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What happened to General Tyres

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What happened to General Tyres

What happened to General Tyres

General Tyres – What Happened to the Brand in the UK?

What happened to General Tyres


Wondering what happened to General Tyres in the UK? Pellon Tyres Halifax explains why the brand disappeared from many passenger cars and which quality alternatives are available today.

General Tyres – A Well-Respected Name That Many Drivers Still Ask About

One question we still hear from customers here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax is “Can I still buy General tyres?”

It’s a fair question because General Tyres built up an excellent reputation over many decades. Many motorists throughout Halifax, Calderdale and West Yorkshire remember the brand for producing dependable tyres with good grip, respectable mileage and sensible prices.

Although the name is still very much alive in some parts of the world, particularly in the 4×4 and off-road market, the range of passenger car tyres that many UK motorists once bought has largely disappeared from the European marketplace.

Many people understandably wonder why.

A Little History Behind General Tyres: What happened to General Tyres

General Tyre has been around for well over a century, originally beginning life in the United States in 1915. Over the years it became known for manufacturing tyres for everything from family saloons to commercial vehicles, agricultural machinery and rugged four-wheel drives.

Eventually the company became part of the Continental AG group, one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world.

For a number of years the arrangement worked extremely well, with General offering motorists another quality choice within the Continental family.

Here at Pellon Tyres we became General Tyre retailers around 2016 and quickly found they appealed to customers wanting a premium-quality tyre without necessarily paying the very highest premium prices.

Many customers returned time after time asking for the same brand again, which is always a good sign.

Why Did General Tyres Become Hard to Find?

Like many decisions in the tyre industry, it wasn’t because there was anything wrong with the product.

Large manufacturers constantly review their product ranges, production costs and worldwide distribution networks. Sometimes brands overlap with one another, and companies decide to concentrate on fewer names.

Continental already owned several successful tyre brands covering different price points and market sectors.

From a business point of view, simplifying the range probably made commercial sense.

For independent tyre retailers like ourselves, however, it was disappointing because we’d spent time building confidence in the product amongst our local customers.

When you recommend a tyre to somebody, you aren’t just selling rubber.

You’re putting your reputation behind that recommendation.

That has always been the Pellon Tyres way.

Forty Years in the Tyre Trade Has Taught Me a Few Things

After more than forty years in the tyre trade, I’ve seen manufacturers come and go.

Brands merge.

Companies get bought.

Product names disappear.

Sometimes a tyre manufacturer asks independent garages like ours to support their products by offering attractive dealer programmes and pricing.

We put in the hard work.

We introduce the brand to local motorists.

We explain the benefits.

We gain customers’ trust.

Then, occasionally, circumstances change.

Sometimes the manufacturer decides to sell through additional outlets or changes its distribution strategy.

That’s simply the way business works nowadays, although it doesn’t always make life easy for independent garages.

Fortunately, experience teaches you how to adapt.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Tyre: What happened to General Tyres

One thing I’ve always believed is that the badge on the sidewall isn’t the only thing that matters.

What’s far more important is choosing the right tyre for the way you drive and the vehicle you own.

Every week we advise drivers from Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge and across Calderdale.

Some drivers cover only a few thousand miles each year.

Others commute daily on the M62.

Some regularly tow caravans.

Others need tyres capable of handling our steep Yorkshire hills during cold winter mornings.

That’s why we spend time asking questions before recommending a tyre.

Excellent Alternatives Available Today

Although many passenger general tyres are no longer widely available, motorists certainly aren’t short of quality alternatives.

One brand we’ve developed an excellent relationship with over recent years is Falken.

Falken tyres have consistently impressed both ourselves and our customers.

They offer excellent grip in wet weather, predictable handling and very good value for money.

For motorists looking for winter performance, the Falken Eurowinter HS01 has proved particularly popular.

It provides reassuring grip during cold weather while still delivering the comfort and refinement modern drivers expect.

Of course, every customer has different requirements.

That’s why we also supply many other respected brands, including the following:

  • Michelin
  • Continental
  • Goodyear
  • Pirelli
  • Bridgestone
  • Dunlop
  • Yokohama
  • RoadX
  • Royal Black

Having such a wide choice means we can recommend the tyre that best suits both your vehicle and your budget.

Yorkshire Weather Still Demands Good Tyres: What happened to General Tyres

Living and working in Halifax has taught me just how quickly the weather can change.

One minute you’re enjoying bright sunshine.

Half an hour later you’re climbing out towards Ogden, Ripponden or Oxenhope in driving rain or thick fog.

Throw in a frosty winter morning and you soon appreciate the importance of having quality tyres fitted.

The Pennine roads around Calderdale can be demanding enough without trying to drive on worn or poor-quality tyres.

Good tyres don’t just improve grip.

They shorten braking distances, improve steering response and give you greater confidence behind the wheel.

Honest Advice Has Always Been Our Policy

One thing that has never changed at Pellon Tyres is our approach to customers.

If your tyres are perfectly safe, we’ll tell you.

If they still have plenty of life left in them, we certainly won’t recommend replacing them.

Equally, if they’re becoming unsafe or approaching the legal limit, we’ll explain exactly why replacement is advisable.

That honesty has helped build our reputation across Halifax over many years.

Many of our customers first came to us decades ago and now bring their children—and even grandchildren—to us.

You simply can’t buy that sort of trust.

You have to earn it.

Looking Ahead: What happened to General Tyres

The tyre industry never stands still.

New compounds, quieter tread patterns, electric vehicle tyres and environmentally friendly manufacturing methods are all changing the market.

While some familiar names disappear and new brands emerge, one thing remains constant.

Motorists still want honest advice, competitive prices and tyres they can rely upon.

Here at Pellon Tyres we’ll continue offering exactly that, just as we’ve done for many years.

Whether you’re looking for premium tyres, quality mid-range products or reliable budget tyres, we’ll always recommend what we genuinely believe is best for both you and your vehicle.

That’s the Yorkshire way, and it’s the way we’ve always done business.

Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

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Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

Bald Tyres in Halifax – An Everyday Occurrence at Pellon Tyres

One of the most common things we see at Pellon Tyres in Halifax is vehicles arriving with tyres that are completely worn out. In fact, it happens almost every day.

The tyre shown in the original photograph is not unusual. To many people it may look shocking, but for those of us who work in the tyre industry, it is something we regularly encounter. Over the years, I have seen tyres worn down to the legal limit, tyres worn beyond the legal limit, and in some cases tyres worn so badly that the steel cords inside the tyre are actually visible.

As a tyre specialist, I still find it hard to understand how some motorists allow their tyres to reach such a dangerous condition. Yet every week vehicles arrive at our Halifax depot needing urgent attention because the tyres have simply been forgotten about.

Why Tyres Are Often Ignored: Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

I suppose the simple answer is that modern life is busy.

Most people rely heavily on their cars. Whether they are commuting to work, taking children to school, visiting family, shopping in Halifax town centre or travelling across Calderdale, their vehicle is an essential part of daily life.

Unfortunately, tyres are one of those things that drivers rarely think about until there is a problem.

People notice when the engine develops a noise. They notice when a warning light appears on the dashboard. They notice when the brakes start squealing.

Tyres, however, tend to go unnoticed because they gradually wear away over many thousands of miles.

A tyre that looked perfectly healthy six months ago can easily become dangerously worn if the vehicle covers a lot of mileage.

The Importance of Tread Depth

The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre.

However, just because a tyre is legal does not necessarily mean it is performing at its best.

Many tyre manufacturers recommend replacement at around 3mm because tyre performance, particularly in wet weather, begins to decline significantly as the tread wears down.

This is especially important here in Yorkshire, where we often experience heavy rain, standing water and difficult driving conditions during autumn and winter.

A tyre with plenty of tread is able to disperse water effectively. A worn tyre struggles to clear water from the road surface, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tyre and the road surface. When this happens, the driver can temporarily lose steering, braking and control of the vehicle.

That is a frightening situation for any driver.

Halifax Roads Can Be Hard on Tyres: Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

Driving around Halifax and the surrounding Calderdale area can be particularly demanding on tyres.

We have steep hills, sharp bends, rough road surfaces and plenty of potholes that seem to appear every winter.

Roads through Pellon, Sowerby Bridge, Elland, Brighouse and Hebden Bridge all place different stresses on a vehicle’s tyres.

Constant braking on hills, cornering on winding roads and travelling over damaged road surfaces can all contribute to tyre wear.

Add in modern traffic levels and it becomes easy to see why tyres deserve regular inspection.

What We Often Find During Free Tyre Checks

At Pellon Tyres we offer free tyre inspections because we genuinely believe that many dangerous situations can be prevented by catching problems early.

During a typical tyre inspection we check the following:

Many customers are surprised when we discover problems they had no idea existed.

Sometimes a tyre may look acceptable from the outside yet have serious damage hidden on the inside edge.

This is particularly common on vehicles suffering from poor wheel alignment.

Servicing Helps Spot Tyre Problems: Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

One thing we often notice is that vehicles with bald tyres have frequently missed routine servicing.

When a vehicle comes into our workshop for servicing, MOT testing or repairs, our technicians automatically inspect the tyres.

Any issues are reported to the customer.

This gives drivers advance warning and allows them time to budget for replacement tyres if necessary.

In many cases customers return within a few weeks to have the work carried out because the issue remains fresh in their minds.

That is far better than waiting until an MOT failure or a dangerous roadside incident forces action.

The Cost of Delaying Replacement

I completely understand that tyres can be an unexpected expense.

With rising household costs, many motorists try to make their tyres last a little longer.

However, delaying replacement often proves to be a false economy.

A badly worn tyre is more likely to suffer a puncture or blowout.

Unevenly worn tyres can affect fuel economy.

Poor tyre condition can also increase wear on suspension and steering components.

Most importantly, worn tyres increase stopping distances.

At motorway speeds, the difference between stopping safely and being involved in a collision can be a matter of a few metres.

Those few metres can save lives.

Choosing the Right Tyres: Tyre Safety – Bald Treads

One thing we pride ourselves on at Pellon Tyres is offering customers a wide choice of tyre options.

Some motorists prefer premium brands such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental and Goodyear.

Others choose excellent mid-range products from brands such as Falken, Kumho and Yokohama.

For customers working to a tighter budget, we also stock carefully selected economy tyres that still provide safe and reliable performance.

The important thing is having safe tyres fitted by experienced professionals.

Don’t Wait Until They’re Bald

The simple message is this: don’t wait until your tyres are worn smooth before having them checked.

A quick inspection only takes a few minutes and could save you money, inconvenience and potentially something much more serious.

If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres, simply call into Pellon Tyres in Halifax.

We are always happy to carry out a free tyre and pressure check with no obligation.

After all, your tyres are the only part of your vehicle actually touching the road.

Looking after them is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself, your passengers and other road users safe.

Electric Vehicle Tyres

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Electric Vehicle Tyres

Electric Vehicle Tyres
Electric Vehicle Tyres

Electric Vehicle Tyres

Tyres Designed for Electric Vehicles – Why They Are Different

Electric cars are becoming a much more common sight on British roads. Only a few years ago they were something of a novelty, but today vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf, Tesla models, and many electric versions of popular cars are appearing everywhere.

While most drivers focus on things like battery range and charging points, one important part of electric vehicle design often gets overlooked – the tyres.

In fact, tyres designed for electric vehicles are quite different from those fitted to traditional petrol or diesel cars. Over the past few years, tyre manufacturers have had to develop new technology to cope with the unique characteristics of electric vehicles.

Electric Cars Are Heavier

One of the biggest challenges with electric vehicles is weight.

The large battery packs needed to power the car can add several hundred kilograms to the vehicle. This means that many electric cars weigh significantly more than their petrol or diesel equivalents.

Because of this, the tyres fitted to electric vehicles need to be stronger and more durable. Manufacturers have developed reinforced tyre structures and stronger sidewalls to cope with the extra load.

Without these improvements, tyres could wear out much faster under the extra weight.

Electric Vehicle Tyres
Michelin EV tyres for sale here at Pellon Tyres.

Instant Torque From Electric Motors: Electric Vehicle Tyres

Another characteristic of electric cars is the way they deliver power.

Unlike traditional engines that gradually build up power, electric motors produce instant torque the moment the driver presses the accelerator.

This gives electric vehicles their quick acceleration, which many drivers enjoy. However, it also puts extra stress on the tyres.

To handle this, EV tyres are designed with special tread compounds and stronger construction so they can cope with the sudden delivery of power without excessive wear.

Reducing Rolling Resistance

One of the biggest concerns for electric vehicle drivers is driving range.

Every bit of energy used by the car reduces the distance it can travel before needing to recharge. Tyres play a big role in this because they create something called rolling resistance.

Rolling resistance is the energy needed to keep the tyres turning as the car moves along the road.

Tyre manufacturers have spent years developing compounds and designs that reduce rolling resistance, allowing electric vehicles to travel further on a single charge.

These tyres help maximise battery efficiency while still maintaining good levels of grip and safety.

Electric Vehicle Tyres
Bridgestone EV tyres for sale at Pellon Tyres Halifax

Quieter Tyres for Quieter Cars: Electric Vehicle Tyres

Another difference with electric vehicles is how quiet they are.

With no traditional engine noise, drivers often notice road and tyre noise much more than they would in a petrol or diesel car.

To reduce this, many EV tyres include special features designed to minimise road noise.

Some tyres even use foam inserts inside the tyre itself, which help absorb vibration and reduce noise levels inside the vehicle.

This helps keep the smooth and quiet driving experience that electric cars are known for.

Improved Grip and Safety: Electric Vehicle Tyres

Despite focusing on efficiency and noise reduction, safety is still the most important factor in tyre design.

Electric vehicle tyres are developed to provide excellent grip in both dry and wet conditions, especially as many EVs are capable of strong acceleration.

Advanced rubber compounds, modern tread patterns and stronger construction all work together to ensure that electric vehicles maintain good braking and handling performance.

Many of these tyre technologies have been developed over the past twenty years as tyre companies continue to improve safety for all vehicles.

Most of the major tyre manufacturers now produce tyres specifically designed for electric vehicles.

Companies such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear and Pirelli have invested heavily in research and development for EV tyre technology.

Many tyres are now marked with special EV ratings or symbols showing they have been designed to meet the demands of electric cars.

In many cases, these tyres can also be fitted to conventional vehicles, where they may offer improvements in efficiency and comfort.

Choosing the Right Tyres for Your Electric Car

If you own an electric vehicle, it’s important to choose tyres that are suitable for the vehicle’s weight and performance.

Fitting the correct tyres helps ensure:

  • Good driving range
  • Safe braking performance
  • Reduced tyre wear
  • Lower road noise

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we are always happy to advise customers on the best tyres for their particular vehicle.

Whether you drive a traditional petrol car, a diesel, or one of the newer electric models, making sure your tyres are in good condition is one of the most important safety checks you can make.

After all, tyres are the only part of the car that actually touches the road.

The Future of Tyre Technology: Electric Vehicle Tyres

Electric vehicles are pushing tyre technology forward faster than ever before.

Manufacturers are already working on new developments such as:

  • Smart tyres with built-in sensors
  • Self-sealing tyres that repair small punctures
  • Airless tyres that cannot go flat

As electric cars become more popular, we can expect tyres to continue evolving to meet the needs of modern vehicles.

One thing is certain – tyre technology will remain a vital part of keeping drivers safe, comfortable and efficient on the road.

Eric Roberts
Pellon Tyre and Autocentre
Halifax, West Yorkshire