suzuki-swift-tyre-check

18th November 2025/in All General Tyres Stuff/by Eric Roberts

suzuki-swift-tyre-check

Suzuki Swift Tyres and Halifax’s Early Winter Rush – A Busy Start to the Week at Pellon Tyres

Monday 17th November turned out just as we expected here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre — absolutely heaving from the moment we opened the shutters. As soon as the weekend’s weather forecast mentioned the chance of snowfall later in the week, the phones started ringing and the forecourt soon filled up with drivers wanting checks, winter tyres, and quick advice before the cold snap settles in.

To be fair, anyone who lives around Halifax, especially up the hills towards Mount Tabor, Wainstalls, Mixenden, or Queensbury, knows exactly why people take these warnings seriously. We’re perched right on the edge of the Pennines, and that means winter arrives here earlier than it does for much of the country. You can have bright sunshine down in Brighouse or Elland, while we’re brushing snow off the forecourt up here at Pellon Lane. It’s the price we pay for living in such a cracking bit of Yorkshire — stunning scenery, but hills that love to surprise us!

A Suzuki Swift in for a Free Tyre Check

One of the first visitors of the day was a lovely lady who called in with her Suzuki Swift tyre check. With the cold weather looming, she wanted peace of mind, and that’s exactly what our free checks are for. The work was carried out by Ben, our latest recruit and a cracking lad. He’s already proving himself to be a proper asset to the team — steady hands, sharp eyes, and plenty of confidence for someone new to the trade.

Ben soon spotted that two of the tyres were below the legal limit, and because the Swift is a light little car, good tread depth makes a massive difference to grip, especially in wet or snowy conditions. He also noticed the alignment was slightly out — hardly unusual given the potholes we dodge every day in Calderdale!

We talked her through her options, and she chose two 185/55×16 RoadX tyres, which are excellent value and ideal for everyday driving around Halifax’s hills and bends. Once fitted and aligned, the car was good to go — safe, steady, and ready for whatever winter throws our way this week.

Why Early Winters Matter for Tyre Safety: suzuki-swift-tyre-check

Anyone who’s lived up here long enough will remember winters like 2010, 2013, and even the big freeze of the mid-80s, when Halifax and the surrounding villages were blanketed for weeks. The cold settles in fast on our high ground, and once the wind blows in across the Pennines, it turns wet roads icy in no time. Good tyres aren’t a luxury in this part of Yorkshire — they’re genuinely essential.

That’s why we always see a big burst of activity after the first whisper of snow. Drivers who live up steep roads such as Claremount, Norton Tower, or Boothtown know how easily a bit of snow turns into a sliding session if tyres are worn. It’s the same story every year: the forecast comes out, everyone remembers last winter, and suddenly Monday morning is full to the brim!

A Bit of Suzuki Swift History—With a Local Touch

The Suzuki Swift has become a familiar sight on Halifax roads over the years. First introduced in the UK during the 1980s, it quickly built a reputation as a small, reliable, no-nonsense little car — perfect for nipping up and down the steep streets of the upper Calder Valley. Plenty of first-time drivers in Halifax have cut their teeth on a Swift because they’re cheap to run, easy to insure, and surprisingly tough for a small hatchback.

By the early 2000s, the Swift gained more modern styling and better handling, winning fans across Yorkshire. It became popular with commuters heading along the A629, students travelling between Halifax and Huddersfield, and families who needed something compact enough for town but nippy enough for our twisty country lanes.

We’ve seen hundreds of them through our doors over the years — from older models needing exhausts and brakes to brand-new ones in for winter tyres. They’re dependable little cars, and with good tyres on, they handle our hilly Halifax roads far better than you might think.

Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe This Winter

So as winter sets in—early, as usual—it’s a good reminder for drivers around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Luddenden, and beyond to get their tyres checked. A quick look at tread depth can prevent a nasty skid, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.

You can always call in to us for a free tyre check; no appointment is needed. We’ll make sure your tyres, pressures, and tread are safe for the season — and if you want winter tyres or all-weather options, we’ve plenty in stock.

Ford Focus for Classy Falken Tyres

31st October 2025/in All Falken tyre stuff/by Eric Roberts

Ford Focus for Classy Falken Tyres

Friday morning started off like any other here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax. The coffee was on, the workshop doors were up, and the lads were ready for another busy day. In rolled a customer with a Ford Focus, popping in for one of our free tyre checks – something we always recommend before winter really sets in.

Ryan, our depot manager, had a quick look over the car and gave the wheels a good inspection. It didn’t take long to see the problem – all four tyres were past their best. Worn down and starting to crack, the car wasn’t as safe as it should’ve been, especially with the colder, wetter weather we’ve been having across Calderdale lately.

After a chat about options, the owner took Ryan’s advice and decided to go with a full set of Falken tyres – a cracking choice for anyone who wants reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Why Falken Tyres? Ford Focus for Classy Falken Tyres

We’ve fitted Falken tyres for years at Pellon Tyres, and they’ve earned a solid reputation with our Halifax customers. They’re made by Sumitomo Rubber Industries of Japan – one of the world’s largest and most respected tyre manufacturers – and they’ve been around since 1983.

Falken started out focused on motorsport, building tyres that could handle the tough conditions of the racetrack. Over the years, they’ve taken that same racing technology and poured it into everyday road tyres. That’s why you’ll find Falkens offering excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions, along with a smooth, quiet ride that’s perfect for Yorkshire’s mix of winding roads and moorland stretches.

Their ZIEX and Sincera ranges are especially popular for family cars like the Ford Focus – dependable, durable, and with a nice balance between comfort and performance.

We’ve fitted plenty of sets over the years to everything from small hatchbacks to SUVs, and the feedback from customers has always been spot on. For local Halifax drivers, who often find themselves navigating the steep hills of King Cross or the twisty back roads over to Hebden Bridge, Falken tyres give that extra bit of confidence when the weather turns.

A Quick Look at the Ford Focus: Ford Focus for Classy Falken Tyres

The Ford Focus has been a familiar sight on British roads since it first arrived in 1998, replacing the old Escort. It was an instant hit thanks to its tidy handling, solid build, and good looks – not something every Ford could boast back then!

Over the years, it’s become one of the UK’s best-selling cars, often topping the charts alongside the Fiesta. Here in Halifax, we see plenty of Focuses come through the doors for MOTs, services, and, of course, tyre replacements.

It’s a car that fits our Yorkshire way of life perfectly – practical for families, reliable for commuting over the M62, and still a decent drive when you fancy a spin up to the Dales on a Sunday afternoon.

From the early Zetec models right through to the sporty ST and RS versions, the Focus has always been a driver’s car. And with a good set of Falken tyres underneath, it’ll handle like a dream whatever the Calderdale weather throws at it.

Keeping Local Drivers Safe: Ford Focus for Classy Falken Tyres

We’re proud to offer our free tyre safety checks to drivers across Halifax and the Calder Valley. It only takes a few minutes for our team to inspect your tyres for wear, damage, or low pressure – and it could make all the difference to your safety.

If you’re unsure about the state of your tyres, just pop in for a cuppa and a quick check. We’re always happy to help and offer honest advice, just like we did for this Ford Focus owner.

mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

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

mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

Tyre Repairs Done the Right Way – Mazda 2 Gets a Proper Legal Fix at Pellon Tyres, Halifax

Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we’ve always said that honesty and proper workmanship are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s a new set of tyres, a wheel alignment, or a simple puncture repair, we make sure every job is done safely, legally, and to professional standards.

Following on from our recent post about repairing tyres the correct and legal way, we had a perfect example come through the workshop this week — a Mazda 2 brought in by a lady from Greetland, just outside Halifax. She’d noticed that one of her tyres kept going down overnight, and rather than just keep topping it up, she sensibly brought it to us to get it checked properly.

Checking the Problem – Finding the Leak: mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

As always, the first step was to remove the wheel from the car and carry out a thorough leak test. We use a water tank for this — it’s the best way to find small leaks that you might otherwise miss. The wheel is slowly lowered into the water and checked for any sign of air bubbles, which usually means there’s something embedded in the tyre or a small split somewhere.

Sure enough, within seconds we saw the telltale stream of bubbles. A closer look revealed the culprit — a rusty old nail stuck in the tread.

Now, not all punctures can be repaired legally. The location and size of the damage are crucial, and that’s where knowing the proper British Standards (BSAU159) really matters.

Is the Puncture Repairable? The Legal Bits

Under the UK’s legal tyre repair guidelines, punctures can only be repaired if they’re in what’s known as the “minor repair ”area”—basically the central 75% of the tread area. Anything too close to the sidewall is a no-go, as it can compromise the tyre’s structure and safety.

Luckily for our Mazda 2 customer, this nail was bang in the repairable zone — right in the middle of the tread — so we were able to carry out a proper, certified mushroom plug repair.

It’s important to stress that we never bodge or patch tyres from the outside, like some backstreet outfits might do. Those “string” or “rope” type repairs might hold for a short while, but they’re not safe or legal for road use in the UK. Here at Pellon Tyres, we always follow the correct method — from the inside of the tyre — ensuring a long-lasting, fully sealed fix.

Repairing the Mazda 2’s Tyre the Right Way: mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

Once we confirmed the tyre was safe to repair, Adam (our resident tyre specialist) got to work.

Tyre Removed & Cleaned: The tyre was taken off the rim and carefully inspected inside and out for any hidden damage.
Hole Prepared: The nail was removed, and the damaged area was drilled and cleaned to prepare for the repair.
Mushroom Patch Fitted: A professional mushroom-style patch plug was fitted through the hole. This seals both the inside and the puncture channel, ensuring no water or air can get in.
Vulcanising & Curing: The patch was securely bonded to the inner liner using a special vulcanising solution.
Re-Balancing & Refit: Once the repair was done, the tyre was re-seated on the rim, inflated to the correct pressure, and re-balanced to make sure the car would drive smoothly again.

The wheel was then refitted to the Mazda 2, and the car was ready to roll.

Our customer was delighted — not only because she didn’t have to buy a new tyre, but also because she knew the job had been done properly, safely, and legally.

Why Doing Things Properly Matters: mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

There are plenty of shortcuts in the motor trade, but they always come back to bite you. Tyres are the only part of a car that actually touch the road, so skimping on safety isn’t worth the risk.

We’ve seen our fair share of DIY or “quick fix” puncture jobs over the years — sometimes even dangerous ones done by untrained hands. These can lead to blowouts, poor handling, or MOT failures. That’s why we always remind drivers to get any slow puncture checked out properly by a trusted garage like ours.

By following the correct repair process and using certified materials, we help customers save money without compromising safety. It’s one of the reasons we’ve built such a strong reputation across Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, and the wider Calderdale area.

Local Roads and Local Trust: mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

Halifax drivers know how unpredictable our local roads can be — potholes, sharp debris, and roadworks seem to appear overnight! Add in the mix of rural lanes around Hebden Bridge, Ripponden, and Elland, and it’s no wonder punctures are a regular sight at Pellon Tyres.

That’s why we offer free tyre checks and honest advice. If your tyre can be repaired safely, we’ll do it—and if it can’t, we’ll explain exactly why and help you choose the best replacement for your car and budget.

We’re proud to say most of our customers are repeat visitors who trust us because they know we’ll do the job right the first time—and never upsell for the sake of it.

Pop In for a Free Tyre Safety Check: mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

If you ever notice a tyre slowly losing air or find a nail or screw stuck in the tread, don’t ignore it. Pop into our garage on Pellon Lane, Halifax, and we’ll take a proper look for you.

You can also book online at www.pellontyres.co.uk — it’s quick and easy, and you can choose your preferred time slot.

Whether it’s a puncture repair, wheel alignment, or a full set of tyres, you can always count on Pellon Tyres for honest advice and a fair job.

Tyre Repair FAQs – Your Questions Answered

Q: Can all punctures be repaired?

Not always. A tyre can only be repaired if the damage is within the central tread area — not too close to the sidewall.
If the hole’s too near the shoulder or too big, it’s illegal and unsafe to fix. Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we’ll always inspect the tyre properly and let you know if it can be safely repaired.

Q: What’s a “mushroom patch” tyre repair?

It’s the proper, legal method for fixing a puncture. A mushroom-shaped plug is fitted from inside the tyre, sealing both the inner liner and the hole itself. This keeps air and moisture out, giving a long-lasting, safe repair.
It’s completely different from those rope- or string-type repairs that aren’t legal for road use in the UK.

Q: How long does a tyre repair take?: mazda2-legal-tyre-repair-halifax

Most repairs take about 30 to 45 minutes, including rebalancing and refitting the wheel. You can usually wait while we do it — grab a brew and we’ll have you sorted before you know it.

Q: Is it cheaper to repair a tyre than replace it?

Definitely. A proper repair can save you the cost of a brand-new tyre, as long as it’s done safely and meets British Standards. That’s why it’s always worth letting us check a slow puncture before assuming you’ll need a new tyre.

Q: How do I know if my tyre needs a repair or replacement?

If you notice your tyre losing pressure or see a nail or screw stuck in the tread, don’t risk driving on it too long. Bring it to us for a free tyre check — we’ll test it for leaks and give you honest advice.
If it can be repaired legally, we’ll fix it. If not, we’ll help you find the best replacement option to suit your car and budget.

Q: Should I get my wheels balanced after a repair?

Yes — and we always do this automatically. Balancing stops vibrations at speed and ensures your tyre wears evenly. It’s part of our standard wheel balancing and alignment service here in Halifax.

VW Golf for Budget Tyres

13th October 2025/in All Tyre Articles, All Wheel Alignment Stuff, All Wheel Balancing Stuff/by Eric Roberts

VW Golf for Budget Tyres

Budget Tyres and Proper Wheel Alignment – Keeping Your VW Golf Rolling Smoothly in Halifax

At Pellon Tyres here in Halifax, we see all sorts of cars come through the doors – from shiny new SUVs to trusty old hatchbacks that have served their owners for years. Recently, we had a neat little VW Golf pop in for our free tyre check, something we offer to all our customers. It’s a quick but important job – tyres take a real battering on Halifax’s hilly roads and pothole-ridden streets, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on them.

This Golf’s tyres were well past their best. The tread was down to the legal limit on the fronts, and there was uneven wear showing on the outer edges – a sure sign that the wheel alignment was out of spec. After chatting with the customer, they decided to go for a pair of Comforser budget tyres – good value, safe, and perfect for everyday driving.

We fitted the new tyres, balanced the wheels (included in the price, of course), and gave the car a proper laser wheel alignment. The difference was night and day – smoother steering, better grip, and no more pulling to one side.

Budget Tyres – Sensible, Safe, and Great Value: VW Golf for Budget Tyres

There’s a bit of a myth floating around that “budget” means “bad”, but that’s far from true. Here at Pellon Tyres, we’ve tested plenty of budget tyre brands, and many offer excellent performance for their price.

Comforser tyres, for example, are one of our best-selling budget options. They’re well-made, reliable, and come in a range of sizes to fit everything from small hatchbacks to large vans. The tread design helps with wet-weather grip – a must in a place like Halifax, where it rains more often than not!

For local drivers who mainly stick to town runs, commuting, or trips up to the supermarket, a good quality budget tyre makes perfect sense. You get solid performance, decent fuel economy, and good braking ability – without breaking the bank.

Of course, if you’re doing high motorway mileage or need specialist performance tyres, then we’ll always recommend something like Michelin, Goodyear, or Bridgestone. But for everyday Halifax motoring, Comforser, GT Radial, and other budget-friendly brands do a cracking job.

Why Wheel Balancing Matters: VW Golf for Budget Tyres

Once those new tyres were on the Golf, we moved on to wheel balancing. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes jobs that makes a big difference to how your car feels.

When a tyre and wheel are fitted, even the smallest weight difference can cause an imbalance. At higher speeds, that imbalance can lead to vibration through the steering wheel, premature tyre wear, and even damage to suspension components if ignored.

At Pellon Tyres, we use high-precision digital balancing machines that detect even the tiniest imbalance. Once the weights are fitted and everything’s balanced perfectly, you’ll notice a smoother, quieter ride. It’s one of those things you might not think about – until you experience how much better your car drives afterwards.

And the best bit? Wheel balancing is included in the price of every tyre we fit.

Wheel Alignment – Vital on Halifax Roads: VW Golf for Budget Tyres

Next came the wheel alignment, or tracking, as many people call it. This is a must-do on cars that have uneven tyre wear or that don’t drive straight. Around Halifax, with its steep hills, potholes, and rough backroads, it’s common for alignment to drift out. A single clip of a kerb on Pellon Lane or Queens Road can be enough to knock things off balance.

We used our computerised laser alignment system to get the Golf’s tracking back to factory settings. Proper alignment means the tyres sit square on the road, steering response improves, and you save money by avoiding premature tyre wear.

It also helps fuel efficiency – if your wheels are slightly out, you’re effectively dragging the tyres, which takes more effort (and more fuel) to keep going. So, a bit of time spent on alignment can save you a fair bit in the long run.

The VW Golf – A British Favourite

The Volkswagen Golf has been one of the UK’s best-loved hatchbacks since the first model hit our shores back in the 1970s. It’s known for its solid build

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