about the legal requirement for MOT test, insurance, and road tax (Mot’s only cover approx 20% of your car being checked, but servicing covers approx. 70%, as I was told when I last…
As the owner of an MOT test station. 1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
Of course, I do believe these figures from the excellent Auto Express magazine. Significantly, this article makes for interesting reading ! Stating that 10% of UK motorists . Many car owners do not know that the MOT test is compulsory ! Importantly, on cars that are over three years old,.
The British governmentis computerising the vehicle system. Including the whole system of car insurance and road tax, along with the DVLA MOT Rules. In my opinion, they would be better off aligning the three systems. This, of course, would make it much easier to regulate and also easier for vehicle owners to use.
1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
So, it is impossible to have one thing without the other ! 1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
Of course, at the moment, they are not aligned . Incredibly, you could have a car insured without an MOT test. In my opinion, this will be the government’s aim. Because at the end of this year, the road tax disc will be abolished and the system will go online. To make it easier for UK motorists, the List of New MOT Rules and details will probably have to be entered along with the insurance details. Thus tightening up on the whole system, which is at the moment flawed.
Today, in 2024, this will have all been implemented. 1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
Therefore, no UK vehicles have to show a tax disc ! Vehicle data is all computerised and also available at any time for police officers to check.
Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 45 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mot-testing-2.jpg512512Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2025-10-05 19:39:262025-10-05 19:39:261 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
When I first heard about the Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres concept,
At first, I was a little bit skeptical. So, about how runflats would work? Say when the car was driven at eighty miles per hour on a wet busy motorway. However as time has gone on and with a little more research. Then I have got used to the idea of your car not having a spare wheel. Also the fact that the car does not swerve or deviate as the tyre is deflated at speed.
Now run-flat tyresare just part of the tyre scene. Our customers just accept the fact that if one goes flat and they have to drive home on it. Consequently, then they are going to need a new tyre at some stage in the future. I am a great advocate of road safety. Convinced at the fact that tyres play a great part in the tyre safety picture.
Run-flat tyres are now part of that picture. Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres
along with all the other safety features. HenceAs a result, innovative tyre companies are currently producing those. as “self-seal” technology. Continental, Pirelli, and Kumho have recently introduced tyres.
fact is that run-flat tyres are now being fitted to many cars. Now one of the leading makers ofRun Flat Tyres . Of course, there is the giant number one tyre company in the world, Bridgestone Tyres. One of the growth markets for run-flat tyres is larger and heavier premium cars. Such as Mercedes and BMW. Who have in fact worked side by side withBridgestoneto help develop this concept of a tyre. Naturally, this is safe for the driver and just as important to other road users.
If run-flat tyres are subject to a sudden pressure loss. So, then the car will keep driving in a straight line. Continuing on its journey. Of course,without any mishandling or deviation. So not causing any problems to the other drivers in the same vicinity. A normal car tyre that is subject to an instant loss of pressure would probably disintegrate at speed and because the car to deviate badly, this is, in fact, the cause of many car crashes, this could result in the car colliding with several other cars causing a very bad accident.
Another good point to remember is that there is no need to have to pull onto the shoulder and change your spare wheel? You can drive the car, to your nearest tyre centre. If you are a stranger to the area then I would suggest that you look up your nearest independent tyre centre. These centres are dotted all over the UK and are vetted for a fair price and give excellent service.
A slight drawback with run-flat tyres is. Bridgestone Run-Flat tyres
Once you have detected that the tyre is no longer inflated, you are restricted to driving at 50 mph at a distance of 50 miles, but this can give most people ample time to get to the nearest town and have the tyre changed. Also for the old-fashioned amongst you, the cars with run-flats do not have a spare; this was
originally to give the cars more space where the spare tyre would normally be sitting, and it also lightens the weight of the car to help conform with emission controls.
Also, BMW Run Flat Tyre Problems now run alongside
with the TPMS systems (Tyre Pressure MonitoringSystems). This warns the driver if the tyres are losing any pressure or, in fact, if the tyres have suffered from an instant loss of air. The warning light will illuminate and warn the driver that they have a problem with a tyre. This is a great all-around system and a great safety feature in many new models of cars that are now entering the marketplace, including SUV models.
Other tyre companies also make run-flat tyres. So I believe that a budget tyre is available made by economy tyre company Wanli. Most of the leading tyre companies now make run-flat tyres and there is now a large choice available.
This attached article by Kalyan Jana. Senior applications engineer for Trojan Solar Storage Batteries renewable energy group. Thus is one of the most informative articles on the subject that I have ever read.
The World of Solar Power Systems and Solar Storage Batteries. So, has now become a crazy mixed up mix of different peoples. Setting up different ways of storing their renewable energy. There are also many Universities all over the Planet looking for different types of batteries to use for storing the suns energy or the energy created by wind turbines.
Indeed it was only a few days ago that I wrote an article about Stamford University in the USA developing the nickel-iron Solar Storage Batteries, first invented by Thomas Edison and these batteries have been ear marked for the use of Solar Storage Batteries from the sun to store the large amounts of electricity that sun produces.
The future from Trojan batteries
Many countries in the world do not have access to a grid electric supply. This sort of thing is taken for granted in the western world. But for many
When shopping for Solar Storage Batteries for a renewable energy (RE) system, it is important to choose a battery designed for deep-cycling, and one with a track re (Understand batteries to buy the right ones for your #RE system
countries, such as parts of Africa. So, an electric supply is just a dream. In these days of the rapid growth in solar energy production,. Hence, the dream is starting to become a reality. It is difficult to believe that over 1.6 billion people do not have any mains electric power supply.
As the price of electricity continues to rise, solar battery storage is becoming an increasingly important technology. Solar battery storage allows for excess energy generated by solar panels during the day. Of course, then, it is to be stored and made available for use during the night, when there is a greater demand for energy.
This helps to reduce reliance on the grid and reduces the amount of money spent on electricity. Homeowners who use solar battery storage can also become more self-sufficient while simultaneously increasing their independence from the grid.
In addition, solar battery storage can aid in the reduction of carbon emissions by facilitating the increased utilisation of renewable energy sources. As the price of solar battery storage continues to fall, this technology is becoming an option that is more readily available to both residential and commercial property owners.
Solar Storage Batteries
With the solar power revolution.
Solar battery storage is an important technology that enables homeowners and businesses to store excess energy generated by solar panels during the day for use at night or during periods of high energy demand. This allows homeowners and businesses to reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. Solar battery storage is becoming an attractive option for many people who want to reduce the amount they spend on their monthly energy bills and become more self-sufficient as a result of the rising cost of electricity.
One of the most significant benefits of solar battery storage is that it enables residential and commercial property owners to reduce their reliance on the electrical grid. This is of utmost significance during times of high energy demand, when the grid has a greater risk of becoming overloaded and prices have a greater potential to soar. Solar battery storage systems are able to help alleviate pressure on the grid and reduce the likelihood of power outages by storing the excess energy that is generated during the day from solar panels.
Solar battery storage has the potential to both lessen one’s reliance on the grid
and cut down on the amount of carbon emissions produced. Homeowners and businesses are able to increase their reliance on renewable energy sources and decrease their consumption of fossil fuels if they store the excess energy that is generated by their solar panels. This has the potential to contribute to the reduction of the effects of climate change and the promotion of a more sustainable future.
As the price of solar battery storage continues to fall, this technology is becoming an option that is more readily available to both residential and commercial property owners. Increasing numbers of utility companies are beginning to offer financial incentives for solar battery storage, which makes the practise an even more appealing option for people who want to lower their energy bills and become more environmentally responsible.
It means that for the first time people will have the doors opened for better lighting. Including, better communications that will lead them to better education. Educated people can become nurses and business men. This will also mean that the people will have better school facilities. Of course, and more access to clean drinking and bathing water.
All this will be possible because of smart grid technology that we are developing in the western world. New renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines and better Solar Storage Batteries systems that are developed by Trojan batteries are all playing a hand that is making the dream of electricity come true to some of these poorer nations.
We think that one of the best Types of Energy battery storage products at this present time is the Trojan AGM batteriesfor this purpose.
This has always been a subject close to my heart. I have worked in the tyre trade now for a good 40 years, and like many more like me, we started our own tyre businesses in the seventies and eighties.
So we have now resigned as members of the independent tyre group. Due to the fact that they were becoming too large, I thought they were ineffective.
The majority of us used to work for national companies that were then under the ownership of the top tyre manufacturers before deciding that we could succeed in running our own businesses. Many ex-managers for companies like Tyreservices, a Goodyear-owned subsidiary, and National Tyreservices, who were then owned by Dunlop, decided that if they could run a depot for someone else, then they could do it for themselves, so they looked for premises and started their own businesses.
Here in West Yorkshire. I can think of at least six people who worked for the national retailers. Then leaving to start their own businesses. Some also worked for the tyre manufactures. Of course, the likes of Morris Palmer in Hull, who left Goodyear tyres to form the famous Savoy tyres ! Now run by his son. This was happening all over the UK. Revolutionized the way that tyres were sold. To the growing market and expansion of the car market. Most households had a car by then and business was good and profitable. So, I started a business that we called Kut-Kost tyres. Accordingly, we grew into three depots and made a good living.
The advance of the tyre wholesaler. Independent Tyre Centres
Life went on for a few years and as we were selling more tyres,. Of course, then, the manufacturers were offering better deals . Many of us were tempted to buy in quantity. We were at this stage having to compete with the emerging Kwik Fit Tyre Discount stores . Including the ever-more competitive Nationals.
Before computers! Local newspapers would have up six different adverts. Offering all sorts of deals to the motorists. Driving down the tyre prices! Followed of course by lower profit margins. Significantly, buying containers was a way of increasing our bottom line.
At this stage we were all on a different level and knew who was the competition and could price our products accordingly to compete. What we didn’t see was the growing number of
wholesalers that were springing up all over the country and were growing at an alarming rate. I remember my first visit to Southam tyres in the old Rolls-Royce factory in the midlands and was in awe at the amount of stock he carried. Reg Bond also started his empire around the same time, forming Bond Internationalfrom an old warehouse in Pocklington North Yorkshire and the rest is history.
Many retailers started to buy better deals, shifting their purchases from the manufacturers to the wholesalers in our relentless search to maintain our profit levels.
Many other things were happening, but looking back I think that this was a mistake and it gave too much power and the wholesalers, who later decided to form their own retail outlets in direct competition to ourselves, but we are all fighters and with some ducking and diving we always seem to come up with some alternative supplies of tyres and battle on.
Then, I sold Kut-Kost to Superdrive, a newly established American business that is a Shell Oil company. Kwik-Fit had expected Superdrive to provide direct completion, but when the project fell through, Kwik-Fit eventually purchased my old depots from Superdrive. I then purchased and developed the business that I am in now, Pellon Tyres here in Halifax and 25 years on, we are going through the same torrid times that we had to endure in the early days.
In the past two years, the tyre market has seen some huge changes. Independent Tyre Centres
The development of the internet and the rising popularity of online shopping among motorists are to blame for these changes. I have no problem with that and indeed, as one of the Norths Independent Tyre centres,. I sell tyres online but not at a national level. But in the Yorkshire catchment area. The internet has now made it possible to buy tyres from the rest of Europe, of course, which are now in direct competition with the British wholesalers. In my opinion, it is a good thing and drives down the price of tyres . So, the tyre manufacturers are the companies that are once again making good profits. Of course, as they did in years gone by, they would deal with retail outlets directly.
More disruption in the tyre world is ahead of us .Independent Tyre Centres
I must admit that I was feeling vulnerable as I was stuck out on my own in little Halifax. Not knowing who was going to buy out what. Just like the seventies and early eighties. The next thing to come along! Has been the emergence of the Giant supermarkets wanting a slice of the tyre cake.
I must confess that I have embraced the chance of earning extra profit by fitting for these companies. But I have a feeling that we may be “bitten in the bum” by these companies. The latest rumor that I picked up. Was that the Tesco/Blackcirces combination were going to turn some Tesco sites into tyre fitting operations. Similar to Costco’s operations (as an update Michelin tyres have now bought Blackcircles). (So to update this then the Tesco-Black Circles deal never happened).
If this is a fact, then I fear that it will start a new round of competition from the big tyre companies
All jostling to keep up their tyre numbers. I meanwhile think that I have made a good move by once again after many years dealing with the big five manufacturers. With all the benefits that brings,.
As I said earlier, we Independent Tyre Centres are tough, and I am sure that whatever is thrown at us (now including the Corona Virus),. We will struggle until these disruptions pass, and we will see better days again.
A few years ago, on a week-long bus tour of Continental Tyres UK Ltd.’s technology and engineering centres in Germany, one item attracted more attention from journalists than nearly any of the other whiz-bang connected-car stuff: a simple tyre pressure monitor.
Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
Eric Roberts‘s insight:
Revolution on the Road: The Impact of TPMS Valves on Tyre Performance.
Okay, let’s get into something that’s shaking up the world of motoring, especially when it comes to keeping our tyres in tip-top shape: the mighty TPMS, or Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. It’s a handy piece of equipment that’s becoming as indispensable as a decent brew on a long journey.
For those who don’t know, TPMS is a sophisticated system that monitors your tyre pressure and informs you if it becomes too low or too high. It’s like having a little mechanic tucked away in your dashboard, continuously ensuring that your wheels are in good condition for your travel.
Why is TPMS a game changer? First and foremost, safety is a major concern here. Properly inflated tyres are essential for safe handling and braking. Before TPMS, you had to get down and dirty with a tyre gauge to ensure your pressures were correct. But let’s be honest: how many of us did that on a regular basis? With TPMS, there is no guesswork. If something goes wrong, you’ll know right away, allowing you to fix it before it becomes a major issue.
However, it is not just about avoiding flats and blowouts. TPMS helps keep your tyres wearing evenly, allowing them to last longer. No more replacing tyres sooner than necessary because one was under a higher load than the others. That is not just beneficial for your budget; it is also good for the environment because you are not wasting tyres.
TPMS with Fuel Efficiency: A Happy Marriage.
Another benefit is that using the proper tyre pressure results in increased fuel efficiency. Think about it. Under-inflated tyres increase resistance as you roll. More resistance implies your engine is working harder and using more fuel. With current fuel prices, every penny counts, doesn’t it? TPMS keeps your tyres at the proper pressure, allowing you to use a more fuel-efficient powertrain.
A Local Perspective: Keeping Yorkshire Rolling. Returning to our hometown of Yorkshire, we understand that our roads may be a mixed bag. From Halifax’s cobblestone streets to the twisting country routes around the moors, you’ll need your vehicle to be in top condition. TPMS provides an extra boost of confidence, whether you’re hauling items across the country or simply going to the store.
It’s also great for our local garages. This technology means that they are not only treating problems but also preventing them. It’s another string in their bow, another service they can provide to keep us safe on the roadways.
Wrapping up with a bow. Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
So, there you have it: TPMS is more than just another acronym to know; it’s a true revolution in keeping our vehicles running safely and effectively. It’s about having peace of mind knowing that while you’re blasting out the songs on your trip through the Dales, your car is looking after itself and you.
Next time you stop by your neighbourhood garage, talk about TPMS. If your car is not currently equipped, it may be time to consider upgrading. After all, we all deserve a little smart tech in our lives, especially when it helps us stay safe and efficient. Let’s keep those tyres inflated up and keep enjoying the ride!
Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
This article written by Bob Gritzinger. Therefore, it is all about new ideas and inventions. Thrown about by the Auto industry at the moment. Consequently, this idea from Conti has now been tested on truck tyres. But at the moment, I don’t know whether it has been a success or not.
I suspect it will be effective. Because the concept of a monitor. Hence, vulcanised into the tyre. Relaying out information electronically about such things as tyre pressures and the inside temperature of the tyre is obviously of great benefit to the driver of the vehicle.
The device will be able to aid truckers. Because it will also be able to send the driver information. Thus, about the load that the tyre is carrying. Including the traction details of the tyre, with this gives the driver the knowledge that the full load and road conditions can be checked as the truck is rolling along. I don’t know what sort of signals the “Ice road truckers” would be getting from their in-built TPMStyres?
TPMS valves are becoming more common. Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
The new Continental Tyres UK Ltd valve sends out the information. Hence, out by wireless signals. Therefore, is picked up in the cab by the driver on an in-car system very similar to the ones now where the TPMS Valves signals are fitted to the wheels. Continental Tyres UK Ltd says that this is all part the future that may introduce the driverless vehicle to our towns and cities. If an object penetrates a
tyre the system will pick up the loss of pressure and stop the car in some sort of safe area and the problem reported and fixed.
Continental Tyres Spies in Your Tyres are still a great favourite of company boss Eric Roberts. Continuing to do so in the future drive to build sales at Pellon Tyres in Halifax.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/a-conti-truecontact-tyre.jpg10241024Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2025-09-23 19:48:162025-09-23 19:48:16Continental Tyres Spies In Your Tyres
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