Frightening to think about what is going to happen when the new idea “Smart Motorways” take off! Many people don’t yet know this, but the new idea is this; when you use the new Smart Motorway and your vehicle develops a fault that causes your vehicle to loose power and stops running.
Consequently, you the driver is then expected to slow down to a stop in whichever lane you are in. Accordingly, you will not be required to try and move over to the hard shoulder. So, it will not be there anymore, you simply stop in whichever lane your vehicle breaks down in.
The European Union is spending €4.5 million on an experiment to turn waste car tyres into an elastic material that can be put on road surfaces, particularly motorways, to reduce traffic noise. This experiment has, so far, hardly scratched the…
This idea is not new, but if implemented, it would use great amounts of our waste tyres.
Waste car tyre may be a problem of the future?
It could be possible that the waste car tyres problem is resolved in our lifetimes, (I hope). I reported that waste tyre crumbs were being mixed with tarmac to improve the noise levels of the road surface as well as helping with general waste tyres problem.
Now we have some good news coming out of a European Union funded project called “PERSUADE”. The project kicked off in September 2009, and looks to me as though it is a different of substance to the mixture of tarmac with the rubber crumbs.
The new type of material
that is made from waste car tyres is being tested for its compatibility with other road surfaces such as tarmac and concrete, in a bid to reduce road noise. The new type of road material was invented in Sweden as far back as the 1970’s and is made of waste car tyres, that are shredded into granules, which are then covered with a synthetic resin, this is then mixed with stone chippings and chemicals that help the final product give a suitable grip to the traffic that drive on the surface.
The difference between this and normal tarmac as we know it ,is the fact that the mix does not contain bitumen, the Bitumen Products as we know comes from oil and oil waste and is not environmentally friendly more reading… eurobitume.eu
Persuade were given a budget of 4.5 Million Euros
Of course ,which includes many different countries and work by several universities. So, as well as companies with similar interests to the project.
I must admit that this project came as a surprise to me. Surprisingly, I did not realise that such projects were in operation. I have to admit that I am pleasantly surprised! Of course, that one day the tyre industry will not have to pay for tyre removal . Meaning that old tyres will be of good use.
After several test tracks.
Consequently, a full scale one was built in three EU countries Poland, Belgium and Sweden. These were built with an up to date mixture of the waste car tyres and other ingredients.
This was in 2014! So, up to now has proved successful with favorable road noise results, but the trials will be ongoing and take into account the winter performance, skid resistance, durability and of course the road noise.
I know that other people in the tyre industry will be very pleased and even excited about these events, and I hope that the news will be as pleasing to them as it was to me, for more information about persuade… http://persuade.fehrl.org/
As an update i have found out that the rubber and asphalt mix is approved and used in Canada .
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/scrap-tyres-awaiting-collection.jpg476476Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2025-03-06 18:39:142025-03-06 18:39:14Waste car Tyres are being looked at
A Lincolnshire tyre retailer faces up to 12 months in prison. Including, along with a £20,000 fine. So, after being found guilty of supplying unsafe part worn car tyres to the public.
Good news for the battle against dodgy traders. Selling these unsafe tyre products to unsuspecting but gullible public.
This is one of my pet hates. The fact that people are allowed to sell these illegal part worn tyres. Of course, and get away with it, (well some of them). This is not the first time that the part worn tyre problem has come to haunt the industry. It last raised its ugly head in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.
There was a huge outcry from within the tyre industry. Consequently, which eventually led to the Government setting certain standards. Of course, that would allow part worn tyres to be sold legally. These are listed below courtesy of tyresafe.org.
Under The Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg.7.) part of the Consumer Protection Act, it is an offense for anyone to sell Part Worn Tyres UK that do not meet the following principal requirements:
1- The structural integrity must not be compromised. It should be free of large cuts, any bulges or lumps both internally and externally. No plies or cords should be exposed.
2- Tyres must have passed an inflation test prior to sale.
3- The original grooves must still be clearly visible in their entirety and must be to a depth of at least 2mm across the full breadth of the tread, around its entire circumference.
4- Part worn tyres which have not been retreaded must clearly show the relevant ‘E’ mark alongside which ‘PART-WORN’ must be permanently and legibly applied in letters at least 4 mm high. These words cannot be hot branded or cut into the tyre.
5- Part-worn tyres that have been retreaded must have one of the following:
BS AU 144b, 144c, 144d, or 144e markings on the side wall (if first supplied as a retread on or before 31 December 2003 an ECE approval mark (if first supplied as a retread on or after 1 January 2004)
A permanent mark to identify the original model and manufacturer. Part Worn tyres Guy Fined
So, the word ‘RETREAD’ moulded onto or into its sidewall (in upper case letters at least 4 mm high) and further markings in accordance with ECE rules. You may need to seek further advice as to which rules apply
The indication ‘PART WORN‘ must also appear next to the BS or ECE approval mark, or next to the word ‘RETREAD’
For tyres marked BS AU 144e, a speed category symbol and load capacity marking should be present.
A tyre has to comply with all these requirements whether or not it is fitted to a rim.
These rules (laws) were brought out to try and make re-used old ones safer when sold to the unsuspecting public. After a few years things appeared to level off and the industry thought that things had calmed down.
Part-worn tyres raise their ugly heads again. Part Worn tyres Guy Fined
Then came yet another recession! So, the tyre industry began to suffer once again. Importantly, with the rise again of the illegal waste tyre trader. Small bucket shops began to open up all over the country. Selling any old tyre rubbish as Part Worn tyres. I thought that there would be no way that the public would buy from such places, but I was wrong?
Not only was I wrong but these tyres were being sold with total disregard for the 1994 regulations, it is as though they never existed? Many trade bodies have been lobbying our government and people like me have been venting our frustration at the way that these tyres have been openly sold without any regard to safety or the 1994 regulations.
My main concern is purely the safety aspects for the thousands of motorists that buy these things, not knowing there condition or where they came from. It is good, however, that some trading standards department are once again raiding the premises of these people and prosecuting them for their actions. This is also occurring in the USA, The whole world is finally opening their eyes to the vast safety problem associated with these part worn accidents waiting to happen.
What Causes Steel Wires to Protrude Through Tyres? The Unspoken Risk of Degraded Rubber
Despite being one of the most crucial safety features on any car, many drivers ignore their tyres—until something goes wrong. At **Pellon Tyres**, one of the most concerning things we occasionally witness is a customer driving in with tyres so worn out that the **steel wires inside the tyre are peeking through**.
This is extremely risky and might lead to a **catastrophic blowout** if ignored. However, what is the real cause of this? And why, exactly, do steel wires appear in contemporary tyres? Let’s examine it more closely.
Why Are Steel Wires Inside Tyres? Steel-belted Radials
There are layers of **steel wires embedded inside the rubber** in modern tyres, which are known as **steel-belted radial tyres**. By strengthening the tire, these steel belts help it keep its form, withstand punctures, and last longer.
Prior to steel belts, earlier tires were constructed with **cross-ply (bias-ply) construction**, which involved crisscrossing layers of fabric to add strength. However, they made cars feel unsteady at greater speeds, were less stable, and tended to wear out quickly. The industry underwent a revolution when **steel-belted radial tyres** were introduced, enhancing handling, safety, and fuel efficiency.
A Brief Overview of Radial Tyres with Steel Belts- Steel-belted Radials
The first steel-belted radial tyres were created in France by Michelin in **1946**. The French swiftly adopted the new radial technology, while the rest of the world stuck with bias-ply tyres. The advantages were obvious: **radial tyres provided better grip, increased fuel efficiency, and lasted longer**.
Steel-belted radials had become popular among European and Japanese manufacturers by the 1960s. The transition was slower in America, though, mostly because large tyre manufacturers were reluctant to give up their traditional production techniques. Radial tyres **improved fuel economy by lowering rolling resistance**, but they weren’t widely adopted until the oil crisis in the **1970s**.
Nowadays, practically all tires on the road are **steel-belted radials**, demonstrating how durable and successful this design has been.
Steel-belted Radials
What Leads to Steel Wires Visible Through a Tyre? Steel-belted Radials
Although they strengthen tires, steel belts should **never be visible**! It indicates that the tyre is **totally worn out** or damaged if the wires are visible. These are the most typical reasons:
The outer rubber layers of a tire will gradually **grind away**, revealing the steel belts underlying, if the tire is pushed for an extended period of time after the tread has worn down. – In actuality, tyres should be replaced before they reach the legally required minimum tread depth of **1.6mm**. They should **never** be driven below that amount.
2. Under-Inflation—There is excessive wear on the edges** of the tread when driving with low tyre pressure. – The steel belts, which are often found on the tyre’s outer edges, become visible when the rubber wears off more quickly.
3. Excessive inflation—Steel wires protrude in the middle of the tyre due to **severe wear in the centre of the tread** caused by excessive air pressure. Regularly checking tyre pressure and adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested settings are essential.
4. Wheel Alignment Issues—One side of the tire may deteriorate significantly more quickly than the others, exposing the steel. – This problem can be avoided with a quick **wheel alignment check**.
5. Hard Driving and Burnouts—Aggressive driving techniques, such as strong cornering, abrupt braking, and burnouts, or high-performance vehicles, can quickly wear tires down to the steel belts. – Owners of sports cars should pay special attention to tyre wear because strong vehicles place **a lot of stress** on the rubber.
6. Driving on a Flat Tyre—When a tyre is **completely flat**, the sidewall may rupture, and steel wires may become visible. – Never drive on a flat tyre; have it fixed or changed right away.
7. Low-cost or part-worn tyres—Some low-cost tyres **have less tread depth or wear resistance**, which means they might deteriorate to the steel belts considerably more quickly. – Cheap tyres may seem like a good deal, but their rapid wear and tear might jeopardise safety.
What Takes Place If You Continue to Drive on a Tyre with Steel Wires Visible? Steel-belted Radials
You should **stop driving immediately** if you observe steel wires passing through a tyre. Due to the tyre’s loss of structural integrity, it may:
Experience a total blowout at any time. Lose grip and make cornering and braking very risky. Inflict harm on your wheels, suspension, or steering parts.
The significance of **regular tyre checks** is something we continually emphasise at **Pellon Tyres**. Replacing a tyre **before** it reaches this hazardous condition is far preferable to running the risk of an accident.
Concluding Remarks—Pay Attention to Your Tyres!
Though they are **the only thing keeping your car linked to the road**, tyres are frequently disregarded. It’s important to replace them right away if you see steel wires showing through, bald patches, or uneven wear.
If you are uncertain about the condition of your tyres, stop by **Pellon Tyres in Halifax** and let us check them for you. We also provide **free tyre inspections**. We’ll make sure you’re driving safely on the right tires for your car, whether you drive a high-performance sports car, a family SUV, or a small hatchback.
Be careful and **pay attention to your tyres!** 🚗💨
A near-miss at Pellon Tyres involving a Nissan GT-R sports car with dangerous tyres
An automobile that draws attention occasionally pulls into our garage. It was a gorgeous **Nissan GT-R** this time, a real beast of a vehicle that had stopped in for a routine tyre check. Or so the proprietor believed!
With a reputation for lightning-fast speed and incredibly precise handling, the GT-R is a serious piece of equipment. However, even the world’s greatest sports car is only as good as its **tyres**, and what we discovered was shocking.
Michelin Tyres For Nissan GT Sports
Steel Wires in Dangerous Tyres Are Revealed!
We soon discovered that two of the tyres were in **a very unsafe state** as we examined the vehicle. The steel wires inside were **poking through** because the rubber was so worn down! For a high-performance vehicle like the GT-R, where grip is crucial, this is a recipe for catastrophe.
When we pointed out the damage, the owner was shocked. Because sports cars like this **put a lot of stress on tyres** and deterioration can begin sooner than expected, he had likely been unaware of how bad they had gotten.
Michelin Tyres For Nissan GT Sports
Why Do Tires Get Damaged Like This?
A tyre may wear down to the steel belts for a few reasons:
1. Severe Under-Inflation:When tyres are regularly operated at low pressure, the outside edges deteriorate quickly, resulting in **exposed wires** in the sidewall area. 2. Over-Inflation—Conversely, excessively hard tyres may cause the tread’s centre to wear away too soon, leading to similar problems. 3. Aggressive Driving: Although a car such as the Nissan GT-R is built for speed, the rubber will be worn down far more quickly than it would be on a normal vehicle due to **hard acceleration, abrupt turning, and forceful braking**. 4. Incorrect Wheel Alignment: Uneven tyre wear results from improper alignment. This can occur even more quickly in a performance car because of the **high speeds and loads** applied to the tyres. 5. Track Days and Hard Use: Many owners of sports cars take their vehicles to the track for enjoyment, which is fantastic, but if they are not watched, it can **shred tyres in no time**.
In this instance, the tyres were destroyed by a combination of **aggressive driving and under-inflation**. We typically recommend routinely checking the pressures, especially on a car like this one, and the owner acknowledged that he hadn’t done so in a while.
Michelin Tyres For Nissan GT Sports
Putting on a New Pair of Michelin Tyres-
After removing the hazardous tires, we installed a brand-new pair of **Michelin high-performance tyres**. One of the best options for a vehicle like the GT-R is Michelin, which provides **excellent grip, durability, and handling—exactly what a vehicle with more horsepower** under the hood needs!
We provided the owner some sound advice on **regular pressure checks and tyre maintenance** after fitting, and we checked the alignment to make sure the new tyres would **wear evenly**.
Michelin Tyres For Nissan GT Sports
A Contented Client Leaving in Safety- Michelin Tyres For Nissan GT Sports
The owner drove off with **a big smile** when everything was resolved, and more significantly, with a car that was safe to drive. Knowing that we have contributed to the maintenance of a high-performance vehicle on the road is always gratifying.
If you drive a sports automobile, pay attention to your tires! For a free inspection, bring your vehicle to **Pellon Tyres in Halifax**. We’ll make sure your tyres are safe and suitable for the road, whether you drive a high-performance vehicle or a daily commuter.
So, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems” have been around for quite a while now. it was developed to compliment cars that were fitted with run flat tyres or cars that did not have a conventional type spar wheel and tyre.
When a run flat tyre loses pressure, there is no way of knowing so a special valve with a sender, was invented and when there is a loss of air pressure in the tyre the sensor in the tyre valve picks this up and sends a message to the cars computer which lights up a warning light in the cab and alerts the driver that something is wrong with one of his/hers tyres.
The idea is a simple one really,
but it is not that long ago that a driver would not go anywhere without his spare wheel? How things have changed. Now most cars are fitted with in cab warning technologies and it is very common for us to see on a daily basis.
There is however one thing that has cropped up, those drivers may not know. This is that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in susceptible to temperature changes. This is basic science, when the temperature rises then the air expands and when it cools down then the temperature lowers.
Monitoring Systems valves.
When the temperature drops on cold freezing night. Then so does the air pressure in your tyres. Pressures can drop as much as 10 psi on a really cold night. This can then trigger off your tyre pressure warning light in the car.
It may not happen to all cars! But it is worth noting that if this happens to you. So then you will know what has been happening on that cold dark winters night. In some cars the light will correct itself. Going back out as the air temperature rises. Subsequently, you could increase the air pressure in your tyres and this will stop this happening.
The second temperature related part is the way a summer tyre acts when they get cold too!
TPMS and summer tyres in the cold
This temperature issue is probably a little bit better known, but here goes. Summer car tyres and winter car tyres. Importantly, have different chemical compositions in their tyre compounds. The main difference is the addition of “silica” compounds. Into the mix that makes the winter tyres.
The different compounds are there to give different characteristics to the tyres in different weather conditions and heat and cold. Summer’s will get much stiffer and harder in cold weather, making the tyre more difficult to handle when braking and cornering. This change in character starts to come in when the temperature gets below 7 degrees.
Winter tyres remain flexible in the cold-Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
The winter tyres with their different compounds will remain flexible and pliable in colder weather and this combined with a tread design that has been developed to dissipate water, slush and snow, makes the winters the perfect fitment for your car from November to march here in the Northern hemisphere.
If you are looking for a set of tyres for your car at this time of year then I would strongly advise fitting winter tyres, they have been proven time and time again to be the safest option for your car and your family.
As an update then the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have increased to nearly all car makes and models. So, the importance of tyre pressure to save fuel and emissions cannot be under estimated! So, moving on a few years since I first wrote this post then a few things have happened! Firstly, as reputable tyre dealers then we have to keep a large stock of electronic valves to replace old ones that break or just need replacing.
Going forward we are finding that most problems are caused by seized up metal valve caps. So use plastic valve caps where possible. Importantly, when the warning light comes on please check out the tyre and the tyre pressures ?
Best tyre pressure monitoring systems, Tyre pressure monitoring systems reviews, Tyre pressure monitoring systems cost, tyre pressure monitoring system warning light.
Pellon Tyres in Halifax Installs New Pirelli P7 Tyres on a BMW X3
From little city automobiles to luxurious 4x4s, we see a wide variety of vehicles pass through our garage doors at **Pellon Tyres in Halifax**. A **BMW X3** that came in for a pair of **Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres** was one of our most recent projects; it’s a good option for a high-end SUV like this.
Let’s quickly examine what makes the **BMW X3** such a well-acclaimed car and explore why the **Pirelli P7** is an excellent tyre for the job.
BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
The Task: Installing Pirelli P7 on a BMW X3
The client had noticed a decrease in handling and grip, especially when the weather was wet. Instead of waiting for the situation to worsen, they made the decision to replace their **front tyres** since they were beginning to exhibit wear. Well done!
We suggested the **Pirelli Cinturato P7** after a brief examination since it is a **perfect match for the BMW X3** and offers a blend of **performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency**. We made sure the pressures were perfect, installed the new tyres and performed a **wheel balance check**. With more grip and a much smoother ride, the change was **instantaneous**.
BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
The Pirelli Cinturato P7: A Tyre Designed for Comfort and Performance
A great option for cars like the **BMW X3**, the **Pirelli P7** is a high-end tyre made for **high-performance saloons and SUVs**. This is why it is unique:
1. Outstanding Grip in Both Wet and Dry Conditions The P7 offers **excellent traction in all conditions** because to Pirelli’s sophisticated tire compound and refined tread pattern. This tire stands up nicely on both dry summer roads and Halifax’s typical **wet and windy weather**.
2. Decreased Resistance to Rolling The P7’s **fuel efficiency** is one of its main selling factors. With today’s gasoline prices, we may all benefit from the tread design’s ability to lower rolling resistance and improve miles per gallon!
3. Comfort and Low Noise – On lengthy travels, no one wants to listen to the constant din of the road. A quieter and more comfortable ride is the result of the P7’s design to **reduce cabin noise**.
4. Longevity – Pirelli designed this tyre to **wear evenly**, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for early replacements. Good news for everyone looking to save money!
The **Pirelli P7 is a great option for SUV owners** who desire **performance, safety, and durability** in one package because of these attributes.
The BMW X3 is a high-end SUV that is located in Halifax.-BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
Since its launch in **2003**, SUV drivers have been choosing the **BMW X3**. It’s one of those vehicles that looks as nice parked outside a posh hotel as it does navigating the twisting country roads of **West Yorkshire**, combining **luxury, utility, and performance**.
Among the X3’s notable characteristics are:
The X3 is a fantastic choice for drivers who seek performance without sacrificing practicality because it drives like a fast saloon**, in contrast to many SUVs that feel heavy and slow. BMW’s xDrive system provides the X3 with exceptional traction in all weather thanks to its **xDrive All-Wheel Drive**. The **X3 stays planted** whether it’s a rainy run along the M62 or a chilly Halifax morning. BMW is renowned for its luxurious interiors, and the X3 is no different. Comfortable seating, a user-friendly dashboard, and plush materials make it a **pleasure to drive**. PowerfulEngines – Thee X3 has a variety of engines to fit all kinds of drivers, from strong petrol engines to economical diesels. For improved fuel efficiency, the more recent versions even come equipped with hybrid technology.
With its practicality, style, and ability to perform well in the frequently unpredictable Yorkshire weather, it’s simple to understand why **Halifax drivers enjoy the BMW X3**. To get the most performance out of it, though, it requires **quality tyres**, which is where the **Pirelli P7** comes in.
The Value of Selecting the Correct Tyres-BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
Many drivers don’t realise how much of a difference excellent tyres make. Having the proper tyres may **transform** your driving experience, regardless of whether you drive a Range Rover, Audi Q5, or BMW X3.
Even wear equals greater value for money. **A smoother ride makes every travel more comfortable.** – **Greater grip means safer handling.** – **Lower rolling resistance saves fuel.**
Don’t wait until yourtyress are **beginning to wear** before they become a safety concern. We have a variety of **premium and cheap tyres** in stock at **Pellon Tyres in Halifax** to meet every demand. We can provide you with a more cost-effective option or high-end performance like the **Pirelli P7**.
Concluding Remarks: BMW X3 + Pirelli P7 = A Successful Pair-BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
With a brand-new set of Pirelli P7 tyres, this **BMW X3** departed our garage, providing the customer with **greater grip, better efficiency, and a smoother ride**. They were satisfied when they departed, and we were thrilled to restore another fantastic car to its peak condition.
Visit **Pellon Tyres** if you’re in **Halifax or the nearby areas** and require **new tyres, wheel balancing, or a check-up**; we’re always pleased to assist!
Michelin’s call their tyre the ZP, or Michelin Zero Pressure.
This, of course, refers to the fact that when the run-flat tyre deflates, it will carry on running with zero air in the tyre. This is exactly what the run-flat does. Because of the much stronger
side walls, the tyre will not deviate from its course. The driver is warned about the deflation from inside the car by the TPMS system (tyre pressure monitoring system).
Let’s face it, our roads are probably the busiest in Europe. Consequently, nobody enjoys having to change a wheel at the side of the road. In fact, they now warn us to stay well away from the car.
Preferably at the top of the embankment. Importantly, while the recovery truck turns up! Because of the many accidents caused by broken-down vehicles. Of course, other vehicles will lose focus and crash into them from behind.
With the Michelin Zero Pressure run-flat technology fitted to your car,. Then this will be avoided. These tyres will lose pressure from a nail or a screw penetration. But your car will keep a straight line, and you will be able to drive home. Albeit at a reduced speed of 50 mph, the tyre will let you travel 50 miles. Naturally, this should be enough to get you out of trouble and have the tyre changed
Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres: Can you mix run-flat tyres with normal radial tyres?
Michelin recommends that you never mix a Michelin Zero Pressure run-flat tyre with a non-run-flat normal radial tyre. The only exception to this rule is if you were stranded in the middle of nowhere. With the only tyre depot for miles around, you could only get a normal tyre. Subsequently, this would be acceptable as a last resort; get you home step, and the tyre must be changed back to a run-flat as soon as possible.
The Michelin Zero Pressure run-flats have completely different sidewalls; they are made of much thicker materials and are known as “self-supporting tyres,” or SST’s. They have two other identification markings on the sidewalls. 1: ZP allows you to drive at 50 mph for speeds up 50 mph (most of the M1 motorway at the moment) 2: ZP SR allows you to drive for 20 miles at 50 mph
Michelin Zero Pressure offer the same ride capabilities as a normal radial tyre- Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres
The first time I drove a BMW Mini that was equipped with run-flat tyres I thought I was in an old truck going down a cobble road. The ride was horrendous, and my staff, who regularly test drive cars, say that this is a common thing. The ride is very hard because the sidewalls are so thick and reinforced. Michelin claims that their zero-pressure tyres are not the same and give just as good a ride as their normal radial tyres.
Although I have not tried out a car fitted with Michelin Zero Pressure, this has got to be a step in the right direction, and I will try out these tyres as soon as possible to quantify their claims. However, some fleet companies are now looking at the Michelin because of the more comfortable ride and improved fuel consumption. These tyres have been tested by fleet company Alphabet’s Operational Services Manager, Andy Williams, He explained: “The comfort compromise everyone used to associate with run-flats has disappeared with the latest technology of tyres.
I have tried Michelin’s new Zero Pressure (ZP) range- Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres
Trust me, you can’t tell the difference from standard tyres. Yes, there have been critics ofrun-flat tyres in the past, but Michelin has answered all of them. It is high time fleet managers started to embrace the new technology, as it has so much to offer.
The combination of a smooth ride and increased safety is something they just can’t afford to ignore. The fact that a tyre keeps its shape when it loses pressure could be life-saving in the event of a tyre blow-out.” As I stated earlier, this means that the fleet car user can now safely drive the vehicle to a tyre centre or garage and have the tyre replaced.
This will help to reduce downtime
caused in the past by the driver calling out the emergency services because they are not able to change the wheel themselves or the car is stranded in a dangerous place.
For the private drivers who are fitted out with run-flat tyres it would be well worth trying out these new Michelin Zero Pressure tyres because of the better and less harsh ride that is associated with the other run-flat makes of tyres.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We also sell Michelin Zero Pressure Tyres online.
These are very alarming figures 22%, almost a quarter of the driving public, are buying these part worn tyres
But I am now thinking differently about the problem. In my opinion, the Part Worn Tyres market has increased due to the financial crisis and a lot of young families are having to make
huge economic changes in their household budgets, but they regard their car as a sanctity, a necessity, and they will keep it running at whatever cost, even if it means running the car without insurance or road tax.
This is also where part-worn tyres come into it. If it means keeping the car running, then they will pay, say, £20 for a worn tyre. I do not think that they care about its condition; all I can say is that they must trust the person that they are buying from, as long as it gets them about and they can keep their car running.
It is the tyre industry that should make sure that the tyres that these people are using are in fact safe to use and come under the Part Worn Tyres law (under the Motor Vehicle Tyres (Safety) Regulations 1994 (reg. 7) part of the Consumer Protection Act) that we have here in the UK and probably other countries too.
17% of drivers would also keep buying part worn tyres.
In my opinion, the economic crisis has hit us all to the extent that we will probably never recover again. The retail market has changed considerably over the past years, with consumers having to make huge cuts in their spending habits. This includes everybody, and I have to admit that includes my family. We are changing our shopping habits, and the companies that are making changes to cope with the lack of consumer spending are becoming the winners.
Starting at the top of the chain, families are now shopping on a daily or twice-weekly basis. Here in the UK, the winners are becoming the smaller chains such as Lidl and Aldi, who are pushing the huge supermarket customers into second place, primarily because of the changing shopping habits of the consumers. We also have cheaper clothing retailers who are doing well in this climate; stores such as Primark are sweeping the floor with much cheaper clothing than the high-street stores, who are suffering from the general downsizing of consumers.
In my opinion, this is also the same problem that is affecting the tyre market at the moment.
Drivers at the lower end of the economic scale are forced to buy part-worn tyres to keep their cars on the road. According to the recent survey, 17% of these drivers would also consider a repeat purchase of part worn tyres, which could mean that these people are taken out of the new car tyre market altogether. There has always been a slice of the tyre market that has bought second hand tyres, but this time the increase is quite significant and is effecting many of the smaller tyre retailers up and down the country.
Fighting back with cheap budget tyres
One of the knock-on effects of this gap in the market is the price deflation of budget tyre brands. My own business has seen a sharp increase in the cheap new tyre market. The manufacturers that are suffering are in the mid-range tyre market, and the leading companies appear to be holding their own, we are still getting our customers asking for their favourite brands. These are usually the older drivers that are known as the “Silvers,” and that includes me?
These are the drivers that will stick to Michelin and Dunlop and can still afford to pay the price for them.
I am only forming my opinion on the facts that are affecting my tyre business here in Halifax Yorkshire UK. But asking about and travelling around has opened my eyes to the fact that the number of part-worn tyre bucket shops that have opened up in the last few years has quadrupled. The increase in these operations has opened my eyes to the extent of our industry-wide problem. We seem to be more at the battle front in the poorer northern towns, especially the ones with a large immigrant population, such as Halifax.
Part worn tyres are also affecting the large companies
This problem probably multiplies the more depots that you own , so huge tyre companies such as kwik-Fit must be pulling their hair out, in fact This recent survey was financed by Kwik-Fit, and its findings were released to the rest of the industry. Roger Griggs of Kwik-Fit said…
“This research highlights the problems that British drivers have experienced with part worn tyres. Many of the second hand tyres sold in the UK are brought in from Europe by the container-load, having been taken off cars across the Channel. Motorists considering a part worn tyre should perhaps ask why a tyre that is no longer good enough for a Dutch, German or Danish driver would be good enough for them.
‘We recognise that drivers are keen to keep their motoring costs low, and we work hard to provide products and services to help them do that. There comes a point where cutting costs can compromise safety and this is especially true with tyres. After all, these are the only thing connecting a car with the road, so we urge drivers to consider whether they really need to opt for the unknown quality of second hand tyres.”
My problem with part worn tyres is the number of tyres that were found to be failing due to the damage that was already present
Of course, when the tyres were fitted to the new customer’s car,. This is due to the fact that tyres that are sold are not sold legally. Here in the UK, we have a set of rules that state that part worn tyres should be tested for any faults, damage, or objects in the tyres, and the tyres should be checked while under pressure. Then, after the tyre is checked and found to OK, a special patch should be stuck (vulcanised) to the tyre with the name of the company or tester displayed on the tyre.
I now know that the effect of part worn tyres on the businesses of reputable tyre retailers
Having forced them to start selling these part worn tyres themselves, and in a way, I cannot blame them. One guy that I know has set up a separate small depot specifically for selling these tyres. He has kept the two companies separate for obvious reasons, but at least he is now clawing some of the lost business back, and he is also running the operation within the current part worn tyre laws.
I can now understand better the predicament that many people find themselves in. Forced by financial circumstances to buy these second-hand tyres. So, I think that we have all been affected by this crisis and will be for some time to come.
We now believe that they is a place for part worn tyres, but they must be bought and sold within the law, and we must get rid of these people who sell all the rubbish and dangerous tyres by strengthening the current laws and, more importantly, by clamping down on these dodgy tyre businesses that sell this rubbish through stronger law enforcement.
Firstly, I was not so sure what to think. These tyres were developed together with the car manufacturers Consequently, they were designed to specifically fit the cars on which they were to be fitted for safety reasons.
So, the whole concept surrounding these tyres is based on safety. Both for their car and, more importantly, for the driver. Another factor was that these cars could do without a spare wheel, thus reducing the weight of the car. This has contributed to the “green” credentials of the cars that they were fitted with.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have to be used with run flat tyres
Pirelli Run Flat tyreswere specifically developed to be based on the specifications of the cars on which they were to be fitted. This means that Run Flat tyres may only be mounted on vehicles that are specifically made to have Run Flat tyres. This was one of my first bones of contention when my young apprentice tyre fitter snapped the TPMS valve, which was located on the inside of the wheel where the normal tubeless valve would normally be fitted. (cost me £80 to replace.)
A tyre fitting machine: Pirelli Run Flat Tyres
I also had to purchase one of the new-style tyre fitting machines. Because of the difficulties that we encountered when trying to remove and re-fit the tyre from the wheel. The new-type machines were equipped with special tyre hold-down tools that held the tyre in place so that the fitter could use both hands when removing and fitting these difficult tyres. After a while, we were used to fitting these tyres and also learned about the TPMS systems that accompanied these tyres fitted to the car.
The Pirelli P7 Cinturato, run flat tyres was also developed as a more environmentally friendly product.
Because Pirelli had also taken the time to not only make the tyre run flat,. But also make the tyre into a high-performance design tyre. Of course, with lower fuel consumption and reduced road noise,. They were also able to apply a more eco-friendly compound to the tread area, giving this tyre more stability in the footprint area.
The development of this tyre brought together many improvements, making it a highly safe product that would complement medium- and high-powered vehicles such as the BMW range, including the BMW Mini models.
When a loss of pressure arises in a run flat tyre, you must only continue at 50mph
The high volume of cars that are now fitted with run-flats. So, it has helped me think that these tyres have become a success story. At first, I wasn’t sure! I thought that they were just a passing fad that would go as quickly as they appeared.
But I was wrong, because I have listened to some of the stories from my customers, of how they prevented them from having an accident and also of how they were able to carry on with their journey
The truth is that if your tyre suddenly loses pressure,. Frighteningly, when you are doing 70 mph. Say on a busy motorway, then you will have a better chance of getting out of a sticky situation. Of course, than you would have with normal radial tyres.
Car remains stable after a blowout: Pirelli Run Flat Tyres
Your car will remain stable and not deviate and possibly cause a crash. Even in busy traffic, as happened to a friend of mine recently. His tyre blew out and he hit the central reservation.
So, causing the car to swerve and have an accident. Although he was badly injured he is now fully recovered. But I am sure that of he had run flats fitted to his car. Then the car would have kept the line and not crashed into the barrier. Throwing it into the path of the traffic in the other lane.
Also if you do lose tyre pressure and it will tell you on your TPMS instrument. Located on the dash of your car. After this, then you must only drive at 50 mph. At 50 mph you can drive the car 50 miles. This is usually enough distance to enable the driver to reach the safety of a garage. Including the nearest tyre centre and have the tyre attended to.
Pirelli recommend that we should not repair run flat tyres
As the heading suggests Pirelli. Are one of the manufacturers that do not recommend that we repair run flat tyres. We at Pellon Tyres here in Halifax have been known to repair these tyres. But only if knew that there was a screw in the tyre and the tyre had not deflated. Including the fact that the TPMS light had not come on. We have since stopped this procedure altogether. Now and only fit a new tyre. Because we just do not know what damage was done, when the tyre was de-flatted.
This reminds me of a recent case in mind. One of our lady driver customers. Owning a very nice BMW, had noticed her TPMS light was warning her of a problem. Consequently, with her near side front tyre, which had a pressure loss. The BMW was fitted with Pirelli Run Flat Tyres as original equipment size 225/45×18 P7 Cinturato.
Heading for the M62
She was heading from the M62 motorway, back to Halifax when the incident happened and was not too sure what the light coming on meant. She carried on driving and then decided to pull in and give us a ring for advice. Because the car was fitted with a TPMS system we knew that the car would be on run flat tyres and so we recommended that she drove the car carefully to our depot in Halifax, a distance of about 5 miles well within the 50 mile recommended by Pirelli.
When she arrived, the inside of the side wall of the flat tyre was completely coming away and so we had to fit the lady a new tyre. The customer worked in a high up position for the local council, but because we had a tyre in stock she was able to attend her meeting. If she had normal radial tyres fitted then she would have been delayed until someone came out to change her wheel, so everybody was happy…more reading… Pirelli Run Flat Tyres
Pirelli Runflat tyres
Pellon Tyres offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Selling Pirelli Run Flat Tyres online from our website www.pellonautocentre.com by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/run-flat-tyres-with-tpms-system.jpg443664Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2025-02-21 18:39:552025-02-21 18:39:55Pirelli Run Flat Tyres: Can We Repair Them?
In my long career in the tyre industry (too long), it is fair to say that there have been many changes that have taken place in the industry, some good and others bad. The large tyre manufacturers bought out the small niche manufacturers; for example, Goodyear Tyres took over Kelly and Lee Tyres, and a few others on the way, Continental Tyres bought out
Semperit tyres and a few others (the names of those who slip my mind at the moment), and so on and so forth.
We also remember the fight to take over control of the tyre retail chains, starting off in the 1960s and 1970s. Michelin took over British retailer ATS, and Dunlop formed the National Tyres chain by merging some acquisitions, including the very large retailer Marsham Tyres. Pirelli formed the Central Tyre Group, and the list goes on and on.
I worked for a small tyre company in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, UK
But we were swallowed up into the National Tyre Group and became primarily Dunlop and India Tyre retailers. This was the main aim—to sell the products of the mother company. To be true, I really enjoyed what was going on, and it all became a learning curve for me for the future. The times in the sixties were great for me as a teenager; it really was the “swinging sixties.”.
I clearly remember that the working man had more disposable income, and they were beginning to buy more cars. These cars needed puncture repairs and new tyres, so things started to get busy. We had a very mixed type of business community in the area where we were living, from large textile mills to farming on the outskirts of the towns. We also had all of the service industry that comes with a large populated area, such as hauliers, builders, bus companies, and the smaller types of businesses like solicitors, local banks, and building societies, all of which used cars and trucks and therefore had to buy tyres.
In the 1960s, we had to be “jacks of all trades.”. AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
Whereas in today’s tyre market, we generally stick to one thing, such as the fact that we in Halifax only service cars and other companies specialise in truck or earth mover tyres. We never knew what would come to us next; it could be a puncture repair on a tractor rear from a farmer or a small cart wheel from a mill basket on wheels. We also had a mix of different cars, from the rich mill owners with their Rolls Royce’s to a bus conductor with his Mini.
One of the things that stands out in my mind is that we used a large amount of inner tubes in those days and also that wheel balancing was relatively new thing; most wheels were balanced with
a simple bubble balancer and wheel alignment were not in our vocabulary in the 1960s. Radial tyres were replacing X-ply’s, and more and more cars were coming out on radial tubeless tyres.
Avon Tyres comes into the story—AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
Some of the cars that were coming in for tyres included the new Rover 2000. I remember this car because, apart from the fact that it was very different in style and size, it came out on 165×14 Pirelli Cinturato tyres, but I believe that it was my first introduction to Avon tyres, who also made 165×14 radial tyres for this model. The new Rover became very popular with the new “middle management” customers, and in 1966, a TC version was released, which made the car capable of over 100 mph.
Avon Tyres was better known for their motorcycle tyres but started to push into the car tyre market. We were also witnessing new tyre sizes to fit the newer types of cars that were competing for the new wealth that was emanating from the new business confidence that was giving the UK a “buzz.”. Cars like the E-Type Jaguar were getting more popular as second-hand versions became available, starting off at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961.
Jaguar cars were getting more popular amongst the wealthy mill owners who would buy one for their wives and kids, but they came out mainly on Dunlop tyres, who had formed a good relationship with the Jaguar company, although I do remember that Dunlop had balancing problems with some of the tyres. It was in the 1980’s that Avon tyres were fitted to some Jaguars. The tyre that was used was the Avon Turbo-Steel Radial, which was fitted to the XK model.
AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER-Avon became more popular
They have brought out many different tyre designs and patterns over the years, but one of the things that has impressed me is that they have always had a strong involvement in “motorsport.”. This developed from the motor-cycle side of the business. But back in the sixties and seventies, car manufacturers started to race and rally sporty versions of their models. Such cars as Minis, MGB’s, and Ford Cortina’s were developed into track and rally cars. Avon Tyres is one of the few companies that has kept up the
tradition right up to the present day, and can offer tyres that are just as good and competitive as they were in the original racing days.
Avon Tyres still makes tyres, from the 450×17 vintage car tyre to the textile radials that have a special cling rubber tread compound that is used in making the Avon textile radial. The Avon Historic All-Weather tread-patterned tyres are designed to give excellent road holding in all-weather applications while keeping the period look of the historic range of racing cars. It is FIA-approved for different historic racing series throughout the world. The textile radial is a “V”-rated tyre, so is capable of speeds of up to 150 mph, making it ideal for vintage racing.
AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER-Avon tyres ACB9-AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
This tyre was developed as a Formula Ford 1600 tyre and is used for the pre-1974 historic car championships. The tyre is also used for pre-1965 1000cc Formula 3 races and small bore vintage cars such as the MG Midgets and Frog Eyed Sprites. It is a great attribute of Avon to continue making these tyres in all sorts of sizes for this different array of cars.
The list of tyres that Avon makes goes on and on, and I will be covering some of them in different articles. From my early youth to the present day, I have always been a huge fan of the Avon Company, and we still buy their tyres to this day. We were sad when Avon was taken over by Cooper tyres but the old name has survived, and we can look forward to many years of this excellent tyre product.
Forward to 2023
The Future of Avon Tyres in the United Kingdom: A Regional View
To all my fellow Britons!
Join me as we explore Avon Tyres’ UK future today. We care about what happens to well-loved businesses like Avon Tyres because I am the proud owner of a garage business in Halifax and I have always maintained a close watch on the car sector. Is this famous tyre brand going out of business, or is it going to keep getting stronger? First, we can look at it from a regional perspective.
The origins of Avon Tyres go back more than a century. Many of us have depended on the brand’s tyres for our cars and motorcycles, and the name has been trusted on British roads for years. However, considering how rapidly the car industry is evolving, it’s only reasonable to be curious about what lies ahead.
Let us start by admitting that the tyre sector has changed just like any other. A number of factors have contributed to this shift, including new rules, environmental concerns, and changing customer tastes. Does this, however, portend a downturn for Avon Tyres? Probably not.
Avon Tyres stands apart from the competition because of their dedication to quality.
The peculiarities of driving in the United Kingdom, where the weather is as fickle as Aunt Mabel’s Sunday roast, have long been known to them. Known for its dependable grip and safety features, particularly in rainy weather, Avon Tyres has reliably supplied goods that are designed for the British climate. We Britons know a thing or two about rain, so that’s a huge plus!
However, originality is as important as quality. Updated rubber compounds and tread designs are only two examples of how Avon Tyres has embraced technology to keep up with the demands of contemporary cars. They’ve put money into R&D in the UK to make sure their tyres are safe and environmentally beneficial, in line with rising environmental consciousness.
Here we are, talking about the neighbourhood. AVON TYRES AROUND FOREVER
As a company with strong ties to the UK, Avon Tyres has demonstrated real concern for local communities. They’ve partnered with tyre industry professionals and enthusiasts, sponsored regional motorsport events and backed British motorbike racing. They clearly care about the UK market because of this local participation.
Now the question is: what lies ahead?
To be sure, Avon Tyres isn’t going anywhere. They have persisted through the storms and adjusted to the shifting tides. We have every reason to believe that the brand will not only survive but thrive in the UK, as long as they keep innovating, keep up their quality standards, and stay linked with the local scene.
Avon Tyres continue to offer reliable traction and safety on the familiar British roads, so whether you’re an experienced motorist or an explorer on two wheels, you can rely on them. In the years to come, may Avon Tyres be as reliable as a vintage British automobile cruising down a country road.
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