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aquaplaning car

Tyre Aquaplaning

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Tyre Aquaplaning

Tyre Aquaplaning
Tyre Aquaplaning

Tyre Aquaplaning

Like the rest of the planet. Large-scale periods of torrential rain have hit Britain. Here in Halifax, UK, we are part of the Calder Valley, river, and canal system. There are steep hills all around the Calder River. Also, there are many small country roads on each side for much of its length. This has a funnelling effect for any rain that falls. Especially heavy rain.

This winter has seen really bad flooding in the Calder Valley. As a result, towns such as Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd were very badly flooded. In this case, on Boxing Day of 2015.

Aquaplaning: Bald-Tyres Navigation on Halifax’s Wet Roads

Greetings, Halifax residents! In the current discourse, we shall explore a subject that is sadly all too familiar to the British public: aquaplaning, which occurs when heavy rainfall causes worn tyres to puncture. Maintaining a firm grip on the road is more crucial than the atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, it is impossible to discuss tyres in Halifax without mentioning our hometown heroes at Pellon Tyres.

Consider this: Tyre Aquaplaning

A typical cloudy day has arrived in our beloved West Yorkshire. There is an unmistakable British drizzle in the air, and the streets are reflecting rainfall. As you travel along the winding roadways of Halifax, your vehicle abruptly loses traction, as if it were acting independently. Aquaplaning describes this precarious circumstance.

To begin with, what is aquaplaning?

It occurs when a layer of precipitation causes your vehicle’s tyres to lose contact with the road, causing you to lose control. Attempting to ice skate with your vehicle is an abyss—trust me, it is not a pleasant experience.

What is the relevance of this to the bald tyres that were previously mentioned? Bald tyres, which are weathered and have diminished traction, have shallower treads. When they are combined with a typical British deluge, driving through the streets of Halifax becomes a dangerous endeavour.

To put it simply: Tyre Aquaplaning

The inability of bald tyres to effectively disperse water causes water to accumulate between the tyre and the road. By effectively elevating your tyres off the road surface, this water layer creates the sensation of hovering on a watery surface. This is an undesirable circumstance to encounter, particularly when traversing the occasionally meandering and steep streets of Halifax.

At this juncture, Pellon Tyres provides assistance.

With years of experience serving our community, these local tyre specialists are well-acquainted with the particular difficulties that our roads pose. They are particularly aware that a set of properly maintained tyres can prove to be a saviour in the event of a clear sky.

Pellon Tyres provides an assortment of high-quality tyres that are specifically engineered to withstand the capricious weather conditions prevalent in Britain. Whether you require all-season tyres or those designed specifically for damp conditions, they have you covered. When the rain begins to fall, their helpful and knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting the most suitable tyres for your vehicle, ensuring that you have optimal traction.

But it goes beyond simply marketing tyres;

it also involves ensuring the safety of our community’s roadways. The staff at Pellon Tyres are cognisant of this, and they are dedicated to offering Halifax drivers exceptional service and guidance.

Aquaplaning is, in summary, a tangible and potentially hazardous occurrence, particularly when coupled with exhausted tyres. However, with a little forethought and the proper tyres, it is possible to maintain complete control, even on the dreary days of Halifax. Therefore, keep in mind the significance of proper tyre maintenance, and if you require guidance or new tyres, feel free to consult with our local specialists at Pellon Tyres. Rain or shine, let us maintain the safety of the roads in Halifax.

Tyre Aquaplaning
Tyre Aquaplaning

Our area was deluged. Tyre Aquaplaning

Therefore, the water was coming down the country roads like rivers. Accordingly, the vehicle in which I was travelling was fitted with winter tyres. Because of this, I felt safe and secure in the knowledge that the car would not aquaplane. My car ploughed through the water, and I felt confident that my winter tyres were disposing of all the water that the heavens could throw at us.

Tyre aquaplaning is caused when it builds up in front of your tyres at a faster pace than the weight of your car can push out of the way. This causes the car to rise up and creates a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road surface.

Tyre Aquaplaning

When this happens. Then, your car is virtually out of control, of course, and can have a will of its own. Often drifting out in any direction and even off the road. The worst scenarios are combined with the lack of tyre tread (bald tyres). We have all seen the effects. As a result of racing on tyre slicks (the racing tyres with no tread pattern at all) when there is a sudden downpour during a race,.

The race cars just lose total control.

Well, this is what happens with your tyres aquaplaning.

Better still, fit winter tyres; they are not just for the snow but will get rid of most of the water and will make your life much safer during any bad weather.

Also, watch out when it rains for the first time after a dry spell. The rain mixes with the oil and other chemicals on the road surface and can make it very slippery. This condition often causes many crashes.

If you are driving through a storm and the rain gets too heavy, then pull over and stop (when it is safe to do so, of course).

Why Tyre Tread Depth Really Matters

Your tyres are designed with grooves that push water away from the contact patch where rubber meets road. As the tread wears down, those grooves become shallower and far less effective. While the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6 mm, braking distances on wet roads increase dramatically long before tyres reach that point.

At Pellon Tyres, we often see tyres that are technically legal but already struggling in wet conditions. The difference between 3 mm and 1.6 mm of tread can be the difference between stopping safely and sliding straight on at a junction or roundabout. Aquaplaning doesn’t give you much warning – one moment you’re driving normally, the next the steering feels light and unresponsive.

Tyre Aquaplaning
Tyre Aquaplaning
Speed, Standing Water and Local Roads

Aquaplaning is more likely at higher speeds, but it can happen at surprisingly low speeds if the conditions are right. Standing water after heavy rain, worn road surfaces, blocked drains and deep ruts caused by lorries all increase the risk. We see this a lot on A-roads, dual carriageways and downhill stretches where water naturally collects.

That’s why keeping tyres in good condition is so important. Good-quality tyres with decent tread depth help maintain grip, clear water effectively and give you a much better chance of staying in control when the weather turns nasty.

A Simple Check That Can Make a Big Difference

Tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, yet they’re often overlooked. A quick tread depth and pressure check can make a huge difference to safety, especially heading into autumn and winter. At Pellon Tyres in Halifax, we’re always happy to check tyres and give honest advice – whether they need replacing now or will safely last a bit longer.

Preventing aquaplaning isn’t about scare stories; it’s about common sense, good tyres and being prepared for Yorkshire weather doing what it does best.

Winter Tyres Insurance

Car Winter Preparation

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Car Winter Preparation

Car Winter Preparation
Car Winter Preparation

Car Winter Preparation

Of course, I write about this subject on a regular basis! Especially as winter approaches. Although winters have been very mild in recent times! Then I can still remind drivers that it was not too long ago that we indeed had some bad snowfall.

Including the so-called “Beast from the East” phenomenon. As a result, the cold air blast coming out of Russia surprised many millions of drivers. Vehicle drivers were, in fact, caught up with all sorts of easily rectified problems.

Of course, we may discuss the necessary steps a Halifax automobile owner can take to safeguard their cherished vehicle in the lead-up to winter.

Halifax Drivers, Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready Now! Car Winter Preparation

Winter preparations for your vehicle are more than just a chore—they’re an absolute must in Halifax, where the weather can be merciless. In preparation for winter, here are some suggestions from locals on how to keep your ride safe and dependable when the snow starts to fall.

  1. Seasonal tyres:

Based on what we know about the area, the winters in Halifax may be rather snowy and slippery. Putting on winter tyres instead of your usual ones is an absolute must. Skidding and accidents are less likely to occur on roads coated in snow and ice, thanks to these specialised treads. Make sure to periodically check your tyres’ pressure because cold weather can affect it.

Part 2: Antifreeze and Coolant: Car Winter Preparation

Your engine might take a serious beating in Halifax’s frigid winters. Always use the recommended ratio of antifreeze to water when filling up your vehicle’s cooling system. Doing so will keep the engine coolant from freezing and harming it.

  1. Verify the Battery:

Your car’s battery may experience increased strain in colder conditions. Get your battery checked up before winter arrives to be sure it’s in good shape. You can avoid being left out in the cold if you replace a weak battery before it fails.

Kit for Surviving the Winter: Car Winter Preparation

A winter survival pack should be kept in your vehicle in case you become trapped in a snowdrift. Things to bring are a small shovel, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, and a torch. The weather in Halifax is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s wise to pack accordingly.

  1. Fluids and Oils:

Engine oil and other fluids can thicken in cold temperatures, reducing your car’s efficiency. For use in colder climates, you might want to think about reducing the oil’s viscosity. Also, to avoid freezing, use a winter-specific washer fluid recipe.

  1. Inspect the wipers and lights:

Winter driving, with its shorter days, makes visibility all the more important. Check that your turn signals, taillights, and headlights are all functioning properly. Since they are subjected to heavy use in maintaining a clear windscreen, replace old wiper blades.

  1. Anti-Rust Formulation:

Winter road salting is common in Halifax due to the city’s maritime position. The undercarriage of your vehicle may rust more quickly if exposed to this salt. Protect your car from rust and corrosion by using an undercoat or rust prevention.

Car Winter Preparation
Which Tyre Choice

Identifying People to Call in an Emergency: Car Winter Preparation

Remember to have the numbers of local emergency services and towing companies on hand as a last point. Being prepared for winter weather by knowing who to contact in an emergency is crucial.

If you follow these instructions, you should be able to drive through Halifax winters without any problems. Even when winter slams on the brakes, you may drive with confidence on the picturesque streets of our town because your automobile will not only survive but thrive in the snow.

Screen bottles frozen?

So, apart from drivers being caught out trying to drive through snow with summer tyres fitted,. Another main problem was cars with frozen windscreen washer bottles and their associated plastic pipes. To prevent this, all that was needed was to fill the washer bottles with the correct strength of washer solution? I must confess that our total commitment to advising drivers about fitting winter tyres is starting to pay off.

November is the start for many of our customers to fit winter tyres on their vehicles.

Drivers are now aware of the vast safety features that winter tyres offer. Our advice is that all winter tyres are better than driving on summer tyres. Significantly, in winter driving conditions. However, we do recommend that you consider looking at the award-winning Falken Winter Tyre range.

In recent times, we have also recommended the fitting of all-weather tyres for all year round. Much more winter car protection advice is given in the attached article from the Metro Newspaper.

Another Thought for Halifax Drivers as Winter Creeps In

Something else worth mentioning, especially for those of us who’ve lived through a few Yorkshire winters, is how easily the weather can turn on us. One minute we’re just scraping a bit of frost off the windscreen, and the next we’re driving through sleet, slush, and roads that look more suited to penguins than people.

Even with our run of milder winters, it only takes one sharp cold snap to remind us how exposed we are up here on the Pennine tops. Halifax sits high enough that a bit of drifting snow or a sudden freeze can quickly cause chaos, particularly on the winding roads around Bradshaw, Mixenden, and Queensbury where the wind loves to howl across the moors.

It’s not just about tyres and batteries either. Simple things, such as giving your wiper blades a once-over, topping up the antifreeze, and keeping your screenwash strong enough to cope with minus temperatures, can make a massive difference. A tired old wiper blade is no fun at all when the sleet is hammering down in the dark.

Many forget about lights, too. Shorter days mean you rely on them far more, and a single failed bulb can make you almost invisible on a murky winter morning. A quick walk around the car every now and then can prevent the usual “someone’s flashing at me… oh, my lights are out” moment.

And it’s still a good idea to keep a little winter kit in the boot:
a torch, a blanket, gloves, a scraper, and maybe even a bag of grit. It might sound old-fashioned, but anyone who’s been stuck on the hills above Halifax knows how handy these bits and pieces can be.

Taking ten minutes now can prevent hours of hassle later. Winters may be softer these days, but they still have a habit of catching Halifax drivers out when we least expect it.

IF YOUR car has any developing faults, winter is the time when they’ll be exposed. Snow and ice generate cold and damp, which can be very bad news for cars. Road salt and grime can also cause problems and can quicken the appearance of rust if left unchecked for long periods of time. Fortunately, there… View Article

Source: Wheels: Preparing your car for winter | Metro Newspaper UK

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.

steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax

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Steel-belted Radials

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

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.

steel-wires-tyre-danger-halifax
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.

 

suzuki-swift-tyre-check

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suzuki-swift-tyre-check

suzuki-swift-tyre-check
suzuki-swift-tyre-check

suzuki-swift-tyre-check

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

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

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

suzuki-swift-tyre-check
suzuki-swift-tyre-check

A Suzuki Swift in for a Free Tyre Check

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

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

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

suzuki-swift-tyre-check
suzuki-swift-tyre-check

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

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

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

A Bit of Suzuki Swift History—With a Local Touch

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

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

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

suzuki-swift-tyre-check
suzuki-swift-tyre-check

Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe This Winter

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

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

mot testing and car servicing

Check Your Levels

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Check Your Levels

Check Your Levels
Check Your Levels

Check Your Levels: Before Hot Weather Driving – Essential Safety Tips for UK Motorists

When the sunshine finally arrives in Yorkshire — usually all at once — drivers start heading off on day trips, coastal runs, and long weekends away. But every year we see the same thing here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre: cars arriving in our bays suffering from problems that could have been easily avoided with one simple reminder…

👉 Always check your levels before you set off.

Hot weather puts extra strain on your engine, cooling system, brakes, tyres… basically everything. A five-minute check on your driveway can save you a world of trouble later on — including breakdowns, overheated engines, or worse.

Let’s go through the essentials.

1. Engine Oil Levels – The Lifeblood of Your Engine

Your engine oil is the number one thing that keeps everything running smoothly, especially when temperatures rise. Oil thins out when hot, so if your level is already low, your engine has to work twice as hard.

Most modern engines now use synthetic oil and specific grades designed to protect the engine at high and low temperatures.
If you’re unsure which oil your car needs, don’t guess — pop down to Pellon Autocentre, or check your handbook.

You can also find the right grade using our online systems:
👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

Key tip:
Always check your oil when the engine is cold and parked on level ground.

Check Your Levels
Check Your Levels

2. Coolant Levels – Crucial in UK Heatwaves: Check Your Levels

Coolant prevents your engine from overheating. In hot weather and slow-moving traffic (and we all know Yorkshire gets its fair share on bank holiday weekends), coolant is absolutely vital.

If your level is low, your car can overheat surprisingly fast.
This can warp your engine head, damage gaskets, and cost thousands in repairs.

A quick top-up before setting off makes all the difference.

For official guidance on staying safe on the road:
🔗 https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-safe

3. Washer Fluid – Don’t Get Caught Short on Motorways

It sounds simple, but drivers forget.
Dust, pollen, insects, sea spray near the coast — they all smear across the windscreen and can completely block visibility.

You don’t want to be scrambling for a bottle of water to pour over the screen on the hard shoulder.

4. Tyres – The Most Important Part of Summer Safety

This is the part we see go wrong most often.

Hot roads + under-inflated tyres = tyre blowouts.

Your tyres are made using heat processes, so when they’re already warm and the tarmac heats up to 50°C or more, the pressure inside rises.
If the tyre is already weak, worn, or under-inflated, it can explode.

We see plenty of customers every Monday with blown tyres that could have been prevented.

Avoid part-worn tyres.
They might look like a bargain, but you don’t know where they’ve been or what damage they’ve suffered.

A quality new tyre — even a budget one — is always the better and safer choice.

Check for:

  • Correct pressure
  • Adequate tread depth
  • No cracks or bulges
  • No cords showing

If unsure, we’ll check them for free.
👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

And for those planning a trip to the coast, why not take a look at our holiday home guide?
👉 https://luckypawsholidayhome.co.uk/thornwick-bay-location-guide/

5. Air-Con – Keep Cool, Keep Safe: Check Your Levels

When the temperature hits the high 20s or low 30s in Yorkshire (a rare but memorable treat!), the inside of your car can become unbearable.

If you’ve ever been stuck in crawling traffic on the road to Scarborough or Bridlington, you’ll know how quickly tempers — and engines — can overheat.

Make sure:

  • Your air-con blows cold
  • You have enough refrigerant
  • The system doesn’t smell musty (a sign of bacteria)

Keeping the windows closed is usually best in hot weather, especially at motorway speeds.

6. Avoid Hot Traffic Hotspots if You Can: Check Your Levels

On bank holidays and sunny weekends, the usual routes become completely jammed:

  • M62
  • A64 to Scarborough
  • M1/M18 interchange
  • Pennine routes toward Lancashire

Sitting in standstill traffic on a 30°C day puts stress on:

  • Your cooling system
  • Your clutch
  • Your brakes
  • Your passengers (especially kids and dogs!)

Set off earlier or choose a quieter route when possible.

7. Basic Summer Safety Checks Every Driver Should Do

Before you head out:

  • Check all fluid levels
  • Top up washer bottle
  • Test wipers
  • Check lights
  • Inspect tyres and pressures
  • Make sure your spare wheel or repair kit is ready
  • Ensure your breakdown kit and phone are charged

Five minutes now can save you hours later.

Local Yorkshire Weather Challenges: Check Your Levels

Here in Halifax and across West Yorkshire, the landscape adds extra strain:

  • Steep hills
  • Stop-start driving
  • Sudden changes in weather
  • Heavy traffic through towns like Huddersfield and Bradford

Cars overheat faster in this environment, making level checks even more important.

Final Thoughts – Check Your Levels & Stay Safe

Hot weather is great, but it brings challenges for both drivers and vehicles. A few simple checks can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your engine, and keep your family safe.

If you’re unsure about anything — from tyres to oil grades — we’re here to help at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre in Halifax, ready to get you sorted quickly and safely.

👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy the sunshine whenever it decides to arrive!

As we always remind our customers here in Halifax, looking after your car in hot weather isn’t just about topping up the odd fluid — it’s about keeping the whole vehicle calm and comfortable when the temperatures shoot up.

Modern engines run much hotter than older ones, and that means coolant levels, oil quality and even brake fluid condition become far more important on long summer drives. If you’re unsure which oils or fluids your particular model needs, you can always look on our Pellon website for guidance:
👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

Check Your Levels
Check Your Levels

Another thing worth checking before you set off is your car battery. Many people associate battery failures with winter, but the truth is that heat damages batteries too. Hot weather increases evaporation inside the battery, which leads to sulphation and a sudden loss of performance.

We regularly see cars turning up at the garage after a long trip to the coast with warning lights flashing, simply because the battery has overheated. A quick battery check can save you from being stranded on the roadside.

You should also keep an eye on your brake performance during hot spells. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, and when temperatures rise, this moisture can heat up and cause brake fade.

If your brake pedal feels spongy after a steep drive through the hills around Halifax, it might be time for a fluid change. The DVSA also reminds drivers that braking efficiency is a key MOT requirement — worth reading here:
👉 https://www.gov.uk/getting-an-mot

Finally, let’s not forget about summer fuel economy. Many drivers notice their MPG dropping during warm weather, often because the car is working overtime to run the air-con while crawling through traffic.

Poorly inflated tyres can make this even worse. By keeping your pressures spot-on and your tyres in good condition, you’ll save money, improve handling, and reduce the risk of a blowout. You can find more tyre advice and booking options on our site:
👉 https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

Michelin Tyres owns Allopneus

Michelin Tyres Development

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Michelin Tyres Development

Michelin Tyres Development
Michelin Tyres Development

Michelin Tyres Development

 

Michelin Tyres: Still Leading the Way in Tyre Innovation

It’s no surprise to us older drivers that Michelin Tyres have always been at the forefront of tyre design. I’ve been in the tyre game since the days of manual bead breakers and bubble balancers, and even back then, Michelin stood out for their quality, longevity, and forward-thinking technology.

From my early days as a junior fitter, I’ve always admired the skill and innovation that Michelin put into their products – and let me tell you, they’ve never taken their foot off the gas.

Michelin Invented the Tyre That Changed the Game

Way back in 1949, just a year after I was born, Michelin introduced a tyre that would change the world – the Michelin “X” radial tyre. This was the first steel-belted radial, and it completely transformed how cars handled, especially on European roads.

At the time, most other tyres were still cross-ply or basic bias-belted designs. The Michelin X offered better grip, longer life, and improved fuel economy – a godsend for those old gas-guzzlers. It was soon fitted as original equipment on Citroën, Lancia, and even the Mercedes 190 SL.

While other manufacturers scrambled to catch up, Michelin had already pulled miles ahead in tyre development.

Modern Michelin Tyres – Leading the Pack in 2025 Michelin Tyres Development

Fast forward to today, and Michelin is still pushing boundaries. Whether you drive a sporty saloon, a family hatchback, or a performance SUV, Michelin has something in their range to suit.

Here are a few of their latest innovations you’ll find at Pellon Tyres Halifax:

  • Michelin Pilot Sport 5 – The latest in the iconic Pilot Sport line, built for high-performance vehicles. Brilliant in the dry, dependable in the wet, and sharp on the corners. Ideal for hot hatches and sporty saloons.
  • Michelin Primacy 4+ – Made for everyday cars but with Michelin’s premium DNA. It offers superb wet braking and outstanding longevity – perfect for motorway commuters or family drivers.
  • Michelin CrossClimate 2 – A true all-season tyre for UK drivers. Great in dry, wet, or snowy conditions. No need to swap tyres when the weather changes – this one does the lot.
  • Michelin e.Primacy – Designed for hybrids and electric vehicles, with low rolling resistance to boost your battery range while still delivering safe braking and comfort.

Michelin Tyres and Me – A Personal Reflection Michelin Tyres Development

I remember the first time I removed a Michelin tyre from a Citroën 2CV – it came off like butter. Compared to struggling with some Dunlops using only a handheld bead breaker and a few tyre levers, it was a dream. The tyres were soft, flexible, and just so well made.

I’ve always trusted Michelin in my own motors – and they’re still my top pick when customers ask for a premium tyre that lasts and grips in all weathers.

From Motorsport to Motorways

Michelin’s motorsport success isn’t just for show – much of their racing tech ends up in road-going tyres. Their commitment to safety, cornering grip, and braking performance makes them a top choice for performance car owners.

Back in the day, Michelin tyres were used on early rally and circuit racers, where tyre grip made all the difference. That legacy carries through in today’s tyres, like the Pilot Sport 5, which shares DNA with their racing heritage.

Michelin Tyres Halifax – Available Now at Pellon Tyres Michelin Tyres Development

If you’re looking for Michelin tyres in Halifax, we’ve got you covered. At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we stock all the latest Michelin products and can help you find the perfect fit for your vehicle – whether you’re after long-lasting comfort, all-season reliability, or pure driving performance.

✅ Fully trained fitters
✅ Competitive prices
✅ Fast fitting service
✅ Member of TyreSafe.org promoting tyre safety in Halifax

Final Thoughts

Michelin Tyres have never looked back – and neither should you. If you want tyres that offer true value, safety, and technology that’s stood the test of time, Michelin is a brand you can trust.

Whether you’re cruising through Yorkshire or heading further afield, make sure your tyres are up to the job – and if they say Michelin on the sidewall, you’re in good hands.

📞 Call us today {01422 351514}or visit us in Halifax to get the best advice on Michelin tyre fitting for your ca