Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

A Grubby Vito Van, a Free Tyre Check, and a Smart Choice of Falken Winter Tyres

(Approx. 1,000 words)

Yesterday turned out to be one of those classic workshop days at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre here in Halifax. If you know our place, you’ll know it never stays quiet for long, especially in winter when folk start worrying about the roads freezing over Mixenden Moor or black ice creeping along the tops above Sowerby Bridge.

Anyway, just after dinner, a rather grubby-looking Mercedes-Benz Vito CDi rolled in for one of our free tyre checks. The van looked like it had spent the morning tackling every muddy track in Calderdale — the sort of motor that’s clearly out grafting every single day. You can almost tell a van’s story just by how the muck sticks to it.

Adam, sharp as ever, got stuck in straightaway. He didn’t need long to spot that the Vito’s front tyres were well past their best. Worn, cracked and badly lacking tread — exactly the sort of thing that can ruin your day when you hit a frosty bend on the way up to Queensbury.

The van’s owner didn’t mess about. Once Adam explained the situation, he made a cracking decision: a pair of Falken winter tyres. And to be honest, he probably saved himself a lot of grief over the coming months.

A Halifax Winter Is No Joke: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Those of us who live here in the Calder Valley know exactly how fast the weather can turn. One minute you’re driving through drizzle, the next you’re dealing with snow blowing sideways across the A629. Anyone who’s been caught out on Blackstone Edge or even the climb through Wheatley knows that standard summer tyres just don’t cut it once temperatures dip.

That’s why we always encourage drivers to think ahead. A good set of winter tyres can be the difference between getting home safely — or ending up stuck on a cold verge waiting for recovery.

A Bit of History: The Mercedes-Benz Vito

The Mercedes-Benz Vito has become a firm favourite among tradespeople, delivery drivers, and anyone who needs a van that works as hard as they do. First introduced in the mid-1990s, it filled the gap between the smaller Mercedes Citan and the big, beefy Sprinter. The idea was simple: build a tough, reliable mid-sized van that could handle Europe’s most demanding roads.

Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of Vitos through our doors — plumbers, sparkies, couriers, caterers, builders — the lot. The CDi diesel engines especially earned a reputation for strong pulling power, good fuel economy and impressive durability. Perfect for hauling gear up and down Halifax’s steep hills, from King Cross Bank to the climbs above Northowram.

What makes the Vito popular?

Solid build quality
Loads of room in the back
Comfortable cab for long days
Engines that seem to last forever
Great handling even when fully loaded

It’s no surprise they’re dotted all over Calderdale. They’re one of those vans that quietly get the job done — no fuss, no nonsense, no drama.

Where Falken Tyres Began: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Now, the Vito driver choosing Falken winter tyres was a wise move, and the brand’s history explains why.

Falken started life in Japan in 1983, originally created by Sumitomo Rubber Industries as a performance tyre brand aimed at motorsport enthusiasts. Before long, Falken tyres were appearing in racing events around the world — drifting competitions, endurance races and track days. If a tyre can survive that lot, it’ll more than cope with a frosty Halifax morning.

By the early 1990s, Falken had made their way to Europe. Drivers quickly appreciated their blend of quality, innovation and good value for money. Unlike some premium brands, Falken focuses heavily on research and development – especially when it comes to winter tyres.

Their tread designs, rubber compounds and sipes are engineered to grip snow, slush and wet winter roads. That’s exactly what you want when you’re navigating icy corners in places like Mytholmroyd or Ripponden.

Here at Pellon Tyres, we’ve fitted loads of Falken winters over the years, and the feedback is always the same:

“They grip better, they feel safer, and they last.”

Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Falken Winter Tyres: Ideal for Calderdale Roads

The Falken Eurowinter range is particularly suited to our area. Halifax sits high up on the Pennine ridge, surrounded by valleys, moorland and exposed roads that freeze earlier and stay icy longer than many other regions.

Benefits of Falken winter tyres include:

Better grip in cold, wet and snowy weather
Shorter braking distances on icy roads
Improved stability going uphill
Better traction pulling away in slush
A more confident feel when cornering
Excellent value compared to premium brands

They’re exactly the kind of tyre you want when you’re setting off early from Illingworth, heading through Shelf or braving the road over to Littleborough.

A Happier, Safer Vito Driver: Vito Van for Falken Winter Tyres

Once the tyres were fitted, balanced and checked, the Vito left our yard much safer than it arrived. And I reckon the driver will thank himself the first time he comes down a frosty hill and the van actually stops where it’s supposed to.

We always say — the only part of your vehicle that touches the road is the tyres. They’re not something you want to gamble on, especially in a place like Calderdale, where winter can turn nasty at a moment’s notice.

If you’re unsure about your tyres, just pop in for a free tyre check. No pressure, no hard sell — just honest advice. You can read more about winter tyre options on our website here:
https://www.pellontyres.co.uk

And if you fancy a cosy winter escape once the snow melts, have a look at our Lucky Paws Holiday Home near Flamborough Head — perfect for spring and summer breaks when the Yorkshire coast comes alive.

Table of Contents