Keep Your Car Safe

Keep Your Car Safe

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Keep Your Car Safe

Keep Your Car Safe
Keep Your Car Safe

Keep Your Car Safe

When you own a car, you will know all about road safety and what to do when driving. What you might not be aware of, and what is not taught during driving lessons, is how best to protect your car when you’re not driving it.
It happens more often than you’d think. You park up, go to bed, and notice the next day that your car has been damaged. How do we prevent this?

Where do Park: When you own a car, you will know all about road safety and what to do when driving

Firstly, and crucially, where you choose to park is important. You may have a favourite spot you always park in that’s close to home or close to work that’s tricky to get to. Perhaps your spot is slightly ramped up on a curb. You might not notice anything at the time, but it’s possible that driving up and down on this spot daily is slowly damaging the underneath of your car. Potentially causing issues further down the road that could be costly.

There are some tips to prevent issues underneath your car, such as regularly cleaning to stop rust from building up and considering better places to park your car. Even if there’s no issue when parking underneath your car, that doesn’t mean there aren’t issues with parking elsewhere. Cars and vans being parked underneath trees cause damage all the time when storms
hit; obviously, this is more circumstantial, but it’s worth considering when parking for the day.

Car Mats: Keep Your Car Safe

One thing that people sometimes don’t think about too often are good quality car mats. When getting in and out of the car you will press onto your car floor. Some vehicles, especially vans, will have a soft bottom, a more industrial non-covered part.

So, when you’re stepping onto the bottom you could be slowly damaging the floor to cause dents and other issues.
So, it’s important to get high quality car mats from proven sellers such as Mr Car Mats. You can get one to suit the motif of your vehicle as well as one that suits your needs. Remember, cleaning your car mat is important as your shoes will go on here daily and dirt can build up very quickly.

Valuables And Goods: Keep Your Car Safe

Having valuables in your car when you’re not in is usually considered a bad idea. It doesn’t have to be anything considered expensive either. If you were to leave even a jacket in your car that’s visible that might be enough for a potential thief to break open your car door or window to steal it.

You could live without the jacket, sure, but then you’ve got to deal with repairing the damage which would be much more expensive than one item. So, make sure every time you’re leaving your car you take anything that could be easily stolen, no matter how expensive or cheap it is. The police recommend this all the time.

Summary

These are just some ideas to get you thinking of car protection when you’re not on the roads. You should always take care with cars and know how best to keep them safe. There are other ways to keep your car safe if in doubt.

mot testing and car servicing

Independent Car Care Halifax

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Independent Car Care Halifax

Independent Car Care Halifax
Independent Car Care Halifax

Independent Car Care Halifax

This year, 2024, at Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre will be our 40th year in business.

To celebrate, we are holding a huge party for our customers and suppliers. Consequently, who have supported us over the past years. In that time, we have tried many different trade associations to better us and the customer experience by offering different things that would improve their experience when visiting our garage for tyre servicing or, indeed, general repairs.

The two organizations that we are currently associated with are the best that I have had the pleasure to deal with.

5 years of care

We have been an Independent now for five years and have benefited our customers with the service that they offer. They consist of a blend of normal-type garages, fast-fit centres, and other motoring organisations and are the largest network in the country (UK).

Because we are all independent garages, we probably carry out car servicing in slightly different ways, but we all work in the same ethical way, offering our customers top-quality service with genuine monetary savings that we must adhere to as part of an independent quality car care centre.

We use top-quality service schedules price list that are available online.

The price list says 2012, but we are sticking to these prices for the near future. On some car models, we will use the Autodata car servicing manual to give us the exact requirements for the customer’s car’s needs. Just to mention it , we do have the computer equipment to correct and re-set any of the cars service lights when the service is completed.

Original Equipment Quality Parts.

Another bonus for our customers is that we use 90% of quality-sourced parts on their cars. This ensures that we fit real-quality parts when we carry out a service or repair on our customers cars .We constantly ensure the best parts are used. because we offer a 12-month parts-and-labour guarantee to all of our customers. Of course, this is applicable all over the mainland UK.

So if you are going on holiday,. I said to Brighton from Halifax that you had a problem with some work that we carried out. Then you could take the car to the nearest Car Care Centre depot, and the problem would be sorted out for you to carry on with your holiday, which is a great bonus for all the customers.

The second great organisation that I have joined has been Point-S !

Operating an online tyre pricing system to compete with the other independent online tyre retailers. However, the difference is that the pricing system is to help local businesses. So, compete with the huge national tyre retailers such as Kwikfit . When you buy a tyre through our www.pellontyres.co.uk buying system,

So then the sale comes to us at local level. We are then contacted by the customer, who arranges a date for the tyres to be fitted. This is a great system for a popular local tyre centre to compete with the big companies. Confidently, it also means that our customers have a choice of where they can buy. Of course, knowing that if they have a problem in the future,. Then they can still rely on our great service and guarantee system.

Both of these partners in our business have helped us compete in this ever-changing computer- and internet-driven world Many thanks.

In 2024, we will no longer be part of the now-defunct network of car care centres.

Car Air-Conditioning

Car Air-Conditioning-2

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Car Air-Conditioning (air-con)

Air conditioning was one of the last things that you would have needed here in the United Kingdom’s cool climate, but now that we have it in almost every vehicle, I do not know how we did without it? This time of year is when our customers are starting to get their cars ready for the summer, and this includes having their Car air conditioning system serviced.

I must admit though that I remember the pre-Car

Air-Conditioning days of motoring on a hot summer’s day. In those days, the only way to cool down was to open the car’s windows and stick your head out of the window.

Not only that, I also remember when the windows of cars would steam up in spring and winter due to condensation; this has now stopped because of car air-conditioning fitted to most cars. We used to arrive at our destination dripping with sweat, with our legs sticking to our trousers and other bits.

Car Air-Conditioning
Car Air-Conditioning

America was way ahead of us here in the UK as far as Car Air-Conditioning is concerned

Although they had far more hot days, they really did need it especially in the southern states. Air-con in cars was actually invented and used in America as far back as 1939 and Packard were the first car makers to install Car Air-Conditioning as far back as 1940. Although it was a crude system compared to today’s used cars, it was

better than nothing at all. In fact, it was Chrysler that was the first to introduce a properly integrated air-con system into their cars in 1953 as an optional extra. By 1970, almost half the cars in America were equipped with Car Air-Conditioning and us in Europe were still miles behind.  

Car Air-Conditioning (air-con)

At the same time, in 1970, the USA adopted a new “Clean air act”, but the regulations for motor vehicles did not come into force until 1990. This meant that the refrigerants inside the Car Air-Conditioning had to be re-cycled and a different refrigerant had to be used.

The gas that we all use at the moment is R134A, but we think that a newer gas will be used in the near future. The family car market, all the way down to the small Citroen and Toyota Yaris cars, quickly followed suit as European automakers quickly installed air conditioning in all of the large production cars, including BMW and Mercedes.

Hot weather is expected in the UK, so consider car air conditioning.

The main parts of the car air-con system consist of the Air Conditioning Condenser Unit, compressor and evaporator and a few other parts that all work together to remove and cool the humidity that is in the air and circulate it into and through the car. The warm, humid air is replaced with cool air at the temperature that you set it at. That is until things such as the Car Air-Conditioning Condenser start to go wrong.

It is a well-known fact that cars fitted with air-con use more fuel, so some drivers switch off the air-con when the weather is cold. It is in actual fact false economy to switch off your air-con in winter. This is an extract from the Autokool website…

“It is false economy to turn the system off in the winter.

This can lead to deterioration of the seals and gaskets in your system and, even more, rapid refrigerant loss. On the coldest of days turn the system on to ensure that the windows are demisted and the interior of the car is comfortable.

Contrary to popular belief this does not greatly reduce your mpg or performance. With modern engines and increased fuel efficiency the cost of using your vehicle air conditioning system has been considerably reduced with modern advancements in engineering”.

Most modern garages are equipped to service your Car Air-Conditioning system on your car

And the members of staff at the garage should all be certified to use the equipment and handle the refrigerant that is used, so check out the air-con before the summer arrives and keep yourself cool and dry. car air conditioning, car air conditioning servicing, car air conditioning cleaning, car air conditioning parts.

TPMS warning light Ignored

SPARE TYRE and WHEEL

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SPARE TYRE and WHEEL

SPARE TYRE and WHEEL
SPARE TYRE and WHEEL

SPARE TYRE and WHEEL

WHAT SPARE TYRE SYSTEM DOES YOUR CAR HAVE?

As a tyre retailer for 40 years, this is an increasing problem for the modern motorist. When the car manufacturers had to make their cars lighter. So that they could hit their emission targets. Considering many ways to lighten the weight of their cars to make them more emissions friendly. Including other different ways of doing without a SPARE TYRE and  wheel.

Today’s problem has been that the car makers did not come up with any universal and unified method of doing this. So different cars have differing systems for the replacement of your spare tyre. Consequently, the problem is that when you buy a car it is the last thing on your mind. Off course, to check out the spare wheel system for that particular model of car.

Space saver; flat tyre systems.

This was one of the first ideas to come from the car manufacturers. In theory the idea is not too bad. If you look into your boot you will see a very thin looking wheel.

With a thin-looking car tyre that actually resembles a motorbike tyre. The wheels are usually painted a bright colour, such as bright red or bright blue, to distinguish the spare wheel from the wheels on the car. The space-saving car SPARE TYRE is a different size from the rest of the tyres on the car but has the same overall diameter (height) so that when it is fitted to the car, it keeps a balanced driver experience when the wheel is being driven on.

The space-saving spare tyre is regulated to 50 MPH when used because the tyre is much thinner and can only carry the car’s weight at a slower speed. Once the tyre is fitted, it is important to get your original puncture fixed and return it to the car; this will not restrict your speed.

Run-flat tyre system– SPARE TYRE and WHEEL

The cars that are fitted with Bridgestone Run Flat Tyres  do not have a spare tyre at all. The technology is in the actual tyres. When you get a puncture in a run flat, the increased strength in the tyres structure. Consequently, it supports the weight of the car without having any air in. This is only a temporary fix.

Thus, once again, the car must not exceed 50 MPH. The other downside of running flat tyres. Of course, is that because the tyre has been run on. Unfortunately, they are usually damaged beyond repair and a new one is required. The main advantage is.Subsequently, if you do get a puncture, you can just drive the car at 50 MPH. Importantly, in relative safety without the car deviating and the driver having to get out of the car and change a wheel,.

Emergency tyre repair kit, spare tyre system

This is simply a can of tyre repair solution that you screw onto the tyres valve and it release a solution into the tyre, hopefully sealing the hole that has caused the puncture. In my opinion, this is the most unsatisfactory system. In the perfect scenario, when you just have small nail or screw in the centre of your tyre, the repair kit would probably work, but this is not the usual case.

Side wall damage- SPARE TYRE and WHEEL

So in all my experience, most tyres succumb to side wall damage. Including larger repairs that the emergency repair kit will not be able to cope with. The last car that I had with this system was a Nisan Juke. Because we travel to France a couple of times a year, we needed a spare tyre, so we found an alloy wheel that fitted the studs and fitted a new spare tyre.

Because the car manufacturers do not supply these, you will also need a small jack and a wheel brace. This is an easy thing to do if you have a friendly tyre retailer, and it is well worth the effort to cover yourself in case you have a dreaded puncture in the middle of nowhere. 

The main gist of this, though, is to make sure you know which spare tyre system is provided with your car and are familiar with it. Some car owners are lucky enough to have the old-fashioned spare wheel fitted, complete with a jack and a wheel brace.

Pellon Tyres are now proud members of Tyresafe.org

 

UPS Batteries Have Many Uses

Replacement car battery

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Replacement car battery

Replacement car battery
Replacement car battery

Replacement car battery

Understanding Car Battery Failure Symptoms:

A Yorkshire Driver’s Guide
Yorkshire, ah! is home to scenic vistas, winding roads, and sporadic downpours that put our driving skills to the test. However, nothing ruins a picturesque trip through the Dales more quickly than a car battery gone bad. It’s imperative for drivers to recognise the warning signals of a failing battery in order to avoid being stuck in the middle of nowhere. Now let’s examine the warning indicators that your car battery may be dying and what you can do to prevent them.

The Syndrome of the Slow Crank


Imagine this: On this clear morning in Halifax, you’re eager to begin your day seeing the countryside. When you turn the key (or push the button, for those with current motors), the engine grunts slowly, almost reluctantly, rather than with a joyful roar. This is the notorious slow crank, my friends. It frequently indicates that your battery is having trouble holding a charge. A slow crank today could mean no crank tomorrow, so pay attention to it.

Darkness, Dark Nights
The warm glow of streetlights makes the lovely villages of Yorkshire even more charming. However, if the headlights on your car are beginning to seem like a few fading torches, it’s obvious your battery is getting weaker. One common sign is dim or flickering lights, both outside and indoors. Remember to use your headlights the next time you’re travelling through Hebden Bridge at dusk. It could be time to examine the batteries to see if they’re not functioning properly.

Cautionary Signals: Take Note!


Modern cars are fairly adept at alerting us to problems. Don’t ignore the battery warning light if it appears on your dashboard. It’s your battery’s cry for assistance, not just a Christmas decoration. That small light is your car’s way of telling you to check it out before it’s too late, whether you’re driving to work in Bradford or spending the weekend at Scarborough by the sea.

Numerous Electrical Problems: Replacement Car Battery
Ever notice how slowly your electric windows move on a hot day—faster than a snail? Alternatively, perhaps your power locks are acting up or your radio has begun to cut off. All of these indicate that your battery is having trouble keeping up with your car’s electrical needs. Keep in mind that a dead battery could be the reason behind your electrical mess while stuck in traffic on the M62.

The Old Enlarging Battery Box
For the more active among you, here’s one. A bloated or enlarged battery casing should raise red flags when you remove the cover to inspect the battery. Usually, it indicates that the battery overheated—mostly as a result of overcharging. During those sweltering summertime journeys across the Yorkshire Wolds, this may occur. Your battery needs to be replaced immediately if it appears like it might explode.

Getting Older Gently—or Not-Replacement car battery


Like anybody else, batteries have an expiration date. A car battery typically lasts between three and five years. Even though it appears to be functioning well, it’s still worth having a look to see if yours is operating at the higher end of that range. Nobody wants to be stranded in the middle of the Moors due to a dead battery, after all. Many hassles can be avoided with a little preventative maintenance.

What Comes Next?
When you see one or more of these indicators, what should you do next? Make sure your battery is tested first. The majority of garages, including mine in Halifax, can rapidly check the condition of your battery. If it’s time for a replacement, think about getting one of our premium batteries, which are made to survive the weather in Yorkshire.

Additionally, pay attention to your car’s electrical system. Frequent inspections might assist you in identifying possible problems early. And never forget that a little care today can prevent a great deal of worry later.

Last Words
Travelling through Yorkshire ought to be enjoyable rather than stressful. You can make sure your travels remain trouble-free and seamless by keeping a look out for these indicators of a failing car battery. Thus, remember your reliable batteries the next time you’re driving down the A1 or taking in the scenery from Ilkley Moor. It’s your car’s unsung hero, and it merits some attention.

Drive carefully and enjoy yourself!

In my humble opinion then most of this article is now out of date. Especially when it comes to modern cars and their batteries. Many of the new model are now start stop cars. Requiring AGM or EFB batteries. These batteries are maintenance free and cannot be examined through the screw tops that were fitted to old model vehicles.

Back in the old days this was an important job. To check the fluid levels in the battery top cells. Access was through a plastic top that you had to screw out. The acid level could then be checked and topped up accordingly. In fact I am sure that many new drivers of the past 5 years wont know that this type of battery exists.

Another myth in the article is that you need to charge your battery

if the car is not regularly used. I admit that it could shorten the life of the battery, but drivers today do not have the time to take their batteries off for charging, whether it be by a smart charger or any other type of charger.

People’s time is valuable in today’s super-fast world. Car batteries are now hidden away in a plethora of plastic casings and wires. It can take a trained technician nearly an hour to change a battery these days; the public has no chance.

Replacement car battery
Replacement car battery

Battery replacement can be stressful at the best of times, however, as the cost of living continues to rise, never has the potential cost of a battery failure loomed so large. It’s widely known that the

Source: How motorists can avoid the expense of a replacement car battery as cost-of-living rises

First Time Drivers Guide

Cars To My Employees

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Cars To My Employees

Cars To My Employees
Cars To My Employees

Cars To My Employees

Cars for My Employees—Not for Me!

Plucked straight out of the ’80s and perhaps at odds with today’s modern city/commuter lifestyle, company cars still have something to offer as an effective employee perk across a number of industries.
Despite this continued popularity, many companies are caught between two minds regarding whether or not they should offer cars to their staff.

The benefits and pitfalls are numerous, with poor handling of the situation potentially costing business owners significant amounts of cash every year. In this article, we’ll outline the pros and cons of offering a company car to your employees and what key challenges to look out for as part of your plan to do so.

Pros-Cars To My Employees

First, let’s look at the benefits of handing out keys to company cars. Cuts out transport issues Whether it’s significant commuting time or a lack of company vehicles making it difficult to reach important meetings in time and in style, transport creates a number of issues for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Fledgling start-up or established enterprise, it doesn’t matter. You need to make sure your team is getting around comfortably, efficiently and in a state of mind that encourages them to give their all. While we’re all very familiar with video chats now, actually meeting associates, clients and potential partners in person is invaluable.

With so many businesses operating on a strict time and financial budget, they can’t afford to blow it all sitting on a crowded, overpriced train. A company car ensures that all-important members of your team have an effective and efficient way of getting to crucial meetings — and impressing as they do so.

An accepted part of a benefits package-Cars To My Employees

Benefits are a huge part of what attracts the very best candidates to specific positions these days. While everyone wants a great salary and the office culture to match, many younger professionals are interested in what companies can offer on top of the typical working experience, such as gym memberships, mental health support and the opportunity to experience training courses.

Company cars remain a popular example of this, and something many professionals may accept in place of a pay raise. While the initial costs of a company car may set you back further than a slight pay bump, over time that cost will even out, and you’ll be saving on wages by the end of the year.

Likewise, such an offering can help you balance the books by satisfying key members of the team. It makes them feel important to the business, encourages a greater level of professionalism and makes them less likely to enquire about other potential perks.

Money-saving options-Cars To My Employees

A company car isn’t just a money sink — they actually provide a number of ways to save on travel.  Public transport and overnight accommodation can be         extremely costly for a business, especially when you’re sending more than one member of staff. However, if they have a company car they can travel more freely and get home without relying on train timetables.

This cuts out a significant amount of overhead you’ll never get back. Smart driving also makes a car less of a financial burden. By coupling a company car with fuel cards, advanced route planning apps and training in how to drive more economically, you can turn your company car into something that costs a fraction of what it does for other businesses. Fuel cards will give you unique discounts on fuel, apps will make sure you pick the most economic route and a more efficient driving brain will ensure you don’t burn through that petrol in an instant.

Cons- Cars To My Employees

Now, let’s delve  into the issues that may arise when offering company cars.

Extra taxes

If you’re operating in the UK, paying tax on a company car rests on the employee who drives it. This may be off-putting to some employees. Especially those who had previously had no need for a vehicle and couldn’t afford the additional cost.

However, this cost can be mitigated depending on the make of the car and the type of fuel it uses. If you offer a ‘greener’ model as your company car,. Then this may entice a certain type of employee, regardless of the tax costs.

Cars require significant maintenance

A company car is for life, not just a motivational tactic. If you’re committing to handing out company cars,. So, you need to be ready to swallow the maintenance costs. Especially new tyres  and servicing costs.
While responsibility of the vehicle and making sure it is in working and legal order may fall on the driver,. hence, criticism can quickly come back to you.

Many  companies prefer to keep documentation themselves. Of course, and manage the car in-house. Rather than giving full responsibility to an employee. This can cause conflict and downplay some of the trust and reward a company car offers.

Likewise, you need to consider the fact that many of your staff. Subsequently, won’t have the capabilities to store or drive a company car. A significant number of workers in major cities these days cannot drive or live in accommodation without parking spots. This would either render the benefit. Of course, useless or put it in a situation where it could get damaged.

A company car isn’t for everyone. There are many workers it won’t appeal to and keeping track of how it’s being used can add another layer of stress to your busy schedule. However, they remain a great gift for your top members of staff that can actually be quite economically effective in the long run.

Suzuki servicing is neglected

“Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre

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Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre

Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre
Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre

Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre

 Hello, dear readers! It’s time to rev up your engines and dive into the world of car servicing and repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre right here in Halifax, UK. If you’ve been cruising around town and wondering where to find a reliable garage, look no further because we’ve got you covered!

 You might be surprised to know that there are still many motorists out there who are unaware of the top-notch car services and repairs we offer at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre. So, allow me, Eric Roberts, the proud owner of this establishment, to shed some light on what makes us the go-to destination for all your automotive needs.

A Wealth of Experience in the Motor Trade

First things first, let me introduce myself. I’m Eric Roberts, and I’ve been immersed in the motor trade for many, many years. I’ve seen the evolution of cars, from classic beauties to cutting-edge vehicles, and I’ve dedicated my career to understanding every nook and cranny of these mechanical marvels.

My staff and I have a passion for cars, and my commitment to providing top-notch service has been the driving force behind Pellon Tyre and Autocentre’s success. I understand that your vehicle is not just a mode of transportation;

It’s a part of your daily life, and you rely on it for countless journeys. That’s why I’ve assembled a team of skilled technicians who share my dedication to ensuring your car runs like a dream. Comprehensive Car Servicing and Repairs Now, let’s talk about what sets us apart when it comes to car servicing and repairs.

At Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, we offer a comprehensive range of services

Of course, that caters to all makes and models of cars. Whether you drive a classic British gem or a modern marvel, our skilled team has the expertise to handle it with care. Our services include:

Routine Servicing: Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre

 Keep your car in tip-top condition with our regular servicing. We’ll check all the vital components, change the oil, and make sure everything is running smoothly.

 Repairs:

From minor fixes to major overhauls, our technicians are equipped to handle all sorts of repairs. Whether it’s a squeaky brake, a mysterious engine issue, or a troublesome gearbox, we’ve got you covered.

 Tyres and Brakes:

We specialise in tyres, including all types of “winter tyres and brakes. Whether it’s time for a tyre change, wheel alignment, or brake pad replacement, we’ve got the best products and experts to ensure your safety on the road. I highly recommend Falken Tyres for a great-quality tyre at a reasonable price.

 Exhausts and Batteries: Car Servicing and Repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre

 Since we’re also in the battery business, you can trust us to provide quality batteries if you ever need a replacement. We’re well aware of the importance of a healthy battery for keeping your car running smoothly. A Local Touch with a Dash of History Living and working in Halifax, we understand the importance of local connections. It’s not just about servicing cars;

 It’s about being part of a community.

 Halifax has a rich history, from its stunning architecture to its vibrant culture, and we’re proud to be a part of it. So, when you bring your car to Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, you’re not just getting excellent service; you’re supporting a local business that’s deeply rooted in the fabric of Halifax.

 In conclusion, if you’re a motorist in Halifax, UK,

 and you haven’t experienced the exceptional car servicing and repairs at Pellon Tyre and Autocentre, it’s time to give us a try. With my years of experience, a dedicated team of technicians, and a commitment to serving our local community, we’re here to keep your car running smoothly and safely.

Don’t let car troubles slow you down; visit us today and experience the difference! Thank you for taking the time to read about our garage, and I look forward to welcoming you to Pellon Tyre and Autocentre soon.

Flat Tyres on the motorway

Flat Tyres on the Motorway

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Flat Tyres on the Motorway

Flat Tyres on the motorway
Flat Tyres on the motorway

Flat Tyres on the motorway

So, in the past years, I have written many times. Of course, about how to change your punctured wheel. Although not all punctures occur on the motorway system. Importantly, this is what I am going to write about ! British motorways, as we all know, are always extremely busy. So, as many of my readers know. Hence, I delivered some of our battery sales to all over the UK. Inclusively, from Devon to Aberdeen. Covering all of the UK . When delivering very large truck batteries or even leisure batteries.

Many times I will set of at 4.30. Of course, depending on where I am going. So, for a short while in mid-summer, it will be light at this time. Happily and a pleasure to drive, with wonderful sunrises that only the early risers would see. However, the particular morning that caused me to write this article was dark. It was raining heavily and extremely windy. In fact, it was a terrible morning to be driving on the motorways !

Two miles on and a loud bang ! Flat Tyres on the Motorway

So, this particular day, I was heading for the Bristol area with about ten deliveries of different batteries. My usual motorway entry junction is the Barnsley entry/exit just south of the “Woolley Edge” service area on the M1 motorway. As I have said, it was a stinking morning with a gale blowing and raining heavily ! No problem; I thought it could only get better. However, I could not have been more wrong ! So, about two miles on, I remember running over something in the dark . A juddering sound followed this, which was frightening.

This was to be my first punctured tyre  at any time in my life !

probably one of the reasons for this. It is because, as the owner of a tyre centre, I have always had new tyres on any of my vehicles. Thus protecting me against any imminent tyre problem, including flat tyres on the highway. My van started to drift about ! So at first, I thought it could be the strong winds that were blowing. Even at that time of the morning, the M1 motorway is very busy with trucks and other vehicles alike.

Realising that I had a flat tyre, I pulled over onto the hard shoulder of the motorway. The wind was howling ! Rain was pouring down, and I was totally miffed, to say the least. Adrenaline was beginning to kick in ! Frightened at the prospect of changing the wheel with trucks whizzing by only four feet away. So, the first thing that came to mind was “where is the spare wheel?” and jack and “wheel l brace Disappointingly, then, I did not practise what I had been preaching for all these years.

I finally found all the tools and spare wheel-Flat Tyres on the Motorway

I was scrambling about in the dark, then I shifted the batteries and finally found the wheel brace and tool kit. Jacking points were no problem, and luckily, I managed to lower the spare wheel without any problems. So, this is where my 40 years experience came in. As the trucks were hurtling by, I managed the job pretty quickly. My only snag was that I had put the spare back into the carrier the wrong way around.

So, it was sort of dangling about a bit. However, I was able to limp along to the next service and fit the spare correctly and safely. As daylight approached, I began to think about my bad experience. Proudly, I had applied myself and done the wheel change safely and speedily. So I was back on my way down the M1 just an hour later.

However, my experience had made me think about what could have been !

Including what if the driver had been a lady driver !  Or even an elderly driver. So much so, in fact, that I have now completely changed my stance. especially over changing a wheel on the motorway or any other busy road.

My new advice from now on would be that drivers should join one of the breakdown services. Recently, I have noticed that the breakdown services have been changing their customers wheels. Admittedly, I  did snigger a little ! Of course, but not now !

Having ! experienced this with all the elements against me ! So I do now know that many people would not have been able to cope with this bad experience. Also, if you are capable of physically changing your own wheel, you should check out all the tools that you will require.

Also, there are now different spare wheel systems. Flat Tyres on the Motorway

  1. Many vehicles still carry a standard type of spare wheel. Just the same as the ones that will be on the vehicle. This was the case in the van that I was driving on that torturous rainy night. Flat Tyres on the Motorway
  2. Vehicles will also have a spare wheel. However, it will be a “temporary spare” wheel. The wheel has the same overall diameter as your vehicle’s tyres. However, it will be much thinner, usually a steel wheel. Most vehicles have alloy wheels, and this spare will look much thinner than the ones on the vehicle.
  3. Subsequently, these wheels do do the job and enable you to carry on with your journey. Importantly, though there is a limit to driving at 50 mph for a distance of 70 miles with one of these spares fitted.
  4. Many cars are fitted with run-flat tyres. At first, I did not agree with these run-flat tyres ! Primarily because they were more expensive to replace than a standard tubeless tyre. However, I have changed my mind ? Because of the tyres’ safety features.
  5. So if I had runflat fitted to my feet, then I would have been able to limp on. Albeit, at 50 mph. So the cars fitted with the run-flat system will not have a spare wheel, but the system will get most drivers out of trouble. So my opinion this is the worst system !
  6. car makers lower the weight of their vehicles by not fitting a spare wheel at all. A can of repair sealant replaces the spare. This sealant only works if the tyre has a small nail or screw embedded in it. So, anything larger, such as a small cut or large hole, can not be sealed.
  7. So, leaving you no better off and still stuck at the side of the road. The “no spare system” was to lower the cars overall weight to cut back on the cars emissions ! In my opinion then membership f one of the breakdown services is a must. Incidentally, when this repair sealant is used then the tyre has to be replaced as the cant be repaired.
  8. Flat Tyres on the Motorway

I hope that this article informs drivers enough to check and see what spare wheel system is used on their car. Importantly, because of the high volume of traffic on our roads, we should perhaps join one of the breakdown companies. Ensuring that your wheel will be changed in safety, whatever your cars spare wheel system. Flat Tyres on the motorway.

Pellon Tyres are now proud members of Tyresafe.org

timing belt cam shaft engine problems

Timing Belt Needs Changing Sir

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Timing Belt Needs Changing Sir

Timing Belt Needs Changing Sir
Timing Belt Needs Changing Sir

Timing Belt Needs Changing Sir

Change your timing belt; it’s imperative?

When our customers are having a service to their car, there are certain things that we will report to them. Thus, when their cars service is complete. What we do which is what most garages do!

So, nowadays, is to take a contact number of the person who’s car it is having a service. Before mobile phones this would have been more difficult to do. But now most of our customers have some sort of mobile phone or other.

The things we report on are such things as tyres or worn steering parts. So, these can be changed later on in the day if the customer is contacted . Of course, and we will have time to carry out the repairs. One important thing though is the Timing or cam belt. The Timing Belt Kits come in two types. The chain type, which as the word say’s is very similar to a motor bike chain. More commonly, the rubber looking belt! Consequently, that looks very similar to a fan belt. Including looking like  the belt that drives your washing machine or spin dryer.

This is made out of very strong material, similar to the materials that tyres are made from.

The importance of the timing belt cannot be overstressed. If the belt breaks in use then the engine can be damaged beyond repair. When we carry out a service we always check in the Autodata online manual. Naturally, for the exact time for the belt to be changed. Sometimes it will state a Timing Belt Intervals and other times it may state a time period. However, usually it will be between 60000miles and 100000 miles when the new belt should be fitted.

This is also important to know if you buy a second hand car. I have known customers who have had a car for a couple of months and their timing belt has snapped leaving them with a

blown up engine and no redress from the person that they bought the Old Cars from, so if you buy a second hand car you must only buy one with a history record and the knowledge of the timing belt, otherwise you could be caught out with a huge repair bill, always ask about the timing belt?

A simple explanation of what this important part does is as follows; the timing belt is used to turn the camshaft at exactly half the speed of the crankshaft. Your camshaft controls the opening and closing of the valves in time to the pistons going up and down the engines cylinders. The camshaft belt runs on pulleys at the end of each important part and very often also drives the water pump. Should the belt break; then all these other parts simply smash into each, other causing major damage to the car’s engine.

The timing belt is spinning at tremendous speed and generates much heat,

So the belt is subject to many pressures and eventually starts to break up and cracking starts to appear, once again very similar to tyres. Perhaps you can see now why it is so important to change the belt at the correct time. Importantly, we also recommend that you change the water pump at the same time. The water pump runs on a bearing and the bearings tend to wear out at the same time. If the water pump is not changed and goes at a later date, then the garage will have all the same work to carry out all over again.

Many different companies makes of timing belt but we prefer to use leading brand belts. Because, our customers are covered under a warranty should anything go wrong with the part or the fitting of your new belt. You will be covered across the whole of the mainland UK, under the terms of the warranty a great protection to have.

So to finalise,

If your garage warns you that the timing belt is due for a change, get it done as soon as you can afford to, before the thing breaks and causes much more damage to the car and to your wallet or purse. Timing belt replacement times should be checked at your cars servicing intervals.

Solar Storage Batteries

Solar Energy Batteries

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Solar Energy Batteries

The rapid development of rooftop solar and

Solar Energy Batteries
Solar Energy Batteries

Eric Roberts’ insight: Solar batteries

Ernest Moniz, the Energy Secretary of the United States

has made a statement that resonates with the discussions I’ve been having for the past few years. He envisions a future where the USA could achieve energy independence from national providers. How, you ask? Well, it all hinges on the remarkable growth of solar, renewable energy, and other sustainable resources.

And this isn’t just an American dream; Solar Energy Batteries

It’s a global shift that’s taking place right now. Across the Atlantic, both in the United States and here in the UK, it’s heartwarming to see how the public has wholeheartedly embraced the concept of generating their own clean energy. Take, for instance, the picturesque town in West Yorkshire, UK, where the residents have been tapping into the power of the sun since February.

Rows of solar panels grace their rooftops, silently converting sunlight into electricity.

What’s particularly fascinating is that this surplus electricity flows seamlessly into the grid, and the electric company rewards the homeowners for their contribution. In America, there’s a growing inclination towards storing this solar electricity for later use.

This is especially valuable in rural and isolated areas where the grid might not always be reliable. These regions have found a solution in the form of solar energy batteries. These high-capacity batteries serve as reservoirs, storing the daytime-generated electricity for nighttime use.

It’s like having a stash of sunlight in a box. Solar Energy Batteries

Now, when it comes to choosing the most effective type of solar energy battery, AGM batteries are shining stars. While they may come with a slightly higher price tag initially, they are worth every penny. The secret lies in their ability to endure a significantly higher number of charge and discharge cycles compared to standard lead-acid car batteries.

This durability means they’ll be there to support you for the long haul. If you’re considering setting up your own solar energy battery system, fret not.

There is a wealth of DIY videos available online

guiding homeowners through the process. One standout choice for solar enthusiasts is the Lucas AGM battery. These batteries are tailor-made for solar energy applications and have earned a solid reputation for their performance and reliability. Much like Secretary Moniz, I find myself pondering the future.

How far are we from a scenario where we, as individual homeowners and communities, produce more electricity than the national providers? It’s a tantalising thought, one that hints at a future where energy production is democratised.

What happens when we reach that point?

Well, it’s a question that invites exciting possibilities and perhaps some challenges too. Will there be a shift in the energy landscape? What role will the national providers play in this new era of energy independence? These are questions that deserve attention and discussion.

For those interested in delving deeper into this topic, I recommend exploring www.bloomberg.com for further insights and perspectives on the evolving energy landscape. In closing, let’s keep harnessing the power of the sun and exploring the potential of solar energy. It’s a journey that promises to bring about a brighter and more sustainable future for us all