Most people understand that driving in snow can be a little tricky. However, the danger hasn’t always passed once the snow has begun to melt. It’s also risky to drive in slush, the combination of melting snow, water, ice salt, and other debris that commonly develops on roads in late winter.
It can also develop at times when temperatures are just above freezing
but ice salt is melting any snow that lands on the ground. This can cause problems for pedestrians as well. If you’re a property owner, be sure to clear any slush from the sidewalk to avoid slip-and-fall accidents. This is a relatively quick job and can help you avoid being contacted by a personal injury lawyer.
Cleaning slush off the road is not as simple as cleaning it off the sidewalk, though. Read on to learn how to safely operate your vehicle even while the road is full of slush.
How to Safely Drive on Slush. Driving in Winter
Driving on slush is difficult because it allows for very little traction. Additionally, slush tends to accumulate in mounds or piles. This makes the surface very slippery for tires traveling over it. Tyres that turn against slush mounds are often met with a stronger-than-expected obstruction, which creates a side force.
This makes changing lanes particularly difficult. When the wheels meet the slush, it creates a braking effect in the front of the vehicle. Combined with little to no traction in the rear tires, as well as the turning movement which has already begun, the car may continue to turn. This could cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
That doesn’t have to happen. To make sure you don’t spin out when driving in slush, keep the following tips in mind: Driving in Winter
Never change lanes over slush mounds unless you genuinely have no other option.
Make a point of planning lane changes ahead of time so you can perform them in areas without slush.
When you are changing lanes or turning, do so gradually. This ensures the vehicle’s angle of approach is shallow. As a result, less force is exerted on the tyres.
Grip the steering wheel firmly but loosely in order to maintain control of the vehicle if you do run into slush.
Exert a consistent amount of pressure on the accelerator. You want to maintain a relatively consistent speed in order to prevent a sudden braking or accelerating force.
All this said, the best way to avoid being involved in an accident is to avoid driving in slushy conditions whenever possible. However, there may be instances when it is necessary to get behind the wheel despite the presence of slush on the roads.
In these cases, remember that “slow and steady” is key to making safe lane changes. You also need to maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles, as it can be difficult to brake in slush. By remembering these points, you’ll be much safer out on the road all winter.
Both of the £20 tyres were examined by an independent expert, who reported that one of the tyres had five areas of damage which had not been properly repaired and a nail still embedded in the tread.
Eric Roberts‘s insight:
Part-worn tyres are Dangerous tyres
This article is thus coming out in the Cumnock Chronicle . It is no surprise! Especially to all of us genuine tyre dealers selling new tyre products for a living. As a result, we are very concerned about the way that these people are setting up. So, all these back street part-worn tyre shops that have sprung up recently are making me cringe!.
Especially in the past couple of years. Making some areas look like the back streets of Cairo (this is what i saw on a recent visit to Egypt). Incredibly, there was a tyre shop on every corner. Staff in so-called tyre shops were inflating tyres with old foot pumps.
Since I wrote this article,
their has been a rise in the number of prosecutions for Dangerous tyres. That is to say, against part-worn tyre dealers who sell Dangerous tyres. In this case, that does not come under the law. So some dealers do act within the law and I have nothing against this. But it is the unscrupulous dealers that should be targeted.
I am amazed that people live in a civilised country like ours!
Would they think that they could buy a decent tyre for only £20? Local authorities throughout the UK and the USA are starting to clamp down on the illegal sale of these dangerous tyres. So, drivers are not aware that they may be driving their cars. Alarmingly, with the time bomb of worn tyres fitted to their vehicles,.
A gorgeous Porsche Taycan Electric stopped into Pellon Tyres a few days ago for some TLC, specifically a new set of tyres. You don’t see one of these svelte electric wonders parked in our Halifax garage very often. Even as an experienced garage owner, the Taycan’s sophisticated design and state-of-the-art technology never cease to wow. But this time, something a little more sobering—bubbles on the tyre sidewalls—brought it in instead of the sleek electric whir or the attractive appearance.
Identifying Tyre Bubbles on an Expensive EV-Porsche Taycan Electric New Tyres
During a routine check, the Taycan’s owner reported feeling a little wobbly and spotting something strange on the tyres. A quick inspection confirmed their suspicions by revealing that both tyres had developed concerning “bubbles” or bulges on the sidewalls. Let me explain why sidewall bubbles are more than simply an aesthetic concern for those of you who are unfamiliar with them. I’m sure that many of you have heard of them before.
Porsche Taycan Electric New Tyres
The Reasons for Sidewall Bubbles in Tyres-Porsche Taycan Electric New Tyres
When the tire’s internal structure is weakened, sidewall bubbles develop. To put it simply, it’s a weak point where air from the tire’s interior has pushed its way out to the outer layers. There are several reasons for this, and although they are not unique to EVs, EVs like the Taycan are particularly vulnerable due to their increased weight.
1. Impact Damage
Impact damage is a major contributor to tyre bubbles. Potholes abound on our beautiful West Yorkshire roads, some of which are smoother than others. A bubble may result by hitting one quickly, particularly in a big vehicle like the Taycan, which can strain the tyre against the wheel and tear the internal cables. It is a frequent hazard in this area and a major annoyance for any driver.
2. Underinflation
To this problem is driving on underinflated tyres. The sidewalls of tyres bend more than they should when the air pressure is low, which puts additional strain on the tyre’s structure. The Taycan’s large battery adds weight, which makes it even more crucial to properly inflate the tyres.
3. Flaws in Manufacturing
Although they are uncommon, bubbles can occasionally result from a manufacturing error in tyres. This is less common but still conceivable with high-end tyres, such as those found on Porsches, which are subject to strict quality inspections.
4. Damage to the pavement and kerb
This issue might also arise when you misjudge a curb or brush the walls while parking. Because they run quietly, electric cars can occasionally surprise drivers by being difficult to manoeuvre in confined spaces. We have observed this problem in Halifax and elsewhere, particularly with the larger wheels on high-end EVs.
5. The Risk of Sidewall Bubbles
There is more to a tyre sidewall bubble than meets the eye. It’s a weak spot that could result in a blowout or tyre failure. Compromise tyres pose a significant concern for a powerful vehicle like the Taycan, which can accelerate like a rocket.
We installed the Porsche with two brand new high-performance tyres after informing the owner of the Taycan about the problem. We made sure the tyres matched the specifications that kept this electric sports car glued to the asphalt. It’s important to note that we always advise getting your tyres checked on a regular basis, particularly if you drive a car that uses tyres as much as the Taycan.
The Local Perspective: Getting Around Yorkshire Roads-Porsche Taycan Electric New Tyres
Navigating roads with personality—and the occasional pothole—is a normal part of life here in Halifax. Maintaining the best possible condition of your tyres is essential for safe and pleasurable driving, whether you’re in a Peugeot or a Porsche.
No matter what you’re driving, our goal at Pellon Tyres is to keep you on the road safely. The Taycan was soon prepared to glide back into Halifax’s undulating hills and winding streets when the tyres were fixed and the pressure was perfect.
Therefore, don’t wait until it’s too late if you notice any bubbles on your tyres. As this Taycan reminded us, even the most advanced cars rely on the basic tyre, so stop by and we’ll have a look. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpg00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-11-11 13:59:392024-11-11 14:27:26Porsche Taycan Electric New Tyres
MOT Testing Why You Should avoid Your Local Council
So, I am now the owner of my garage, Pellon Tyre, and Autocentre, which have been operating for over 40 years. As a result, I have tried to build up a reputation that is second to none. Over the years, we have built up a fantastic reputation and trust.
We have always been straight and honest with our customers. Hence, I personally have been the owner of this garage here in Halifax. For the past 25 years,. In that time, we have carried out thousands of MOT tests. Of course, we have always used our best discretion. Carrying out MOT testing. Having always had the customer’s best interests at heart.
Over the years, we have only had one small dispute with a customer. Subsequently, that was the fault of our tester at the time. Replacing him as soon as we could. Thus, at the moment, we only have two testers. Ryan Linton, who, in my opinion, is a first class mechanic,. Naturally, a person, and has worked for me for 22 years. We now have a second tester, Mr. Dale Linton.
The point that I am getting at is the massive effort that we at Pellon have put into our garage and MOT testing service, MOT Testing Halifax area
This was, in my opinion, undermined. So, when I heard a guy being interviewed on Radio 2. This presenter was from a website telling us how we can save money. Advising the listeners to go to the local councils. Thus, for their car MOT testing,. Because if they went there,.
Then they would not be taken for a ride or ripped off. Consequently, he was basically saying that MOT centres are vehicle testing stations. So those who carry out MOT testing fail the cars intentionally. In order to give themselves the work of repairing the car.
This could not be further from the truth. VOSA DVLA MOT Testing Rules statistics. Show that privately owned testing stations. As a result, you are more likely to pass the car than fail the car. The money website claims that the local council runs testing stations.
Therefore, they are more likely to pass your car than a private garage. Such as the likes of my own garage in Halifax. So what they are saying is we are corrupt. By failing cars just to get the mechanical work.
Local Council want private MOT Testing stations to test taxis? MOT Testing Halifax area
Other things that I am not happy with are the good reviews that they say they have had from customers of the local council testing stations. One says that they fitted a light bulb and then they passed the car, the council test stations do not do any mechanical work whatsoever, so this was porky.
Another one stated that his car had failed at a private garage and the car needed £400 spent on it to pass the test, so the guy took his car to the council test station, and they passed it without any problems.
I frankly do not believe what they say, I agree that we are not all squeaky clean in the garage trade, but we are well regulated by VOSA, and if the figures for different failures do not look right, then VOSA will give you a visit and try to see whats going on.
Council testing stations used to charge the full going rate for MOT Testing, MOT Testing Halifax area
But I rang around today and found out that they have now started to discount the tests, I think that they are under pressure to do more testing from the cash strapped councils. In fact, we did get a notification asking us if we would like to carry out testing on behalf of the council, but I declined the offer as we are busy enough anyway.
Another problem with the local council test stations is that if your car fails, then you have to go to a garage for the work to be carried out, and then they have to go back to the council for a re-test. This is a long way around when a private garage will, in most cases, have done the work on the car the same day, saving the customer time and money.
MOT testing station owner Eric Roberts . MOT Testing Halifax area
There is no evidence at all to back up the money website’s claims. Fundamentally, there are no statistics from VOSA showing that MOT testing stations carry out repair work. So, more cars fail than council-run MOT testing stations.
It is really clear that going to a MOT only testing station. Such as the council’s operations. Is likely to incur considerable cost and personnel inconvenience. Especially if the car fails on a minor fault, such as a light bulb, and has to make another appointment for a re-test.
VOSA is the government department in charge of MOT testing. Importantly, we are always watching out for garages. bad practices and make regular visits to offending garages. MOT garages are also given colour codes that relate to their testing standards. Green is the best, then Amber, and the worst standard is Red.
So, these are the ones that the ministry keeps a careful eye on. It is worth finding out what standard of the testing station is, before you book your car in. I am proud to say that we at Pellon Autocentre are in the best lane, the green lane.
MOT testing station
Pellon Tyre and Autocentre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. MOT Testing Halifax area
Comment from Jim McMasters –
As the owner of an older car I have been tempted to use the Council test stations. This year I had two MOT tests by two different independent garages. Garage No 1 failed the car on rear brake pipes and front and rear brake hoses with both front suspension bushes advisory – cost of repairs £344 inc MOT.
Garage No 2 failed the car on front and rear brake pipes and the suspension bushes and said the brake hoses were advisory with mild corrosion on the ferrules and discoloration of rear indicator bulbs which had been replaced by Garage No1 the year before – cost of repairs £601 inc MOT.
The only thing that puts me off using the Council testing stations is that if you fail you then have to fend around for someone to fix the car within the retest period which takes time and I’ve found some garages don’t want to do brake pipe jobs if they are busy with bolt on type repairs. So I think you make a fair point in favour of the independent garage for practical purposes but as my example shows, there is a lack of consistency with garages both in testing and pricing.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MOT-testing-sign.jpg512512Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-11-11 06:39:282024-11-11 06:39:28MOT Testing Halifax area: Dont GO To Your Local Council
Not all Type of Tyres are created equal. Yes they are all around—at least they should be if they are in good condition. But there are a variety of Type of Tyresfor a variety of uses, situations and road conditions. So before you buy just any tyre, buckle up, listen up and learn a little more about tyres for your car and safety.
Summer Tyres
These are the standard type of tyres that are supplied on most vehicles when we purchase them. They are all Type of Tyres that can handle well in both average wet and dry conditions.
The water channels that you see in the tread area of the tyres allow for normal traction (meaning they grip the road in normal summer weather); during rainy weather, they can cope with average-type rain fall and the spray that is associated with this.They are the average Type of Tyres for normal weather conditions. This type of tyres will be on the car when you buy a new one.
All Terrain and Off Road Type of Tyres
If you’re a woman who likes to use her vehicle for off-road driving regularly,. These would be the tyre for you. These are usually fitted onto mostly SUVs and light trucks. Of course, such as Land Rovers. About tyres explains the fact that sidewalls of these types of tyres are stronger than the summer tyres.
Featuring large tread block patterns that deflect mud and slush from the contact patch. Improving grip on loose sand or gravel. Hence, when you go on your off-road excursions,. The best type of scenario for these type of tyres would be one that the farmers wife may use.
Winter Tyres
If you are in an area with chilly climes with snow and ice and low temperatures,. So, winter tyreswould be your best friend. These will ensure more traction on snow and ice. The main difference between all-season tyres and winter tyres is in the type of rubber that is used.
Winter tyres would need to grip the ground more to keep the vehicle in control so the rubber that is used is mixed with silica. These type of tyres keep flexible at low temperatures, enabling the tyre tread to grip in cold conditions and are used during winter conditions.
So when should I change my tyres?
There are several things to note that would indicate that it is time to replace your tyres. Here are the most easily observed ones:
Tyre tread– The pattern that you see on your wheels is called the tread. Its primary function is to divert water from beneath the tyre to improve traction and maintain smooth handling.
If your tyre tread has been worn down to 1.6 mm or less, it can no longer perform this function effectively, and this could cause the car to skid on wet surfaces and cause hydroplaning, where your car loses control and can cause a crash. For safety reasons, it is recommended that you change your tyres at a tread depth of 3 mm.
Tread wear- Observe how the wear on your Type of Tyres look. The pattern of the tread wears can also indicate other problems which may have caused them such as under inflation, which can cause wear on the outer edges of the tread and leave the central tread area less worn.
While knowing when to replace a tyre is good stock knowledge to have at your disposal, the best authority to determine whether your tyres need replacing would be an expert tyre dealer. A dealer who would have the experience of the use of a variety of tyres across a variety of brands on a variety of car models.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/bigstock-New-And-Used-Car-Tyres-Shown-A-2461482761.jpg500760Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-11-10 18:39:102024-11-10 18:39:10Type of Tyres- a Woman’s Guide
So, I must admit that I am a great fan of the Vito van. A few years ago, I owned a beautiful red Mercedes mini-bus. Fortunately, the vehicle was very reliable. Requiring very little maintenance apart from the normal servicing and the usual tyres and other renewable. As most of my readers now know, my wife and I had eight children. So we needed a large vehicle to transport the family.
We also did a lot of travelling!
Especially to France, where we spent most of our summer holidays. Unfortunately, the only downside came when we tried to sell the Vito. Positively, it was in great condition. Being a garage owner, we had the van service at very regular intervals. Brakes were a prime consideration. Because the safety factor when travelling long distances.
So, we advertised the van in all the usual places. Including online web sites. Finally we received an offer from a taxi guy from Chester. The price he offered was below the price that we were asking but we reluctantly let the Vito go.
Same colour Vito in for Brakes
Last week when visiting the garage in Halifax . So, I noticed a red Vito on one of the ramps having some work done. Significantly, the rear wheel were removed and the brake calipers were hanging down. Dale one of my mechanics was working on the van at the time. Asking what was wrong , Dale explained that the van had braking problems and indeed required a full brake rebuild on the rear brakes.
However, when removing the rear wheels
, Dale discovered a horrific problem ! The rear shock-absorber had completely broken off and was just hanging there! This can be clearly seen in the above image. Unfortunately, the break was from part of the chassis. Serious rotting had taken place in the shocker mounting area. Welding was not an option ! So, to correct this problem, a complete new chassis box section would have to be engineered. Consequently, this is beyond our remit and would have to be done by a specialist body repair shop.
After contacting the customer, we were instructed to carry on with the Mercedes Vito Brakes. As a footnote, the customer said that he had never heard any banging or strange noises at all. I find this hard to believe with a shocker hanging down.
First Time Drivers Guide: What To Look For In Your First Car
First Time Drivers Guide
First Time Drivers Guide: What To Look For In Your First Car
Getting on the road to purchasing your first car is both exhilarating and a little scary. As a first-time driver, it’s essential to equip yourself with knowledge about the automotive world. Start by understanding the type of car that suits your needs—are you looking for a compact city car or something more spacious? You need to familiarise yourself with basic car terminologies, from horsepower to fuel efficiency. Research the most common makes and models in your price range, and consider factors like maintenance costs and reliability. By grasping these basics, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision and enjoy a smoother buying experience.
Trusting Dealerships For Great Deals
The key to a successful purchase lies in identifying dealerships with a strong reputation. Start by seeking recommendations from friends and family, as personal experiences often provide the most genuine insights. Online reviews and ratings can also offer a glimpse into a dealership’s credibility and customer service. service. Dunwell Motor Group in Ipswich is a prime example of a reputable used car dealership, and their selection of nearly new Hondas in Ipswich are all perfect first cars for new drivers.
When considering nearly new cars, it’s crucial to find dealers that offer comprehensive vehicle histories, ensuring the car hasn’t been involved in any major accidents or faced significant issues. Additionally, reputable dealers often provide warranties or guarantees, giving you added peace of mind.
Remember, while great deals are enticing, they shouldn’t compromise the car’s quality or safety. By prioritising trustworthiness and transparency in dealerships, you’ll not only secure a fantastic deal but also invest in a vehicle that serves you reliably for years to come.
Budgeting For Your First Car; First Time Drivers Guide
Stepping into the world of car ownership requires careful financial planning. As a first-time driver, it’s crucial to set a realistic budget that encompasses not just the upfront cost of the car but also ongoing expenses like maintenance, fuel, and insurance. Begin by determining how much you can comfortably spend. afford without straining your finances.
Consider factors like monthly income, savings, and other financial commitments. It’s also wise to allocate a portion of your budget for unexpected repairs or servicing. When exploring financing options, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true; always read the fine print and understand the terms.
Remember, the most expensive car within your budget might not always be the best choice. Prioritise reliability, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance costs. By setting a well-thought-out budget and sticking to it, you’ll ensure a smooth and financially sound transition into car ownership.
First Time Drivers Guide
The Rising Cost Of Car Insurance; First Time Drivers Guide
Car insurance is an indispensable aspect of vehicle ownership, offering protection against unforeseen mishaps. However, in recent times, the UK has witnessed a surge in insurance premiums.
According to the Association of British Insurers (ABI), the average annual private car insurance premium escalated by 7% between April and June 2023, reaching £511. This marked a significant 21% increase from the average premium in the second quarter of 2022.
Several factors contribute to this rise, including the escalating costs of repair work, influenced by the increasing prices of paint and materials.
Additionally, the average premium for drivers renewing their coverage saw an uptick, while those on new policies experienced a more modest increase.
It’s essential for drivers, especially first-timers, to be aware of these trends, shop around for competitive rates, and consider factors beyond just the premium cost, such as coverage extent, to ensure comprehensive protection. From understanding the basics to navigating insurance premiums, being well-informed ensures a seamless experience. Prioritise safety, budget wisely, and choose reputable dealerships.
As you embark on this exciting chapter, let these insights guide you to a wise and rewarding decision. safety code for new drivers, learning to drive, insurance as a firsttime driver, ultimate guide for new drivers.
We had the pleasure of welcoming a Fiat Abarth Spider, a pure Italian beauty, to Pellon Tyres in Halifax the other day.
I must admit that it looked flawless as it sailed in for its yearly MOT. It was one of those occasions when you stop and realise what a treasure this particular car type is. Because it’s so worthwhile, I decided to give this tiny legend a little more attention.
Now, the Fiat Abarth Spider is a stylish vehicle with a respectable amount of history. It was created in the middle of the 2010s as a result of a partnership between Fiat and Mazda, and it has a sporty, vintage charm that is reminiscent of the original Fiat 124 Spider from the 1960s and 1970s. For those who desire something more than a cruiser, the current Abarth model is a genuine small roadster with a racer’s heart. If the weather cooperates, of course, it will have a little of that hair-raising, wind-in-your-hair feeling that is ideal for our local Yorkshire lanes thanks to its powerful 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces a lively 168 horsepower!
Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
The Abarth Spider’s handling and personality are what set it apart.
This is more than simply a rebranded Mazda MX-5; it has a distinct personality. It has a slightly firmer ride, a quicker steering response, and that distinctive exhaust note that growls every time you step on the gas thanks to Abarth’s tuning. It would be an absolute pleasure to drive one around the hills and valleys of Halifax; it would be a fitting homage to the era of vintage sports cars with a contemporary touch. It seems as though it was designed to elevate even a stroll around our cobblestone streets to a momentous occasion!
The original 124 Spider was renowned in the past for its motorsport heritage and elegant design.
Fiat’s blend of speed and elegance was spot on. The Abarth model of today masterfully continues that tradition, bringing the essence of the roadsters of the 1970s into the modern era. Seeing one of these beauties on the roads of Calderdale or parked outside a local bar is a true delight for those in the area who have a little fuel in their blood.
This specific spider was shining when it entered. The interior and paintwork alone gave away that it had been well-maintained. Given how well the owner has maintained it, it passed its MOT with flying colours. And it’s always wonderful to see vehicles like these that are a pleasure to drive and are well-maintained by their enthusiastic owners.
Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
So congratulations to the Fiat Abarth Spider and everyone who continues to inspire people to drive! Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
It’s worth mentioning that the Fiat Abarth Spider isn’t just a looker; it’s a car built to be driven with passion. Whether you’re winding along the bends of the Hebden Bridge roads or taking a spirited drive through the Pennine Hills, it feels right at home. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to take the long way back just for the sheer fun of it.
With the roof down and that raspy Abarth exhaust singing its tune, there’s a feeling of connection with the road that modern cars often lack. It’s proof that even in today’s high-tech motoring world, there’s still room for raw driving joy. If you ever get the chance to drive one, take it—it’s like a little Italian holiday right here in Yorkshire.
There’s something unique about seeing a car with soul, whether you’re speeding through the Yorkshire countryside or navigating the streets of Halifax. Give it a nod if you see one; you can tell it has a lot of charm, a little bite, and some history.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpg00Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2024-11-09 08:55:222024-11-11 09:58:03Fiat Abarth Spider for MOT Test
Your car service can be carried out when the car is under the manufacturerwarranty
So, as a garage owner of long standing ! This is a question that I am always asked. Albeit too late to benefit my garage. Of course, when customers come to us for say a tyre fitting. Naturally, then they sometimes ask us what the price of a service would be for their car. Some customers then say that we can’t do the car servicing ! Because the car is under the manufacturer’s warranty. Subsequently, they must take their cars to the main dealer (franchise garage).
This ruling was brought out in the European Union (EU) in 2010
As an update to previous legislation. Consequently, this is similar to the American version of “Right to repair act”. It was brought up to date to prevent car manufacturers from adopting protectionism. Including diverting the cars that they made to their franchise dealers. Thus not allowing any work to be passed onto the independent garage sector. While the vehicle was still under warranty. This also would have included Prestige Car Servicing. Giving the main dealer garages the monopoly for all the work. Whilst the car was still in the warranty period.
This was not acceptable to the EU. Car Servicing under Warranty
So, as car repair bills were then accounting for 40% of running and owning a family car,. Unfortunately, the costs were going to rise in future years. In my opinion, this legislation was not very well publicised. Because the general public do not know much about the fact that you can take your vehicle to a reputable independent garage,. Finally, even if the car is still under the manufacturer’s warranty scheme,.
Car owners are still told that they must return their cars
to the franchise dealers for servicing. Including out-of-warranty repair work. Including such things as brake pad replacements and other wear and tear items. Tragically, or else if they don’t, it will affect their car’s warranty. This is simply NOT TRUE?
A couple of my customers have told me recently that this is what the salesman told them when they bought their new vehicle. One was a guy with a BMW, who told him that the car
had to be serviced by the BMW garage to keep the cars warranty. Another woman customer had bought an Audi TT from the local Audi franchise and they told her the same. I am not sure if it is a lack of knowledge by the car salesman, but I suspect that they must be trained to say these things.
The EU legislation states that all car makers. Car Servicing under Warranty
So, they have to offer the least: a two-year unlimited mileage warranty on all their cars. This starts from the day the car is first registered. These car sales people should know the law and I am sure the same thing is applicable in the USA, as I stated under their “right to repair laws”. The two-year minimum warranty ruling also applies if the car changes ownership within the warranty period.
The 2010 EU ruling, along with previous legislation,
has been around for quite a while now and all franchise garages know that you cannot force a new car buyer to return the car for all its car servicing or brake work. Enabling the car to retain its warranty. The only stipulation is that the independent garage that is carrying out the service should carry out the work according to the cars manufacturing service manual and also use service parts of the same quality as the original equipment fitted the vehicle.
One that may be recommended by your family or friends.
If possible, look out for a garage that is one of the “good garage schemes.”. My garage is a member of one of these schemes and you may think that I am blowing my own trumpet.
But in my opinion ! Standards are high and customer care is a priority at most of these regulated garages. I must stress, though, that if a part is found to be faulty,. Then the franchise dealer has the right to repair the van under the terms of the car warranty. In my opinion, this is entirely fair and reasonable. Because it will be the manufacturer who will be paying for the faulty parts being repaired. Consequently, they need to have proper procedures in place and a correct paper chase
Third-party sold warranties are not the subject of this post. Including extended warranties offered by the garage that have sold the car. So, my advice is to be careful with that situation. You might need to have your car serviced at the dealership where you purchased the van in order to take advantage of some of these additional warranties that are not subject to the rules governing manufacturer’s warranties.
We recently had this type of problem with a car that had a worn-out clutch. Car Servicing under Warranty
The lady customer brought the car to us for a new clutch fitting. Unfortunately, she did not tell us that the car was still under warranty. She genuinely thought that she did not have to pay for the clutch fitting. Unknowingly, and that we could claim the money back from the car manufacturers. After a long argument and many phone calls to the main dealer, she finally paid us for her clutch fitting and went away a very confused and disgruntled lady, never to be seen again.
This was a perfect case of the car owners not knowing about their warranty procedures.
“Under EU law, you may invoke your guarantee at any dealer in the manufacturer’s network, regardless of the EU country in which you bought the car. So if you buy your car in Germany and take it back with you to France,. So, you go to a car dealership for that make of car close to your home to ask for a manufacturing fault to be remedied (within the guarantee period), rather than travelling back to Ermany.” http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/vehicles/cars/faq/index_en.htm
We are fortunate to have a few of our customers who own a Jaguar XF.
So, like most older guys, I have always been a keen fan of Jaguar cars. Going back to when I was a young man working in a garage as an apprentice mechanic,. We were fortunate enough to have some wealthy customers. Importantly, who could afford to buy new Jaguars from time to time.
One of them was one of the directors of the Fox’s biscuits empire. Hence, who was one of the Fox families. Luckily, he always had four or five new cars on the go at once. Consequently,who always kept us busy with the servicing and repairs.
Jaguars have always appeared to have brake or tyre problems. So, throughout their history,. I can remember when, in the late 1960s, the new XJ4 came onto the market. This car sported wonderful flared arches. Including new 6×15-inch wheels that were fitted out with a new tyre from Dunlop Tyres. Subsequently, the tyre size was ER70VR15.
These tyres were especially designed for Jaguars by Dunlop. Jaguar XF Brake Problems
Dunlop was developing tyres with Jaguar engineers. Who at that time was a major force in the UK tyre market? Importantly, this car also came out with disc brakes all around.
I always remember the problems that the XJ4’s were having with vibrations. Annoyingly, coming through brakes and the steering wheels. Firstly, it turned out that one of the problems was engine vibrations. So, Jaguar engineers tried out many things. Of course to try and correct the problems.
I then worked for National Tyre Service, which Dunlop owned entirely. It was our task to try to balance the wheels to our best ability. But in those days, we did not have the sophisticated electronic equipment that we use in today’s cars. In fact, we had to take the cars to the Dunlop garage in Leeds. Strangely, at the time, this was done in secrecy. Because of the huge problem that Jaguar was having with these vibration problems.
I was once able to stop and watch the engineers go to work balancing the wheels. Jaguar XF Brake Problems
The balancing was carried out on a special machine that I had never seen before. It must have been brought to Leeds from the Dunlop factory. The most amazing thing was that the Dunlop technician actually skimmed some of the tread off the tyres. Trying to make them
rounder. I certainly know that all this was hush-hush. Incredibly, so not to affect the reputation of Jaguar and also Dunlop. I believe that Jaguar had to do all sorts of things to correct the vibrations problem ! An excellent article about the early Jags can be found on…Aronline .
Back To the future with the Jaguar XF. Jaguar XF Brake Problems
As I have said before,! We have three or four customers that come to us for servicing. Including other jobs done on their Jaguar XF. We have had a couple of these with complaints about brake vibrations and a droning noise. One of our customers came in with brake problems similar to the others.
This one was a bit different in that the problem did not occur when he was doing high speed ,the car was smooth, but when he started to slow down to about 60 mph and then 40 mph the vibration and droning noise would start to happen.
The problem is, like so many of these things, that when we road test the cars the problem never shows itself up, the car plays mind games with the owners. This particular car was taken back to the main dealers, but we now know that the braking and droning noise is now a recognised fault, the cause is thought to be the disc brakes or hub run out.
Another Jaguar XF that we were servicing was found to need discs and pads all round.
We contacted the customer, who kindly gave us the go-ahead to do the job. He gave us his consent, and we carried out the brake work. About three months later, the car had developed a slight brake vibration, and he left the car with us for examination. This all reminded me of our problems with the XJ6 and Jags in the 1960s.
We road tested the car, and sure enough, the brake pedal did vibrate slightly. We could find nothing wrong, and true to our warranty policy we suspected that the discs could be faulty and ordered a new set of discs.
Our supplier agreed to change the discs and accordingly sent us a new set. The New Jaguar XF discs fit onto the hub and we noticed that a slight amount of rust had formed on the outer part of the hub; this can be seen on the pictures that we took.
We think that we cured a previous Jaguar XF by removing any rust and thoroughly cleaning the hubs
Of course, before refitting the brake discs. When we did this on this particular Jag, it appeared to solve the problem. So, we cleaned off any rust that had formed on the hub. Thus, we re-seated the discs and re-fitted the aguar XF Brake Problems. Ryan Road tested the car, and all was well. The car had no brake vibrations, and so far, it appears to be working fine.
We now think that this could be a problem if you are lucky enough to own one of these fine cars. Please make sure that the hubs where the discs fit are totally cleaned and look like new, because any rust build up will cause the disc to run out of line, only a fraction, but we feel it would be enough to cause a brake vibration on the Jaguar XF when the pedal is applied.
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