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All Car Repair Articles
All Car Repair Articles
of course car repairs are what we call a “bread and butter” job. Hence, i thought that i would show a video to demonstrate the things that our technicians have to do when repairing a car.
We often have our customers ringing us. Significantly, they ask the question, “how can i tell if my car needs repairing”. Therefore, I usually answer with the same explanation. You’ll know when the vehicle requires attention! So, when a car eventually arrives in the workshop. We treat it with extreme care and attention.
TOYOTA AURIS TD comes in for a Clutch Vibration Problem
So, for some unknown reason. Christmas time brings in a few cars that are having Clutch Vibration problems. Hence, these are the normal problems. So, such as the driver cannot get the gears. Or the gears grind. Thus, when trying to drive the car and so on.
The Toyota Auris was a slightly different clutch pedal vibration and noise problem. As a result, the car was sort of vibrating and rattling. Consequently, as it was been driven along. When speaking to the customer. Ryan Linton my workshop manager. Discovered that the car had only had a new clutch fitted about two years ago. So the customer found it highly unlikely. Hence, that the clutch could be causing the clutch vibration in first gear problem. Especially, when driving the car along.
Ryan explained that the only way to tell is to check the clutch pedal vibration when engaging problem for the Clutch Vibration vibration when letting off clutch, by stripping the housing off and taking a look. The customer agreed and he took one of our courtesy cars while we explored his car to see what the problem was.
The other clutches that were done this week were standard sort of jobs,
taking two or three hours to do, but we always check with our Auto-data computer system, for the times it takes to do these jobs and this Toyota was shown to take seven hours, this included the Duel mass Flywheelhaving to be changed, but at this stage we did not exactly know what was wrong with the car.
Clutch Vibration Problem
Clutch Vibration Problem
Ryan, tripped down the Auris clutch housing and assembly. Only to find that the system was a Duel Mass Flywheel. To clarify, the car had only had the clutch fitted two years ago and nothing had been done to the Dual Mass Flywheel. This action had
caused the pressure plate and the Dual Mass Flywheel to wear prematurely. Causing the DMF to have more play in it. Therefore causing the Clutch Vibration.
We did not fit the first clutch.
However the customer said that he would not go back there again. The cost was estimated at about the £1000.00 mark. Of course, customer gave us the go ahead to do the job. The time given by Auto-Data was pretty accurate and it took Ryan near enough six hours to complete the job. We always fit LUK clutches and DMFs because they were the company who originally developed the products along with BMW in Germany and to date we have never had any warranty problems with the LUK products in the past.
While everyone can benefit from car safety tips,. You will have to admit that women are more likely to need these tips. Of course, to help them out during unexpected and unfamiliar situations. While it would be great if woman were well versed and equipped to handle wonky Disc Brakesor out-of-aligned tyres, that isn’t usually the case. Find below some great car safety tips to help you out and manage the unforeseen when you are driving.
When your car’s brakes fail
Before all else, check if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes or just regular ones. Knowing this important bit of information. Naturally, will help you determine how to manage when your brakes fail. To know this, when a light goes on with the logo ABS when you start your car,. Then you have anti-lock brakes. If no light goes on, then you have regular brakes.If your brakes fail, you need to downshift to a lower gear first. Next, pump your brakes three to four times to build up the brake fluid pressure.
If this does not work,. So your next option would be to use the parking brake. Do this gradually, not abruptly, and be ready for the car to skid. With anti-lock brakes, practice your sudden stops in a safe street situation. Of course, to get a feel of how they should perform,.When you press the brake all the way down, you should feel a strong vibration at the pedal, which will let you know the ABS system is working the way it should.
Car Safety Tips
When car isn’t driving straight
If your car is veering to the left or right even when your steering wheel is straight,. Chances are, your wheels may need to be aligned. But before you head off to have them aligned, make sure to check off other possibilities that may cause your car to tend towards another direction when the steering wheel is straight.
Are your tyres properly inflated?
Make sure they are inflated to the recommended pressure, which you ought to find on the label attached to the driver’s side door. What about the wear pattern? Are your tyres round or are they out of shape? Are there missing pieces or lumps along the side-wall? Also, make sure that all your tyres are of the same type. Having several kinds on one car can make for an unstable ride.
Once you have determined that there is nothing physically wrong with your vehicle, you should bring in for proper and professional wheel alignment to keep it running properlyand safely.
Unstable steering, clanking and banging sounds while driving, and vibrations while driving
This could indicate a problem with your suspension. The suspension system of a vehicle takes the heaviest wear from the road and it is an important part in keeping your car stable while driving and ensures the driver and passenger’s safety.If you go over a hump and the car continues to bounce up and down, chances are your shock absorbers are worn and may need
replacing. Clanking and banging sounds may indicate that your shocks are getting caught and not bouncing back. Vibrations while driving on smooth surfaces should clue you in to having your shocks and suspension checked because they are not supposed to occur on a smooth road.
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
It is better to maintain your car properly and routinely in order to avoid any major mishaps. Most Car Safety Tips are useful, but you need to make sure to take your vehicle to a reputable andprofessional garage that will ensure outstanding results and keep your car humming for a long time.
We will help you keep your auto in excellent condition
so it will always be road worthy and safe for anyone to drive, male or female. And as an accredited Independent Car Care Centre garage, you are assured that our standards are up to par with theirs.
•An open and honest approach with the customers
•A high standard of work and excellent value for money
• At least 12-month guarantee on parts and labour
•An open invitation to inspect, review and rate the garages of your choice to make the best informed decision for your needs
For the car repair garages to survive they must have modern facilities for their customers.
Of course, this is a point I have been making for the past twenty years, at least. American tyre repair companies were the first to supply their customers with a reception. Including a decent waiting room. First, Scottish businessman Tom Farmer replicated this concept.When he visited American Auto centres,. So, on his return home, he decided that this was the way forward. Implementing the new style reception areas into his early Kwik-fit empire.
Successfully, other Car Repair Garages and tyre centres all over the UK began to copy his style of operation. But many of the Auto Repair Services and car repair garages were too small . Subsequently, half of them were just back street dirty places. As a business model . These smaller operations would not have warranted money spending on them.
Generally though things began to improve
Altogether, it was a huge improvement and many tyre depots and Car Repair Garages were brought into the twentieth century and were fit for motorists to sit in while their car was being repaired or their tyres were being fitted.
As time went on, more and more ladies were taking up driving, and the move to step up the facilities in the car repair garages was imminent. The customers wanted a better experience when visiting the garage or tyre depot for work doing on their cars. The main dealer garages started to introduce courtesycars to loan to their customers while work was being carried out on their cars—a good idea!
The courtesy car idea became a little tarnished when some of the garages started to charge for their use, or for insurance. I thought this was a negative affect and was not in the spirit of the idea. We at Pellon Tyres and Autocentre in Halifax UK provide courtesy cars for our customers, mainly because we are about two miles out of the town centre, and it allows our customers to go shopping or to work, while their car is been repaired.
Coffee machines and TV sets were added to receptions
Many of the switched on Car Service Garages offer their clients a free coffee machine in their reception. As well as a TV and up-to-date magazines for their entertainment. While they are waiting for a Car Repairs or an MOT or a tyre fitting. In my opinion this is what today’s modern consumer wants, this coupled with the fact that as I have said earlier, many of our customers are now ladies and they do not want to turn up to a dirty old Car repair garages in their nice clean clothes.
So this standard is the way forward and any garage or tyre fitting station that does not have customer facilities will fall behind and eventually perish.
‘One pothole every mile’ on roads Halifax Evening Courier It added that UK councils had received 32,600 compensation claims in
EricRoberts‘s insight:
Potholes damage tyres
This is the sort of thing that we have been harping on about for years. Year after year, we all complain about the potholes, but nothing seems to get done.
Most of the potholes are due to poor road repairs by contractors, but I suppose that the local councils should have guys check the contractors workmanship along the way.
I must admit that this year in the Kirklees district of West Yorkshire,
we seem to be having road works come out of our ears. Indeed, the main Bradley to Barnsley road was closed for total resurfacing because of the potholes for at least two weeks, but they have repaired all the horrible potholes and the road is now a pleasure to drive on.
When Will Councils Resolve the Pothole Crisis? West Yorkshire and Our Halifax: A Glance Home Hello everyone! What’s the status? Now that I’ve got your attention, if you’ve ever driven through West Yorkshire, particularly here in Halifax, you’ll understand what I’m about to say about those blimmin’ potholes.
Sometimes it feels like driving on the moon, I swear. So what’s going on? Will local government ever be able to control the pothole crisis? Let’s get started, shall we?
The bane of West Yorkshire’s roads are potholes.
Like me, you’re tired of it all. You’re riding along one second, and then BAM! You’ve come upon a crater. Not only is it bothersome, but it also poses a risk to your safety and wrecks havoc on your car’s suspension. It’s also not an uncommon occurrence. It seems like there are potholes everywhere in West Yorkshire, especially around Halifax.
Councils, why the delay? Potholes Damage Tyres
Why then the delay? Choose between money, resources, or bureaucracy. Whatever the cause, it is nevertheless a truth that the problem persists. We pay our council tax and road tax, however the roads are still in disarray. Councils, hurry up! Make it right!
Are there any changes? Potholes Damage Tyres
The local councils are reportedly receiving additional funds to address the issue, according to rumours. At least it’s a beginning. Yet, it moves about as slowly as a snail hauling a bag of potatoes. There have been rumours, though, that these potholes are being filled using more effective techniques. Better materials, new equipment, and the like. Let’s hope they have an impact, huh?
A Salute to Halifax, Our Home
As a native of Halifax and owner of a garage company, I can now clearly see how this problem is having an effect. Due to these potholes, I have seen several customers arrive at my shop with wheel and suspension issues. If local authorities are listening, Halifax urgently needs your attention!
The Future Route
Overall, the pothole situation in West Yorkshire and Halifax leaves much to be desired, despite the fact that there are some glimmering signs of promise. The councils need to step up their game and begin tarmacing immediately.
In summary
There you have it, folks. We’re still waiting for the local government to effectively address the pothole situation. But hey, we’re British; aren’t we accustomed to waiting? We can only hope that the additional funds and innovative approaches will begin to make a difference in the issue.
Thank you for listening to my whine about our moon-like roads. Keep avoiding those craters, and you know where to find us if you require any repairs.
The effects of these potholes are that Potholes Damage Tyres,
including wheels and suspension. Especially the coil springs. There are many drivers now claiming pothole damage compensation. Putting claims into the local councils for pothole damage tyres
At one stage, we were having to fail a large percentage of MOT tests. Because of the broken springs due to potholes and speed bumps here in the Halifax area. This excellent article tells of some of the figures and costs relating to these holes in the road.
We are now in the year 2020! Potholes are still a problem all over the UK. Consequently, the government has thrown millions at the problem. However, potholes are still a major problem. Including on our high-speed motorways.
The EGR Valve and the Performance of Your Car: The Unsung Hero Under Your Bonnet
It’s not unusual if you’ve ever looked beneath the bonnet of your car and wondered what all those nuts and bolts do. The EGR valve is among the less flashy but very important components. I can see you now wondering, “EGR valve? Then what? With a little local flair for my fellow Haligonians, let me dissect it for you and explain why this tiny part is so important to the performance of your vehicle.
An EGR valve is what? For exhaust gas recirculation, see EGR. The emission control system in your car is mostly dependent on the EGR valve. Recirculating a part of your exhaust gases back into the engine’s intake is its primary function in lowering the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) released.
A vile contaminant, NOx, adds to smog and causes problems with air quality. As such, the EGR valve benefits the environment in addition to improving the performance of your vehicle.
What Performance Improvements Does the EGR Valve Offer? Cleaning your EGR Valve
How on earth could recirculating exhaust gases benefit your engine? You may be wondering. The inside story:
Temperature Control: The EGR valve helps to chill down the combustion chamber by recirculating some of the exhaust gases. In addition to lowering the chance of knocking—a kind of combustion issue that can harm the engine—this can save the engine from overheating.
Fuel Economy: An EGR valve that is functioning properly can improve your car’s fuel economy. You can save a few pounds on gasoline by having the engine burn fuel more efficiently when combustion temperatures are lowered.
Minimised Emissions: This is a major one, particularly in light of the UK’s drive for cleaner air. EGR valves lower emissions by lowering the quantity of NOx generated during combustion. The environment benefits as well as your car.
Warning Signs Your EGR Valve Is About to Die
Like every component in your vehicle, the EGR valve can become problematic with time. The following signs may suggest that a checkup is necessary:
Rough Idling: An EGR valve may be malfunctioning or clogged if your car shakes or vibrates more than normal while it’s idle. Poor Acceleration: A slow response when you press the accelerator may also be a sign of an EGR valve issue. Increasing Fuel Usage Realising you’re visiting the petrol station more frequently? Possibly the cause is an EGR valve that is broken. The check engine light This one should go without saying, but the EGR valve may be the reason that bothersome light comes on. Maintaining Your EGR Valve in Top Shape: The correct operation of your EGR valve depends on routine maintenance. Routine maintenance at your local garage (like ours in Halifax) might help identify problems before they become serious ones. Your car runs smoother, cleaner, and more efficiently if its EGR valve is clean and working.
A Tributary to Halifax History. Cleaning your EGR Valve
As we’re talking about cars and regional charm, did you know Halifax has a long history of invention and engineering? Halifax was once the centre of the textile and engineering industries; in fact, it is where the “cats eyes” were invented.
Not only at our neighbourhood garages but also in the way we embrace contemporary automotive technologies like the EGR valve to keep our engines clean and efficient, this innovative spirit persists today.
Certainly one of the unsung heroes of your car, the EGR valve isn’t the most flashy component.
It’s a little part with a big job—it controls the temperature of your engine, increases fuel economy, and lowers dangerous emissions. So remember the little EGR valve and its contribution to maintaining the cleanliness of both our air and your car the next time you’re in for a service.
Visit our Halifax garage if you believe your EGR valve is malfunctioning or if it has been some time since your last check-up. We will check your automobile over and ensure that everything is in excellent working order. A happy car is, after all, one that is kept up, and who doesn’t like a smooth drive through our stunning Yorkshire countryside?
Remember that a little care goes a long way and drive carefully. Cleaning your EGR Valve
With the advent of modern technology, many drivers now own their own vehicles. Thus, the emissions of these vehicles pose a threat of causing air pollution. Of course, there is nothing wrong with modern technology. Especially if it is beneficial to all of us. But if it causes air pollution,.
Because of the continuous increase in car emissions. Then this becomes a major problem. Because of this problem, automotive engineers have figured out a solution.Consequently, that is to integrate EGR valves (exhaust gas recirculation) into our cars.
The main function of the exhaust, or the EGR gas recirculation valve,. Hence, it is to reduce the oxidation of nitrogen. Subsequently, through the reduction of combustion temperature,. As a result, the combustion temperature will be reduced. Of course, when the EGR valves send the exhaust gas through the intake manifold,. Therefore and back into the cylinders.
With this important function that EGR valves do. Because of polluting gasses, it is really important that they come standard in vehicles.
There are two types of EGR valves that can are included in vehicles.
Cleaning your EGR Valve on a vehicle. Of course, the combustion temperature can be regulated. So it will not become too hot.Thus preventing the nitrogen from reacting with other compounds. With this important function,. As a result of what EGR valves do, it is really important that they come standard in vehicles. There are two types of basic EGR valves that can are included in vehicles.
With an EGR valve on a vehicle. So it will not become too hot. Thus preventing the nitrogen from reacting with other compounds. In other words, through the use of the EGR valve, it is possible to lower the combustion temperature to lower the amount of nitrous oxide produced. This process prohibits the formation of smog, which is a harmful threat to the environment.
I will always remember my time working at Kurt Neild Tyres in Leeds,
UK. This is where I learned most of my tyre and business skills. Neilds always employed the best-skilled staff to teach others how to carry out tyre repairs. Especially on the large earthmover tyres. Importantly, all types of tyre repair are very much the same. The only difference is the physical size of the tyre that is to be repaired. From the giant earthmover tyres to the regular car tyres,.
Hence, the basic repair materials are made from raw rubber products.
Especially the repairs when using the new “hot vulcanization machine” that I have just bought to improve our tyre repair service offered to customers. As the saying goes, “What comes around, goes Around” So this is what has happened recently ! So, as I have said, one of the services that we used to offer our customers was a car tyre vulcanising service.
Discerning customers had to buy a new tyre. Because of the rules regarding tyre repairs at that particular time. So, the tyre with the nail in the shoulder or sidewall could not be repaired. The image to the left shows exactly what i am referring to.
A vulcanizing machine was purchased. Nail in your Sidewall
Customers had to buy a new tyre if they had this type of damage to their tyre. Passionate about my business, I took the decision to buy a specialist tyre repair machine. Enabling us to repair this type of tyre damage. So we offer a more complete service to our tyre-buying customers. Of course, the largest tyre sizes at that time were the new 16 inch tyres. Indeed, these tyres were very expensive when they first came out. So, it was more economical to have your tyre repaired at a cost of, say, £29.90 than to pay £80 for a new tyre.
Subsequently, the 16 inch tyres became cheaper ! Nail in your Sidewall
So making the tyre vulcanizing less viable. Customers would opt for the new tyre. Rather than have a vulcanised repair. Eventually, it became less profitable, and we stopped offering the service. However, we did continue with the standard puncture repairs and, of course, still do so today.
So this is where “What Comes Around, Goes Around” applies to our business today. SUV cars and larger tyre sizes have now become commonplace. Resourceful customers with these large cars are now having to pay well over £100 for a new economy tyre. Significantly, tyre sizes go well over the 20-inch mark with high replacement costs.
Specialist tyre repair is back on the agenda ? Nail in your Sidewall
Tyre vulcanization is the process of adding fresh raw rubber to a damaged section of a tyre to generate a repair that will last for the remainder of the tyre’s road life. Your damaged tyre will be prepped, with fresh rubber moulded into the damaged region before being placed in a tyre vulcanizing machine to cook the raw rubber at a high temperature.
So, because of the expense of these large tyres, we have made a corporate decision. Of course. to buy a new tyre vulcanizing machine. Enabling us to repair customers tyres (safely and legally) with, say, a nail or screw in the sidewall or shoulder area of the tyre. So, the machine will bring the repaired area of the tyre up to the new tyre standard and also within the tyre laws.
A vulcanised repair will be half the cost of a new tyre and just as safe. This work can be carried out at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, UK. It often saves the customer time and money.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/tyre-with-a-nail-in-the-wall.jpg476476Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-05-16 07:39:122024-05-16 07:39:12Nail in your sidewall
I have a million things buzzing around my head. The main reason for this is the passing of my dear wife, Michelle. Michelle was an integral part of Pellon Autocentre here in Halifax, UK.
As a wife and a director, she was the one who had some forward thinking and pushed me into starting our first web site way back in the day. Michelle was the instigator of our first and last eBay store and ran the site until she fell ill with the dreaded MND, for which there is no chance of recovery.
I had to divorce myself from the everyday running of the business to become her main carer. Consequently, this lasted for two years.
Debbie Bastow and Ryan Linton, my two managers, ran my garage efficiently. However, when Michelle passed, it meant that we had to reassess our business strategy as we entered a new future without Michelle.
So we all put our heads together and came up with a strategy: how does one go about operating a modest garage business in the United Kingdom?
Ryan Linton an important member of my staff, is now a director
First, we looked at our strengths. Running a Small Garage in 2024
In this world of narrow margins and intense competition, each and every nut and bolt is significant. We knew that our online battery business was being squeezed from all angles. The actual servicing side and MOT testing were extremely busy and would have to take priority.
After giving the matter much thought, we decided to ditch the online sales of car batteries and concentrate on what we were best at.
As we looked ahead, we had to examine the challenges that small garage enterprises like ours encounter. Maintaining a foothold and achieving success in an industry that is constantly evolving due to new technologies and regulations can be likened to traversing the M62 on a hectic Friday afternoon.
Debbie Bastow is now the new company secretary
Challenges of a regulatory and environmental nature.
We decided to look at hidden costs that we may have overlooked in the past. This was the time for a complete rethinking of the way going forward. To begin, regulations. Constantly constricting, wouldn’t you say?
The regulations governing waste disposal and emission standards are increasingly stringent. Small garage businesses incur a significant financial burden in addition to the compliance requirement of staying abreast of these changes.
Our waste disposal costs had trebled in recent years and were the first thing we looked at. It was only a small thing, but they all add up in the long run. After looking into this, we halved the cost of our waste disposal.
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) serves as a noteworthy illustration. We have already had to pay for our senior staff to have training about health and safety when it comes to handling EV vehicles and their high voltages.
Investing in new technician training and installing costly new apparatus, such as EV charging stations and specialised tools, are required for this transition. Not precisely meagre in value!
I am, however, hoping that the UK government is having second thoughts about their EV strategy. Hybrid cars are beginning to become a more popular choice, thank goodness!
More importantly, the cost of heat and light has increased significantly. Although Ryan Linton took it upon himself to convert all our lighting to LED technology, our electric bills have still increased significantly. All these things should come naturally to business owners, but time flies when you are in a busy garage, and things are often overlooked.
Economic constraints put pressure on our customers. Running a Small Garage in 2024
It can be a double-edged sword, but while we are cutting our overheads, so are our customers, including the cost of running their cars. Considering the soaring cost of living and individuals increased fiscal restraint, discretionary expenditures on vehicle maintenance may be curtailed.
Drivers of cars may neglect that service or repair, thereby significantly exceeding the service dates on their vehicles. This not only has an impact on our financial performance but also has the potential to result in more significant and expensive issues for the client in the future.
Furthermore, it is crucial to consider the formidable competition posed by large franchise dealerships, which boast ostentatious offers and substantial marketing expenditures. Rivalries are difficult for smaller organisations to contend with.
However, this has always been a problem in my 45 years of being a garage owner. Franchises and other national fast-food companies will always have a market share. So I have always kept a sharp eye on any developments that may affect my garage business.
Technological Progressions
The impact of technology is dual-edged. One advantage is that it provides exceptional instruments that can enhance diagnostics and efficiency. However, maintaining the most recent technological advancements can incur significant costs.
Although diagnostic equipment, management software, and online booking systems are commendable, they can be prohibitively expensive for a small business to acquire up front. However, I feel that such technology is important for our future and for growth.
Furthermore, with the increasing integration of computer systems into vehicles, the intricacy of repairs escalates, posing a potential obstacle for conventional, older garages. I have always emphasised that a good POS system (point of sale) is imperative. Customers love the fact that all their car information and history is at our fingertips, should they want to see it. We are a 90% retail business, so it is important that we give our customers a quick and clean service when times are busy and customers may be waiting to pay their bills.
Skilled labour deficit. Running a Small Garage in 2024
Currently, locating proficient mechanics is comparable in difficulty to securing a secluded area on Blackpool shore during a sunny bank holiday. There is a severe shortage of competent professionals in the industry. Possibly as a result of the academic emphasis or the perception that automotive careers are less desirable, there is a decline in the number of young people entering the industry. This results in a reduced number of apprentices and significant concern regarding the succession of our experienced personnel.
Local Market Instability
As in many other regions of the United Kingdom, local market dynamics are significant in Halifax. Due to the region’s rich industrial heritage and robust sense of community, small enterprises are well-positioned to capitalise on their local expertise and connections. We must treat our customers fairly and honestly if we want their repeat business.
However, local infrastructure changes and economic fluctuations are also distinct obstacles that can have an impact on consumer behaviour and the viability of our businesses.
This, of course, will work to your advantage. For instance, a local brewery in north Halifax was closed and demolished. Fortunately for us, it is soon to be replaced by hundreds of new homes. This, of course, was to our advantage: a new batch of possible retail customers passing our garage as they go about their daily business. However, new road schemes and ring roads can have the opposite effect and cut traffic volumes.
A View Looking Forward with some optimism. Running a Small Garage in 2024
Consequently, what lies ahead? Overcoming and adapting are key concepts. Well, going forward, we will have three more staff members, so that’s going to be a big plus on the salary side of our accounts.
Developing our expertise, adopting emerging technologies, and, arguably most significantly, preserving the superior customer service that distinguishes us from the competition. Ultimately, it is our credibility and intimate approach that foster customer loyalty. There is no doubt in my mind that our staff must be the best trained in all aspects of the business.
Happy, smiling faces help us keep our customers, along with fair pricing and great customer service.
In addition to servicing vehicles, small garage enterprises prioritise their role as contributing members of the local community. By maintaining local allure, remaining informed, and being proactive, we can confront these challenges directly. It is imperative that we ensure our businesses remain as resilient as the automobiles we repair by navigating these challenges head-on. Therefore, prepare to have an exciting journey—roll up your sleeves.
Pellon Autocentre will be starting from a new platform and I am sure that Michelle will be watching down on us and pleased with what she sees.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpg00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-05-14 08:35:592024-07-03 06:59:40Running a Small Garage in 2024
The car in the picture needs more than shock absorbers
Cheap Shock absorbers tend swing in and out of fashion? About twenty years it was all the rage to have your shocks checked out and replace, much the
same as wheel alignment is today. All the large equipment manufacturers were making machines to enable garages to check the shock on cars that were in for a menu car service.
So the role of the cars shock absorber. Shock Absorbers Update
is to keep the car’s tyres in constant contact with the road. Giving the car optimum grip. Of course, when the car is cornering and braking,.
Shock absorbers are part of the cars springs suspension. So if the shocks are worn, the vehicle’s ride and comfort are compromised, and you will get the feeling of drifting. Especially when cornering and general insecurity when driving.
I remember visiting a motor equipment show in London; I think it was in Earls Court. One of the companies exhibiting at the time was SUN Garage Equipment. Subsequently, SUN were a well-known Garage Equipment Suppliers, well established company and had on display a wonderful looking shock absorbers testing machine.
I asked for a demonstration and was very impressed with it. Shock Absorbers Update
The machine functioned by the car driving onto plates and shaking one axle at a time with an electric motor-driven shaker. The machine then printed out a sort of impression of how the shockabsorbers performed, If the lines were close together and tight-looking, then the Car Shock Absorbers were alright.
But if they were sort of wobbly and not consistent, then the shocks would wear out and need replacing Shock Absorber Replacement was a lucrative business for us The Sun machine was very accurate and popular amongst our customers.
Shock Absorbers Update
In those days, we used a few different makes. Shock Absorbers Update
but we became impressed with a brand called Monroe Shock Absorbers and tended to stick to this brand for the quality, and we also had a good deal of interest in the local factor, which helped in our decision to fit them.
I was most impressed with this machine, as it gave a print out and a visual aid to the customer. It was only a matter of days before I ordered one and had it delivered and installed. What a great asset this proved to be. I believe thatVOSA the UK MOT governing body, are considering a similar thing, with vibrating plates to test the shock absorbers
Eric Roberts says that with modern steering and braking, they are becoming more accurate. Then wheel alignment is becoming more and more crucial. Hence, for the correct handling of your car,.
As a result, it takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle. Which is why proper four-wheel alignment should be carried out on your car. Simply put, all of the combined components of your steering mechanism that help your vehicle keep in a straight line are only corrected by having a wheel alignment.
Why is four-wheel alignment in Halifax important?
Improper wheel alignment can effect driving performance as well as cost you money. Total four-wheel alignment sets all four wheels straight ahead. Including your steering wheel. The steering wheel gives you the first sign of out-of-alignment steering geometry. The first sign to the customer is that the car pulls to the left or right.
Four Wheel Alignment Halifax
Whilst driving, your vehicles steering can also cause a feeling of looseness or wandering. All of these signs can be corrected with a total alignment check. When corrected, your steering geometry will be corrected to the car manufacturer’s specifications. Of course, when the alignment is corrected, you will feel good again. Steering correctly and pulling to the left or right.
Another of the signs of wheel misalignment is uneven or excessive tyre wear. Therefore, if your vehicle is not aligned properly, your tyres can show premature wear. Usually on the inside or outside of your tyres tread area. This is because your car is not driving in a correct straight line. Hence, your tyres are sort of being dragged against their will. Thus, causing to wear off on the tread edges.
So, by having your vehicle aligned properly,
. It corrects any rolling resistance that affects your tyres. Another fact worth looking at is that when your wheels are out of alignment,. Then the tyres are causing resistance between the car and the road. Because of the dragging affect. Believe it or not, this means that your car engine is doing extra work to push the car along. This extra work then increases the amount of fuel that the car needs.
Having your cars wheel alignment correctly set up will help you drive more safely. Of course, you will not be consistently battling against your steering wheel to keep the car in a straight line.
Four Wheel Alignment Halifax: recommended
Simply put, your front wheels “steer” or drive the vehicle while the rear wheels “direct” the vehicle. Four-wheel alignment solves handling problems by referencing all four wheels to a common centre line. As a result of, say, an accident in the car, it is more likely or not that the cars alignment will need correcting. Also, hitting one of our millions of potholes will knock out your alignment.
It takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle
which is why proper wheel alignment is important. Simply put, all of components that make your vehicle go straight are called alignment. As I have said, a sizable pothole can bump your suspension out. Subsequently, of the precisely calculated set of measurements,. That is required to dictate proper wheel alignment.
When you have new tyres fitted, spend a little more to make sure that the alignment on your car is correct. This way, you will enjoy trouble-free driving. Without battling against your cars steering wheel.
Roadwork causing Broken Spring Problems to many cars, including many broken springs
WAFF
EricRoberts‘s insight:
Broken springs are a problem
As to damaging your car’s tyres. So potholes are notorious. Including, ruining the alignment of your wheels. Of course, as well as the suspension and undercarriage of the vehicle. Therefore,when the car’s alignment is affected. Perhaps most serious but often the most overlooked problem. Hence,is that your steering wheel wont be straight.
Importantly, this can cause your car to veer off to the side. naturally when you are driving. Thus, left untreated this can become a potentially damaging problem.
Potholes are bad news for motorists everywhere. Increasing the chances of hitting a pothole and having your tyres damaged. Hence is significantly high.
After the terrible winter we have just had,. Then it is important that drivers are on constant lookout. Especially for potentially dangerous potholes when out driving. As a result, some of the potholes. Arare a result of the terrible winter weather.
Literally tearing people’s car tyres to pieces when driving over them. Especially on those dark winter nights.
A broken spring problem caused by huge pothole. Broken Spring Problem
Potholes are impossible to see. It is estimated that in Britain the price of repairing all the potholes on the roads is in the region of ₤ 10 million and will take around ten years to repair every single one.
If you come across a particularly big pothole. That you believe is going to cause your car suspension including the springs and tyres some serious damage. Then the best course of action is to avoid them as best you can. If this is not an option drive over the potholes at a very slow speed, this should minimise the impact of hitting one.
There are some things though that people need to be made aware of when it comes to potholes. Including, the damage that they inflict upon a car’s tyres. Are you aware that you are not liable for the pothole damage to your car? Drivers can claim for damages caused by a pothole. Just send them the proof from a photo or an image from your cellphone.
If you are planning on travelling around Great Britain. So and would like to check what the roads . Especially, in the areas you are going to be driving. Then there are many websites that have been set up to inform you. Many even have maps. Hence,to let you know where potholes are. Simply search for this kind of information on Google.
Because, you are bound to find a number of these websites.
The broken Problem could be anywhere in the world
The problem of roadworks appears to be World wide. This article by WAFF is about the roads in the USA, but we have just the same problem here in
the UK. These roads with there ditches and potholes are not doing the cars suspension any good at all.
We seam to have half the roads in Yorkshire dug up at the moment ( probably getting ready for the Tour De France cycle race). The main problem for my garage at the moment is a broken wheel alignment in Halifax being knocked out of position. These roads also have other premature steering problems, such as worn-out ball-joints. All MOT test failures.
Mechanics said you should have your car alignment checked every year, but if you drive through a roadwork zone often or hit a big pothole, you should have it checked as soon as possible.
The main problem to me. Is when the authorities repair a road they do not fill back the hole correctly. Of course, in a week or two, holes appear in the road. Thus, causing the surface to break up and later more pot holes spring up.
Most motorists do not know that they have a Broken Spring Problem
Of course, until their car has an MOT test and it fails the test, they will not knowing that if they knew where the hole in the road was, then they could have taken a photo and claimed for the damage caused from the local council.
I suppose I should not be complaining as long as we get some of the work in our garage ?
Moving forward to 2019, then things have not really improved ! So, the old problems of potholes and motorists buying part worn tyres have not gone away. Significantly, it appears that the dreaded pot holes are affecting even our motorways. These days, I drive many miles delivering our battery products all over the UK.
As a result, the majority of motorways have these holes. Broken Spring Problem
which are primarily on the white lines where the carriageway divides.Some roads in Scotland are badly affected. So, I suppose these roads are extremely busy ! However, is there no excuse not to repair the holes to make driving much safer ?
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/car-suspension-only.jpg300400Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-05-06 19:39:022024-05-08 09:52:48Broken Spring Problem
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