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3 Critical Car Maintenance Tasks You Cant Afford To Skip

Pellon Tyres Battling On

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Pellon Tyres Battling On

Pellon Tyres Battling On
© Can Stock Photo / XXLPhoto

Pellon Tyres Battling On

By 2022, we will still be making progress. The direction of the business world is towards massive conglomerates. The little guys are getting further and further behind.

Recently, the enormous Halfords acquired “National Tyres”, which have hundreds of locations.

No matter how challenging, we must continue to fight to maintain our market share for tyres. Of course, in the local Halifax, United Kingdom, area. We at Pellon Tyres have a strong local and national web presence. I think we are keeping up with the best of the rest as a result of this. Sales are brisk, and we might finally be in for a cold and snowy winter. Cold winters provide a good opportunity for a smaller tyre company to secure a winter tyre sale. I believe that we are quicker to respond to our customers’ needs.

Another advantage of the colder weather: Pellon Tyres Battling On

will be an increase in our battery sales. Battery sales will double as the temperature falls below freezing. This is where our customers benefit from buying from the big boys. We do not charge for installing a battery purchased from us. A certain large competitor actually charges a fee for fitting the battery! So you know where to come when you need a new battery ?

When it snows, the winter tyre market becomes active. Consequently, daily sales inquiries may treble with the forecasted snowfall. This is the situation as I am writing this post. The UK could be in for a white Christmas. This means winter tyre sales and a chance for us to make some extra sales. The British economy is currently suffering a great deal. The cost of gasoline and heating is over the top, and inflation is considerable. However, I believe that this is where we outperform our more powerful competitors.

We can make speedy, cost-saving decisions

So, as a small business, we can better control costs and make quick, accurate judgements regarding business costs thanks to our hands-on approach. Once we have a better handle on our costs, we can set fair prices for our customers who are short on cash. Heating and lighting costs have been steadily rising in the past few years. So, this gave me the chance to reduce our costs by making our electric system more efficient.

Conclusively, this meant  a total rewiring of the premises. I am convinced that the old system was leaking power and was expensive to run. At the same time as all our light fitting’s were replaced, we replaced all our lights with LED lighting. Thus helping to reduce any further rise in electric charges.

This is just a small part of running a small business! Pellon Tyres Battling On

It must be a constant battle against rising costs. So, not only when we hear the shocking news about how bad the economy is and how we must all tighten our belts to stay afloat, but as a business owner, this must be part of the job. Keeping up with and updating your machinery should also be a priority.

In normal economic times, the buyer has the upper hand. So if you want to replace an older piece of equipment, then you will have the upper hand in buying it at the right price. Don’t wait for a recession to see monthly price increases caused by inflation. Keep your machinery up-to-date, including office machines such  as computers and the latest software.

This advice is on how to keep your business fit and be ready for a battle with the bigger competitors in your niche. especially when there is an economic crisis to battle against. Costs are always under your control as a business owner.

Pellon tyre online tyres and car repairing servicing

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

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Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart
Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Eric Roberts, MD of Pellon Auto Centre, recently attended a regional meeting of Unipart Car Care Centres (UCCC). This was in a hotel in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. New plans that mean that Pellon Autocentre joins Unipart were unveiled to upgrade their new image among garage members. 

UCCC members will be offered complete new signage. Consequently, by using Unipart’s updated logo,. This logo is very similar to the present one. Because it appeared that there was only a slight modification to upgrade. Eric Roberts says, “The new image looks very stylish. Although there is not much change, the new design will look very useful. Especially when bonded together with all the other promotional effects that will be on offer to us.

Our garage images are in the Unipart style and colours.” Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart


Unipart will still provide their garage network with their website design service to help their individual garages build their websites.

In keeping with the previous system, Unipart will be funding this service. This offer has been taken up by over 500 garages and has become a favourite feature for the garages in the scheme.
Motorcodes will still play a significant part in Unipart’s big changes; this will ensure an excellent standard of quality across the complete network. Therefore, it is crucial when offering a nationwide warranty service to the network’s customers.

Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

A brand new feature will be the introduction of Ben Collins (the former “sting” from the Top Gear motoring programme on TV). Ben will be helping promote the Car Care Centres at a national and local levels, holding regular events across the country.
Another new feature will be the introduction of more training facilities. Garages participating will have access to Unipart’s technical helpline and training staff support. “This Pellon Autocentre leaving Unipart service will be of great use to participating garages such as ourselves,” says Eric Roberts.


Unipart will be revamping the existing web site.

This website will be fully optimised and search engine-friendly. Links to participating member websites. Furthermore, offering the partners a right online image with the facilities to offer online service and MOT booking.

Furthermore, the new workwear was also on display for the garage owners to browse over, and the meeting concluded with a buffet. Unipart’s marketing director, Wendy Williams, conducted the meeting in a very professional manner, and it felt that all the participating centre members in attendance were looking forward to the new changes with great anticipation.

The latest 2020 update to our total independence- Pellon Autocentre Leaves Unipart

Lastly, I have recently made a decision to leave the Unipart setup. Importantly, the organisation has recently come under pressure from other similar trade groups. So, in the final analysis I thought that we should move forward as an independent garage being able to trade with all the trade groups.

Given these points,

I believe that the car parts replacement market has also had a recent shake up. So, giving us the opportunity to buy parts and service parts at better prices for our customers. Generally speaking, trade is very good following the recent “Corvid 19” MOT Testing restrictions. Here at Pellon Autocentre we are now free from any motoring organizations and totally independent.

The next organisation to follow were Point-S. I did try and see what the benefits would be. However it was to become another disappointing large organisation without much clout?

Find the tyres you need at discount prices using the Pellon Tyres web site.

caravan and motorhome batteries

Check Your caravan Tyres-This includes Motorhome tyres- before your journey

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Check Your caravan Tyres

Check Your CARAVAN TYRES

Tyre experts recommend that owners of any trailed vehicles should remove the complete wheel or wheels .Then take them to their favourite garage or auto centre. Then have them checked by a professional member of the team. It is important that the wheels  are given a thorough inspection, this will ensure the safest possible outcome.

So, Check Your CARAVAN tyres. and MOTORHOME TYRES . The most common thing found on caravan tyres is sidewall cracking. This usually only comes to light when the tyre is removed. We can flex the sidewall with the tyre removed from the wheel, and this will show the extent of the cracking. This problem is due to the affect of ultra-violet light acting on the carbon black. This is in the make up of the tyre when the caravan is parked, and is more common on Old Michelin tyres.     

This information also applies to motor-homes.

The wheels will be checked for corrosion. Then the tyres will be removed from the wheels and checked for internal cuts and damage. This is most important as unseen damage can become a nightmare scenario. Especially, when going down a motorway at sixty mile per hour and losing complete control due to tyre failure.

The tyre dealer will then Check Your vehicles tyres regularly, the outside of the for damage to the tread area and the sidewalls for cuts and cracks. Also important is to check the age of the tyre, this can be easily done by an expert fitter. Tyres do become out of date after six years and are affected by aging in the sidewalls.

Check Your caravan Tyres

Check Your CARAVAN Tyres As stated above, cracks start to form around the rim area due to the caravan wheels been stood in the Sun for long hours. Especially, during the Summer months. And eventually the carbon black, that is used in the manufacture of the caravan  tyres, starts to break down.

Small but deep cracks start to form around the rim area. This will eventually join up to create a very dangerous hazard. Indeed this is one of the most common cause for tyre blowouts on caravans and trailers. Any caravan tyres with cracks and cuts should be scrapped and replaced with a new tyre. Finally if everything is OK the pressures and tyre valves should be checked to the correct loading for your vehicle and trailer.

Another important point is to have the vehicle loading checked on your caravan tyres.

to make sure that the wheel setup conforms to your caravan’s or trailer’s recommended weight carrying capacity. Some of the larger, heavier vehicles require more heavy-duty tyres to carry the extra load; your tyre dealer will advise you on the correct fitments by advising you to fit either reinforced or larger ply rated ones.
Check Your CARAVAN tyres and pressures, which should always be checked and adjusted when the pressures are cold before every journey. If in doubt, replace them with new and correct caravan tyres.

2020 Update

At the present time, the caravan/motorhome market has hit the roof. Henceforth, so has the tyre market for these types of vehicles. So, it is even more important to fit the correct tyres on these vehicles. Of course, the main consideration is the weight that these vehicles will carry! Especially when loaded up ready for the holidays.

Most drivers of these vehicles are responsible and do buy the correct tyres. Indeed, tyre companies now make special tyres for these vehicles. Michelin tyres are a good example. Hence, offering the Michelin Agilis Camping tyre range.

Here’s a great Email that a kind customer sent about this subject:

Dear Mr. Roberts

I recently came across a blog which appears to be headed by you.  The content was of great interest to me. So, for a large number of years, have had a 1988 Ford Transit Mk III AutoSleeper motorhome.

Which, I had bought it to try and improve on the lack of guts of an earlier Mk II Transit and to avoid the types of construction which led to continual water leaks!

I therefore pulled this Mk III Transit to pieces, using hands far more competent than myself, and fitted a 2.9 EFi V6 Ford engine with all ancillaries plus heavy duty clutch and gearbox.

Importantly, I then fitted a sub-frame with front axle, rear axle, running gear and anti roll bars etc.  derived from a later heavy duty Transit and added adjustable dampers.

They were made in France.

I enquired of Technical Dept. at Michelin of the pressures I should run at and gave the weighbridge weights for my vehicle fully laden.  Particularly emphasizing that it was single rear wheel axle set up. 

They assured me, particularly the rear tyres, should run at 42psi. So,  I questioned this but assurance was given again. Needless to say, with that pressure in the rear tyres, they looked as thought they had a puncture and would be unsafe to drive on! 

The bullion vans were running 62psi minimum on the rear and I therefore put similar pressure in my rear tyres to put the matter right.  This achieved transformation.

I therefore enjoyed my family trips to the West of Ireland and back many times and found the journeys comparatively relaxing compared with the trips in the previous Transit.

An MOT inspector commented that the vehicle was a delight to drive and asserted that it felt more like a high performance car than a motorhome. 

He further added that most people merely stuffed a more powerful engine into a vehicle and did little more, but I had created a completely new vehicle by altering the specification so that everything gelled together to create something that  might have come out of the factory.

I only had two problems with the tyres:  the first not really with the tyre, was that I suffered a burst tyre valve (fortunately when the vehicle was stationary).  I did write to the motoring press.  They seemed to treat me as a crank and were unwilling to make the public aware of the dangers.

 I fitted steel valves and solved the problem. Check Your caravan Tyres

Check Your caravan Tyres

I noted in the motoring press, after about 3 years, an increasing number of letters. Advising motorhome owners who had gone down the motorway on their side or roof through a blowout. That they should fit steel valves when running high pressure!

The other problem I had, on a trip via Galloway:  I woke up one morning on campsite. So, to find that one rear tyre appeared very soft.  I went to the local tyre distributor! And estimated that I would receive my pension book before they got to attend to me! 

I therefore put some air in the tyre and monitored it.  It held pressure perfectly.  When I got home, however, the mechanic who helps me. Indicated that one rear tyre had been cut deeply in the groove of the tread (almost as though with a Stanley knife). 

He agreed with me however that it appeared to be tyre failure rather than sabotage.  I merely fitted a replacement to match the others.

caravan tyre age law 2018, how much do caravan tyres cost, caravan tyre age law uk, 185r14c , caravan tyres, 14 inch caravan tyres.

Check Your caravan Tyres

Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

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Michelin Tyres own Allopnues
Michelin Man will soon be working online?

Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

2023 Update: With the Purchase of Allopneus, Michelin Strengthens Its Position in the Market

Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues
Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues: Original Article by Eric Roberts on www.wintertyres-yorkshire.co.uk

Michelin, a global titan in the tyre industry, has completed a deal that will go down in history as the acquisition of Allopneus, the most successful online tyre retailer in France. Michelin’s business model is undergoing a transformation as a result of this strategic acquisition, which will broaden its reach and further strengthen its position as the market leader.

The Power Move: Michelin tyres own Allopnues price, Didier Blaise allopneus.com Bridgestone tyres, Michelin acquires ownership of Allopnues.

Michelin-tyres-own-Allopnues is the Headline. Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

The importance of this strategic acquisition made by Michelin cannot be overstated. Why? The credentials held by Allopneus are quite impressive. It is a significant player in the market because to its astounding annual sales of more than 3 million tyres. The takeover by Michelin indicates an aim for wider market penetration, which will strengthen the company’s position as the industry’s preeminent manufacturer of tyres.

Michelin and Allopneus Together: A Powerful Combination in the Tyre Market

What exactly does this Michelin Tyres own Allopnues new acquisition entail? The union of two formidable forces. Michelin contributes the quality, technology, and reputation that have made it famous all over the world. Allopneus? A large and loyal consumer base in addition to a thriving online retail environment. Together, they have the potential to revolutionise the tyre business by providing customers with unrivalled levels of quality, accessibility, and variety of products and services.

Customers Would Gain from the Merger of Michelin and Allopneus, Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

This cooperative organisation offers prizes to its members. Imagine a wider selection of products, increased accessibility to Michelin tyres, and enhanced customer service. Customers of Allopneus get direct access to the high-quality goods manufactured by Michelin. Michelin fans? Because Allopnues online platform has been optimised, the purchasing process has become simpler.

Header: Potential Consequences of the Michelin-Allopneus Acquisition of Control

This union between Michelin and Allopneus establishes a new standard. Because Michelin Tyres own Allopnues, this heralds the beginning of the tyre industry’s transition towards greater digitization. The rise of retailing done online becomes essential. Conventional producers are going to need to make adjustments. After the completion of this game-changing takeover, we may witness further strategic purchases of similar kind.

The Michelin and Allopneus Companies: Pioneers in the Modernization of the Tyre Industry

The acquisition of Michelin Tyres own Allopnues is more than just a corporate transaction. It can be seen as a statement. A reflection of the present era. By making this bold decision, the fact that Michelin Tyres own Allopnues is redefining its strategy, bringing it into alignment with the digital age, and strengthening its position as the industry leader. What about the tyre manufacturing sector? Prepare yourself for a tidal wave of change. The shopping experience of customers is going to improve in the near future as a result of an increased emphasis on digital retailing. Keep an eye out!

Wow I have been saying for the past two years that we in the tyre trade are living in interesting times, but this announcement is one of the most interesting stories I have yet to come across?

Michelin are going online? Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

This will be done with a 40% (now up to 100% ownership),acquisition of the French online tyre retailer “Allopnues”. The online tyre company sold 3 million tyres online last year, which accounts for 7% of the French tyre market.

Michelin to use ATS as the fitting stations-Michelin Tyres owns Allopnues

Michelin have also announced that they are going to use their network of ATS tyre depots to carry out their fitting work, across Europe.

When I first read the story I thought that Michelin Tyres were just going to supply France and use the French ATS depots, but they say that they will be using al the ATS depots across Europe. I did notice that some of the local ATS depots were not doing any truck work anymore and have been smartened up for retail, and so this has been a plan of theirs for some time.

One thing is for sure, this will kick off repercussions amongst tyre wholesalers and will there be a big rush from the other tyre manufacturers to compete on the same lines. This effectively means that Michelin are missing out the middle man, which at the moment, are the big tyre wholesalers.

I can remember years ago when Michelin decided to go into ASDA to sell tyres. This too caused a huge rumpus and I think that it was ATS who eventually stopped the process and Michelin closed down the tyre shops within the supermarket. This time ATS will be one of the main players and have no complaints. Could the same happen because Michelin Tyres own Allopnues !

Michelin Tyres buys 40% stake in French Online Tyre store

I also wonder what Michelin Tyres will do with other brands that Allpnues also sell? Will they be pushing out their own product. I think so. It is a big investment to make just to sell Dunlop’s and Continentals products.

Whatever happens. For this reason. Has certainly changed the game big style? But I can’t help feeling that this is the way to go, it makes good business sense and will cut out the middle man as I have

stated earlier. It could be the start of another dot/com boom, but in the tyre industry, watch this space?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles, also selling tyres online in the Halifax area. Michelin, Allopneus, the tyre sector, a takeover or strategic purchase,

Cars and Climate Change

Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

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Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

Hybrid Car Servicing 2024
© Can Stock Photo /

Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

regular maintenance for my hybrid vehicle


Even if your car might benefit from the newest hybrid technology, it still makes sense to have annual maintenance performed on it. By doing so, you can make sure your hybrid is operating without a hitch and find any little faults before they turn into major ones. The mechanics working on your hybrid will do electrical and mechanical inspections to ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible and to help you get more mileage out of it.

let us discuss the distinctions in maintenance requirements between hybrid vehicles and conventional petrol or diesel engines, with a particular focus on the United Kingdom.

To begin with, the situation is analogous to contrasting apples and pears.

Both are automobiles, but their mechanisms differ. Similar to those opulent Prius models, a hybrid vehicle consists of both an electric propulsion system and a conventional internal combustion engine (diesel or petrol). So, with regard to conducting a thorough examination, there are a few additional components that warrant attention.

Batteries: This is the crucial one. Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

Hybrids are powered by enormous batteries that do not resemble those advertised on our websites, but are considerably more intricate. They contribute to the vehicle’s slight electric propulsion. It is imperative to conduct routine health checks on these batteries. It differs significantly from a standard 12-volt system found in combustion vehicles.

Brake Wear:Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

A small amount of positive news follows. By virtue of employing regenerative braking, hybrid vehicles are marginally more gentle on the brake pads and discs. This ingenious technology recharges the battery during braking. Thus, you may discover that you need to apply the brakes less frequently than with a conventional motor.

Engine Wear:Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

An unexpected turn of events. Because the electric motor in a hybrid performs a portion of the work, the petrol or diesel engine is not consistently operating at full capacity. This can result in reduced deterioration, comparable to opting for the bus rather than the daily walk to the pub.

Fluid Inspections:

The customary oil and coolant inspections remain available. However, bear in mind that some hybrids have a unique coolant for the battery pack; therefore, also monitor that.

Diagnostic Checks:

As the engine’s technology advances, you’ll be required to bring in a sophisticated device to ensure everything is in order. It resembles a visit to the doctor, but for automobiles.

Hybrid maintenance in Halifax or any other city in the United Kingdom is not incomparable to conventional maintenance, but it does have its peculiarities. It is similar to a traditional Yorkshire pudding, but with an innovative ingredient that keeps things intriguing while maintaining the pudding’s heartiness and familiarity.

If your hybrid is still covered by a warranty, you must follow the recommended maintenance schedule to maintain your coverage. A complete service history can also significantly raise the resale value of your hybrid car.

choices for servicing my hybrid vehicle at Pellon Auto Centre Halifax UK


A full hybrid servicing option is available from Pellon and may be added to our Bronze, Silver, or Gold servicing packages. An annual service serves as a health check to make sure the fundamentals and hybrid technology are in excellent condition. For a comprehensive package that provides peace of mind while driving and helps you save time and money, we can also add a cheap MOT.

In addition to a thorough diagnostic health check, our hybrid inspections also look for damage to cables and connectors, provide an inverter coolant report, and check for brake binding. The hybrid service component can enhance any of the following services:

Eric Roberts‘s insight:

Winter is on its way ?

This article is from the “Good Garage scheme” . Thus, pointing out to the motorist the severe weather conditions that could be imminent. Of course, that may lie ahead. Frighteningly, with the  effects that a severe winter could have on your car. Importantly, if you did not prepare for it by servicing your hybrid car before the winter arrives,.

So, helping the consumers- Hybrid Car Servicing 2024

by offering an MOT test and service for just about the £100 mark, all inclusive. This offer is for most small and medium-sized cars, and we will carry out your hybrid servicing.

Of course, on their cars for the winter ahead. This offer also includes a brake check and topping up your anti-freeze levels to the correct winter levels. So you won’t be the one with a frozen engine. We also give your battery a good check-over. For fear that, you will not be late to work because your cars battery has failed you.

Of course, it is now 2024

Hybrid Car Ownership

Power Storage Tesla battery

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Power Storage Tesla battery

Power Storage Tesla battery
Power Storage Tesla battery

Power Storage Tesla battery

Ever wish you could ditch your electric bill? Tesla is working on a house battery that could help you break up with your expensive utility company, essentially turning any home into an off-grid abode.

Is it legal to run off grid in the USA! I might  sound pessimistic, but what if you are having problems with your battery power storage ?

Battery Power storage will be part of the big energy mix in the future!

This whole scenario of battery Power Storage and off grid electricity! So, is now going above my head? Tesla cars are now claiming that the Lithium-Ion battery unit. Of course, that drives their cars.  Could be used to store solar energy for the average family home for a good three and a  half days. (or should it be nights).

You see, I can’t get my head around this fact! Significantly-Power Storage Tesla battery

Regarding the power that we would need to power the average home,. Would be cheaper than the power supplied the grid. The total cost of solar panels or wind turbines combined with a large enough battery storage pack that would adequately cope with all the power that was needed without totally flattening the batteries

and looking after itself when the owners were away would surely outweigh the cost of mains electricity You would also need a backup diesel generator to use as a backup up for your solar system should

I know that there are whole island populations that are now using a solar power electricity system that has a huge battery power storage system that fits into a 20-foot container. A French battery company named Saft set up the system. Consequently, the island is in the Caribbean group of islands. So can rely on a constant supply of sunshine. But the experts say that these systems can work across most of the world, using the sun that is available to them.

I have seen something similar here in the UK-Power Storage Tesla battery

I am not sure if there are many other battery projects on the go. But the way I see it as a layman, is that all the experts from all the countries are just going there one way, when what is needed is the getting together of heads and experimenting on housing developments that are nothing like the ones today. These developments would be away from the national grid and would be totally environmentally friendly using all the latest materials for insulation, (I see that here in the UK we are starting to revert back to straw as an insulation material).

Importantly, with the homes facing the right way (south) and totally insulated. This, in my opinion, is going the right way. However, to go further, each development should have its own battery-powered Power Storage system. Which connects all the homes together. Solar panels and, if possible, a wind turbine will power the initial electricity.

In my opinion the problem lies with the fact that everything is based on converting new systems from old. But I do not think this will work. You cannot just disconnect yourself from the grid! Because of many other issues. Including where the old electric cables run. Of course, what if you wanted to sell the house. Because, it will be mixing lots of old problems with new problems. I have solar panels fitted to my roof and think that they look fine. However, I know some people who hate the site of them! I won’t even go into wind-turbines.

I am just scratching the surface here.-Power Storage Tesla battery

We need some good joined-up thinking and we need to build proper working experimental housing developments using the latest technology and test it out over a number of years. When I hear Tesla talking about their car battery storage power for home owners, it makes me cringe,

It would probably be capable of this but we should be talking collectively and build whole communities using the latest methods and a collective battery storage system, not load of individuals using all sorts of mismatched battery storage systems that you can find instruction on how to do on YouTube.

Most of our towns and cities will always be run off the national grids, for well into the future; our infrastructures are too old to cope with major changes.

There is no doubt in my mind that battery power will be the future, wherever it comes from, but we should get our heads together and build proper, sustainable, environmentally friendly housing using only the power of the elements, This would be the way forward and if you read this article and know of such experiments taking place, please let me know.

Please note these are the words and opinion of the author (Eric Roberts) only. Neither the author nor the website can be held responsible for any errors or omissions. You should seek professional assistance if in doubt about your choice of battery. The article may contain a link to Batteriesontheweb where you can buy battery products online.

Daewoo Matiz Engine management light problem

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

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 TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring systems).

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

So, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems” have been around for quite a while now. it was developed to compliment  cars that were fitted with run flat tyres or cars that did not have a conventional type spar wheel and tyre.

When a run flat tyre loses pressure, there is no way of knowing so a special valve with a sender, was invented and when there is a loss of air pressure in the tyre the sensor in the tyre valve picks this up and sends a message to the cars computer which lights up a warning light in the cab and alerts the driver that something is wrong with one of his/hers tyres.

The idea is a simple one really,

but it is not that long ago that a driver would not go anywhere without his spare wheel? How things have changed. Now most cars are fitted with in cab warning technologies and it is very common for us to see on a daily basis.

There is however one thing that has cropped up, those drivers may not know. This is that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in susceptible to temperature changes. This is basic science, when the temperature rises then the air expands and when it cools down then the temperature lowers.

Monitoring Systems valves.

When the temperature drops on cold freezing night. Then so does the air pressure in your tyres. Pressures can drop as much as 10 psi on a really cold night. This can then trigger off your tyre pressure warning light in the car.

It may not happen to all cars! But it is worth noting that if this happens to you. So then you will know what has been happening on that cold dark winters night. In some cars the light will correct itself. Going back out as the air temperature rises. Subsequently, you could increase the air pressure in your tyres and this will stop this happening.

The second temperature related part is the way a summer tyre acts when they get cold too!

Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

TPMS and summer tyres in the cold

This temperature issue is probably a little bit better known, but here goes. Summer car tyres and winter car tyres. Importantly, have different chemical compositions in their tyre compounds. The main difference is the addition of “silica” compounds. Into the mix that makes the winter tyres.

The different compounds are there to give different characteristics to the tyres in different weather conditions and heat and cold. Summer’s will get much stiffer and harder in cold weather, making the tyre more difficult to handle when braking and cornering. This change in character starts to come in when the temperature gets below 7 degrees.

Winter tyres remain flexible in the cold-Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems

The winter tyres with their different compounds will remain flexible and pliable in colder weather and this combined with a tread design that has been developed to dissipate water, slush and snow, makes the winters  the perfect fitment for your car from November to march here in the Northern hemisphere.

If you are looking for a set of tyres for your car at this time of year then I would strongly advise fitting winter tyres, they have been proven time and time again to be the safest option for your car and your family.

As an update then the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have increased to nearly all car makes and models. So, the importance of tyre pressure to save fuel and emissions cannot be under estimated! So, moving on a few years since I first wrote this post then a few things have happened! Firstly, as reputable tyre dealers then we have to keep a large stock of electronic valves to replace old ones that break or just need replacing.

Going forward we are finding that most problems are caused by seized up metal valve caps. So use plastic valve caps where possible. Importantly, when the warning light comes on please check out the tyre and the tyre pressures ?

Best tyre pressure monitoring systems, Tyre pressure monitoring systems reviews, Tyre pressure monitoring systems cost, tyre pressure monitoring system warning light.

Part Worn Tyres

Part Worn Tyres: Am I getting soft?

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Part Worn Tyres

Part Worn Tyres

 These are very alarming figures 22%, almost a quarter of the driving public, are buying these part worn tyres

But I am now thinking differently about the problem. In my opinion, the Part Worn Tyres market has increased due to the financial crisis and a lot of young families are having to make

huge economic changes in their household budgets, but they regard their car as a sanctity, a necessity, and they will keep it running at whatever cost, even if it means running the car without insurance or road tax.

This is also where part-worn tyres come into it. If it means keeping the car running, then they will pay, say, £20 for a worn tyre. I do not think that they care about its condition; all I can say is that they must trust the person that they are buying from, as long as it gets them about and they can keep their car running.

It is the tyre industry that should make sure that the tyres that these people are using are in fact safe to use and come under the Part Worn Tyres law (under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg. 7) part of the Consumer Protection Act) that we have here in the UK and probably other countries too.

17% of drivers would also keep buying part worn tyres.

In my opinion, the economic crisis has hit us all to the extent that we will probably never recover again. The retail market has changed considerably over the past years, with consumers having to make huge cuts in their spending habits. This includes everybody, and I have to admit that includes my family. We are changing our shopping habits, and the companies that are making changes to cope with the lack of consumer spending are becoming the winners.

Starting at the top of the chain, families are now shopping on a daily or twice-weekly basis. Here in the UK, the winners are becoming the smaller chains such as Lidl and Aldi, who are pushing the huge supermarket customers into second place, primarily because of the changing shopping habits of the consumers. We also have cheaper clothing retailers who are doing well in this climate; stores such as Primark are sweeping the floor with much cheaper clothing than the high-street stores, who are suffering from the general downsizing of consumers.

In my opinion, this is also the same problem that is affecting the tyre market at the moment.

Drivers at the lower end of the economic scale are forced to buy part-worn tyres to keep their cars on the road. According to the recent survey, 17% of these drivers would also consider a repeat purchase of part worn tyres, which could mean that these people are taken out of the new car tyre market altogether. There has always been a slice of the tyre market that has bought second hand tyres, but this time the increase is quite significant and is effecting many of the smaller tyre retailers up and down the country.

Fighting back with cheap budget tyres

One of the knock-on effects of this gap in the market is the price deflation of budget tyre brands. My own business has seen a sharp increase in the cheap new tyre market. The manufacturers that are suffering are in the mid-range tyre market, and the leading companies appear to be holding their own, we are still getting our customers asking for their favourite brands. These are usually the older drivers that are known as the “Silvers,” and that includes me?

These are the drivers that will stick to Michelin and Dunlop and can still afford to pay the price for them.

I am only forming my opinion on the facts that are affecting my tyre business here in Halifax Yorkshire UK. But asking about and travelling around has opened my eyes to the fact that the number of part-worn tyre bucket shops that have opened up in the last few years has quadrupled. The increase in these operations has opened my eyes to the extent of our industry-wide problem. We seem to be more at the battle front in the poorer northern towns, especially the ones with a large immigrant population, such as Halifax.

Part worn tyres are also affecting the large companies

This problem probably multiplies the more depots that you own , so huge tyre companies such as kwik-Fit must be pulling their hair out, in fact This recent survey was financed by Kwik-Fit, and its findings were released to the rest of the industry. Roger Griggs of Kwik-Fit said…

“This research highlights the problems that British drivers have experienced with part worn tyres. Many of the second hand tyres sold in the UK are brought in from Europe by the container-load, having been taken off cars across the Channel. Motorists considering a part worn tyre should perhaps ask why a tyre that is no longer good enough for a Dutch, German or Danish driver would be good enough for them.

‘We recognise that drivers are keen to keep their motoring costs low, and we work hard to provide products and services to help them do that. There comes a point where cutting costs can compromise safety and this is especially true with tyres. After all, these are the only thing connecting a car with the road, so we urge drivers to consider whether they really need to opt for the unknown quality of second hand tyres.”

My problem with part worn tyres is the number of tyres that were found to be failing due to the damage that was already present

Of course, when the tyres were fitted to the new customer’s car,. This is due to the fact that tyres that are sold are not sold legally. Here in the UK, we have a set of rules that state that part worn tyres should be tested for any faults, damage, or objects in the tyres, and the tyres should be checked while under pressure. Then, after the tyre is checked and found to OK, a special patch should be stuck (vulcanised) to the tyre with the name of the company or tester displayed on the tyre.

I now know that the effect of part worn tyres on the businesses of reputable tyre retailers

Having forced them to start selling these part worn tyres themselves, and in a way, I cannot blame them. One guy that I know has set up a separate small depot specifically for selling these tyres. He has kept the two companies separate for obvious reasons, but at least he is now clawing some of the lost business back, and he is also running the operation within the current part worn tyre laws.

I can now understand better the predicament that many people find themselves in. Forced by financial circumstances to buy these second-hand tyres. So, I think that we have all been affected by this crisis and will be for some time to come.

We now believe that they is a place for part worn tyres, but they must be bought and sold within the law, and we must get rid of these people who sell all the rubbish and dangerous tyres by strengthening the current laws and, more importantly, by clamping down on these dodgy tyre businesses that sell this rubbish through stronger law enforcement.

Pellon Tyres is now a member of TyreSafe.org

Driving on Bad tyres

Driving on Bad Tyres: Risking Lives,

/4 Comments/in /by

Driving on Bad tyres

Driving on Bad tyres
Driving on Bad tyres

Driving on Bad tyres

So, this is a question that I often ask myself! Of course, as the owner of a tyre business here in Halifax, UK,. Responsibly, have we, as an industry, educated the public? Enough about the dangers and safety aspects of having baldness or other dangerous things wrong with the tyres on their cars.

Just as in every other walk of life in this world,. So, we have different types of tyre-buying consumers. Significantly, we have rich and poor people of different races and colours who all drive cars on our roads. Of course, the majority of us uphold the laws of our country. Including motoring laws! So, to make it a safer place for us all to drive about,.

This is a good thing, in my opinion.

Enabling a person from another country to drive about. Of course, to look for, say, a job or to look for accommodation. We have all seen cars driving around from all over the world. Generally, I think that this is a good thing. I love to visit other countries in my car. Significantly, it is one of the pleasures in life that I have always enjoyed. But I always check the important driving laws of the country that I am visiting. Before I embark on my journey,.

The point that I am making is: do we educate drivers enough about the facts about better road safety and the general upkeep of our cars? It seems to me that as a nation, we should be hammering home the safety aspects of driving and looking after your car so that it is also safe for other road users. This also includes immigrants and other foreign visitors, including foreign students.

We should perhaps give them a copy of our highway code in their own language; whether or not they will look at it is up to them, but it would be a step forward. On a student website, it is recommended that if you are going to drive here in the UK, you should buy a copy of the Highway Code, available from most bookstores for £2.50. More reading…”Help for International Student Drivers “

A mixture of foreign visitors that have good knowledge about their tyres

Here in Halifax, UK. We have a large mixture of people from other countries and continents. All of them are welcome as our customers. It is an interesting subject to study the different attitudes that people have towards road safety.

This includes all of our customers, not just visitors. I think that we should make everybody more aware of the laws and rules that we have to stick to make the UK a better place to drive in.

I have been lucky enough to visit many countries in my life. So, like most tyre guys, I always end up looking at the tyres on the cars. Usually in some car park.

It is no surprise to me that the poor countries. Such as Egypt, which I recently visited. Think nothing about driving their cars  Driving on bad tyres. Driving on bad tyres is simply a matter of economics. The richer countries that I have visited. Europe and the USA all have high standards. They are richer and can usually afford to have better tyres fitted to their vehicles.

Education is a must for all drivers: Driving on Bad tyres

I think that the problem that we have in the better off countries. Importantly, are having the crossover of different  backgrounds. In my opinion we should all re-educate the public. Keeping the high standards that we now enjoy. Some sort of campaign would remind the car driving public about the safety aspects. Of driving around in cars with tyres that are within the law.

One of the best moves that the British government have made was the introduction of the MOT test, and this model has also now been adapted in many other countries. The MOT test is carried out on the car a does not take into account where the drivers are from or the ethics of the drivers when it comes to road safety. The cars are tested and the failures must be rectified before the car can be driven on the road again.

MOT Test catch out bald tyres

Many of the worse tyres that we see have been picked up on the MOT Test Requirements and thank goodness for that? We are now finding many more cars that are coming to us with bald or faulty tyres fitted to them, and the tyres have to be changed before the car is road worthy or not.

Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax we also fit tyres from other garages that carry out MOT tests. One of these garages rang up the other day to ask us to collect four wheels and tyres from an MOT that he had just failed. Jim the other garage owner had asked me to take a look at the condition of these tyres, as he was both amazed and amused at the state of three of the tyres.

Shocking tyres: Driving on Bad tyres

Adam one of my drivers picked up the wheels and asked me to take a look. I could not believe that this car had been driving on our roads. Dangerously, with his tyres in such bad condition. So, you can see the state of them in the pictures that we took.

Many of the tyre problems that we are coming up with, are stemming from the rise in the sale of part worn tyres and I believe that this covers my whole article, I believe that our standards are being eroded by a lack of education across the whole of the driving public and this should be tackled before the situation gets any worse.

One of the organisations that are supporting the battle against Driving on Bad Tyres are www.tyresafe.org and you can see some of their excellent work by visiting their website.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Tyres are available online at discount prices 

steering parts only

Steering Wheel Not Straight

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Steering Wheel Not Straight

Steering Wheel Not Straight
Steering Wheel Not Straight

Steering Wheel Not Straight

The steering wheel is not straight.

This article reminded me of the number of customers that come to my garage here in Halifax with the same problem. Hence, their steering wheel is not straight.

or many of them say that when the steering wheel is straight then their car pulls to the left or the right. It really does make driving uncomfortable when this is the problem.

Modern cars now have much more refined steering and suspension systems. Steering Wheel Not Straight

This makes wheel alignment even more important than ever.

Correct alignment also ensures that your tyres do not wear out prematurely. Another problem after this long, wet, and snowy winter is the large number of potholes that are appearing everywhere.

As a result, many cars steering has been knocked out of alignment. Many cars will show this by pulling to one side. Thus making driving more difficult and not a pleasurable experience.

This also wears your tyres out prematurely. Steering Wheel Not Straight

You would be surprised at the number of cars that come to us for new tyres with one of the sidewalls worn out. As a result, sometimes it comes down to the steel cords of the sidewalls. Of course, this is the best time to set your alignment up correctly. So, when you buy some new tyres. many of our customers actually do this. Enabling your tyres to get off to a good start. Many tyres now, especially SUVs, are very expensive.

Therefore, the tyres really do need to be looked after correctly. Steering Wheel Not Straight

We do balance your wheels when we fit new tyres, but wheel alignment is a separate job altogether. When we fit a customer’s tyres, we do inform them if we suspect the alignment is out. We do a free check and charge from £34.90 upwards for the alignment to be corrected.

Eric Roberts

If you have a car, then this is a very important thing that you should do. So the thing is to check the Wheel Alignment.  Because this can save you many important things.

So, many steering wheel problems are generally caused by your car being out of alignment!

Source: Why to check Wheel Alignment?