Insane MOT Test Proposals

Annual MOT Testing

/in /by

Annual MOT Testing

Annual MOT Testing
Annual MOT Testing

Annual MOT Testing

Happily, as I have said before, this is a great time to be involved in the auto trade. Of course, as the owner of a successful auto centre. Then we take every day as it comes.  Consequently, apart from the work that we have booked in for that day. So, we had a run of cars that were all affected by “pothole” damage.

So, the first car was a Ford Fiesta !

Suffering from a broken coil spring . Caused by running into a pothole ! Incredibly, the second was a Vauxhall Corsa, with yet another broken coil spring . Unluckily, the spring had also penetrated the front tyre ! Once again, caused by hitting a pothole !

Thirdly, the damaged car was a VW Sirocco that hit a pothole and bent his steering arm. Urgently, we managed to fit these cars in between our car services. Consequently, those were already booked in . Happily for the customers, we managed to carry out the repairs, and we all had a good day !

After lunch, we had another bit of excitement for me. Annual MOT Testing

Unbeknownst to me, we had two vintage cars booked in for their annual MOT tests. Significantly, the first car was a regular one for us. So, it was a Rolls Royce tourer. It had a 5.6-litre engine and was built in 1936. Of course, the car easily passed the test.

Apart from a brake switch light, which we repaired on site. The company that owns the vehicle always gives their car a pre-MOT test. Of course, before it is brought into us for the MOT test. But the brake light switch must have been overlooked.

The second car that turned up was a black A35 Austin saloon.

It was manufactured in 1958 (I was ten years old then Respectfully, the great, great aunt of the woman who now owns the car was the previous owner.r ?

So, the aunt passed the car on to her niece, who later died. Subsequently, the car was then passed onto her niece, who is the current owner. Incredibly, the car was last serviced in 1990. Having only done 2000 miles, (it was then used to tootle around town. The car has a 948-cc engine

with drums on the front brakes. Including an old-fashioned rod braking system at the rear.

The car was then mothballed for the last ten days in a barn- Annual MOT Testing

So the latest in a line of nieces decided to bring it out and restore the car. She asked for the service of a local mechanic, who looked at the car to assess its condition. Incredibly, the  car only required a new battery and started up the first time. Urgently, the brakes needed some work done on them! Then he handed the car over to us for its MOT test. Lastly, the brakes were sorted using parts from an old MG Midget. Pleasantly, the engine was in immaculate condition and had only done 6,000 miles.

Passed mot test with flying colours

The old Austin had a new 063 ApolloPower battery fitted and passed the mot test in tip-top condition apart from some very slight corrosion I will see it driving up and down the street of Halifax here in West Yorkshire, UK this summer. I just love these cars with a bit of history and a story behind them. The A35 was also fitted with cross-ply tyres to the front and radials to the back.

TPMS warning light Ignored

Popular Run Flat Tyres

/in /by
Popular Run Flat Tyres
Popular Run Flat Tyres

Popular Run Flat Tyres

Many new models are now equipped with inflator and sealant kits or run-flat tyres, which are designed to go at slower speeds for 50 miles or more after a tyre has been punctured.

EricRoberts‘s insight:

Run-flat tyres are an interesting subject.

Of course, the problem was that that cars were getting bigger and faster. Consequently, at the same time, car makers were being pressured. governments to make their cars more fuel-efficient and therefore greener.

Car makers were forced to comply with certain regulations ! This meant shedding weight and creating engines. Computers then took control of those. Therefore, to really hammer down the emissions,. Caused by burning fossil fuels (gasoline or petrol in the

UK). Subsequently, the car companies looked at all sorts of ways. So, to reduce the overall weight of vehicles including tyres. Importantly, even the tyre companies looked for ways of making tyres lighter in weight. Importantly, and indeed they succeeded.

BMW came up with the Mini Run Flat Tyres

Positively, tyre manufacturers came up with the run-flat tyre ! .Of course, this would mean that cars would no longer have a spare wheel and tyre. Thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle and reducing emissions. Importantly, if a tyre on a car had a sudden drop in pressure (puncture),. Importantly, then the car could have the capabilities to drive.

At a slower speed (50 mph) until the tyre was eventually changed. Safety-wise, the positives are that the car would not deviate. Therefore, carry on driving in the normal way. Therefore, it is not causing an accident. It is so much safer than a standard radial tyre.   Also, you would not have to get out of the car ? On a rainy night, you had to change the wheel when you had a puncture.

Was cost an early problem ?

Early drawbacks are that the cost of replacing these tyres is much higher than that of a standard tyre. A new Run Flat Tyres is required after each incident. Puncture repairs in these tyres are not recommended ?

Incidentally, on long journeys, you should have the need to want a new tyre ! Then you only have fifty miles to have the run-flat Flat Tyres fixed.

In the United States, the gap between some towns and cities can be hundreds of miles. So you pay your money and take your choice ?

Since I wrote this article,? Then the run flat tyres have been well accepted by most motorists. Older drivers who prefer a genuine spare wheel can now buy a new tyre and wheel unit for the spare wheel.

Pellon Tyres are now proud members of Tyresafe.org

car brakes problem

Car Brakes-Friction Zone

/1 Comment/in /by

Car Brakes-Friction Zone

Car Brakes-Friction Zone
Car Brakes-Friction Zone

Car Brakes-Friction Zone

Entering the FRICTION ZONE

Ageing vehicle parc ripe for car brakes sales Car Brakes: Entering the FRICTION ZONE

Tyre Business

“Where before when a vehicle reached 10 years or 11 years, consumers were thinking of selling it, now they’re thinking of, ‘How can I keep my car going?

EricRoberts‘s insight:

This is a very in-depth articles about car brakes

Un-reasonably,  car brakes are very often taken for granted. So, in other words car owners will just pull into your garage and leave their car. Because there is a banging or rattling noise coming from the front of the car.

This is usually a good indication that the brakes have failed, or are failing ! But brake jobs do follow a pattern.

Spring is usually the time for our customers car brakes to start going wrong . So, it needs repairing. Of course, in my opinion, I think that it is because that drivers use their  brakes. Of course, much more in the winter months and therefore the brake pads and discs .

Drivers almost always wait until the last minute to have them repaired, which consequently causes more damage to the brakes.

For example a simple job like a set of brake pads replacing may turn out to be more complicated and end up the car needing new discs, or a seized up brake caliper.

This will result in a larger garage invoice for the customer. The secret is to get a free brake check at your local garage. most garages here in the UK will give a car a free brake check and give the customer a quote for the required work. We are members of the Independent Car Care Centres who also offer a nationwide guarantee throughout the UK and a free brake check on all makes and models of cars.

All this culminates as a good time of year for doing brake work

especially the many older cars that our customers are now hanging on to longer and having them repaired instead of replaced.

See on www.tirebusiness.com

Motorists Cant Afford Next MOT

Banned MOT Garages to be Exposed

/1 Comment/in /by

Banned MOT Garages to be Exposed

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed
MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

Banned MOT Garages to be Exposed

DVSA have agreed with Ministers to make the information publicly available following the announcement by Justine Greening MP in 2012, of the Governments’ commitment to the Garage Customer Experience.

EricRoberts‘s insight:

MOT Garages testing station, owners opinion

So, as the owner of an MOT centre, I am not sure what this will achieve. Consequently, I know that there are thousands of normal garages. Strangely, they claim that they do MOT testing. Incredibly, but in fact do not. What they do is take their customers cars to an approved MOT  testing station. Consequently, having what we call “a trade test” carried out.

Of course, I am not saying that the car will not be tested correctly? But the garage does not conduct the test, and they do not have control over the vehicle.However, if the driver has an issue, he can not take it up directly with the testing station.

Customers should look out for the official MOT testing sign, Banned MOT Garages to be Exposed

Concerned car owners should look out for an official MOT sign ! Usually outside the garage premises at the roadside. So it looks the same as the one in the above image. Some garages have lookalike signs but are not official testing stations.

I can only think that garages that have lost their licence: Banned MOT Garages to be Exposed

So, to test cars because of a bad disciplinary record, still carry on taking cars in for testing but have a trade test done at another official testing station under the pretence that they still have a testing licence, or simply do not remove their MOT Garages signs as if they are still testing.

A list of banned testing sites will be published but i wonder who will read them?.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. I have been working in the garage, tyre, and battery business for 40 years. So. I worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business

TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test

/in /by

TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test

TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test
TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test

TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test

Of course, like most other MOT stations in the UK, we get our fair share of unusual cars presented for MOT testing.Today was no exception when this Naylor TF1700 was presented to us for its MOT test.

Key Facts About the TF1700

The TF1700 is a unique piece of British automotive craftsmanship, originally hand-built by Naylor Bros PLC in Bradford and later by the Hutson Car Company. This classic car was developed as an enhanced version of the original MGTF, boasting increased power, improved suspension, and better braking systems.

Production History

In 1985 and 1986, Naylor Bros produced 100 cars bearing the Naylor badge. These vehicles were fully type-approved and had the full backing of the Austin Rover Group, ensuring high standards of quality and performance.

Design and Construction

The TF1700 features a steel chassis and a body mounted on an ash frame with steel panels. Unlike the original MG TF, to comply with legislative requirements, the TF1700’s doors have forward hinges, and the instruments are positioned directly in front of the driver for better ergonomics and safety.

TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test
TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test

Engine and Performance

An Austin Rover “O” series 1700cc engine, producing 77 BHP at 5180 rpm, powers the TF1700 under the hood. This engine provided a notable improvement in performance over its predecessor, making the TF1700 a more capable and enjoyable drive.

Transition to Hutson Car Company

The Hutson Car Company acquired Naylor Cars PLC in 1986. Following this acquisition, an additional 61 cars were produced, now carrying the Hutson badge. These cars continued to uphold the quality and craftsmanship associated with the TF1700.

TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test
TF1700 Naylor Sporty Car for MOT Test
Self-Assembly Variants

A few of the TF1700 cars were offered as self-assembly kits and were marketed under the name Mahcon. This option allowed enthusiasts to build their own cars, adding a personal touch to their classic vehicle.

The TF1700 remains a testament to British engineering and a cherished classic among car enthusiasts. Its blend of classic design and modern improvements makes it a standout model in the history of British sports cars.

Revolutionise Your Tyre Shopping Experience

BMW MINI TYRES

/in /by

BMW MINI TYRES

BMW MINI TYRES
BMW MINI TYRES

BMW MINI TYRES

BMW MINI TYRES: Three million BMW Mini Engines built in Hams Hall, Birmingham, UK

The BMW MINIs Development: A Contemporary Classic
The MINI is typically among the first vehicles that come to mind when we think about famous British Automobiles. But did you realise that German Engineering-Prowess actually went into creating the contemporary version of this cherished classic? Let’s explore how BMW reimagined the MINI by fusing cutting-edge technology with the vehicle’s vintage charm.

A Tribute to the History
When the British Motor Corporation (BMC) introduced the first MINI in 1959, it was a groundbreaking design. It was compact and cost-effective, and in the 1960s, it came to represent British culture. But by the 1990s, the car industry had evolved, and a resurgence of the MINI was necessary to remain relevant.

Let’s enter BMW.
The rights to the MINI brand were part of the Rover Group, which BMW purchased in 1994. Though it needed a significant makeover to compete in the current market, the German Carmaker recognised the potential in the vintage British Vehicle. BMW set out to design a new MINI that combined luxury and modern technology with a nod to the originals history.

The Revival of a Legend


In the latter part of the 1990s, work on the new MINI started in earnest. The challenge for BMW’s design team was to keep the car’s iconic appearance while updating it for the modern day. They upgraded the interior and added bigger wheels, adding a contemporary touch while keeping the original’s welcoming face and unique, compact design.

Unter the engine was one of the largest Modifications. An Engine with higher Power and Efficiency was required for the new MINI. The BMW engine lineup improved upon the original MINIs performance and fuel efficiency, making the car fun to drive, in addition to being aesthetically pleasing.

Technological Progress
The original MINI lacked several of the amenities seen in the modern Model. It had better suspension, a stronger chassis, and cutting-edge safety measures. Inside, the MINI provided a more opulent experience thanks to premium materials, state-of-the-art infotainment systems, and a wide range of personalisation choices that let customers customise their MINI to suit their own preferences.

A brand-new Era

When the first BMW MINI came off the assembly line in 2001, became it popular right away. It satisfied the needs of contemporary drivers while preserving the spirit of the original. The success of the vehicle demonstrated BMWs capacity to innovate while upholding tradition.

Since then, more models have been added to the MINI-Lineup, ranging from the practical MINI Countryman to the aggressive MINI Cooper S. The fun, style, and performance, that are the brand’s guiding principles, have not changed with each new version.

The Prospects for MINI
The MINI is still evolving today. BMW pledges to maintain the brand’s relevance and freshness in a market that is always evolving. In order to maintain its position at the forefront of automotive innovation, MINI has recently introduced Electric and Hybrid Vehicles.

In Summary

An excellent illustration of how to properly reimagine a classic is the BMW MINI. BMW has produced a vehicle that appeals to both new drivers and nostalgic enthusiasts, by fusing the allure of the original with contemporary engineering and technology.

The amazing story of innovation and tradition that is the MINI’s rise from British icon to global phenomenon shows that sometimes it’s best to embrace the future in order to honour the past.

Therefore, keep in mind that a MINI is more than simply a car when you see one cruising around; it’s a piece of history that has been painstakingly updated for modern roads.

Of course, the success story for the BMW Mini just goes on and on. Hence, you have only to look on our roads. Thus, to see, how many of these excellent cars are on our roads. Consequently, the Factory

Where the BMW Mini is made. Is the first plant to be built outside of Germany. Of course, and it is a compliment to all the people in Birmingham. Hence, with its great tradition of building good-quality cars, Naturally, a good-quality workforce.

The factory that builds the BMW Mini is about 800 strong. Of course, it is expected to increase in size in the Near Future.

Last year (2011). The British Factory produced around 1.3 million new cars. This is expected to rise in 2012. Dieses is a fantastic result. Therefore, it is anticipated, that the UK-Car-Market sank to the BMW Mini Coupe will be a net exporter of cars for the first time since 1976 – a great achievement for the British Car Market and their Workers.

Pellon Tyres are now proud members of Tyresafe.org

 

 

 

 

Cars and Climate Change

Electric Car Servicing

/in /by

Electric Car Servicing

Electric Car Servicing
Electric Car Servicing

Electric Car Servicing

There are now more than a dozen plug-in electric cars for sale in the U.S., but not all electric cars are created equal.

Eric Roberts’ insight:

Electric car Servicing

This is an interesting article about the difficulty that American motorists could experience when wanting to repair or service their electric battery-operated cars.

It tells of the state of California giving the car manufacturers a quota for the number of vehicles that they are to supply as compared to normal gasoline-engineered ones.

The problem is that the number of electric car servicing garages is in short supply, especially Toyota.

Fundamentally, the question on my mind is, “Whatever happened to the Right to Repair Laws” ! Naturally, those are in operation in the United States and in the European Union. Significantly, this states that service garages should be given access to  technical details. Including all the cars that car manufacturers are making.

So, why can’t the regular garages service these cars? In fact, recently, I hired an expert on electric cars to brief my staff about the impending influx of electric cars. Special equipment is required  ! Because these vehicle are extremely dangerous ! Of course, due to the possibility of electric shocks,.

Because of certain restrictions, it has always been a strong suspicion of mine.

So, that this work will be kept away from the independent garage sector. Resentfully, Electric Car Servicing will not be open to us. In many ways, they cannot be blamed for wanting to protect all their investment and development. However, every other product that has ever been produced. So, would have had to start out somewhere!

Accepting this is difficult for me and  this won’t stick with me. Consequently, we should all have a share in this market, as we do today. I hope the EU is looking at this so that they can legislate against car manufacturers’ protectionism ! Giving everyone in the garage business a fair deal. Thus allowing us to carry out electric car servicing alongside petrol engine car servicing.

Importantly, we can service “Hybrid cars” and indeed do so.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. I have been working in the garage, tyre, and battery business for 40 years. So. I worked for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

Electric Car Servicing

Here at Pellon Tyre and Autocente, we carry out electric car servicing, which involves specialised maintenance procedures and diagnostics to ensure optimal performance and longevity. With the rising popularity of electric cars, it is crucial to keep up with the unique requirements of these vehicles. Expert technicians equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools are essential for the efficient servicing and repair of electric cars. 

Second-hand tyres

1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

/1 Comment/in /by

1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

Millions of UK motorists are clueless

about the legal requirement for MOT test, insurance, and road tax (Mot’s only cover approx 20% of your car being checked, but servicing covers approx. 70%, as I was told when I last…

As the owner of an MOT test station. 1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

Of course, I do believe these figures from the excellent Auto Express magazine. Significantly, this article makes for interesting reading ! Stating that 10% of UK motorists . Many car owners do not know that the MOT test is compulsory ! Importantly,  on cars that are over three years old,.

The British government is computerising the vehicle system. Including the whole system of car insurance and road tax, along with the DVLA MOT Rules. In my opinion, they would be better off aligning the three systems. This, of course, would make it much easier to regulate and also easier for vehicle owners to use.

1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?
1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

So, it is impossible to have one thing without the other ! 1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

Of course, at the moment, they are not aligned . Incredibly, you could have a car insured without an MOT test. In my opinion, this will be the government’s aim. Because at the end of this year, the road tax disc will be abolished and the system will go online. To make it easier for UK motorists, the List of New MOT Rules and  details will probably have to be entered along with the insurance details. Thus tightening up on the whole system, which is at the moment flawed.

Today, in 2024, this will have all been implemented. 1 in 10 thinks the MOT test is only an OPTION?

Therefore, no UK vehicles have to show a tax disc ! Vehicle data is all computerised and also available at any time for police officers to check.

Hi I would like to introduce myself. Working in the Garage and tyre and Battery business now for 45 years. So. Working for a couple of national tyre companies before starting my first business. Of course, I now own a company here in the UK called Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre. Blogging about anything to do with cars and their related products. Naturally, that will help my business.

See on www.autoexpress.co.uk

 
Independent garages lead MOT testing

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

/in /by

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed
MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed

In my mind, then, this falls in line with another aspect of the MOT testing scene

Last week, the transport minister announced the scrapping of the first MOT test for cars of 4 years old.

As the owner of a testing station in Halifax, UK. This would have been a huge mistake. As a result the current 3 year spell will be resurrected from the scrap heap. Common sense and a lot of pressure from the garage industry showed the government what a mistake it would have been to implement the four year gap from new to the first test.

The second part of this article

is about the introduction of a new MOT inspection manual. One of the implementations will be to to change the classification of a car’s defects so that they’re rated as dangerous, major, or minor.

This of course is one of those improvement that in my opinion existed on the old system. Just that the words have changed?

On this new system then the Minor is the same as the “old advisory” The major and the dangerous are both fails. The difference is that the dangerous part of fail is explained to the customer who will be warned that the car is too dangerous to drive away.

MOT Inspection Manual Renewed, some parts confuse me

The “dangerous part of the failure was also available on the old system that will be replaced. So, it just looks like the swapping of words. When talking to Ryan Linton, my MOT tester, about the changes, I became confused. We both agree that it did not seem like anything was wrong with the old part of the system with the old classes of mot reporting

It was either  pass or fail.

With the option to list the car as dangerous, which could be explained to the customer. As the tester, an explanation for the dangerous would be given to the customer. In my simple mind, then, the new system looks confusing. Like anything else, though, I suppose we will get used to it and everything will fall into place.

To finalise a great blog to explain all this, the “matters of testing” blog is worth a look at this subject.

The DVSA is to introduce its new MOT inspection manual for class 3, 4, 5 and 7 vehicles to reflect changes to the MOT test which will be introduced in May 2018. The new manual, which must

Source: New MOT inspection manual to be introduced in May to reflect testing service changes – Garagewire

leisure battery

Leisure battery storage

/1 Comment/in /by

Leisure Batteries Storage

Leisure Batteries Storage
Leisure Batteries Storage

Leisure Batteries Storage

It is storing your Leisure battery Storage time

The extremely mild weather here in the UK. Has brought out all the spring flowers,(earlier than normal). It is also bringing out the caravan and motorhome users, into thinking about their first 2014 trips out. Hence, judging by the amount of leisure batteries that we are selling at the moment.

Normally, we see a surge of sales and inquiries just a few weeks before Easter. But this year, the sales are coming early. One of the most popular batteries that we sell. Thus, for the caravan and campervan (RV) fraternity, the XV31 110-amp leisure battery . This battery manufacturer in South Korea is the one who makes this battery.It also covers smaller battery sizes, including the XV 23, XV 24, XV 27, and, of course, the XV31. This battery, along with the LV26 and the smaller LV 22 are made by Johnson Controls . Of course, it’s one of the world’s leading battery developers and manufacturers.

This year is a particularly good time to buy this Leisure Batteries product. Because of the mild winter.Subsequently, the sales of car batteries have dropped. Meaning the leading battery companies are well down on sales of car batteries.So,are looking forward to the next battery season. Which includes the sale of leisure batteries, motorcycle batteries, mobility scooter batteries, and golf cart batteries. Including other seasonal things such as lawn mower batteries. Of course, there are the guys who are lucky enough to own a classic car. Classic car batteries are huge sellers.

Leisure Batteries Storage. Leisure Batteries Storage

What normally happens is that the owners of these types of battery-driven machines equipment will get them out as soon as the weather improves and start getting warmer, which is normally around April time here in the UK. But this year we are about three weeks to a month in front, due to the mild weather. In fact, I have recently seen a butterfly and many bees flying about and also the grass on my lawn needs cutting for the first time after the winter.

People all over will be getting. Leisure Batteries Storage

out their golf and gardening equipment only to find that their battery is flat and will not work. Most of the time the battery will recover when it is charged, but people are reluctant to charge their battery throughout the winter months. Up to recent times, the battery chargers were of the old fashioned types that you put onto your battery

and then took off when the battery was fully charged but these days you can buy what they call “intelligent battery chargers”. These chargers are made by well-known companies such as “Ring Electrical” and “Numax”, and are well worth the investment. What you have to do is find out the correct amps that you require for the size of the battery, remove the Leisure Batteries from the caravan or lawn mower, whatever it is on, give the Leisure Batteries a clean and if it is not a sealed battery, check the levels.

You can then connect the leisure battery to the smart charger

, (preferably in a frost free place) and leave it to charge all the winter long. The charger will then keep your leisure battery charge topped up to the correct levels and automatically switch on and off when charging is required. This way you will end up with a nice clean fully charged the battery when the time comes to use it.