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Winter Tyres Insurance

Falken Safety Winter Tyres

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Falken Safety Winter Tyres

Falken Safety Winter Tyres
Falken Safety Winter Tyres

✅ Falken Safety Winter Tyres – Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe This Winter

It might sound daft to be writing about winter tyres in the middle of August, but if you know me, you’ll know I’ve been doing this for years. It’s just how I’m wired.

Maybe it’s those darker mornings creeping in – I’m always up early with the dogs at 5am, and lately, it’s still pitch black. That’s usually the first sign for me that winter’s on its way. So it’s time to start thinking about log deliveries, winter prep, and, of course, winter tyres.

At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we always make sure we’re stocked up early, and this year we’re continuing to recommend Falken Winter Tyres – a quality brand that’s really earned our trust over the years.

❄️ Why Fit Winter Tyres in the UK?

People often assume winter tyres are only needed in places like Finland or Canada – where snow is pretty much guaranteed. But actually, the UK’s unpredictable weather makes things more dangerous. One minute it’s mild and rainy, the next we’re hit with snow, ice, or even sleet during the morning school run.

The problem is we never seem prepared for it. Every winter, drivers try tackling icy roads with worn-out summer tyres – and end up stuck, sliding, or worse.

This is where Falken winter tyres come into their own. Unlike summer or even all-season tyres, winter tyres are made from a special silica-rich rubber compound that stays soft and grippy in cold weather – especially once the temperature drops below 7°C.

🚗 How Winter Tyres Work Falken Safety Winter Tyres

What makes winter tyres different?

  • They’re designed with thousands of small cuts called sipes that help grip icy or snowy roads.
  • The tread pattern is deeper and more aggressive, helping to channel away slush and prevent hydroplaning.
  • The compound stays flexible in the cold, improving traction and braking performance.

Summer tyres, on the other hand, go rock hard when it gets cold – reducing grip and increasing braking distances.

Multiple independent tests (including ones from Tyre Reviews and Auto Express) have shown that winter tyres can reduce stopping distances by several car lengths in snowy or icy conditions.

👉 Check out winter tyre options at Pellon Tyres

🌍 Falken – A Brand You Can Trust Falken Safety Winter Tyres

We’ve stocked and recommended Falken Tyres for years because they offer that perfect balance between performance, price, and reliability.

Falken is a Japanese brand, part of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries group, and their winter range – especially the Falken Eurowinter series – has performed exceptionally well in European tyre tests.

We’ve had brilliant feedback from our customers here in Halifax who’ve used Falkens in all sorts of winter conditions – from wet Pennine back roads to snow-covered drives up in Queensbury.

🇨🇦 What Canada Can Teach Us About Winter Tyres

In places like British Columbia, winter tyres are legally required during certain months. And there’s good reason – according to surveys, cars fitted with winter tyres have significantly fewer accidents. In fact, in Prince Edward Island, only 6% of accidents involved cars fitted with winter tyres.

Even here in the UK, laws may not yet require them – but the safety benefits are undeniable. In my opinion, they should at least be recommended more strongly, especially for rural drivers or those with long commutes.

💬 Real World Feedback from Halifax Drivers on Falken Safety Winter Tyres

Every year, we hear from returning customers who say the same thing:
“I wouldn’t go through another winter without them.”

They tell us how they felt more confident braking, climbing hills, and staying in control when others were slipping around.

With a set of Falken winters on your car, you’re not only improving safety for yourself, but also your family, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

✅ Final Word: Get Ahead Before the Cold Snap Hits

Winter tyres aren’t just for snow – they’re for wet, slushy, cold mornings, frosty school runs, and black ice on Yorkshire lanes.

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we’re here to help you choose the right tyres for your vehicle and your budget. We’ve already started taking deliveries of Falken winter tyres, so don’t leave it too late.

👉 Book your winter tyre fitting online
📍 Or call in for advice at our garage in Halifax.

In 2024 we have now joined Tyresafe.org to help in tyre safety campaigns.

Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

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Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved
Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

✅ Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

Spongy Pedal? Grinding Noise? Here’s How We Fixed a Serious Audi Brake Issue in Halifax

There’s nothing quite like driving an Audi, is there? That smooth ride, German engineering, and a touch of class that makes it feel a cut above. But even the best-built cars can run into trouble. And recently, we had a real challenge roll into Pellon Tyre and Autocentre here in Halifax, West Yorkshire – a proper head-scratcher involving an Audi A1 with some very dodgy brakes.

This wasn’t your average squeaky pad. It was the kind of fault that could have led to a serious accident if left unchecked. Thankfully, Dave (our customer) knew something wasn’t right and brought it straight to the experts.

The Problem: Brakes That Just Wouldn’t Stop Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

Dave described his brakes as feeling “spongy” – sometimes they worked, sometimes they didn’t. That’s enough to make anyone nervous behind the wheel.

After a quick test drive around the block, we knew straight away that this wasn’t just in his head. There was a nasty grinding noise, and the braking distance was far too long. Time to get it up on the lift.

We started by removing the wheels and checking the usual suspects. The brake discs were in a right state – badly corroded, worn, and pitted like the surface of the moon. The brake pads were also toast – thin, uneven, and starting to crumble at the edges. But it didn’t stop there…

The Root Cause: Seized Brake Callipers & Contaminated Fluid

A closer look revealed partially seized brake callipers, causing uneven pad wear and excessive heat build-up. That explained the grinding and inconsistent performance.

To top it off, the brake fluid was old and contaminated – which is often the reason behind a soft or spongy brake pedal. If brake fluid isn’t changed every couple of years, it absorbs moisture and loses effectiveness. (The AA recommends checking it regularly.)

The Fix: Getting the Audi Back to Safety Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

Once we had a full diagnosis, we got to work. We:

  • Fitted new high-quality brake pads and discs
  • Stripped and refurbished the brake callipers
  • Flushed out the old brake fluid and replaced it with fresh DOT 4 fluid
  • Carried out full brake testing, including another road test

The result? Dave’s Audi A1 now stops exactly as it should – no sponginess, no grinding, and full confidence every time he touches the brake pedal.

🔧 You can read more about brake repairs at Pellon Autocentre here.

A Quick Look at the Audi A1

Launched back in 2010, the Audi A1 was Audi’s answer to the likes of the MINI Cooper and Volkswagen Polo – compact, stylish, and still packed with premium features.

Over the years, it’s gone from strength to strength with various engine options, trims, and even performance models. The A1’s a favourite with commuters heading to Leeds or Manchester, thanks to its size, economy, and classy interior.

Despite its smart looks, though, the braking system still needs proper care – especially with our UK winters and salty roads accelerating rust and corrosion on discs and callipers.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Brake Issues Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

Brakes are your car’s most important safety system – no question about it. If your brake pedal feels soft, you hear strange noises when stopping, or you just feel something’s off, don’t take the risk.

We see all sorts of brake issues here in Halifax – especially during MOT season, when cars that have sat unused suddenly need to perform. Catching problems early saves you money and could even save your life.

👉 Book your MOT or brake inspection online today.

Final Word: Safe Braking in Halifax and Beyond

Dave’s Audi A1 is now back on the road and braking like new – another happy customer in the books.

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we’re proud to offer honest, expert service to drivers across Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, and Elland. Whether it’s brakes, MOTs, tyres, or suspension work, we’ve got your back.

If your car doesn’t feel quite right, give us a ring or pop in. It might just need a bit of TLC – and we’re always happy to help.

Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved
Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved
Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved
Audi A1 Brake Problems Solved

 

Revolutionise Your Tyre Shopping Experience

Bridgestone Tyre Safety

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Bridgestone Tyre Safety

Bridgestone Tyre Safety
Bridgestone Tyre Safety

✅ Bridgestone Tyre Safety: Why Tread Depth Could Save Your Life

One of the easiest ways to understand just how important tyre safety is? Watch it in action. That’s exactly what Bridgestone Tyres have done with their excellent tyre safety video, which demonstrates what really happens when you drive on tyres with poor tread.

The video is introduced by Tony Jardine, a well-known motorsport expert. He explains in plain terms how different tread depths can drastically affect your car’s stopping ability. And believe me, even as a garage owner here in Halifax, it’s still shocking to see it play out on screen.

You can check it out on Bridgestone’s official tyre safety page here – it’s well worth a few minutes of your time.

Why Tread Depth Matters More Than You Think Bridgestone Tyre Safety

Most UK drivers know tyres are important, but many don’t realise how far a car will travel when braking on bald or low-tread tyres. Even a few millimetres of lost tread can add metres to your stopping distance – especially on wet or icy roads.

That’s why we always recommend checking your tyres regularly, especially as the seasons change. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but we at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre suggest replacing them at 3mm to be on the safe side – especially heading into winter.

You can easily check your tread with a 20p coin, or just pop into our garage and we’ll take a look for you – no pressure, just honest advice.

👉 See our tyre services here

Tyre Safety Isn’t Just About Tread Bridgestone Tyre Safety

The Bridgestone videos also show how uneven wear, underinflation, or poor tyre maintenance can put you at risk. You don’t need to be a mechanic to look after your tyres either – just a few simple checks once a month can keep you much safer:

  • Check tyre pressures (especially before long journeys)
  • Look out for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
  • Rotate tyres regularly
  • Keep an eye on tread depth
  • Don’t ignore warning lights or unusual noises

If in doubt, give us a call. A quick check could save you a world of hassle – or worse.

For Winter Roads: Blizzak Tyres Are a Brilliant Choice

When the weather turns, there’s no tyre range we trust more than Bridgestone’s Blizzak winter tyres. These aren’t just rebranded summer tyres – they’re specifically designed with new tread patterns and materials that stay flexible in freezing temperatures, giving you proper grip on cold roads, slush, ice, or snow.

Here in Halifax, where we often get a mix of weather – sunny one minute, snowing the next – winter tyres can make a big difference. And the Blizzak range is one of the best you can buy.

If you’re planning trips to the Yorkshire Dales, commuting over Queensbury or heading up to Bradford, these tyres give you the grip and peace of mind you need to keep going.

👉 Ask us about winter tyres at Pellon Tyres

Final Thoughts: Stay Safe, Stay Informed Bridgestone Tyre Safety

Bridgestone’s tyre safety work reminds us that tyres are more than just rubber on the road – they’re your only contact point with the tarmac, and your first line of defence in an emergency.

So whether you’re checking your own tyres at home or popping into Pellon Tyre and Autocentre for a free inspection, the key is not to leave it too late. If you’ve got any questions about your tyre safety, just ask – we’re here to help keep you and your family safe on the roads.


For more essential tyre safety visit  www.tyresafe.org

mot testing and car servicing

Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

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Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

Drivers Avoid Car Servicing
Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

✅ Why Some Drivers Avoid Car Servicing – And Why It’s a Costly Mistake

You’d think in this day and age of dashboard warnings, service reminders, and super-reliable engines that more people would keep up with their car servicing. But no – every week here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we see vehicles that have been badly neglected, with some owners hoping for a quick fix when things finally start to go wrong.

The truth is, modern cars are much better built than they used to be. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore their maintenance.

💻 Modern Cars, Modern Systems: Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

Cars these days are basically computers on wheels. Everything from fuel delivery to braking is monitored and controlled by sensors and modules. That includes service intervals – which are now calculated by the car’s onboard software to keep your vehicle running efficiently.

Your car handbook or service book will usually list your service schedule in detail – and you should stick to it. It’s been worked out by the engineers who built your car, so going too long between services is a risk, even if the car “feels fine”.

📖 Service History Matters Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

We often get cars in where the service book is either missing or hasn’t been filled in properly. The customer usually says the previous garage “forgot to stamp it”. In some cases, they’ve missed entire services – or can’t even remember when the last one was done.

This not only affects your car’s value if you ever come to sell it, but it also makes future maintenance more difficult. If you’ve lost the book, don’t panic – at Pellon, we use AutoData software, which lets us check your make and model for correct service intervals and schedules.

👉 Book your service with Pellon Tyres

⚠️ Ignoring Servicing = Bigger Bills Later

Some folks just don’t get their cars serviced at all – until a warning light flashes up. It might be for oil, brakes, or something more serious. At that point, it’s already a bigger job than it would’ve been with a regular service.

We’ve seen it all:

  • Brake pads worn down to the metal
  • Engines running dangerously low on oil
  • Timing belts not replaced in time and causing catastrophic engine failure

A missed oil change might seem harmless, but running a car on old or dirty oil puts your engine under stress. If it seizes up, you’re looking at a new engine, not a cheap oil change.

🔄 A Proper Service Covers More Than You Think

At a proper garage like ours, a service means far more than just topping up fluids. We check:

  • Brake wear
  • Tyre condition and rotation
  • Timing belt schedules
  • Suspension and steering
  • Fluid levels and leaks

We also spot early signs of issues that you might not notice, helping you avoid breakdowns and MOT failures later.

👉 Find out more about what’s included in a car service

🧰 Beware of Cheap Parts and DIY Fixes: Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

Fitting your own parts or buying cheap ones off the shelf might seem like a money-saver – but it rarely is. We’ve seen cheap brake pads wear out in months, budget tyres lose grip in the wet, and DIY oil changes done with the wrong grade of oil.

For example, premium tyres like Michelin or Falken will outlast cheap no-name tyres by thousands of miles – and give better grip and fuel economy.

The same goes for engine parts – cheap filters or belts often fail sooner, costing more in the long run.

🔁 Routine Maintenance = Peace of Mind. Drivers Avoid Car Servicing

Even just changing your oil and filter regularly can save your engine. Imagine you’re driving to the airport with your family and your engine blows due to neglect – now you’re missing your holiday and facing a huge bill.

If nothing else, keep on top of the basics. Don’t ignore the check engine or oil warning light – it won’t go away on its own.

At Pellon Autocentre, we also keep track of your timing belt change intervals as part of our full service package. It’s all part of making sure your car runs safely and reliably – just like it should.

car brakes problem

Mercedes Vito Brakes

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Mercedes Vito Brakes

Mercedes Vito Brakes
Mercedes Vito Brakes

Mercedes Vito Brake Repairs – A Personal Story and a Real-World Garage Example

As a garage owner and someone who’s clocked up plenty of miles over the years, I’ve always had a soft spot for the Mercedes-Benz Vito. In fact, I used to own a stunning red Mercedes Vito minibus, which we used as the perfect family runaround. With eight kids to ferry about, you can imagine the kind of vehicle we needed – and the Vito ticked all the boxes.

The Vito: Big, Reliable, and Built to Last (Mostly!) Mercedes Vito Brakes

Our trusty Vito gave us years of reliable service. Apart from regular servicing, brake checks, and the odd set of tyres, we hardly had to touch it. We used it for long-distance travel, including many memorable family holidays across France – it never missed a beat.

But like all things, the time came to sell. We listed it in all the usual places and eventually sold it to a taxi driver from Chester. He got a bargain, to be honest – the van had been serviced meticulously and was in fantastic condition. One of the main areas I always paid close attention to? The brakes. Especially with long motorway drives, you want your braking system to be in top nick.

Same Colour Vito, New Set of Problems – Real Garage Work in Halifax

Fast-forward to last week, and I spotted something familiar on one of our garage ramps at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax – another red Mercedes Vito, just like the one I used to own. This one wasn’t in for a service, though – it had been brought in for braking issues.

Dale, one of our senior mechanics, had the rear wheels off and the brake callipers hanging down. He explained that the van had a serious brake performance issue and would need a complete rear brake overhaul.

A Dangerous Surprise – Broken Rear Suspension Mercedes Vito Brakes

But that wasn’t the worst of it.

When removing the rear wheels, Dale spotted something that stopped us in our tracks – the rear shock absorber had completely broken off and was just hanging loose, detached from its mount. After a closer inspection, it was clear that the mounting point on the chassis had rotted through. You could actually see where corrosion had eaten away at the rear chassis box section, making the shock absorber completely useless.

This wasn’t just a minor issue. The van needed serious structural repair work, including a custom-fabricated chassis section, which is well beyond the scope of normal mechanical work. We advised the customer that this would need to be handled by a specialist body repair workshop.

Back to the Brakes – Safety First Mercedes Vito Brakes

Despite the suspension disaster, the customer asked us to go ahead with the Mercedes Vito brake repairs. So we got cracking.

Dale replaced:

  • Rear brake discs and pads
  • Worn calipers
  • Brake fluid flush

Even with the suspension issue, the brakes had to be sorted urgently – you can’t mess about when it comes to stopping power. It’s worth noting that the customer claimed they hadn’t heard any unusual noises from the rear of the van. Personally, I find that hard to believe – a shock absorber swinging freely tends to make a bit of a racket!

🚐 Mercedes Vito Brake Repairs in Halifax – What You Need to Know

If you drive a Mercedes-Benz Vito, especially one with a bit of age to it, make sure you keep an eye on the brakes and the suspension. Common issues we see include:

  • Worn brake discs and pads
  • Seized or sticking brake calipers
  • Corrosion around the chassis mounting points
  • Suspension wear and tear, especially in the rear

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we carry out full brake inspections, repairs, and replacements using high-quality parts and decades of experience. Whether it’s a fleet vehicle or a family minibus, we’ll keep your brakes safe and roadworthy.

🛠️ Need Mercedes Vito Brake Repairs in Halifax?

If your Vito brakes feel spongy, the van pulls to one side under braking, or you hear any grinding noises, it’s time to get it checked. Don’t wait for something serious like a failed shocker mount to stop your journey (literally).

📍 Visit Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, your trusted local garage in Halifax
📞 Book a brake check today – fast, affordable and honest service
🛞 Brake parts in stock for most Mercedes Vito models

🚨 Final Thought – Don’t Ignore the Signs

Your brakes are your most important safety system. If something feels off – whether it’s the stopping power, a strange vibration, or just a nagging doubt – come and get them looked at. It might be something simple, or it might be hiding a bigger issue, like in this case with the Vito’s suspension.

And if you own a Vito? Treat it well. It’s a brilliant van – but even the best motors need a bit of love under the bonnet.

car brakes problem

Jaguar XF Brake Problems

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Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Jaguar XF Brake Problems
Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Jaguar XF Brake Problems

Jaguar XF Brake Problems – Past Lessons, Present Fixes

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, we’re fortunate to have a loyal customer base, including a few proud owners of the stylish Jaguar XF. As someone who’s been in the garage game for a long time – going right back to my days as an apprentice mechanic – I’ve always had a soft spot for Jaguar cars.

They’ve come a long way over the decades, but some things haven’t changed – particularly the ongoing issue of brake vibrations.

🚗 A Bit of Jaguar History – From Fox’s Biscuits to Flared Arches

Back in the day, we had a number of wealthy customers who brought their Jags in for service – including one of the Fox family, the directors behind the Fox’s Biscuits empire. He was always rolling in with a fresh set of new Jaguars – typically keeping four or five on the go at once – which kept us busy with regular servicing and brake repairs.

I particularly remember the Jaguar XJ4 when it launched in the late 1960s – a real head-turner with flared arches and a brand-new tyre spec: the ER70VR15, specially made for Jaguar by Dunlop Tyres. These tyres were engineered in partnership with Jaguar to cope with the power and handling of the new cars.

🛞 The Original Brake Vibration Mystery Jaguar XF Brake Problems

But as great as the XJ4 looked, it wasn’t without its issues – particularly vibration through the brakes and steering wheel. I remember working for National Tyre Service at the time (owned by Dunlop), and we were constantly trying to balance Jaguar wheels as precisely as possible.

Back then, we didn’t have the fancy laser-guided balancers we use today – just basic machines and plenty of elbow grease. In fact, some of the worst cases were taken in secret to a Dunlop test facility in Leeds, where engineers would even skim the tread off tyres in an attempt to make them perfectly round. That’s how serious the vibration problem had become – and how committed Jaguar and Dunlop were to protecting their reputation.

🛠️ Back to the Modern Day – Jaguar XF Brake Issues Still Exist

Fast-forward to today, and we’re still seeing similar issues on the Jaguar XF, especially when it comes to brake judder and droning noises. We regularly carry out brake servicing on several local XF models, and a pattern has started to emerge.

🔍 Case 1 – Vibration at Low Speed Jaguar XF Brake Problems

One XF owner came in reporting a strange issue: the car ran perfectly at high speeds but vibrated when slowing down between 60 and 40 mph. We road-tested it, but – as is often the case – the problem wouldn’t show itself while we were behind the wheel.

The customer had also visited the main dealer, who confirmed this is now a recognised fault with the XF range. The likely cause? Disc brake or hub runout – a slight misalignment that causes vibration when the brakes are applied.

🔧 Case 2 – New Discs and Pads, But Still Vibrating

Another Jaguar XF came in for servicing and needed discs and pads all round. We replaced them, but a few months later the customer returned, complaining of a slight vibration through the brake pedal.

We took the car in for inspection and – while everything looked fine – we suspected a faulty disc. We replaced it under warranty with help from our supplier, but this time we took an extra step: we thoroughly cleaned the hub face before fitting the new discs.

Sure enough, a small amount of rust build-up on the outer part of the hub had caused a very slight misalignment. Cleaning it completely and re-seating the new discs fixed the issue.

🔧 Top Tip – Always Clean the Hub Face Jaguar XF Brake Problems

This experience has led us to a clear conclusion: if you’re fitting new brake discs to a Jaguar XF (or any precision car, really), it’s vital to clean the hub face thoroughly. Even a tiny bit of corrosion can throw off the alignment just enough to cause brake vibration.

It’s a simple fix that many overlook – and it could save a lot of head-scratching (and repeat visits) later on.

📍 Jaguar Brake Repairs and MOTs in Halifax

If you drive a Jaguar XF and you’ve noticed:

  • A pulsing brake pedal
  • Droning noises when slowing down
  • Juddering through the steering at low speeds

…bring it in to Pellon Tyre and Autocentre for a full brake inspection. We specialise in brake repairs, MOT testing, and servicing for prestige cars.

With decades of hands-on experience and a real passion for cars, we’ll keep your Jaguar running smoothly – without the mystery vibrations.

Eric Roberts