lead-acid batteries

Varta Car batteries

Varta Car batteries

Varta Car batteries

Varta Batteries: –A little History

“Varta batteries stands originally for (Vertrieb Aufladung Reparatur Transportabler Akkumulatoren) .With its headquarters in the German cities of Berlin and Hagen,. Hence, in the district of Westphalia. Consequently, a certain Gunther Quandt purchased the company. Just after the first world war.

The Varta Car batteries company . Then made batteries .Used in the second world war German battle machine. Batteries they made were used to power submarines . Also for the German Luftwaffe. Slaves produced the majority of the batteries. Thus, under very poor working conditions,. Perhaps the dark side of Varta car batteries is something we should forget.

The modern-day Varta product

Therefore, is one of excellence . Raising standards of the new car battery world. With its quality battery products. After many changes in directors and company ownership,. Johnson Controls purchased Varta Car Batteries in 2002. Hence, this was thought to be a great step forward . Of course, in the battery industry . Raising the standards of quality even higher.

It is thought that Johnson Controls . As a result, paid in the region of $240 million for the  batteries side of the business .Accordingly, the deal went through by the end of 2003″

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer

car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. Members of Unipart Car Care centres .Giving a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts. We sell tyres online from our website, www.pellonautocentre.com . Hence, use the tyre selector and choose your tyre size.

As a result, we offer courtesy cars to local motorists. Needing to go to work and leave their car with us for work. Consequently, we are also an official MOT testing station.

Important: Since this post, Johnson Control has sold off their battery part of the business.

In 2024 we have now joined Tyresafe.org to help in tyre safety campaigns.

Volvo C30 Broken Spring

Volvo C30 Broken Spring

Volvo C30 Broken Spring
Volvo C30 Broken Spring

The Reasons and Effects on Your Ride of a Volvo C30 Being Pulled Into Pellon Tyres with a Rattling Spring

Volvo C30 Broken Spring


We had a smart-looking Volvo C30 drive in to Pellon Tyres, which is located right here in Halifax, the other day. However, there was a problem: it had a damaged and extremely noisy spring that was rattling away like a sack of bolts on a bumpy cobbled street. It’s an abrasive sound, and it’s definitely not the music you want coming from your vehicle.

Don’t you think the C30 is a little eye-catching? Volvo’s tidy small coupe, which debuted on the road in 2006 and continued to operate until 2013. It’s one of those vehicles that you’ll know because to its unique rear hatch, which pays homage to the vintage Volvo P1800 ES and gives it a contemporary yet timeless Scandinavian feel. It was designed for drivers who wanted something a little unusual, something utilitarian but with a dash of cheeky sportiness, despite its diminutive size.

Why Do Coil Springs Break? Volvo C30 Broken Spring

Now, let’s return to this jarring spring. Given the state of the roads in the UK, broken coil springs are not unusual. Potholes are common in Halifax, and the constant bouncing can really tax your suspension. On our local roads, this Volvo C30 had probably been hit too hard. The automobile was clattering whenever it hit even the smallest bump since the coil spring, which is a component of the suspension, had split.

What causes a spring to break, then? Well, wear and age play a role. Over time, springs lose their strength. But more often than not, corrosion can be accelerated by unexpected shocks like potholes, road bumps that are a little too quickly, or even the salty winter roads. Because of the constant presence of grit and rainy weather during this time of year, corrosion can develop and erode the metal.

What Happens When a Coil Spring Breaks, Volvo C30 Broken Spring

Your car’s damaged spring poses a major safety danger in addition to being bothersome with all that clanging. The suspension system of your car becomes unbalanced when one spring fails. This implies uneven tyre wear and decreased stability. Handling changes, such as a pull to one side, a bumpy or unpleasant ride, and difficulty cornering, are likely to be noticeable. If left unchecked, it can potentially seriously damage your tires and result in a MOT failure.

We swapped out the damaged spring for a new one for our C30 guest, making sure the suspension was adjusted and the vehicle was safe to operate. With no more rattles and a much smoother ride, the customer was back on the road.

Additional Information on the Volvo C30

With a focus on performance and usefulness, Volvo positioned the C30 as a “sporty two-door” for the city and beyond. There are still a lot of them on the roads in West Yorkshire, which was intended for a younger demographic. They are known for their durability, and like all Volvos, they bear the safety seal of approval that the Swedes take great pride in. It is a car that, in spite of its small size, gives its driver a sense of care and refinement that isn’t often present in cars of the same era.

Therefore, a Volvo C30-Volvo C30 Broken Spring

Hence, cruising along Halifax’s streets or any other automobile that rattles and knocks suspiciously over every bump could be a spring pleading for attention. Whether it’s a worn-out tire, a broken spring or just a routine MOT, Pellon Tyres is here to help with all those unforeseen hits life throws at your motor.

Keep your springs intact, your tyres balanced, and your ride as smooth as a Yorkshire brew till the next time!

 

mot testing and car servicing

Maintenance-Emissions-and Privacy

Maintenance-Emissions

Maintenance-Emissions
Maintenance-Emissions

Maintenance-Emissions

Of course, this all started before the 1950′. As a result, car engines and their faults were diagnosed and repaired by a few gauges and hand adjusted. Hence, by a mechanic. Most automotive systems were done like this.

I remember when I was an apprentice mechanic

in a small British Leyland independent garage in Batley, Yorkshire, UK. Whenever there was a suspicious engine problem,. Then our chief mechanic, “Brian,” would put a long screwdriver in his ear and the other end in the engine. Quietly, listening for any sound that would give him a clue as to what the problem could be?

Naturally, as time went by,

Cars became more complex, and problems became more complicated. Therefore, I remember the middle of the 1960’s . Engine problems began to rely more and more on using diagnostic equipment. Our boss, “Tom,” leased a massive machine with a video display. I think that it was made by Tecalamit; in fact, I am sure that it was.

Of course, the machine looked massive to me. Wires came out of it from all directions. Subsequently, I never got to learn how to use it; it was deemed as too complicated for an apprentice. The machine was a video display terminal and it was to help us diagnose engine problems. As far as I could remember, the machine was able to check the engines temperature, vacuum, and oil pressure.

Maintenance-Emissions move on

Later in the 1960’s came the computerised systems. With the introduction of the fuel-injected models of Volkswagen Type 3 cars,. Consequently, it was followed by the sporty 280Z made by Datsun. Following this, in the 1980’s, General Motors put its computerised “Assembly Line Diagnostic Link” into service.

Hence, this was to examine error codes

at a speed of 160 baud. However, this speed increased to 8192 baud by 1986, along with UART, or “Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter,” at half duplex. This type of diagnosis continued until the invention of complete on-board diagnostic packages. Of course, that’s what we see today.

The next part follows in this interesting article:

Source: Maintenance, Emissions, and Privacy: The OBD Story | Hackaday

Car Tyres Repair Specialists

Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Flat Tyres A Guide for Women
Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Sometimes it may be great to play a damsel in distress. So, have a strong and well-toned man fix your flat tyre. Importantly,  I think every woman ought to know how to change to the spare wheel. After all, having your tyre blown is never something anyone plans. Of course, you may not have any eager boy scout waiting around to rescue you. There is no need to keep the wheel changing in a man’s domain. times are changing and you should too. It’s time to empower yourself and get ready to tackle that flat tyre !

 1. First of all, if there is a place for you to move your car out of the way,!

So, if there is a place to where you can get out of the way, then move your car there. Make sure oncoming traffic will be able to see you. Turn on your hazards and if you have a warning triangle,. Then place where it will be clearly visible. Also, make sure the place you move your vehicle to is as flat as possible. Avoid soft ground and inclines. Whenever possible, place some bricks, blocks, or large rocks. Naturally, under your car to prevent your car from rolling backwards.

2. If you have hubcaps, remove them. Flat Tyre: A Woman’s Guide

These are the covers on your wheels. Check your manual on how to remove them. I highly suggest you look at this beforehand, not when you have already blown a tyre.

3. Next, you need to remove the wheel nuts.

These are the nuts or bolts that hold your wheel in place. You will need a wheel brace to do this. Of course, the wheel brace comes in different shapes and sizes. Commonly known as a “spider.”. So, the spider wrench is the T-shaped wrench. Of course, that should be together with all your other tools. The shape of the wrench makes for easy leverage. However, if your upper-body strength is lacking, you may not have the heft or muscle needed to loosen the lug nuts. Importantly, you may have to resort to stepping on the T-arm to obtain better leverage. Always remember, left to loosen and right to tighten.

4. Now you need your car jack to raise your car. Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Most cars have a flat plate behind the front wheels and just in front of the back ones for this purpose. Place the jack under the “jacking point” nearest to the tyre to be changed ! Raising the jack with the jack handle to meet the jacking point plate. Double check and make sure your car will be steady once it is raised. Safety is crucial whenever you are working with your car. Now raise your car about 15 cm of the ground. Don’t forget that when you re-fit an inflated spare wheel.Thus, will need room so make sure there is enough space for the spare to be placed on.

 5. by grabbing it with both hands, one on each side.

So after removing the wheel nuts!  Pull the flat wheel straight and off. Quickly line up your spare with the bolts and slide it on. Replace the lug nuts, but do not tighten them completely. When you have lowered your car, use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in opposite pairs. Make sure these are as tight as possible! Because you absolutely do not want your tyre to come off when you start driving away.

 6. It’s time to clean up and put things back in place. Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Put all your tools together and place them back where they were stored. Always put them back in the same place so you know where to find them in case of emergencies. Knowing where all of the tools are before you get into an emergency situation is suggested. Put your flat tyre where your spare one was, and make sure to have it fixed right away.

7. Of course, many cars don’t have spares now! Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Many cars now run on run-flat tyres and do not have a spare wheel. In my opinion, this is a great idea! So when a puncture occurs, the driver can carry on driving the car. Albeit at a steady 50 mph! Cars with runflats can then make their way to a tyre centre and have the problem attended to. Some cars only carry a can of air sealant and no spare wheel. This idea is to save on the weight of the car and reduce emissions.

8. I would advise most ladies to join a motoring organisation. Flat Tyres A Guide for Women

Although that you now know how to change your flat tyre ! I would strongly recommend that all motorists, not just ladies, join one of the road side assistance companies. So we all must have noticed how busy our roads are now getting. Especially, on the motorways. Recently, I had the dis-pleasure of having a tyre blowout on the M1 motorway.

Of course, it was dark and raining and was a very frightening experience. However, it is a job that I have done all my life and quickly changed the wheel at the roadside. However, it did open my mind to the thought that this would have been horrific for a lady driver to attempt this task. Simply put, it would be far better to join the “AA” “Green Flag” or “RAC“. Naturally putting your mind at rest !

 A woman alone with her car and a flat tyre could be a signal for the less-than-honourable to take advantage of the situation. If you have no recourse but to change the tyre yourself, make sure you have some form of protection nearby, like pepper spray. Also, make sure to call a friend or relative to let them know what happened when your tyre blows so someone is aware of where you are and the situation you are in. This will at least give people you know information of your whereabouts.

9, Having your tyres in good condition is one way to avoid a flat tyre.

While some causes, like a puncture from a nail or other sharp object, cannot be avoided,. So, keep your tyres well inflated. Along with careful driving, it will lessen the chances of your having to change a flat in the future.

And if you need new tyres,! Contact us on www.pellontyres.co.uk as we are independently owned tyre centres across the UK . Consequently, to help you find the right tyre for your needs,. Its knowledgeable and professional staff will be able to give you brand-neutral car safety advice to help you make the right decision for your tyre needs. And if your car needs other types of auto service, they offer that as well.

• An open and honest approach with the customers

• A high standard of work and excellent value for money

• 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

 Stay safe on the road, ladies!

So in 2024, we have become members of Tyresafe.org to help promote tyre safety.

Part Worn Tyres

Tyres-Tarmac Mix

Tyres-Tarmac Mix

Tyres-Tarmac Mix
© Can Stock Photo / XXLPhoto

Tyres-Tarmac Mix; First UK road to use the scrap tyres mix a great step forward

Breedon Aggregates have successfully completed the relaying of the A90 road in Scotland. Hence, the most remarkable thing about this is that they used a mix of tarmac and shredded waste tyres.

As a result, this is a massive step forward. Consequently, the new tyre-tarmac mix has a very promising future.Of course, the A90 road runs between Perth and Dundee.

Moreover, the road is a duel-carriageway for most of its length. Of course, this particular stretch of road is one of the busiest in the country. Hence, is expected to be a great test for the Tyres-Tarmac Mix experiment. This road carries about 35,000 vehicles a day. It is also exposed to very inclement weather conditions.

As intended, the new material will be rigorously tested over the next few years. One of the most important tests is a skid resistance test. Signs so far are very promising. As a result,the surface has so far passed all the tests.

Tyres-Tarmac Mix from Denmark

New technology for the success of the new mix came from a Danish company,Genan. Enabling, the rubber particles from the shredded tyres to bind with a binding agent at low temperatures. Which also helps the environment because very little heat is required.

Most people know that since 2006, European Rules have banned the disposal of waste tyres at landfill sites, leaving very large amounts of scrap tyres to find other uses in many different forms of recycling.

According to the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association, nearly 500,000 tonnes of scrap tyres arose in the UK in 2009. Studies show that for every tonne of scrap tyres used for rubber modification of bitumen and asphalt, 1.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved compared with burning of the tyres for use in Cement kiln heating.

Tyres-Tarmac Mix-One day they may buy our old tyres again?

This is a great step forward and we must thank Breedon Aggregates for their work in this field to turn a waste product such as old tyres into a wonderful new product that will benefit us all in the long run.

Breedon are now going to market the new product and sell it under the brand name of Breedon Polymer R+, and the tarmac will be produced at all its English and Scottish plants. This is a great step forward and who knows, someday companies may once again buy the old tyres from us?.

 Please click the link below for more information from Breedon Aggregates.

In 2024 we have now joined Tyresafe.org to help in tyre safety campaigns.

Insane MOT Test Proposals

MOT Tests Book Early

MOT Tests Book Early

MOT Tests Book Early
MOT Tests Book Early

MOT Tests Book Early

I would like to take this opportunity to warn drivers about the huge impending MOT Test backlog that is imminent. So we are coming up to the anniversary of the Governments postponement of testing due the Covid 19 pandemic. I and many other experts predict  a mad rush and a possible double-up of up-coming MOT tests.

Our advice would be to take advantage. MOT Tests Book Early

of a 28-day extension that is now open to motorists. This will give motorists a 28-day extra period in which to book in their car for the MOT test. This will mean that your original test date will remain the same for the following year.

Here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK we have remained busy testing for most of the summer period. Meaning that things can only become busier and probably not been able to cope with the large influx of  the extra overlapping tests from the pandemic.

28-day extension is well advised!

So, by booking your MOT Tests Book Early, you will be “killing two birds with one stone”. This will spread out the backlog of tests for the MOT stations. Enabling customers to go to their favourite garages for their annual tests. For instance, last year, we could not cope with all the tests presented to us! Thus, some customers are disappointed by having to test the car at a strange and unfamiliar garage.

Testing stations are only allowed a certain number. MOT Tests Book Early

of test slots on any working day. So by taking advantage of the 28-day period, it enables the garages to spread out the work loads. The customer still retains  the correct amount of test time for next year and we are all happier.

The last 18 months have turned the traditional MOT demand curve on its head. And while this caused initial uncertainty for the independent aftermarket, there is now a significant opportunity on the horizon. Nearly three quarters

Source: LKQ Euro Car Parts warn of an impending MOT wave – Garagewire

car suspension parts

Car Suspension Noises

Car Suspension Noises

Car Suspension Noises
Car Suspension Noises

Car Suspension Noises

The last car to come to us, with a noise problem was a VW GT TDi on a 2002 plate. Accordingly, the noise sounded like it was coming from all around the car. We road tested the car and indeed could hear the noise. He drove the car in the large car park of the local Co-op supermarket, with the window down. The car drove without the creaking noise.

Car Creaking noises-Cars are capable of producing many noises, including “creaking.”. Creaking is one of the noises that really annoys the driver. Hence, it is one of the most common “noise” problems that we are presented with here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax, Yorkshire, UK.

Naturally, cars turn up with rattling

squeaking, banging, and other sounds that sometimes cannot be explained by our customers. The last car to come to us with a noise problem was a VW GT TDi on a 2002 plate. The car had done about 69000 miles. So the mileage was low for the year.


Thus, even when the car was driven down his driveway,. The problem was that the car was making an irritating creaking sound. Surprisingly, the noise sounded like it was coming from all around the car.

Car Suspension Noises can drive you mad?

As a result, we decided to check the cars past histories. I found that the car was fitted out with some new” anti-roll bar bushes” about two months ago.

Hence, we replaced the cars with “drop links“. We road-tested the car and could indeed hear the noise. He drove the VW fast and slowly. He drove the car in the large parking lot of the local Co-op supermarket with the window down.

Naturally, he could hear the creaking quite clearly

with the window down. We have seen this sort of problem before, so we suspected the front suspension could be the problem.

The wishbone bearings could also be the problem. We decided to check that the drop link bolts were tight.
They were re-tightened, and this solved the problem. The car drove without the creaking noise. The customer was highly delighted and drove off into the traffic, a happy man.


Catalytic Converter Theft

Engine Carbon Clean Service: Pellon Autocentre in Halifax UK

Engine Carbon Clean Service

Engine Carbon Clean Service
Engine Carbon Clean Service

Engine Carbon Clean Service

Howdy, everyone! Car emissions are going to be today’s topic of discussion, so pay attention because we’re going to dive right into the thick of things. You’ve been keeping up with the news, right? The United Kingdom is taking a tough stance, and automobile manufacturers? They’re putting in more effort than ever before; that much is clear. Let’s take a look at how these bigwigs are cleaning up their act in order to comply with the newly enacted emission laws.

To begin, we need to have a conversation about hybrid forms of technology.

In all seriousness, it’s in every single place now! The days in which hybrids were a novelty have long since passed. Automobile manufacturers are cleverly integrating electric systems so that they can function in conjunction with internal combustion engines. Result? Reduced our emissions by a significant amount. Isn’t that ingenious?

The turbochargers are up next. You heard that right: small is the new big. Those cumbersome engines are being phased out in favour of more streamlined, turbocharged alternatives by automakers. It may be hard to believe, but these smaller engines pack a powerful punch while significantly reducing their CO2 emissions. More power comes at the expense of less pollution. Win-win!

Do not overlook the importance of exhaust filters. Engine Carbon Clean Service

These stunning devices intercept the harmful particles even before they have a chance to enter the atmosphere. Filtration systems for particles? Check. Converters for catalytic emissions? Verify everything. These devices are a significant step forward in terms of eliminating those odours and fumes.

You ask about diesel, so let’s talk about that. Wonderful question. Technology is based on AdBlue, folks. This liquid solution is sprayed into the exhaust, and as a result, harmful NOx emissions are converted into water and nitrogen, which are not harmful at all. Unbelievable; I’m sure of it.

Let’s talk about stop-start systems as our very last topic of discussion. You are stopped at a red light when suddenly your engine dies. The light changes to green, and it starts working again. Reduces emissions from idling vehicles in a straightforward and highly efficient manner. In all honesty, why didn’t we consider doing this earlier on?

Now you know everything there is to know. Engine Carbon Clean Service

about how car manufacturers are stepping up their game in order to comply with the new emission laws in the UK. It’s a combination of creative thinking, some good old-fashioned engineering, and, let’s face it, a touch of desperation as well. Even though time is running out, businesses are stepping up to meet the challenge. It’s about time, isn’t it? Cheers!

All these new procedures have come about as a result of a change in the MOT testing rules in May 2018.  So, from May 2018, the smoke test limit for Euro 6 and some Euro 5 diesels will be halved.

This also ties up with the number of cars that have had their DPFs (diesel particulate filters) removed completely. So it will now be an MOT test failure if your vehicle does not have an EGR valve fitted and has had it removed.

Of course, this will affect drivers who have bought a second-hand car and are unaware of its removal. In a statement obtained by Garage Wire, the online care repair specialists, a Department of Transport  spokesperson said:

“We are taking strong action to stop the removal of DPFs. “We expect future changes to the MOT emissions test for diesel vehicles, due to come into force by May 2018, to make it easier to detect vehicles with failing or removed DPFs.”

CONTAMINATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON AN ENGINE

Fuel and Oil are organic matter; when they are burned or left to naturally degrade, they form contamination, which adheres to different components within the engine, namely:

Over the last 20 years, engines have become more complex, and the tolerances within the engine have become finer. As a result, it takes just a small amount of contamination to adversely affect engine performance.

Pellon Autocentre invest in a new Carbon Clean machine

Your vehicle can now fail the emissions part of the MOT test due to the new stricter smoke test that comes under the Euro 5 and Euro 6 lowered limits. So to keep up, we here at Pellon Autocentre have invested in a new machine for Engine Carbon Clean Service on your vehicle’s engine. This can be done in conjunction with a regular service or to just get your vehicle through the MOT tests, which have stricter emission rules.

Modern engine design, coupled with a drive to reduce harmful emissions, has led to a significant increase in contamination-related issues, such as

  • Blocked DPF’s
  • Fouled Fuel Injectors
  • MOT emission failures

The Tec4 Carbon Cleaning Machine, backed up with our unique marketing package, allows you to fix these issues with minimal fuss and promote a preventative maintenance solution.

Some of the text in this post and the video were kindly provided by Tec4.

Winter Tyres Insurance

Falken Safety Winter Tyres

Falken Safety Winter Tyres

Falken Safety Winter Tyres
Falken Safety Winter Tyres

Falken Safety Winter Tyres

It seems crazy to me? here I am In the middle of August. Writing about winter tyres. This is something that I have done for years now. Unfortunately, I just cant get out of the habit.

I think it may be that the days are already getting shorter. Of course, I am an early riser. Consequently,the mornings are now in darkness at 5 am when I get up and see to my dogs.

So this is when I start to think about the winter and of course, winter tyres. As a result, I always order my first load of logs for the winter fires at this time of year.

Falken Safety Winter Tyres: this winter at Pellon Tyres

Of course, winter tyres are the ultimate safety companion for your car. Therefore, there are a number of separate tests. It has been shown that winter tyres are the only ones that reduce braking distances. Thus, when driving in the winter,. Winter tyres have a far shorter stopping distance when braking in snow than regular summer tyres. Hence, they are fitted as original equipment by car manufacturers.

Of course, in many parts of Europe, motorists are required by law to fit their car with winter tyres. From November onwards, vehicles that are not fitted with approved winter tyres. Hence, they are not allowed to use the roads. According to a number of separate tyre tests,. Winter tyres are the only ones that reduce braking distances when driving in the winter.

The countries with winter tyre laws do have a harsher winter than the UK. However as we all know then bad weather can strike at any time. Drivers in say Finland will drive on snow throughout the winter. The UK is different with our climate of mixed weather. it is though a more dangerous scenario. When the snow does arrive, then we are not ready for it. As a result, we get into all sorts of trouble. Trying to drive on snow covered roads with summer tyres fitted to their cars.

Falken Safety Winter Tyres Whats the difference?

When you look at a winter tyre compared to a summer tyre,. Then you will see the main difference? Winter tyres are designed with very small slits called sipes. Down the edges of the main tread blocks. On top of helping with grip, they displace slush and snow a lot better than other seasonal tyres. In my opinion, this includes all-weather tyres. Summer tyres for example, when going over snow, compact it, making it extremely slippery and solid.

Also, winter tyres are made out of a different compound than summer tyres. This includes a silica-based material that allows the tyres to flex better. Especially when the temperature drops below 7 degrees C. This allows the tyre sidewall to become more flexible. Thus giving the tread with all the sipes a better footprint in bad weather. We have nothing but praise from our regular customers. When they have fitted winters and therefore have had no safety issues in any types of weather.

For the past couple of years, our winters have been mild, wet, and slushy at worst.So there is now almost an entire generation of drivers. You may have to start learning the skills of snow and ice driving. So, during those late autumn months, it would be a good choice to take those summers off and slap on the winters. As I have emphasised,. Winter tyres will pay for themselves in terms of control and safety before you know it.

falken Safety Winter Tyres are a massive safety feature

For a long time, we in the tyre trade have had to dispel a wide spread and out dated belief. Hence,that winter tyres can only be used in icy or snow covered surfaces. Perhaps at one time this was true, but with the advances in rubber compound technology by adding “silica“. Including, tread pattern design. Then these tyres today can be used in many other inclement weather circumstances.

A recent survey was conducted in Canada. It was reported that those who drive with winter tyres on their cars. As a result, we suffer fewer accidents. In fact, most of Canada makes winter tyres compulsory in the winter months. British Columbia have very stringent tyre laws relating to winter driving. Including a 3.5 mm tread depth on winter tyres. Of all the accidents that happened on Prince Edward Island, only 6% were fitted with winter tyres.

What is the reason behind such laws? Well, it’s pretty obvious: winter tyres significantly help you maintain control during times when perhaps other tyres, not designed for driving in ice, snow, or heavy rain, would let you down. This includes the drivers here in the UK. For this reason, I have chosen Falken winter tyres as my main tyre line this winter. Both of these tyre brands have world-wide recognition for their quality and durability in the toughest of winter weather conditions.

In 2024 we have now joined Tyresafe.org to help in tyre safety campaigns.