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Winter Tyres Insurance

Winter Tyres Insurance

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Winter Tyres Insurance

Winter Tyres Insurance
Winter Tyres Insurance

Winter Tyres Insurance

Can Your Car Insurance Be Affected by the Tyres You Have on Your Car?

Most drivers never give their tyres a second thought beyond making sure they’re legal and have a half-decent amount of tread. But here’s something many don’t realise—your car insurance can be affected by the tyres you fit, and in some cases it can even invalidate a claim. It sounds a bit over the top, but insurers take tyres very seriously, and for good reason.

Safety First — and Insurers Know It: Winter Tyres Insurance

Your tyres are the only part of your car that actually touch the road, so anything that affects grip, stability, or stopping distance will naturally be a concern for insurers. If a crash happens and your tyres are found to be illegal, unsafe, or unsuitable for your vehicle, the insurer can argue that the car wasn’t being used in a roadworthy condition.

That can lead to reduced payouts — or, in the worst case, no payout at all.

Illegal Tyres = Invalid Insurance: Winter Tyres Insurance

This is the big one. If your tyres don’t meet the legal requirements, you’re technically driving a vehicle that isn’t roadworthy. That includes:

  • Tread depth below 1.6mm across the central 75%
  • Bulges, cuts, cords showing, or structural damage
  • Wrong tyre size or load rating for your car
  • Mixed tyres that aren’t allowed (for example: mixing cross-ply and radial)

If you were involved in an accident and the police or insurer found any of the above, you could find your claim refused — and even pick up points, fines, or both.

Modifications: Bigger Wheels, Off-Road Tyres & AT Tyres

In recent years a trend has grown for fitting:

  • Oversized wheels
  • All-terrain (AT) tyres
  • Mud-terrain tyres
  • Custom aftermarket sizes

These aren’t illegal — but many insurers class them as modifications. And they absolutely must be declared.

If the car came from the factory on road tyres and you’ve swapped to chunky AT tyres (very common in Land Rovers, Hilux, and SUV models), an insurer may see that as:

  • A performance change
  • A handling change
  • A risk factor
  • A replacement cost increase

Failing to declare a modification, even an innocent one, can void a policy.

Here at Pellon Tyres we see this a lot — customers upgrading to AT tyres for farming work, rural living, or winter safety, without realising they have to tell their insurance company.

Most insurers are absolutely fine with it once you’ve told them.
But if you don’t tell them… you could be asking for trouble.

Cheap Part-Worn Tyres — Another Risk Area: Winter Tyres Insurance

Many insurance assessors frown on part-worn tyres. Strictly speaking, they’re legal if properly tested and stamped — but many aren’t. If your car is inspected after a crash and it’s found to be on unsafe or incorrectly marked part-worns, an insurer can argue “negligence”.

Again, this can reduce or invalidate a claim entirely.

Seasonal Tyres — Winter & All-Season Tyres Are Fine

A common question we get asked in Halifax is whether swapping to winter tyres affects insurance. The answer is simple:

No — as long as the tyre size and load/speed rating match the vehicle requirements.

Most UK insurers actively support winter tyres because they improve safety in cold weather. Just make sure the tyres are:

  • Correctly rated
  • Fitted as a full set
  • Not oversized

Final Advice — Simple Steps to Keep Your Insurance Safe: Winter Tyres Insurance

To keep yourself fully covered:

  • Always fit the correct-sized tyres
  • Maintain at least 1.6mm tread depth (preferably 2 mm+)
  • Avoid mixing random tyre types
  • Declare any upgrades, AT tyres, or wheel size changes
  • Avoid dodgy part-worn tyres
  • Keep your tyres inflated correctly

Insurance companies want a roadworthy car. As long as your tyres are legal, properly fitted, and correctly declared, you’ll never have a problem.

So, I always find it strange to hear my customers say, “Will my car be insured if I fit winter tyres?” I used to think that they were joking at first. But for some reason, they were very serious. Apparently, it was something that they had read in a national newspaper. When I checked this out, it said that if you modify or change your car from the original specs,. So, then you should inform your insurance company. Subsequently, you could not be insured in case you had an accident.

I suspect that this covers thousands of motorists. Importantly, driving about today, “with what they would consider minor adjustments” to their cars. Of course, such as fitting winter tyres or a “go faster stripe” down the side.

There is no doubt that winter tyres do affect your car’s performance. However, only for the better!  By making the car drive with better control and brakes. Especially in winter weather, from rain to ice and snow. As long as you stick to the same size and the advised load rating for your car. Then you should be fine and proud to fit the winter tyres.

Insurance companies should give you “discount” for fitting winter tyres – Winter Tyres Insurance

Even this year, our customers have asked about the effect winter tyres can have on their insurance. So I thought that I would look into it a little deeper and write an article about the subject. In my opinion, I think that you should get a rebate from your insurance company. Of course, if you make your car safer by fitting winters to it. In fact, the big debate for me is, “Are cars with illegally worn tyres insured?” and the answer is no. But I will look at that in a future article.

The problem has also become an issue with the insurers themselves. Consequently, after a deluge of enquiries from worried car owners. Strangely, they thought that they would not be insured if they fitted these tyres to their car. According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the problem has been taken up with its members. So, now over 90% have agreed that they will not increase premiums. Happily, for their customers, they fit the correct winter tyres on their vehicles.

Winter tyres much safer – Winter Tyres Insurance

They also agreed to fit winters to their car. So, it made for better road safety over the winter period. In fact, many of the other European countries make it a law to fit winters between November and March of the following year, so why should the British motorists be penalised?

A statement from the ABI says, “Often motor insurers will not charge an additional premium when their insured customers use winter tyres, provided that they meet and are fitted in accordance with the vehicle manufacturers’ specifications and are in a roadworthy condition.”

If you are unsure about your own insurance company’s stance on the matter, then you can either ring them up or go to the ABI website, where insurers who comply with the “good to fit winter tyres” rule are listed. The web address is “ABI a guide to winter tyres“.

Winter tyres will not incur additional insurance costs.

As I stated earlier in this article,. So, the insurance companies often increased the cost of your insurance if you modified your car in any way and did not inform them; things like an upgraded, modified engine spring to mind. They regarded you as being more likely to have an accident if you had modified your car, and your car may have become a bigger target for car thieves, so an extra premium would have been charged.

At first when winter tyres became more popular, the insurance companies gave out mixed messages, but the ABI can now confirm that winter tyres are a safety issue and are a great improvement when fitted to your car during the winter period.

My own advice would be to inform your insurance company that you are fitting winter tyres. You will not have to pay any extra premiums. Some companies do require you to inform them; a list can be found on the ABI website. Nick Starling, ABI’s director of general insurance, said, “Insurers do not want to penalise motorists who take steps, like fitting winter tyres, to improve their safety on dangerous winter roads. Last year cold weather came early, and there was some uncertainty for customers about the insurance implications of fitting winter tyres. This commitment clarifies the position for motorists.”

A good tyre retailer will have a website where you can legally convert important information, and insurance providers ought to accept it.anies. Some insurance companies, such as Tesco and The Co-operative Insurance Company, state that you are alright to fit winters, but you should not oversize them. Oversizing tyres is not a good thing anyway?

Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offers car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Finally, we are still the Nokian tyre dealers for the Calderdale area of Yorkshire.

Pellon Tyres is now a member of TyreSafe.org

We also sell General Winter Tyres online from our website, www.pellontyres.co.uk.

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nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax

nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax

Another Busy Day at Pellon Tyres – This Time a Noisy Nissan Micra!

Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any busier with all the broken coil springs coming through the workshop, another job rattled its way onto the forecourt—quite literally. This time it was a Nissan Micra, and we didn’t need a stethoscope to know what was wrong. The poor thing was roaring louder than a motorbike, and you could hear it before it even turned into Pellon Lane.

With all the pothole jobs piling up, we weren’t surprised to see yet another victim of winter weather and rough Calderdale roads. But this one wasn’t suspension-related — it was the exhaust system making all the fuss.

A Noisy Arrival at the Garage

As soon as the Micra swung onto the forecourt, Dale looked up from the ramp and said, “That’ll be the exhaust, no doubt about it.” He wasn’t wrong.

The driver – a young lad from Mixenden – climbed out, shaking his head.
“It started off as a little noise,” he said, “but by the time I got to Halifax, it sounded like Concorde taking off!”

Up on the ramp it went, and the fault stood out straightaway:
a clean break in the exhaust pipe, just ahead of the back box. The metal had rusted away completely, worn thin from years of muck, salt, and wet weather. Once a weak point gives way, the exhaust basically splits, and the car becomes louder than a rugby crowd at Headingley.

nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax
nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax

A Straightforward Fix

Exhaust jobs can be tricky depending on the age of the car, but this one was nicely behaved. After a good soak with penetrating oil and a bit of persuasion, Dale and the lads had the old section off in minutes. We fitted a new piece, clamped everything securely, checked for leaks, and made sure the rest of the system was in decent condition.

The difference was instant. From a deafening roar to a quiet purr in under an hour.

The lad was well chuffed, saying he didn’t realise how peaceful the drive home should actually sound!

nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax
new system ready to be fitted

Why Exhausts Suffer in Halifax: nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax

It’s no surprise we see so many broken exhausts at this time of year. Halifax roads gather everything from grit to puddles, and all that moisture sitting on the pipes causes rust. Combine that with pothole impacts and winter frost, and an older exhaust doesn’t stand much of a chance.

Common signs of exhaust trouble include:

  • A loud roaring or blowing noise

  • Rattling from underneath the car

  • The smell of fumes

  • Reduced fuel economy

  • A low-hanging or dragging exhaust

If any of these crop up, it’s worth nipping in. We can spot a crack or rust patch in minutes.

A Little History of the Nissan Micra in the UK: nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax

The Nissan Micra has been a firm favourite on British roads for decades. It first appeared here in the early 1980s, winning drivers over with its reliability, tiny running costs, and simple engineering. The K10 model especially earned a reputation for lasting forever — you still see them in the wild if you’re lucky.

By the time the early 2000s rolled around, the Micra had become a proper household name, especially amongst first-time drivers, retirees, and anyone wanting a cheap and cheerful runaround. They were built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant for years, helping to cement Nissan as one of the UK’s major car manufacturers.

Even today, the Micra remains a common sight around Halifax, and they come through our workshop regularly — usually for simple jobs like exhausts, brakes, or tyres.

It’s one of those dependable little cars that just gets on with the job.

Thinking Ahead to Spring: nissan-micra-exhaust-halifax

As I chatted to the Micra’s owner while Dale finished the job, he said he couldn’t wait for the warmer weather—fewer potholes, fewer breakdowns, and a chance to get out and about without freezing. That reminded me that our Thornwick Bay holiday home will soon be open again for spring and summer stays.
There’s a lovely page on the Lucky Paws site showing the Flamborough walks — well worth a look if you fancy a peaceful getaway after a winter of dodging potholes and exhaust-rattling roads!

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hyundai-i30-pothole-broken-spring

Halifax Potholes Claim Another Victim – This Time a Hyundai i30 at Pellon Tyres

If there’s one thing you can rely on in Halifax these days, it’s rain, hills, and potholes big enough to rattle your teeth. And here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre, we’re seeing the results on a daily basis. Springs snapping, steering arms bending, tyres bursting – it’s becoming part of the morning routine.

This week brought yet another unlucky driver through our doors, this time in a Hyundai i30. Same culprit as usual: a hefty pothole somewhere on their commute. It seems no matter whether you’re coming down Wade Street, heading up to Illingworth, or cutting across Pellon Lane, you’re bound to encounter a crater that could pass for the entrance to a coal mine.

A Rough Ride for the Hyundai i30: hyundai-i30-pothole-broken-spring

The i30 arrived with the driver shaking her head. She’d hit a pothole at the bottom of King’s Cross Road and immediately heard a strange clatter from the front of the car. She described it as “an old saucepan being thrown around under the bonnet”—which gave Dale and the lads a good laugh, but she wasn’t far off.

Up on the ramp it went, and within minutes we saw it:
The front coil spring had snapped clean through.

It’s a sight we’re getting used to now. Once that cold weather sets in, the roads around Halifax start breaking up faster than we can say “tracking adjustment”. And when a spring breaks, it doesn’t take much imagination to feel the shock the driver must’ve had.

We sourced the correct spring, whisked it onto the car, checked the rest of the suspension, and sorted the tracking to make sure there were no hidden nasties. Within the hour, she was back on the road, relieved it wasn’t something worse.

hyundai-i30-pothole-brokeen-spring
hyundai-i30-pothole-brokeen-spring

Why Springs Keep Snapping Around Calderdale: hyundai-i30-pothole-broken-spring

Living around the Calder Valley, we’re used to harsh winters. Frost one day, rain the next, followed by a freeze so sharp it stings your fingers when you open the car door. All that freeze-thaw plays havoc with the tarmac.

The result?

  • Springs snapping

  • Tyres splitting Suspension clunks

  • Buckled wheels

  • Steering that pulls all over the place

It’s no wonder our ramps have been full of suspension jobs lately. The Hyundai i30 is a sturdy bit of kit, but even a good car can’t fight back against a deep Halifax pothole.

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hyundai-i30-pothole-brokeen-spring

A Bit of Hyundai History in the UK: hyundai-i30-pothole-broken-spring

Hyundais have come a long way since they first appeared on British roads. Many remember the early models from the late 1980s and 90s, basic but solid little runarounds that did exactly what they said on the tin.

The real turning point came in the early 2000s when Hyundai began building cars to genuinely compete with the big European names. The Hyundai i30, launched in 2007, was a huge step forward — roomy, reliable, and backed by that legendary five-year warranty that turned a lot of heads.

British drivers loved it, especially those in hilly areas like Halifax, where you need a sensible car that grips well and doesn’t drink too much fuel. We see loads of them in the workshop — usually for normal wear and tear, not because they’ve let anyone down.

Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe This Winter

If you’ve hit a pothole and your car starts doing something out of the ordinary—knocking, pulling, rattling, or riding unevenly—don’t leave it to chance. A broken spring can dig into a tyre if left long enough, and that’s a breakdown nobody wants on a cold winter’s night up on the moors.

Just call in, and we’ll take a quick look. No fuss, no pressure — we’d rather spot an issue early than see someone stranded.

A Little Escape… Away From Halifax Roads!

While chatting to the i30 owner, she laughed that she’d “rather be anywhere other than driving around Halifax in winter”.
If that sounds familiar, remember that spring isn’t too far off—and our Thornwick Bay holiday home on the Yorkshire coast is perfect for a quiet break once the weather brightens. There’s a lovely page on the Lucky Paws site about Flamborough’s coastal walks, ideal for planning ahead.

 

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Potholes Strike Again in Halifax – Another Victim for Pellon Tyres!

It’s been another crackingly busy week here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre in Halifax, and once again our old enemy has been keeping us on our toes — potholes. Honestly, the state of the roads around Halifax and the wider Calderdale area seems to get worse by the week. Whether you’re heading down Queens Road, cutting over Mount Tabor, or travelling up towards Sowerby Bridge, you’re guaranteed to meet a crater or two big enough to swallow a wheel.

And once again, the potholes have been claiming victims.

This week we saw a right mix of damage: bent steering arms, damaged alloy wheels, and a surprising number of broken coil springs — the sort of stuff you’d expect after a winter of icy mornings and frozen tarmac. The combination of cold snaps and endless traffic is playing havoc with the road surface.

One job in particular stood out: a tidy little Honda Jazz, brought in by a lady from the Skircoat Green area. She’d heard a loud rattling and banging from the front of her car, especially when going over uneven roads — which, let’s face it, is pretty much every road around Halifax these days!

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halifax-pothole-spring-repair

Diagnosing the Honda Jazz: halifax-pothole-spring-repair

When she rolled onto the forecourt, she told us the noise had started suddenly after hitting what she described as “a hole the size of Shibden Valley”. She wasn’t far off — there’s a nasty pothole near Salterhebble that’s been catching drivers out all winter.

Dale got the Honda up on the ramp, gave it a good check over, and there it was:
a cleanly snapped front coil spring.

To be honest, we weren’t surprised. Cold weather weakens already stressed metal, and a sudden hit from a pothole is often the final straw. Springs on smaller cars like the Jazz tend to go with a real “crack” when they break, and the loose end rattles around every time the wheel moves.

Once we sourced and fitted a new spring, gave the car a quick once-over, and made sure the tracking was all right, she was good to go. The lady was relieved—she’d been worried she’d done something serious—and she headed home happy, especially now the temperature is dropping again. Nobody wants to be stranded in the cold with a poor car.

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New spring fitted and in place

Why Halifax Drivers Are Seeing More Broken Springs: halifax-pothole-spring-repair

Pothole season is definitely upon us. Calderdale Council do their best, but the sheer number of freeze-thaw cycles we get up here plays havoc with the tarmac. Water gets into small cracks, freezes, and expands, and before long there’s a hole big enough to damage even the toughest suspension.

At Pellon Tyres we’re seeing:

  • Broken coil springs

  • Damaged shocks

  • Bent steering arms

  • Split tyres from pothole impacts

  • Buckled alloy wheels

If you hear rattling or knocking or feel the steering pulling after hitting a pothole, it’s worth popping in. We’ll happily take a quick look—better safe than sorry, especially in the colder months.

A Little Bit of Honda History in the UK: halifax-pothole-spring-repair

Since we had a Honda on the ramp, it’s worth remembering just how important Honda has been to British motoring.

Honda first made a proper impact in the UK during the 1970s with small, efficient cars that suited our narrow roads and rising fuel prices. By the 1980s, Honda had partnered with Rover, helping bring models like the Rover 200 and 400 to market—both heavily based on Honda designs.

Then came a major milestone:
Honda opened its Swindon factory in 1985, which went on to produce over 3 million cars, including the Civic and CR-V. For years, you’d see thousands of Swindon-built Hondas driving around Calderdale — reliable, quiet, and great for handling the hills of Halifax.

The Honda Jazz, like the one we repaired this week, has always been a favourite with local drivers: economical, perfect for town driving, and surprisingly roomy.

A Local Note — and a Little Holiday Inspiration

Talking to the lady about her spring replacement reminded me how many Halifax folk are fed up with local road conditions and dreaming of a break. If anyone’s planning a spring or summer escape, our holiday home near the Yorkshire coast at Thornwick Bay is already taking bookings for next season.
Take a look at places like the Flamborough Head walks listed on the Lucky Paws website — perfect inspiration for a getaway after a stressful winter of dodging potholes.

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Steel-belted Radials

Steel-belted Radials
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steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax

Steel Wires Showing Through Your Tyres? The Hidden Danger Halifax Drivers Can’t Ignore

Every week at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre, we see all sorts of tyre problems — bulges, punctures, splits, the odd nail, and plenty of pothole damage thanks to our lovely Calderdale roads. But every now and again, someone pulls onto the forecourt with something far more worrying.

The tyre is so worn or damaged that the steel wires inside the tyre are actually sticking through the rubber.

When that happens, you don’t need a pressure gauge or a tread depth tool — the tyre is completely finished, unsafe, and ready to blow at any moment.

It’s something we’ve seen quite a bit over the years, so here’s a simple explanation of what causes steel wires to appear and why Halifax drivers need to act fast when it happens.

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bald tyres to be replaced

What Are Those Steel Wires, Anyway? steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax

Modern tyres are built using what’s known as steel-belted radial construction. Underneath the rubber you can see, there are layers of:

  • Strong steel belts
  • Reinforced fabric
  • Rubber compounds designed for grip and stability

The steel belts give the tyre its strength and shape, especially at motorway speeds, and help protect it from punctures. Without them, the tyre would simply collapse under the weight of the car.

Back in the old days, cars used cross-ply tyres, but they wore out quickly and didn’t handle well at higher speeds. Things changed when Michelin introduced the first steel-belted radial tyre in 1946. Europe and Japan adopted them quickly, while the Americans took a bit longer — only switching properly after the 1970s oil crisis.

Today, virtually every car in Halifax is running on radial tyres with steel belts.

So why do the steel wires start showing? steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax

The short answer?
Because the tyre has completely worn out or suffered severe damage.

Here are the most common reasons we see in the workshop:

1. Driving on Bald Tyres

The tread wears away, and eventually the outer rubber disappears completely — leaving the steel belts exposed.
Many drivers don’t realise tyres should be changed well before they reach the legal limit of 1.6mm.

2. Under-Inflation

Low pressure wears out the edges of the tyre quicker.
Eventually the rubber thins, breaks down, and the wires poke through.

3. Over-Inflation

Too much air puts all the pressure on the centre of the tread.
We’ve seen steel belts showing in a perfect strip down the middle of the tyre!

4. Wheel Alignment Problems

Halifax is notorious for potholes, and a heavy bang can knock the tracking out.
This makes one side of the tyre scrub away fast — often right down to the steel.

5. Hard Driving

Wheelspins, cornering fast, burnouts and harsh braking can rip through rubber in no time.
We see this more on hot hatches and performance cars.

6. Driving on a Flat

When the sidewall collapses, the inner structure tears, exposing the steel layers.

7. Cheap or Part-Worn Tyres

Some low-quality tyres don’t last long.
A ‘bargain’ tyre can end up costing more if it wears down to steel before you realise.

Is It Dangerous to Drive with Steel Wires Showing? steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax

Absolutely.
If you can see wires, the tyre is on the verge of total failure.

That means:

  • A blowout can happen at any moment
  • You’ll have poor grip, especially in wet Halifax weather
  • Steering and braking become unpredictable
  • You can damage your wheels, suspension or bodywork

We always say at Pellon Tyres:
If you can see wires, the tyre is finished. Do not drive on it.

Even driving slowly to the garage can be risky — so if in doubt, give us a ring and we’ll advise the safest option.

Regular Checks Save Money (and Stress!) steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax

Most tyre problems we see could have been avoided with a quick glance every few weeks.

A simple check can spot:

  • Uneven wear
  • Low pressure
  • Cracks or splits
  • Nails or screws
  • Thinning tread

We also offer free tyre inspections at Pellon Tyres — no appointment needed.

A Halifax Note – Bad Roads Don’t Help!

Our local roads take a beating, especially through winter. Whether you’re heading over to Mixenden, taking the winding roads to Sowerby Bridge, or dodging the craters around King Cross, your tyres are taking constant abuse.

It’s one of the reasons we stay so busy—Halifax drivers simply drive on tougher roads than most towns.

Planning a Break After All This Tyre Trouble?

If the state of the roads is getting you down, remember spring isn’t far off.
Our Thornwick Bay holiday home will be open for bookings again soon, and the Lucky Paws site has a lovely page about the Flamborough Head coastal walks — perfect for a peaceful escape once the weather brightens.

 

Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

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Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

Collapsed Oil Filters Explained
Oil Filter Collapse

Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

The Value of Routine Maintenance: A Peugeot Partner Case Study from Halifax’s Pellon Tyres

We recently had a Peugeot Partner vehicle come in for a standard service at Pellon Tyres in Halifax. As part of our routine inspections, we removed the oil filter and found it in terrible condition—old, worn out, and clearly beyond its time for a change. This incident is a clear reminder of the importance of routine maintenance for all vehicles, but particularly for dependable vans like the Peugeot Partner.

What Causes Oil Filters to Degrade? Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

Because they capture dirt, debris, and metal particles that naturally build up in engine oil over time, oil filters are essential to maintaining the engine’s cleanliness. A car may have a number of issues if its oil is not changed for an extended period of time.

Clogging: The filter gets clogged when impurities build up, which lowers the engine’s oil flow. Increased friction and wear on important parts may result from this.

Filter Material Breakdown: The paper component of the filter may degrade over time, letting unfiltered oil flow through the engine and causing more contaminants.

Oil Degradation: Without frequent replacement, oil loses its lubricating qualities and becomes a viscous sludge that further impedes oil flow and increases the risk of engine damage or overheating.

Neglecting Oil Changes and Its Effects: Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

Given the Peugeot Partner’s degraded and outdated filter, it appeared that the car had outlived its stated servicing interval. The engine must work harder when filters and oil aren’t changed on time, which might result in:

Fuel consumption rises as a result of the engine’s decreased efficiency due to dirty oil.

Increased wear and tear: Unfiltered impurities hasten engine deterioration, which may necessitate expensive repairs.

Possible malfunctions: In severe situations, a blocked filter may potentially result in total engine failure.

The Local Aspect: Driving Conditions in Halifax Are Important – Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

Vehicles frequently encounter difficult driving conditions in Halifax, including steep hills and stop-start traffic. Because of the additional pressure these conditions place on the engine, routine maintenance is even more crucial. Vans like the Peugeot Partner are essential to businesses that depend on them in order to prevent unplanned downtime.

Avoid Skipping Your Service—It Will Pay Off! Oil Filter Collapse

We at Pellon Tyres consistently emphasise the value of regular maintenance, particularly for commercial vehicles with significant mileage. Maintaining regular oil and filter changes helps your car stay dependable and fuel-efficient while also extending the life of your engine.

Now is the perfect time to schedule a service if you have been putting it off or are unaware of when your last one was. Regular oil filter maintenance is a minor investment that may save you a lot of money over time. Don’t let a neglected oil filter lead to expensive repairs.

Why Modern Oil Filters Still Fail – And What Drivers Must Watch Out For in 2025

Even though oil filter technology has improved hugely over the years, we still see collapsed filters in the workshop at Pellon Tyres from time to time. It’s nowhere near as common as it used to be, but when it does happen, the results can be expensive — especially on modern engines with tight tolerances and high-pressure lubrication systems.

One of the biggest causes in recent years is extended service intervals. Many drivers are stretching their oil changes far beyond manufacturer recommendations, either because of busy lives, cost-saving attempts, or misleading dashboard indicators. Sadly, oil doesn’t last forever. Once it breaks down and becomes thick and tar-like, the filter simply can’t cope. The material clogs up, oil flow is restricted, and the filter collapses inward under suction.

Here in Halifax, we see it most often during winter. Cold mornings thicken older oil even further, and it only takes one hard start on a freezing day for a weakened filter to give up completely. Yorkshire hills don’t help, either — long climbs up to places like Sowood, Mount Tabor or Southowram demand good oil pressure, and a struggling filter won’t keep up.

Another developing issue is cheap unbranded filters sold online. Some look the part but use very weak internal supports or poor-quality paper. They’re fine when new, but a few thousand miles later they can collapse without warning. This is why we always recommend sticking to respected quality brands and changing the filter every time the oil is changed — no exceptions.

Collapsed Oil Filters Explained
Collapsed Oil Filters Explained

What Drivers Should Look Out For

If you’re unsure whether your oil filter is starting to fail, look out for the following signs:

  • Sudden ticking or tapping from the engine
  • Oil pressure warning light flickering
  • Poor performance when cold
  • Metallic humming from the oil pump area
  • Oil that looks very dark, thick, or sludgy

Any of these symptoms mean get your car checked straight away. A collapsed filter can starve an engine of oil in seconds — and no modern engine will survive that for long.

How We Diagnose Oil Filter Collapse at Pellon Tyres

At Pellon Tyres we’ve seen hundreds of these over the years across every type of vehicle — from little Peugeot and Toyota engines right up to big BMWs and Mercedes models. Our process is simple:

  • Check the filter condition
  • Inspect oil pressure using professional gauges
  • Look for sludge contamination
  • Confirm the correct oil grade (a major cause of issues!)
  • Replace filter and oil with quality approved products

We also check for early signs of internal damage. Catching the issue early can save Halifax drivers a small fortune in engine repairs.

If you’re unsure whether your filter is up to scratch — or if you haven’t had an oil change for a while — just book in with us. It’s always cheaper to service a car than to rebuild an engine!

Q: Can a collapsed oil filter damage my engine?
A: Yes. Loss of oil pressure can cause serious internal engine damage within minutes.

Q: What causes an oil filter to collapse?
A: Sludged oil, long service gaps, blocked filter media and low-quality unbranded filters are the most common causes.

Q: How often should I change my oil and filter?
A: Most cars should be serviced every 6,000–10,000 miles, or sooner if mostly used on short trips.

Q: How do you diagnose oil filter collapse at Pellon Tyres?
A: We check filter condition, oil pressure, oil grade, and inspect for sludge or early internal engine damage.

Hybrid Car Ownership

Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

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Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?
Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

The rise of electric cars has been a long time coming. Tesla in the United States was the one who initially started it in a big way. Now spreading to most car manufacturers across the world. The cost of batteries, charging infrastructure, and the emissions they produce have all been declining over time.

A recent report from Bloomberg New Energy Finance shows that electric cars are now cheaper than petrol or diesel cars in 41% of the USA. A recent study by the London School of Economics also suggests that electric cars will account for more than two-thirds of new car sales by 2030, the UK’s target for banning the sale of fossil fuel cars.

 However, the rise of electric cars comes with its own set of risks.

The cost of electricity is something that is constantly on the minds of electric car enthusiasts. Although, in my opinion, these vehicles are a new domain for the rich drivers in our towns and cities. Primarily, they are still expensive and unaffordable for the general public to buy.

For some people, it is the only reason they would consider purchasing an electric car. The cost of electricity is a major consideration for many people, but what about hydrogen cars? Electricity and hydrogen are the fuel sources for hydrogen cars.

Including a new type of engine coming out of Australia. This is a diesel engine that adds hydrogen to the fuel mixture. This engine is carbon neutral and ticks all the boxes for everyday motorists who just want affordable cars without any fuss.

Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?
© Can Stock Photo /

Thanks to the UK, s constant advertising campaigns: Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

Then, electric cars have been one of the most popular vehicles on the market for the past several years. They are seen as environmentally friendly. However, electric car prices may soon start to rise, putting them at a disadvantage against their hydrogen- and traditional gasoline-powered counterparts.

Electric cars have been around since the early 1900s. Firstly, use the old lead acid batteries. With the addition of other battery technologies such as lithium and Tesla, they have been slowly gaining in popularity over the past few years.

With fuel prices constantly on the rise, many people are looking for alternative ways to run their vehicles. While electric cars have their disadvantages, such as the high price of electricity. In my opinion, they could still be a successful option in the future. If the price of electricity continues to rise, many people will turn off electric cars.

Therefore, Electric cars are in a race against time: Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

If the price of electricity continues to rise, electric cars will become too expensive to operate, and they may even be killed off. Right now, the price of electricity has doubled here in the UK. Of course, the future looks grimmer still.

Unless the war in Russia ends, the price of our fuel will rise even more. Until we can increase our own energy production, it is expected to increase substantially over time. This could kill off the electric car industry as we know it! Electric cars require a lot of electricity to operate, combined with the high price and availability of “Cobalt” for the manufacture of lithium batteries.

The Rumoured New EV Mileage Charge

To make matters even more uncertain for electric vehicle owners, it’s now being rumoured that the UK Chancellor is planning to introduce a mileage-based charge on EVs to replace the loss of road tax and fuel duty income. This would mean drivers of electric cars could soon pay per mile for using the roads—a move that could drastically change the appeal of owning an EV.

Up until now, one of the main advantages of electric vehicles has been the exemption from road tax and cheaper running costs. However, if a mileage charge comes in on top of already high electricity prices, the balance could shift. Drivers may start questioning whether going electric is still worth it, especially when you factor in the cost of installing home chargers and battery replacements down the line.

Will Energy prices kill off the Electric Car?

Thanks to the UK’s constant advertising campaigns, electric cars have been one of the most popular vehicles on the market for the past several years. They’re seen as environmentally friendly, but electric car prices may soon start to rise, putting them at a disadvantage against their hydrogen- and traditional petrol-powered counterparts.

Electric cars have been around since the early 1900s, first using old lead-acid batteries. With the addition of modern lithium batteries and the success of Tesla, they’ve been slowly gaining in popularity over the past few years.

With fuel prices constantly on the rise, many people are looking for alternative ways to run their vehicles. While electric cars have their disadvantages, such as the high price of electricity, in my opinion, they could still be a successful option in the future.

If the price of electricity continues to rise, many people will turn away from electric cars. They’re in a race against time — will energy prices kill off the electric car?

Right now, the price of electricity has doubled here in the UK, and the future looks grimmer still. Unless the war in Russia ends, our fuel and energy costs could rise even higher. Until we can increase our own energy production, prices will continue to climb — and that could spell real trouble for the electric car industry as we know it.

Eric Roberts is the owner of Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Away from the garage, he enjoys relaxing by the sea at his LuckyPaws Holiday Home in Flamborough on the beautiful Yorkshire coast.

Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

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Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems
Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

It’s never dull here at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre in Halifax. This morning, we had a Mercedes A180 brought in by a regular customer who said his car’s brakes were “acting funny”. Straight away, our experienced mechanic Alex got to work checking it out. After running a few tests, he found the culprit — a faulty ABS brake sensor.

Now, you might not think a small sensor could cause much bother, but in modern cars like the A-Class, that tiny part plays a big role in keeping you safe on the road.

What the ABS Sensor Does: Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is one of those clever inventions that most of us take for granted. It was designed to stop your wheels locking up under heavy braking, especially on wet or slippery roads — something we get plenty of here in Halifax and the Calder Valley, where the roads can be steep and winding.

Each wheel has a small speed sensor that constantly monitors how fast it’s spinning. If the system notices one wheel slowing down faster than the others (which means it’s about to lock up), the ABS kicks in and pulses the brake pressure to that wheel — keeping you in control.

When one of those sensors fails, as it did on this Mercedes, the system can’t get accurate readings. That usually triggers the Mercedes A180 with ABS problems on your dashboard, and you might notice the brakes feeling a bit different—sometimes heavier or slightly uneven. In some cases, the car may also disable traction control or stability systems, just to be on the safe side.

Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems
old sensor in place

How the Problem Shows Itself: Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

Our customer said the ABS light had popped up, and the brakes felt a bit “off” when slowing down on hills around King Cross and Sowerby Bridge. That’s a classic symptom.

Alex hooked the car up to our diagnostic machine, which quickly pointed to a faulty rear ABS sensor. Sometimes these sensors fail due to:

  • Road salt and moisture, especially during winter months in Calderdale.

  • Corrosion or dirt building up around the sensor or its magnetic ring.

  • Wiring faults, caused by vibration or general wear and tear.

It doesn’t take much – one dodgy reading and the system throws up a warning. Once Alex replaced the sensor, cleared the fault codes, and tested the car on the road, the brakes were back to their best.

Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems
new sensor box

A Bit About the Mercedes A-Class: Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class first arrived back in 1997, a small hatchback that made quite a stir for being a proper “mini-Merc.” It’s been through a few changes since then, with the later A180 models becoming firm favourites in towns like Halifax – smart, comfortable, and efficient.

Of course, with newer tech comes more sensors, modules, and electronics. That’s great for safety and performance, but it also means that when something goes wrong, you need a garage with the right tools and know-how to find the fault quickly — just like our team here at Pellon Tyres.

Mercedes A180 with ABS Problems
new sensor ready to be fitted by Alex

Why It Matters

Driving with a faulty ABS sensor isn’t the end of the world, but it’s not something you should ignore. The car will still stop, but in an emergency — especially on our hilly Calderdale roads — it might not stop as safely as it should.

If you ever see that amber ABS light come on, it’s best to pop into the garage and have it checked out. Sometimes it’s just dirt or corrosion, but other times it’s a failed sensor or even a damaged ring.

Here at Pellon Tyres, we can diagnose these issues in no time, and we’ve got access to quality replacement parts for most makes and models — from Mercedes to Fords and everything in between.

 

Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

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Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs
Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

A Surprise Under the Bonnet at Pellon Tyres: The Honda Jazz with Eight Spark Plugs

One of our frequent clients recently brought their dependable little Honda Jazz into Pellon Tyres for a standard servicing. I’ve seen my share of oddball automotive features, but this one really took me by surprise. We made the startling discovery that this small car utilises *eight* spark plugs instead of the typical four when we climbed under the bonnet to change the spark plugs. Yes, you read correctly! This small, useful runabout has eight spark plugs hidden in its engine.

This naturally caught my attention, and I felt it would be a fantastic small piece to share with all of you. Let’s examine the history of this enduringly popular car and discover why the Honda Jazz requires twice as many spark plugs as the majority of compact cars.

Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs
Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

 The Honda Jazz Has Eight Spark Plugs: Why? Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

For those who are perplexed by the idea that a car as small as the Jazz needs eight spark plugs, Honda’s inventive engineering provides the solution. Honda’s i-DSI (intelligent dual sequential ignition) engine powered the Jazz that we worked on. Instead of using a single spark plug per cylinder, this ingenious little system employs two. Why? Enhancing performance, reducing emissions, and increasing fuel efficiency are the key factors.

The engine’s fuel-air mixture can burn more thoroughly thanks to the dual-ignition system. In essence, the gasoline burns more efficiently because both spark plugs ignite in precisely the right order. Given the current fuel prices, this not only makes the engine run more smoothly but also improves fuel efficiency, which every Jazz owner will value!

Although this technology was revolutionary when it was first developed, it also means that maintenance is a little more involved. It takes a little longer (and costs a little more for parts) to replace eight spark plugs rather than four, but it’s all necessary to maintain this ingenious little engine operating the way Honda intended.

Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs
Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

A Synopsis of the Honda Jazz’s Past – Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

Since it first came to the UK in 2002, the Honda Jazz—also referred to as the Honda Fit in other parts of the world—has been a common sight on the roads. But its origins are a little more ancient. Although the Jazz brand was first used on a Honda vehicle in the early 1980s, the current model really took off in the twenty-first century.

The Jazz established a reputation as a dependable and useful supermini right away. Its amazing interior size was (and remains) its most notable feature. For a car of its size, the inside is surprisingly spacious and adaptable thanks to Honda’s “Magic Seats” system, which enables the back seats to fold entirely flat or flip up like movie seats.

It’s easy to understand why Halifax drivers have come to love the Jazz over the years. It is small enough to easily manoeuvre through our winding streets while still providing plenty of space for passengers, shopping, and even the occasional trip to the tip. The Jazz has established itself as a trustworthy and effective little worker, whether you’re driving up the Calder Valley or speeding around town.

The Jazz (2007–2014) second-generation model is the one we serviced. Thanks in part to its ingenious dual-ignition engine, this iteration increased fuel efficiency and added a little more refinement to the original’s success.

 Reflections and Local Connections- Honda Jazz With 8 Spark Plugs

I couldn’t help but consider how appropriate the Jazz are for our community. Its practical design and ingenious engineering make it the ideal vehicle for Halifax’s blend of urban and rural areas. Whether you’re traversing the undulating hills of the Shibden Valley or scaling the steep inclines of Wainhouse Tower, the Jazz is more than capable.

Over the years, Pellon Tyres has seen a wide variety of cars pass through our doors, but working on a car like the Jazz has a certain allure. It serves as a reminder of how advanced automobile technology has become and how automakers like Honda are still coming up with new ideas for even the smallest vehicles.

 Concluding Remarks

Examining its eight spark plugs revealed that the Honda Jazz boasts more features than its modest appearance. It’s an excellent illustration of Honda’s inventiveness and the reason the Jazz has stayed so well-liked by drivers in Halifax and beyond.

Remember to follow your car’s maintenance schedule whether you’re the proud owner of a Honda Jazz or any other smart tiny vehicle. And since we enjoy a good surprise, bring your car down to Pellon Tyres if you’re ever unsure about what’s under the hood!

Cheers to the Honda Jazz, a compact car with a lot of ingenuity. Let’s toast!

 

What’s New About Your Cars Oil

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What’s New About Your Cars Oil

What's New About Your Cars Oil
What’s New About Your Cars Oil

What’s New About Your Cars Oil

“Unveiling the Grades of Oil: Navigating Car Servicing at Our Halifax Garage”

As the owner of Pellon Autocentre in Halifax, UK, I think it important to write about important things concerning our customers’ cars.

This article is a rough guide to the many different oils that we now have to use when servicing your cars and vans. Subsequently, we now have to keep in a multitude of different oils to suit all the car models out their!

We often talk about the many different oil grades available for vehicle repair at our garage in Halifax, which is a symbol of trust and service. Like me, you’ve likely pondered the seemingly endless variety of engine oil alternatives and wondered what the big deal is. Alright, then, let’s solve this mystery of automobiles and find out what the different oil grades are all about.

As time has progressed, the automotive industry has undergone tremendous change. No longer can all vehicles be adequately serviced with a single, universal oil.

When I was a child, the oil company provided us with a Castrol oil cabinet, which contained the only three grades of oil necessary to service 90% of cars at the time.

We now service a wide variety of vehicles at our Halifax garage, including hybrids and electric vehicles as well as more conventional petrol and diesel models. The different grades are based on the unique engine oil needs of each of these cars.

What's New About Your Cars Oil
Car oils

Why is there an excess of grades? What’s New About Your Cars Oil

The wide variety of oil grades is the first step in meeting the varying demands of modern engines. Proper oiling is essential for the efficient operation of any engine, be it a vintage British car or a cutting-edge electric vehicle. Including the most recent hybrids and electric vehicles, we are proud to service all makes and models at our Halifax garage. This implies that we have extensive knowledge of the specific oil needs of different types of automobiles.

Issues of Viscosity

Viscosity is one of many characteristics that distinguishes different oil grades. The viscosity of an oil is a measure of its thickness. When it comes to lubrication and protection, thicker oils are superior, while thinner oils are easier to work with. Engines run at different temperatures and necessitate oils with varied viscosities for best performance.

Nearby Views

To add some regional flavour, let’s do that now. Innovation has long been a part of Halifax’s storied past. Similar to how the town has transformed through the years, the automobile sector and the oils utilised within it have also undergone changes. Our garage’s dedication to meeting the varied demands of the Halifax community exemplifies this synthesis of history and innovation.

Electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles – What’s New About Your Cars Oil

We have had to adjust to new maintenance issues brought forth by the increasing number of electric and hybrid cars in Halifax. Transmissions and differentials still require specialised oils, even though these cars depend less on conventional engine components and more on intricate electrical systems. No matter how the car industry changes, our garage can adapt.

Environmental Factors to Consider

Here in the eco-conscious United Kingdom, we also consider how our actions may affect the world around us. In order to lessen their impact on the environment, certain types of oil are engineered with greener ingredients. We take into account the environmentally responsible choices of our Halifax community while we service all kinds of automobiles.

In Conclusion

To sum up, the multiple oil grades used in automobiles aren’t merely an example of complexity in action. It’s a reflection of the varied and dynamic requirements of modern cars. Our garage is here to take care of all kinds of vehicles, from vintage rides through Halifax’s historic streets to cutting-edge electric wonders, and we know just what kind of oil they need.

Whether you own a classic car or a cutting-edge electric vehicle, the next time you bring it to our Halifax garage, we will customise our services to meet your vehicle’s unique requirements. Our unwavering determination to meet the needs of our valued Halifax community and its dynamic automotive scene is reflected in our focus to offering the optimal oil for each vehicle.

What’s new about your car’s oil

  1. Synthetic oils leading the way
    These days most modern cars benefit a lot from fully synthetic or semi-synthetic oils. In fact, one industry note says the oil market is being shaped by the growing popularity of synthetic formulations. Mordor Intelligence+3Spherical Insights+3Stellar Market Research+3
    For your everyday motor in Calderdale, this means better protection, longer drain intervals, and a bit less worry when you’ve had a long run up and down the hills.
  2. Engine-specific formulations are key
    A recent UK blog explains that even oils with the same grade (say 5W-30) aren’t all equal. They differ in additive packages, “HTHS” values (which govern performance under heat and shear), and how they protect modern exhaust after-treatment systems. mpmoil.co.uk
    So when we at Pellon Tyres pick an oil for a customer’s car, we’re not just going by “oh it’s 5W-30” – it’s matching the right spec for that engine and driving conditions here in Halifax and the Calder Valley.
  3. Stricter environmental rules and hybrid/EV impact
    With more drivers moving to hybrid cars, and the slow march towards full electric, oil manufacturers are adapting. Clean lubricants designed to work with more advanced engine tech and after-treatment systems are becoming standard. NEOL+1
    Even if your motor is a standard petrol or diesel, this means the oil we choose now has to tick more boxes for emissions, protection and efficiency.
  4. Longer intervals & smarter servicing
    Because of better oil base and additive tech, many vehicles can now go longer between oil changes than the old rule-of-thumb “every 6 000 miles or six months”. But—and this is important—you must always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation, and consider the driving conditions (hilly Calderdale, stop/starts, towing etc).
    Market research shows the UK engine-oil market is forecast to keep growing (1.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2030). Mordor Intelligence+1
    In plain terms: good news for quality oils, but don’t skip checks just because the interval is longer.
  5. Oil choice still matters locally
    For us here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, that means:
    • Checking the correct oil spec for the car (engine size, petrol/diesel, hybrid, etc)
    • Considering the local terrain: the steep climbs out of Halifax, the wet weather in the Calder Valley, the stop-starts around town.
    • Being realistic about usage: if someone uses the car for commuting, short trips, heavy loads or towing, we might suggest a “premium” oil or more frequent service.
    • Explaining to the customer: better oil = better protection = potentially fewer faults and longer engine life (which folks appreciate in their everyday cars).

A Yorkshire garage pair of practical tips for your blog

  • Tip 1: “If your car’s been sat a lot (perhaps you were on holiday!) or you do lots of short runs around Halifax or out into the Dales, ask us about “severe usage” oil service – the right oil helps tackle condensation, soot build-up and wear.”
  • Tip 2: “Make sure your oil change includes the right spec for your engine—not just any ‘5W-30’ or ‘10W-40’. Modern engines demand modern oils. At Pellon Tyres we always check the manufacturer’s spec, and match it to your driving style in Calderdale.”