under control.

Over time, the brake pads wear away naturally because they are constantly rubbing against the discs. That is exactly what they are designed to do. However, the quality of the brake pads fitted can make a huge difference to:

  • stopping performance,
  • noise,
  • brake dust,
  • disc wear,
  • and overall safety.

Cheap Brake Pads Can Cost More in the Long Run

One thing we often explain to customers around the Calderdale area is that the cheapest brake pads are not always the cheapest option overall. Some low-cost pads wear out very quickly, create excessive brake dust, and can even damage the brake discs themselves.

We occasionally see cars arrive at the garage fitted with very cheap imported pads that squeal loudly every time the brakes are applied. Some produce so much black dust that the alloy wheels are coated within days. Others simply do not perform well during emergency braking.

This becomes especially noticeable during wet Yorkshire winters when roads are greasy and stopping distances are already increased.

Different Types of Cheap Brake Pads

There are several main types of brake pads available today. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the vehicle and the customer’s budget.

Non-Asbestos Organic Brake Pads

These are commonly fitted to many standard family cars from the factory. They are made using materials such as rubber, glass fibres and Kevlar compounds.

Advantages:

  • quieter braking,
  • lower cost,
  • smooth braking feel.

Disadvantages:

  • wear out quicker,
  • produce more dust,
  • less suited to heavy vehicles.

These pads are perfectly acceptable for normal everyday driving and remain popular because they keep costs sensible for motorists.

Semi-Metallic Brake Pads: Cheap Brake Pads

These contain metal compounds such as steel, iron and copper mixed with friction materials.

Advantages:

  • strong braking performance,
  • longer lifespan,
  • good heat resistance.

Disadvantages:

  • can be noisier,
  • may wear brake discs faster,
  • produce more brake dust.

Semi-metallic pads are often a good compromise between performance and price. Many modern vehicles use this type.

Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic pads are generally considered the premium option and are increasingly popular on higher-end cars.

Advantages:

  • very quiet,
  • low brake dust,
  • long-lasting,
  • excellent heat resistance.

Disadvantages:

  • more expensive,
  • sometimes not ideal for heavier commercial vehicles,
  • can feel slightly less aggressive when cold.

Certain manufacturers specifically recommend ceramic pads, and where appropriate we fit them at Pellon Tyres. Customers who value quiet braking and clean alloy wheels often prefer this type.

Driving Style Makes a Huge Difference: Cheap Brake Pads

The lifespan of brake pads depends heavily on driving habits. Someone regularly driving through Halifax town centre in stop-start traffic will naturally wear brakes out quicker than a motorist mainly using the motorway network.

Heavy braking, towing caravans, carrying loads, or driving in hilly areas such as Hebden Bridge or Ripponden can also shorten brake life considerably.

We often remind customers that gentle driving habits not only save fuel but can also greatly extend the life of:

  • brake pads,
  • brake discs,
  • tyres,
  • and suspension parts.

Why We Never Fit the Cheapest Parts

At Pellon Autocentre Halifax, we always try to match the correct parts to the customer’s needs and budget. However, we avoid fitting the very cheapest brake components available on the market.

In nearly 40 years of business, we have learned that poor-quality parts often create:

  • noise complaints,
  • vibration issues,
  • reduced braking efficiency,
  • and premature wear.

Customers may save a small amount initially but often end up paying more later.

That is especially true now modern cars are heavier than ever before due to:

  • larger body sizes,
  • SUV popularity,
  • and electric vehicle battery weight.

Brakes today work extremely hard compared with older cars from the 1970s and 1980s.

Brake Dust and Environmental Concerns

One interesting topic that is becoming more important is brake dust pollution. Many people think vehicle pollution only comes from exhaust pipes, but brake pads and tyres also release tiny particles into the environment.

Governments and manufacturers are already beginning to investigate lower-emission braking systems and cleaner friction materials. Electric cars using regenerative braking actually reduce traditional brake wear because the electric motor helps slow the vehicle down.

In the future, brake dust may become a much bigger environmental issue than many motorists realise today.

Final Thoughts: Cheap Brake Pads

Brakes are simply not an area where motorists should cut corners. Cheap brake pads may look attractive when comparing prices online, but quality matters enormously when it comes to safety.

A good-quality set of brake pads can:

  • stop the vehicle more effectively,
  • reduce noise,
  • protect the discs,
  • and provide greater confidence in poor weather conditions.

Whether you drive a small hatchback around Halifax or a larger SUV through the Yorkshire hills, properly maintained brakes are essential for safe motoring.

At Pellon Tyres, we always advise customers honestly and fit brake components that we would be happy using on our own vehicles.

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

/in /by

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling
Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

Another busy week has rattled by here at Pellon Tyres, and like most weeks, it started with a job that reminds us why routine servicing really does matter.

The first job through the workshop went to Ethan, who was tasked with carrying out a complete brake overhaul on a Kia Rio. The car had come in for a regular service, nothing out of the ordinary, but once the wheels were off and the brakes inspected, it was clear they’d seen better days.

The discs and pads were worn beyond where we’d be happy letting the car leave without attention, so the decision was made to do the job properly. New brake discs and pads were fitted, and the whole braking system was stripped, cleaned, and rebuilt as it should be. Once finished, the brakes were smooth, quiet, and working exactly as they should.

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling
Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

A bit of Kia Rio history in the UK: Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

The Kia Rio has been a familiar sight on British roads since the early 2000s. When it first arrived, Kia was still shaking off its “budget-only” image, but the Rio quickly earned itself a reputation for being reliable, affordable, and easy to live with.

Over the years, the Rio has grown up nicely. Later generations became more refined, better built, and far more comfortable, making them popular with:

  • First-time drivers
  • Commuters
  • Small families
  • And anyone wanting sensible motoring without flash or fuss

You see plenty of them around Halifax and Calderdale, where small, economical cars make a lot of sense on narrow streets and busy town roads.

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling
Rusty old brake parts

Why brakes can wear out sooner than expected: Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

A lot of drivers are surprised when a car comes in for a service and ends up needing brakes. “It was fine last time” is something we hear regularly. But brake wear depends far more on how and where a car is driven than on age alone.

Around here, brakes work hard. Very hard.

In the Halifax and Calderdale area, we’ve got:

  • Steep hills
  • Tight junctions
  • Narrow, winding roads
  • Stop-start traffic

Every time you slow down for a bend, a junction, or a descent into town, your brakes are doing their job.

Some common reasons we see brakes wearing prematurely include:

  • Hilly driving
    Constant braking downhill builds heat, which accelerates wear on pads and discs.
  • Short journeys
    Brakes don’t always get hot enough to burn off moisture, leading to corrosion on discs.
  • Urban driving
    Lots of stopping and starting in traffic puts far more strain on brakes than motorway miles.
  • Cheap previous parts
    Lower-quality pads or discs can wear quicker and sometimes unevenly.
  • Lack of cleaning
    Brake components can seize or stick if they’re not stripped and cleaned periodically.

Why a full brake overhaul matters

On this Kia Rio, it wasn’t just a case of slapping new pads in and hoping for the best. Ethan carried out a full clean-up of the braking system, which makes a big difference.

That includes:

  • Cleaning caliper carriers
  • Removing corrosion
  • Lubricating contact points
  • Making sure everything moves freely

This helps prevent:

  • Squealing brakes
  • Uneven pad wear
  • Binding calipers
  • Premature failure of new parts

It’s the sort of job that takes a bit longer but pays off in the long run.

Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling
new brake parts fitted

Brakes and tyres – crucial in Calderdale: Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

If there’s one thing we always stress to customers locally, it’s that brakes and tyres are not the place to cut corners. On flat roads, you might get away with things for a while. On Calderdale’s hills, you won’t.

Good brakes and decent tyres mean:

  • Shorter stopping distances
  • Better control downhill
  • Less stress on the car
  • And most importantly, safer driving

Whether you’re heading down into Halifax town centre, winding your way up towards Queensbury, or navigating the back roads, your car needs to be on top form.

Final thoughts from the workshop: Kia Rio for Brakes Overhauling

This Kia Rio is a great example of why routine servicing is so important. Catching brake wear early meant we could sort the problem properly, keep the car safe, and avoid bigger issues down the line.

A full brake overhaul might not be glamorous, but it’s one of the most important jobs we do. And around here, with our hills, bends, and ever-changing weather, working brakes aren’t optional – they’re essential.

If your car’s due a service, or you’re not sure about your brakes, just pop in. A quick check can save a lot of bother later on, and we’re always happy to give honest advice.

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

/in /by

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs
Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Grinding Brakes on an Audi A1 – What’s Causing the Noise?

Yesterday at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre in Halifax, we were presented with an Audi A1 whose owner was worried about a nasty grinding noise every time the brakes were applied. It’s a sound that makes most drivers wince, and for good reason.

A quick inspection soon showed the cause – the car needed new brake discs all round, along with a full set of brake pads. Sadly, this is something we see quite often, not just on Audi A1s but on many modern cars driven around Calderdale’s hills, traffic lights, and stop-start town driving.

So let’s look at why brakes grind, what it means for your car, and a bit of background on the Audi A1 here in the UK.

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs
Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Why Do Brakes Make a Grinding Noise?

A grinding noise when braking is never something to ignore. Around Halifax, with steep hills like Pellon Lane, Boothtown Road, and the run down into the town centre, brakes work hard – and problems show themselves quickly.

1. Worn Brake Pads

The most common cause is brake pads worn right down. Once the friction material is gone, you’re left with metal scraping on metal. That grinding sound is your brake pad backing plate eating into the disc.

At this stage:

  • Braking performance is reduced
  • Discs get damaged very quickly
  • Repair costs rise sharply

What could have been pads only often turns into pads and discs.

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs
old worn out disc

2. Discs Worn or Corroded

In Calderdale, cars often sit overnight in damp air, especially near the River Calder. This leads to surface rust on brake discs.

Short journeys around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge or Illingworth mean:

  • Brakes don’t get hot enough to clean themselves
  • Rust builds up
  • Discs wear unevenly

Once discs are badly worn or lipped, they’ll grind even with new pads fitted.

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs
Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

3. Cheap or Incorrect Brake Parts

Some budget pads are:

  • Too hard
  • Poorly matched to the disc material

This can cause grinding, squealing, or vibration. At Pellon, we always fit quality, correctly specified parts, because cheap brakes are false economy.

Audi A1 for new Brake Discs
new disc fitted

4. Seized Brake Components: Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Salted winter roads around Halifax don’t help. Brake callipers and sliders can seize, causing:

  • Pads to stay in contact with the disc
  • Overheating
  • Premature wear and grinding noises

Regular brake servicing helps prevent this.

5. Ignoring Early Warning Signs: Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Most cars give you plenty of notice:

  • Squealing
  • Slight vibration
  • Pulling to one side

Sadly, many drivers wait until the noise becomes a full-on grind – by then, damage is already done.

A Bit of History – The Audi A1 in the UK

The Audi A1 first arrived in the UK around 2010, aimed at drivers wanting Audi quality in a small, stylish package. It was Audi’s answer to cars like the MINI and VW Polo, but with that familiar German premium feel.

Over the years, the A1 has been popular with:

  • Younger drivers
  • Town and city commuters
  • Drivers wanting something compact but well built

Here in Halifax and Calderdale, they’re ideal for:

  • Narrow streets
  • Busy town centres
  • Tight parking spots

But like all modern cars, they rely heavily on well-maintained braking systems, especially with hill starts, traffic queues, and roundabouts being part of daily life around here.

Why Regular Brake Checks Matter in Calderdale: Audi A1 for new Brake Discs

Local driving conditions really do take their toll:

  • Hills increase brake wear
  • Short journeys encourage corrosion
  • Wet weather speeds up rust

We recommend having your brakes checked:

  • At least once a year
  • Or whenever you hear a new noise

A quick inspection can save a lot of money – and a lot of worry.

You can find out more about our brake services here:
👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk