A Grubby Vito Van, a Free Tyre Check, and a Smart Choice of Falken Winter Tyres
(Approx. 1,000 words)
Yesterday turned out to be one of those classic workshop days at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre here in Halifax. If you know our place, you’ll know it never stays quiet for long, especially in winter when folk start worrying about the roads freezing over Mixenden Moor or black ice creeping along the tops above Sowerby Bridge.
Anyway, just after dinner, a rather grubby-looking Mercedes-Benz Vito CDi rolled in for one of our free tyre checks. The van looked like it had spent the morning tackling every muddy track in Calderdale — the sort of motor that’s clearly out grafting every single day. You can almost tell a van’s story just by how the muck sticks to it.
Adam, sharp as ever, got stuck in straightaway. He didn’t need long to spot that the Vito’s front tyres were well past their best. Worn, cracked and badly lacking tread — exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your day when you hit a frosty bend on the way up to Queensbury.
The van’s owner didn’t mess about. Once Adam explained the situation, he made a cracking decision: a pair of Falken winter tyres. And to be honest, he probably saved himself a lot of grief over the coming months.
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
A Halifax Winter Is No Joke: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Those of us who live here in the Calder Valley know exactly how fast the weather can turn. One minute you’re driving through drizzle, the next you’re dealing with snow blowing sideways across the A629. Anyone who’s been caught out on Blackstone Edge or even the climb through Wheatley knows that standard summer tyres just don’t cut it once temperatures dip.
That’s why we always encourage drivers to think ahead. A good set of winter tyres can be the difference between getting home safely — or ending up stuck on a cold verge waiting for recovery.
A Bit of History: The Mercedes-Benz Vito
The Mercedes-Benz Vito has become a firm favourite among tradespeople, delivery drivers, and anyone who needs a van that works as hard as they do. First introduced in the mid-1990s, it filled the gap between the smaller Mercedes Citan and the big, beefy Sprinter. The idea was simple: build a tough, reliable mid-sized van that could handle Europe’s most demanding roads.
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of Vitos through our doors — plumbers, sparkies, couriers, caterers, builders — the lot. The CDi diesel engines especially earned a reputation for strong pulling power, good fuel economy and impressive durability. Perfect for hauling gear up and down Halifax’s steep hills, from King Cross Bank to the climbs above Northowram.
What makes the Vito popular?
Solid build quality
Loads of room in the back
Comfortable cab for long days
Engines that seem to last forever
Great handling even when fully loaded
It’s no surprise they’re dotted all over Calderdale. They’re one of those vans that quietly get the job done — no fuss, no nonsense, no drama.
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Where Falken Tyres Began: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Now, the Vito driver choosing Falken winter tyres was a wise move, and the brand’s history explains why.
Falken started life in Japan in 1983, originally created by Sumitomo Rubber Industries as a performance tyre brand aimed at motorsport enthusiasts. Before long, Falken tyres were appearing in racing events around the world — drifting competitions, endurance races and track days. If a tyre can survive that lot, it’ll more than cope with a frosty Halifax morning.
By the early 1990s, Falken had made their way to Europe. Drivers quickly appreciated their blend of quality, innovation and good value for money. Unlike some premium brands, Falken focuses heavily on research and development – especially when it comes to winter tyres.
Their tread designs, rubber compounds and sipes are engineered to grip snow, slush and wet winter roads. That’s exactly what you want when you’re navigating icy corners in places like Mytholmroyd or Ripponden.
Here at Pellon Tyres, we’ve fitted loads of Falken winters over the years, and the feedback is always the same:
“They grip better, they feel safer, and they last.”
Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Falken Winter Tyres: Ideal for Calderdale Roads
The Falken Eurowinter range is particularly suited to our area. Halifax sits high up on the Pennine ridge, surrounded by valleys, moorland and exposed roads that freeze earlier and stay icy longer than many other regions.
Benefits of Falken winter tyres include:
Better grip in cold, wet and snowy weather
Shorter braking distances on icy roads
Improved stability going uphill
Better traction pulling away in slush
A more confident feel when cornering
Excellent value compared to premium brands
They’re exactly the kind of tyre you want when you’re setting off early from Illingworth, heading through Shelf or braving the road over to Littleborough.
A Happier, Safer Vito Driver: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Once the tyres were fitted, balanced and checked, the Vito left our yard much safer than it arrived. And I reckon the driver will thank himself the first time he comes down a frosty hill and the van actually stops where it’s supposed to.
We always say — the only part of your vehicle that touches the road is the tyres. They’re not something you want to gamble on, especially in a place like Calderdale, where winter can turn nasty at a moment’s notice.
If you’re unsure about your tyres, just pop in for a free tyre check. No pressure, no hard sell — just honest advice. You can read more about winter tyre options on our website here: https://www.pellontyres.co.uk
And if you fancy a cosy winter escape once the snow melts, have a look at our Lucky Paws Holiday Home near Flamborough Head — perfect for spring and summer breaks when the Yorkshire coast comes alive.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpg00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2025-12-11 16:02:522025-12-11 16:19:04Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres
Mercedes C200 and Continental Runflat Tyres – Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe and Stylish
Every now and again, a real beauty rolls into the forecourt here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, Halifax — and yesterday was one of those days. A pristine white Mercedes-Benz C200 pulled up, looking as if it had just rolled out of a showroom. The owner, a local chap from just over the hill near Sowerby Bridge, was in good spirits despite a bit of bad luck: one of his run-flat tyres had picked up damage and needed replacing.
Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I love a job that’s neat and tidy — and this one was just that. The customer had done his homework and wanted to keep his tyres matching, so he opted for the Continental 255/35R19 XL ContiSportContact 5 RunFlat, a top-quality tyre that’s ideal for this kind of car. Once we got the new tyre fitted, balanced, and checked over, the Mercedes was back on the road in no time — safe, smooth, and looking as classy as ever. The smile on the customer’s face said it all!
Mercedes C200-Continental Run-Flat Tyre
Run-Flat Tyres – Built for Safety and Convenience: Mercedes C200-Continental Run-Flat Tyre
Let’s take a moment to talk about run-flat tyres, because not everyone realises just how clever these bits of kit are. A run-flat tyre is specially designed to keep you moving even if you suffer a puncture. Thanks to reinforced sidewalls and clever internal supports, you can usually drive up to 50 miles at around 50 mph after losing air pressure—enough to get you safely to a garage like ours without having to wrestle with a jack at the side of a busy road.
They’re a real benefit for drivers here in Halifax and across West Yorkshire, where country lanes, potholes, and debris from winter weather can often catch motorists out. Whether you’re heading down the A629 towards Elland or taking the scenic route over the moors towards Hebden Bridge, a puncture’s never fun — but run-flats make it a lot less stressful.
Of course, not all garages have the right equipment to handle run-flats. They’re tougher to remove and refit because of the stiff sidewalls, which means you need proper run-flat-approved tyre-fitting machines — which, I’m proud to say, we’ve had here at Pellon for years. It’s all part of the investment we’ve made to keep up with modern car technology.
Tyre damaged beyond repair
Why Continental? German Engineering Meets Yorkshire Roads
When it comes to tyres, Continentalis one of the best names in the business. Like Mercedes, they’re a German company with a long history of quality engineering. The ContiSportContact 5 range offers excellent grip, short braking distances, and great performance in both wet and dry conditions — exactly what you want on our unpredictable British roads.
The XL (extra load) andrun-flatmarkings make this tyre ideal for powerful cars like the Mercedes C200, giving both safety and peace of mind. Continental also spends a fortune on R&D, ensuring their tyres work perfectly with modern safety systems such as ABS and traction control — something the C-Class benefits from in spades.
Many of our regulars in Halifax, Brighouse, and Huddersfield who drive German cars — BMWs, Audis, and Mercs alike — swear by Continental tyres, and it’s easy to see why. You get performance, longevity, and reliability all in one package.
New Continental tyre ready for fitting
A Little Bit of History – The Mercedes C200 in the UK: Mercedes C200-Continental Run-Flat Tyre
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has always been one of Britain’s favourite executive cars, and the C200 sits right at the heart of the range. It first appeared back in the early 1990s, replacing the old 190E — a car that was legendary in its own right. The C-Class brought a modern look and feel but still carried that solid, dependable German engineering Mercedes is famous for.
Here in the UK, the C200 quickly became a popular choice for professionals, company car drivers, and families who wanted a mix of comfort and prestige. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty through our doors — from early petrol models to the newer diesels and even the hybrid versions. They’re beautifully built cars that can easily handle the hilly roads of Calderdale or the daily grind of a Leeds or Manchester commute.
The latest versions of the C200 are packed with tech — everything from adaptive cruise control to advanced safety systems and those clever digital dashboards. But what hasn’t changed is that smooth, refined driving experience that Mercedes owners love. It’s no wonder so many of them stick with the brand for life.
Built-up wheel unit ready to be fitted back onto the Mercedes C200
Looking After Your Run-Flat Tyres in West Yorkshire: Mercedes C200-Continental Run-Flat Tyre
Even though run-flats are designed for convenience, they do need proper care. It’s always important to:
Check tyre pressures regularly – even though you can drive on a flat, you don’t want to be doing it without knowing!
Replace tyres in pairs where possible, especially on performance vehicles like the C200.
Use a specialist garage with the right equipment (like us at Pellon Autocentre).
Avoid mixing run-flats with standard tyres, as it can affect handling and ride comfort.
We often see customers coming in with one worn run-flat and three good ones, wondering if they can switch to regular tyres. Technically, you can — but it’s not ideal unless you’re replacing the full set. Mixing can make your car feel unpredictable, especially at speed or when cornering.
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