You wouldn’t want to encounter the following in your own garage, by the way. This is a classic instance of a battery that has made the decision to waver significantly. Our customer approached us, slightly perturbed, and stated that the battery was defective. I’m willing to wager that this was not their initial intention when they obtained it.
At this moment, we are examining what is commonly referred to as an “exploded” battery
. It is somewhat misleading in that there is no tangible detonation as depicted in films. Quite literally, it appears to have experienced a calamitous internal hissy fit and been unable to hold itself together. This occurs when the internal components, which are intended to be separate and comfortable, determine they no longer prefer to be apart and combine in an, um, less-than-ideal fashion.
It is, however, extremely uncommon;
When it does occur, there are several potential causes. Overcharging is a prevalent factor; consider consuming an excessive amount of food on a daily basis while expecting your trousers to remain in place; something must yield. Alternately, a short circuit may occur, which is analogous to connecting the incorrect ends of a pair of jumper cables by accident; negative sparks will erupt.
This means that our customer,
as well as anyone else in a similar situation, requires a reliable substitute; this is precisely where we enter the picture. We will ensure that they obtain a high-quality battery that meets their requirements, and we will also discuss maintenance tips to prevent them from ever having to observe the internal workings of their battery externally again.
Keep in mind that the battery is the beating core of your vehicle.
Maintain it charged without overcharging it, and it will serve you with the utmost loyalty of a Yorkshire Terrier. Furthermore, should you have any uncertainties, feel free to visit our garage or explore our battery-selling websites. We have the knowledge and equipment necessary to propel you along the winding roads of the United Kingdom.
Because of the way that we built our national power plants. Interestingly, in some cases over a hundred years ago. Importantly, will have to change in the future! Of course, to meet our electrical needs. So for the production of solar energyand its distribution. Through our home solar panels collections and solar collection farms. Including the wind turbine installations.
So the original “national grid” plants were originally owned by the government. But in recent times, were privatized here in the UK by the Conservative government. Of course, led by “Margret Thatcher“. These massive coal and gas powered installations distributed power all over the “British Isles“.
Subsequently, many of the power stations were located in coal mining areas of Yorkshire. Importantly, where the coal was transported locally. Resulting in the electricity being sent across the country. Carried on massive power line systems. Then diverted into smaller sub-stations. So, then before distributed to homes and businesses. Of course, usually in an underground power network.
Things are about to change: Battery Storage systems
In recent times we have seen massive investment into the solar energy collecting market. Including, the introduction of new technologies. Such as wind turbines and solar panel farms that turn the sun and the winds energy into producing electricity. Most people will now have seen these giant turbines across the countryside of most countries.
Technological advances
including battery storage systems will soon mean that things may have to change in the near future. Importantly, for these nationalized electric companies. Increasingly, as the end consumers start to install solar systems to their homes. Including many businesses across the world.
The price of fitting
a solar system to your roof has come down dramatically. mainly because things have become mass produced and affordable. Helping people reduce their electric bills. The only other problem has been that the power produced could not be stored! Until recent years when battery storage systems have become widely available. So, becoming more easily installed using a few simple instructions.
Advantage to isolated communities- Battery Storage systems
This has become of great benefit to cut off people who live in the country. Or in larger countries the “wilderness” . Of course,who are now able to make the production of electricity. Storing it for the night use when the sun goes down. This can also lower the cost of their energy . Consequently, which has gradually become one of the most expensive household items in recent years.
Interestingly, I have electricity-collecting panels on my roof.
Selling the electricity back to my provider. Thus reducing my electric bills by half. Here in the UK, we are limited to the number of solar panels to one roof. For this reason, I don’t think that we are allowed to be self-sufficient. Of course, by producing all our own electricity. However, some countries are different. Such as the USA, where consumers can go their own way.
In many people’s opinions, the day is not too far away when our roof panels will generate electricity, which will be stored in a battery storage system. The householder will own an electric car, and along with powering the rest of the house, the battery bank will also charge your car battery at night, making you totally self-sufficient in electric power.
As I have said this is a perfect scenario for the perfect little houses in a perfect little village, but what about the rest of the population who live in multiple units and don’t even have their own roofs? Could we be looking at communal units of solar panels and storing the electricity in a battery bank, or is that a dream?
Island communities go solar-sufficient- Battery Storage systems
Perhaps not, because I have heard of some island communities that have become self-sufficient by using this method. The batteries are packed into a 20-foot cargo container, and the battery Storage systems will store electricity to be used at night. This also eliminated power failures due to storms and broken cables causing outages. The sun-reliant system was fitted using up-to-date technology and now works perfectly, leaving the island self-sufficient by using the sun’s energy and storing it in batteries.
My interest in all this is
that I sell solar storage batteries. Subsequently, I am very interested in the whole sun collection project. I cannot see the end of the national grid model! But alterations are going to have to be made in future. So, to accommodate the public’s wishes to produce their own electric power on their own premises,. Neither do we know what new future technologies will be available. Especially for collecting the sun’s power. Significant ideas are coming along all the time.
There is one thing for sure that governments are going to have to face:. Give this greenhouse gas problem much thought in the years ahead. Of how we use the power of our sun in years to come.
Suzuki Swift Tyres and Halifax’s Early Winter Rush – A Busy Start to the Week at Pellon Tyres
Monday 17th November turned out just as we expected here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre — absolutely heaving from the moment we opened the shutters. As soon as the weekend’s weather forecast mentioned the chance of snowfall later in the week, the phones started ringing and the forecourt soon filled up with drivers wanting checks, winter tyres, and quick advice before the cold snap settles in.
To be fair, anyone who lives around Halifax, especially up the hills towards Mount Tabor, Wainstalls, Mixenden, or Queensbury, knows exactly why people take these warnings seriously. We’re perched right on the edge of the Pennines, and that means winter arrives here earlier than it does for much of the country. You can have bright sunshine down in Brighouse or Elland, while we’re brushing snow off the forecourt up here at Pellon Lane. It’s the price we pay for living in such a cracking bit of Yorkshire — stunning scenery, but hills that love to surprise us!
suzuki-swift-tyre-check
A Suzuki Swift in for a Free Tyre Check
One of the first visitors of the day was a lovely lady who called in with her Suzuki Swift tyre check. With the cold weather looming, she wanted peace of mind, and that’s exactly what our free checks are for. The work was carried out by Ben, our latest recruit and a cracking lad. He’s already proving himself to be a proper asset to the team — steady hands, sharp eyes, and plenty of confidence for someone new to the trade.
Ben soon spotted that two of the tyres were below the legal limit, and because the Swift is a light little car, good tread depth makes a massive difference to grip, especially in wet or snowy conditions. He also noticed the alignment was slightly out — hardly unusual given the potholes we dodge every day in Calderdale!
We talked her through her options, and she chose two 185/55×16 RoadX tyres, which are excellent value and ideal for everyday driving around Halifax’s hills and bends. Once fitted and aligned, the car was good to go — safe, steady, and ready for whatever winter throws our way this week.
suzuki-swift-tyre-check
Why Early Winters Matter for Tyre Safety: suzuki-swift-tyre-check
Anyone who’s lived up here long enough will remember winters like 2010, 2013, and even the big freeze of the mid-80s, when Halifax and the surrounding villages were blanketed for weeks. The cold settles in fast on our high ground, and once the wind blows in across the Pennines, it turns wet roads icy in no time. Good tyres aren’t a luxury in this part of Yorkshire — they’re genuinely essential.
That’s why we always see a big burst of activity after the first whisper of snow. Drivers who live up steep roads such as Claremount, Norton Tower, or Boothtown know how easily a bit of snow turns into a sliding session if tyres are worn. It’s the same story every year: the forecast comes out, everyone remembers last winter, and suddenly Monday morning is full to the brim!
A Bit of Suzuki Swift History—With a Local Touch
The Suzuki Swift has become a familiar sight on Halifax roads over the years. First introduced in the UK during the 1980s, it quickly built a reputation as a small, reliable, no-nonsense little car — perfect for nipping up and down the steep streets of the upper Calder Valley. Plenty of first-time drivers in Halifax have cut their teeth on a Swift because they’re cheap to run, easy to insure, and surprisingly tough for a small hatchback.
By the early 2000s, the Swift gained more modern styling and better handling, winning fans across Yorkshire. It became popular with commuters heading along the A629, students travelling between Halifax and Huddersfield, and families who needed something compact enough for town but nippy enough for our twisty country lanes.
We’ve seen hundreds of them through our doors over the years — from older models needing exhausts and brakes to brand-new ones in for winter tyres. They’re dependable little cars, and with good tyres on, they handle our hilly Halifax roads far better than you might think.
suzuki-swift-tyre-check
Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe This Winter
So as winter sets in—early, as usual—it’s a good reminder for drivers around Halifax, Sowerby Bridge, Luddenden, and beyond to get their tyres checked. A quick look at tread depth can prevent a nasty skid, especially when the temperature drops below freezing.
You can always call in to us for a free tyre check; no appointment is needed. We’ll make sure your tyres, pressures, and tread are safe for the season — and if you want winter tyres or all-weather options, we’ve plenty in stock.
The Value of Routine Maintenance: A Peugeot Partner Case Study from Halifax’s Pellon Tyres
We recently had a Peugeot Partner vehicle come in for a standard service at Pellon Tyres in Halifax. As part of our routine inspections, we removed the oil filter and found it in terrible condition—old, worn out, and clearly beyond its time for a change. This incident is a clear reminder of the importance of routine maintenance for all vehicles, but particularly for dependable vans like the Peugeot Partner.
What Causes Oil Filters to Degrade? Collapsed Oil Filters Explained
Because they capture dirt, debris, and metal particles that naturally build up in engine oil over time, oil filters are essential to maintaining the engine’s cleanliness. A car may have a number of issues if its oil is not changed for an extended period of time.
Clogging: The filter gets clogged when impurities build up, which lowers the engine’s oil flow. Increased friction and wear on important parts may result from this.
Filter Material Breakdown: The paper component of the filter may degrade over time, letting unfiltered oil flow through the engine and causing more contaminants.
Oil Degradation: Without frequent replacement, oil loses its lubricating qualities and becomes a viscous sludge that further impedes oil flow and increases the risk of engine damage or overheating.
Neglecting Oil Changes and Its Effects: Collapsed Oil Filters Explained
Given the Peugeot Partner’s degraded and outdated filter, it appeared that the car had outlived its stated servicing interval. The engine must work harder when filters and oil aren’t changed on time, which might result in:
Fuel consumption rises as a result of the engine’s decreased efficiency due to dirty oil.
Increased wear and tear: Unfiltered impurities hasten engine deterioration, which may necessitate expensive repairs.
Possible malfunctions: In severe situations, a blocked filter may potentially result in total engine failure.
The Local Aspect: Driving Conditions in Halifax Are Important – Collapsed Oil Filters Explained
Vehicles frequently encounter difficult driving conditions in Halifax, including steep hills and stop-start traffic. Because of the additional pressure these conditions place on the engine, routine maintenance is even more crucial. Vans like the Peugeot Partner are essential to businesses that depend on them in order to prevent unplanned downtime.
Avoid Skipping Your Service—It Will Pay Off! Oil Filter Collapse
We at Pellon Tyres consistently emphasise the value of regular maintenance, particularly for commercial vehicles with significant mileage. Maintaining regular oil and filter changes helps your car stay dependable and fuel-efficient while also extending the life of your engine.
Now is the perfect time to schedule a service if you have been putting it off or are unaware of when your last one was. Regular oil filter maintenance is a minor investment that may save you a lot of money over time. Don’t let a neglected oil filter lead to expensive repairs.
Why Modern Oil Filters Still Fail – And What Drivers Must Watch Out For in 2025
Even though oil filter technology has improved hugely over the years, we still see collapsed filters in the workshop at Pellon Tyres from time to time. It’s nowhere near as common as it used to be, but when it does happen, the results can be expensive — especially on modern engines with tight tolerances and high-pressure lubrication systems.
One of the biggest causes in recent years is extended service intervals. Many drivers are stretching their oil changes far beyond manufacturer recommendations, either because of busy lives, cost-saving attempts, or misleading dashboard indicators. Sadly, oil doesn’t last forever. Once it breaks down and becomes thick and tar-like, the filter simply can’t cope. The material clogs up, oil flow is restricted, and the filter collapses inward under suction.
Here in Halifax, we see it most often during winter. Cold mornings thicken older oil even further, and it only takes one hard start on a freezing day for a weakened filter to give up completely. Yorkshire hills don’t help, either — long climbs up to places like Sowood, Mount Tabor or Southowram demand good oil pressure, and a struggling filter won’t keep up.
Another developing issue is cheap unbranded filters sold online. Some look the part but use very weak internal supports or poor-quality paper. They’re fine when new, but a few thousand miles later they can collapse without warning. This is why we always recommend sticking to respected quality brands and changing the filter every time the oil is changed — no exceptions.
Collapsed Oil Filters Explained
What Drivers Should Look Out For
If you’re unsure whether your oil filter is starting to fail, look out for the following signs:
Sudden ticking or tapping from the engine
Oil pressure warning light flickering
Poor performance when cold
Metallic humming from the oil pump area
Oil that looks very dark, thick, or sludgy
Any of these symptoms mean get your car checked straight away. A collapsed filter can starve an engine of oil in seconds — and no modern engine will survive that for long.
How We Diagnose Oil Filter Collapse at Pellon Tyres
At Pellon Tyres we’ve seen hundreds of these over the years across every type of vehicle — from little Peugeot and Toyota engines right up to big BMWs and Mercedes models. Our process is simple:
Check the filter condition
Inspect oil pressure using professional gauges
Look for sludge contamination
Confirm the correct oil grade (a major cause of issues!)
Replace filter and oil with quality approved products
We also check for early signs of internal damage. Catching the issue early can save Halifax drivers a small fortune in engine repairs.
If you’re unsure whether your filter is up to scratch — or if you haven’t had an oil change for a while — just book in with us. It’s always cheaper to service a car than to rebuild an engine!
Q: Can a collapsed oil filter damage my engine? A: Yes. Loss of oil pressure can cause serious internal engine damage within minutes.
Q: What causes an oil filter to collapse? A: Sludged oil, long service gaps, blocked filter media and low-quality unbranded filters are the most common causes.
Q: How often should I change my oil and filter? A: Most cars should be serviced every 6,000–10,000 miles, or sooner if mostly used on short trips.
Q: How do you diagnose oil filter collapse at Pellon Tyres? A: We check filter condition, oil pressure, oil grade, and inspect for sludge or early internal engine damage.
Foot pedal vibrations lead to the brake juddering experience
So, one of the first signs of Brake Juddering Causes. Firstly, you can feel a vibration coming through your foot pedal. Secondly, when you press the clutch pedal,. So, brake and stop your car. Some of our customers say that it was a long drawn-out process. Eventually, though, the brake began to get worse. Including the vibrations starting to come through the steering wheel.
Unfortunately, some of our customers think-Brake Juddering Causes
that the vibration is a wheel balancing problem! We also have to check out the problem with a correct diagnosis. However, a braking problem will usually come through the brake pedal. So then this is a sure sign of a brake problem.
Unfortunately, one of the main causes of brake jerks comes from elderly drivers. Significantly, they always cover the brake pedal with their right foot. This applies to manual gear changes or automatic; they are what I call “ride the brake” Some drivers also do this with the clutch, but that’s a different article to cover.
What happens if you ride the brake? Well, one of the problems is that you are applying extra pressure to the brake pads that are constantly in contact with the brake discs (brake rotors in the USA). These in turn heat the discs, and the discs then warp and go out of shape.
Brake juddering is a bigger problem in hilly areas
In my opinion, though, driver fault is not the main reason for warped brake discs. I think that the main cause is the terrain. We here in Halifax are in a hilly area, and we get a high occurrence of warped brake discs and brake juddering faults from our customers.
In areas where there are very steep inclines, drivers are more likely to keep their foot on the brakes. Some of the hills in the Hebden Bridge area are like alpine passes with 180-degree bends to contend with. When you come down these roads, you have to keep the car in low gear and be prepared for a vehicle coming up the hill without braking all the time.
This constant braking is what overheats the discs and causes them to warp and vibrate, giving your brake pedal. Some garages have a machine that will skim the brakes and stop the vibrating, but I think that once they have overheating, they do not work to their full potential, and a new set of pads and discs is the best option.
Improved brake technology-Brake Juddering Causes
Over the years, car manufacturers have brought in new technology to balance out the disc overheating problem and try to eliminate the brake jerks. Including different metals that can stand more heat and also the disc parts
that now come out with holes drilled in the metal at calculated intervals for heat dispersal. This can work very well; you can see brake discs actually glowing red hot on some motorsport cars when they have to brake very often at high speed; some can be seen to be glowing white hot in the dark.
This has the same effect as a regular car driven by a regular driver. So, try to avoid heavy braking, especially at high speed. Keep your distance, and try not to brake heavily. When you are driving down a steep hill, use a low gear and use the car’s engine as a brake. Try not to press the brake pedal constantly.
Have your brakes inspected at regular intervals-Brake Juddering Causes
when the car is serviced. Of course, the garage will pick up any worn discs or pads. Importantly, we can even spot a disc that has been overheated in the past. Because the disc has a blue-colored sheen on it. Remember, like many other things to do with a car, prevention is better than cure.
Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and Car Brake Repairs to all makes of vehicles.
https://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/brakes-pads-only.jpg396800Eric Robertshttps://www.pellonautocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/pellon-tyres-logo-509x321.jpgEric Roberts2025-11-17 18:39:022025-11-17 18:39:02Brake Juddering Causes: What is it?
So, recently, we have noticed that we have done more than our fair share of clutches. Especially on the Fiat Punto model of car. Interestingly, I decided to do a little research. Finding some real horror stories. Subsequently, going back to the 2002 Punto models.
One unlucky customer was in for a car service. The owner of a “52” plate Punto 8 valve version. He complained to me about several problems that he had encountered. Including a very bad transmission judder and other small irritants. Unpleasant things, such as engine noises and various oil leaks,. Recently, he had just had a clutch fitted! But 1400 miles later, the juddering had returned.
Checked out his car on Fiat forums: Fiat Punto Clutch problems
Inquisitively, he too looked up the Fiat forums. Noticing the number of Fiat owners who were experiencing various clutch problems on their Punto’s. So, the cars came mainly from the main dealers. Coming from different parts of the country. However, it looked as though Fiat knew about the problem. Subsequently, I did little about the Punto problem.
Interestingly, other Fiat owners were experiencing problems. Especially with a low-biting clutch pedal and rattling noises. Increasingly, when changing gears,. It sounded as if there was a broken spring rattling.
This can be a common sign that you have a clutch that needs changing.
But disgruntled customers did not get much joy from Fiat. Indeed, many Fiat drivers opted to have their clutches changed by an independent garage. In some cases, a mechanically minded friend or relative was called in to help ?
Other owners complained about their pedals becoming hard when pressing to change gear. This then developed into them hearing scratching and clicking noises coming from the pedal area of the car. Once again, this is a sure sign that you need a replacement In fact, this is similar to the latest customer car that we fitted a new clutch to the other weekend, and sure enough, when we stripped it down, the Punto needed a new clutch.
Fiat Punto clutch went again after only 2 weeks: Fiat Punto Clutch problems
Thank goodness the one that we did the other week was good, and the car ran well after we fitted it with a new clutch, but for some owners, that was not the case. One unlucky gut had recently had a new clutch fitted, only to find that a few weeks later, the same problems had come back to haunt him.
The car had also had a new clutch pedal fitted, but after a few weeks, it once again became difficult to change gear, back to the same problem as the pre-new clutch?
The problem turned out to be Fiat Punto Clutch problems ,
with the clutch bleeding. The mechanic who repaired the car did not know how to bleed the clutch because the Punto’s do not have a normal bleeding nipple system as do many other models of cars, and for some reason some air had entered the fluid system of the clutch, making it difficult to change the gears again.
These Fiat Punto Clutch problems were corrected by the garage.
Who had just fitted the new clutch, and the mistake was just put down to a lack of Fiat Punto experience. So, this can very often happen in a garage that repairs mixed makes of cars.
Going back to the Fiat Punto Clutch problems, in my garage. Well, it was only the second clutch that this particular car had fitted since 2004 (ten years), so I do not think that that was at all bad.
The job of fitting a Fiat Punto clutch is one of the easiest to do, and the car was back on the road in a couple of hours. The customer was delighted, and off he went, a few hundred pounds lighter, but happy?
Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles. We are not now members of Unipart Car Care centres and give a nationwide guarantee for all our work and parts.
So, “Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems” have been around for quite a while now. it was developed to compliment cars that were fitted with run flat tyres or cars that did not have a conventional type spar wheel and tyre.
When a run flat tyre loses pressure, there is no way of knowing so a special valve with a sender, was invented and when there is a loss of air pressure in the tyre the sensor in the tyre valve picks this up and sends a message to the cars computer which lights up a warning light in the cab and alerts the driver that something is wrong with one of his/hers tyres.
The idea is a simple one really,
but it is not that long ago that a driver would not go anywhere without his spare wheel? How things have changed. Now most cars are fitted with in cab warning technologies and it is very common for us to see on a daily basis.
There is however one thing that has cropped up, those drivers may not know. This is that the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems in susceptible to temperature changes. This is basic science, when the temperature rises then the air expands and when it cools down then the temperature lowers.
Monitoring Systems valves.
When the temperature drops on cold freezing night. Then so does the air pressure in your tyres. Pressures can drop as much as 10 psi on a really cold night. This can then trigger off your tyre pressure warning light in the car.
It may not happen to all cars! But it is worth noting that if this happens to you. So then you will know what has been happening on that cold dark winters night. In some cars the light will correct itself. Going back out as the air temperature rises. Subsequently, you could increase the air pressure in your tyres and this will stop this happening.
The second temperature related part is the way a summer tyre acts when they get cold too!
TPMS and summer tyres in the cold
This temperature issue is probably a little bit better known, but here goes. Summer car tyres and winter car tyres. Importantly, have different chemical compositions in their tyre compounds. The main difference is the addition of “silica” compounds. Into the mix that makes the winter tyres.
The different compounds are there to give different characteristics to the tyres in different weather conditions and heat and cold. Summer’s will get much stiffer and harder in cold weather, making the tyre more difficult to handle when braking and cornering. This change in character starts to come in when the temperature gets below 7 degrees.
Winter tyres remain flexible in the cold-Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems
The winter tyres with their different compounds will remain flexible and pliable in colder weather and this combined with a tread design that has been developed to dissipate water, slush and snow, makes the winters the perfect fitment for your car from November to march here in the Northern hemisphere.
If you are looking for a set of tyres for your car at this time of year then I would strongly advise fitting winter tyres, they have been proven time and time again to be the safest option for your car and your family.
As an update then the Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have increased to nearly all car makes and models. So, the importance of tyre pressure to save fuel and emissions cannot be under estimated! So, moving on a few years since I first wrote this post then a few things have happened! Firstly, as reputable tyre dealers then we have to keep a large stock of electronic valves to replace old ones that break or just need replacing.
Going forward we are finding that most problems are caused by seized up metal valve caps. So use plastic valve caps where possible. Importantly, when the warning light comes on please check out the tyre and the tyre pressures ?
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The most frustrating thing about shock absorbersand struts (which are basically the same thing) is that they are sealed units and although they are classified as maintenance-free, they will
very often start to leak. In some countries, shock absorbers are known as dampers because that is exactly what they do: they damp down and level out the bumps that your car is picking up as it drives along the road.
Depending on the model of your car, Shock Absorbers Nissan Micra
If you are not sure what this is, then you can perform a simple bounce test. All you have to do is press the corner of your car a few times with your body weight and then stop the bouncing.
Once you stop,
your Nissan Micra should settle back down straight away. If it bounces again more than twice, it will very often start to leak. In some countries, shock absorbers (Nissan Micra) are known as dampers and require changing. You do this procedure on each corner, bouncing the car and then releasing it.
In my opinion, this is not a very satisfactory way of checking your shock absorbers, but at the moment, I have not seen a satisfactory machine that will do the job. The best machine I’ve ever seen and consequently purchased was a tester from SUN Equipment.
You drove the car onto vibration plates
which shook the suspension very violently and then suddenly stopped. The action of the shock absorbers was then recorded on paper printouts via an ink needle, similar to the ones used in hospital heart machines. If the pattern was tight, then the car shock absorbers were good; if they were wide, then the shocks needed replacing.
This was a great machine because it produced a print out so that the customer could see the state that his shocks were in. Ironically, Kwik-Fit scrapped the machine after I sold them the business, and I don’t believe they are still in production.
How do shock absorbers work? Shock Absorbers Nissan Micra
Some cars never have their shocks replaced, but with age, the ride of your car will get bumpier and the steering will be all over the place when cornering, although this is sometimes
blamed on the car’s tyres; it is more often than not the shock absorbers that need changing.
As I have said earlier, the most common problem is the fact that they leak oil.
Of course, this can also be found in a suspension check! If this is the case, then they will need to change. Any kind of shock absorber works on the same basis. There is a piston rod that enters a chamber that is filled with oil. The piston has oil seals to prevent leakage.
The weight compresses the piston, which then absorbs the force of the car and the road. Your shocks take all the up-and-down pressure (bumps), and the car’s chassis remains level, or as level as possible, while driving along.
When the shocks are worn or broken, you will get an uneven ride in your car. I think that the worst culprits for this are cars that are used as taxis. You can often feel the older cars bouncing up and down as you drive along, and apart from alcohol, I am convinced that this is one of the reasons that people are sick in the back of a taxi.
Struts are normally fitted at the front of cars and are fitted inside a coil spring unit.
These are known as McPherson struts.
and just like shock absorbers, they can leak oil. These struts, along with the springs that they are inserted into, can very often break, and the symptoms are rattling and banging noises coming from the car when going over bumps in the road. This is another problem that the potholescan cause. “Broken springs”
An old perennial that keeps cropping up is that when a shocker has to be replaced,
should it be replaced in pairs? In my opinion, this is a grey area. The manufacturers always recommend that you fit two, and I think that this is the perfect scenario, but in practice, the customer wants to get away with having to spend as little as possible, and in general, only one is fitted.
The rule to this is simple: if your car is relatively new, then just change the one; the one on the other side should still be good, but if the car is an older model, then you should change the shocks on each side of the same axle, backs or fronts. This will give you an even ride and more stable cornering.
Normal shocks are fairly easy to change for the home mechanic
But the struts are more difficult and require some special tools, such as spring compressors, so I would take your car to a local garage for the work. Shock absorbers, nissan micra Om, Shock absorbers nissan micra cost; Replacement shock absorbers nissan micra.
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MOT Changes and DBS Checks – Keeping Halifax Drivers Safe at Pellon Tyres
(A customer-friendly update from Pellon Tyre & Autocentre, Halifax)
Things never stand still in the motor trade, and lately it feels like every time I nip into the office for a brew, there’s another update from DVSA or someone in government. As testers here at Pellon Tyre & Autocentre, we’ve always taken pride in doing things by the book, and with the latest run of MOT changes and discussions about staff vetting, it felt like the right time to put everything into one simple update for our customers in Halifax, Illingworth, Siddal, and the surrounding Calder Valley.
Let’s start with the MOT changes that matter most.
Tyres & TPMS – Small but Important Tweaks: MOT Changes and DBS Checks
From 11 August 2025, TPMS checks will no longer apply to:
Motor caravans
Ambulances
Hearses
M1 vehicles over 2,500kg
So if you’re driving a campervan up to the Dales or down to the seaside, TPMS won’t form part of the MOT. But your tyres still need to be in good nick — and that’s where we come in. You can always pop in to see us at Pellon Tyres or check the official guidance here: 🔗 (gov.uk – MOT Inspection Manual)
Brake Tests – Clearer Guidance for Testers: MOT Changes and DBS Checks
DVSA has tightened the MOT manual wording around brake testing so every garage across the country works to the same standard. The updates include:
When to use roller brake testers vs decelerometers
Special rules for some 4x4s
Extra checks around the Applied Parking Brake (APB)
Making sure measurements are properly recorded in MTS
Nothing scary — just clearer instructions, which help us deliver an accurate and fair test every time.
Seats, Belts & ISOFIX – Tidying Up the Rules
A few practical updates include:
Lifting folded seats where possible
Clarifying occasional seats vs everyday folding rear seats
Better inspection guidance for ISOFIX and belt webbing
Again, more clarity than change — but it all helps keep families safe on Yorkshire’s roads.
Diesel Emissions – A Key Change for Newer Cars: MOT Changes and DBS Checks
One of the biggest updates affects diesel opacity values. If a diesel has an extremely low plated smoke value, testers must now:
➤ Add 0.05 to the plated value before testing
This stops newer diesels from failing borderline tests simply through machine tolerance. With the number of modern diesels we see around Halifax, Mixenden, and Ovenden, this little tweak will save a few headaches for drivers.
Crackdown on MOT Fraud – Photo Evidence Coming In
DVSA are pushing hard against “ghost MOTs” — passes issued without a vehicle ever entering the bay. To combat this, they’ve started rolling out a requirement for MOT testers to take a live photograph of the vehicle during the test.
It’s not compulsory for every garage yet, but the writing’s on the wall:
👉 Photo evidence will likely become standard in the next couple of years.
For us at Pellon, we say crack on — we welcome anything that promotes honest testing.
DBS Checks – Already Completed at Pellon Tyres: MOT Changes and DBS Checks
There’s been a lot of chat lately in the trade about vetting MOT testers and raising the bar for honesty and professionalism in the industry. Some garages have already started doing voluntary staff checks to show transparency.
So here’s something important for our customers:
⭐ Every member of our MOT management team at Pellon Tyres has already had a DBS check.
We did this proactively — not because DVSA forced it, but because we believe customers deserve complete confidence in the people working on their vehicles.
DBS checks simply confirm that:
You’re dealing with trusted staff
Our MOT management team meets high professional standardsWe’re prepared for whatever future DVSA requirements may come
It’s all part of our commitment to honest, straightforward MOT testing — the kind our Halifax customers expect and deserve.
New Jacking Rules (April 2026)
From 1 April 2026, any garage installing or upgrading a Class 4 MOT bay will need:
A minimum 2-tonne safe working load
A 1,700mm minimum pad spacing
This is mostly to accommodate heavier EVs and SUVs. Good news for us—our existing bays are already DVSA-approved, so unless we upgrade, we’re good to go.
No Change to First MOT – Still 3 Years
Despite all the talk, the Government has stuck with:
✔ First MOT at 3 years
✔ Then every year after
A sensible decision, especially considering how many faults we find on 3–5-year-old cars around here.
Useful Links (for those who like the technical bits)
Pellon Tyres in Halifax Installs New Pirelli P7 Tyres on a BMW X3
From little city automobiles to luxurious 4x4s, we see a wide variety of vehicles pass through our garage doors at **Pellon Tyres in Halifax**. A **BMW X3** that came in for a pair of **Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres** was one of our most recent projects; it’s a good option for a high-end SUV like this.
Let’s quickly examine what makes the **BMW X3** such a well-acclaimed car and explore why the **Pirelli P7** is an excellent tyre for the job.
BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
The Task: Installing Pirelli P7 on a BMW X3
The client had noticed a decrease in handling and grip, especially when the weather was wet. Instead of waiting for the situation to worsen, they made the decision to replace their **front tyres** since they were beginning to exhibit wear. Well done!
We suggested the **Pirelli Cinturato P7** after a brief examination since it is a **perfect match for the BMW X3** and offers a blend of **performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency**. We made sure the pressures were perfect, installed the new tyres and performed a **wheel balance check**. With more grip and a much smoother ride, the change was **instantaneous**.
BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
The Pirelli Cinturato P7: A Tyre Designed for Comfort and Performance
A great option for cars like the **BMW X3**, the **Pirelli P7** is a high-end tyre made for **high-performance saloons and SUVs**. This is why it is unique:
1. Outstanding Grip in Both Wet and Dry Conditions The P7 offers **excellent traction in all conditions** because to Pirelli’s sophisticated tire compound and refined tread pattern. This tire stands up nicely on both dry summer roads and Halifax’s typical **wet and windy weather**.
2. Decreased Resistance to Rolling The P7’s **fuel efficiency** is one of its main selling factors. With today’s gasoline prices, we may all benefit from the tread design’s ability to lower rolling resistance and improve miles per gallon!
3. Comfort and Low Noise – On lengthy travels, no one wants to listen to the constant din of the road. A quieter and more comfortable ride is the result of the P7’s design to **reduce cabin noise**.
4. Longevity – Pirelli designed this tyre to **wear evenly**, extending its lifespan and reducing the need for early replacements. Good news for everyone looking to save money!
The **Pirelli P7 is a great option for SUV owners** who desire **performance, safety, and durability** in one package because of these attributes.
The BMW X3 is a high-end SUV that is located in Halifax.-BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
Since its launch in **2003**, SUV drivers have been choosing the **BMW X3**. It’s one of those vehicles that looks as nice parked outside a posh hotel as it does navigating the twisting country roads of **West Yorkshire**, combining **luxury, utility, and performance**.
Among the X3’s notable characteristics are:
The X3 is a fantastic choice for drivers who seek performance without sacrificing practicality because it drives like a fast saloon**, in contrast to many SUVs that feel heavy and slow. BMW’s xDrive system provides the X3 with exceptional traction in all weather thanks to its **xDrive All-Wheel Drive**. The **X3 stays planted** whether it’s a rainy run along the M62 or a chilly Halifax morning. BMW is renowned for its luxurious interiors, and the X3 is no different. Comfortable seating, a user-friendly dashboard, and plush materials make it a **pleasure to drive**. PowerfulEngines – Thee X3 has a variety of engines to fit all kinds of drivers, from strong petrol engines to economical diesels. For improved fuel efficiency, the more recent versions even come equipped with hybrid technology.
With its practicality, style, and ability to perform well in the frequently unpredictable Yorkshire weather, it’s simple to understand why **Halifax drivers enjoy the BMW X3**. To get the most performance out of it, though, it requires **quality tyres**, which is where the **Pirelli P7** comes in.
The Value of Selecting the Correct Tyres-BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
Many drivers don’t realise how much of a difference excellent tyres make. Having the proper tyres may **transform** your driving experience, regardless of whether you drive a Range Rover, Audi Q5, or BMW X3.
Even wear equals greater value for money. **A smoother ride makes every travel more comfortable.** – **Greater grip means safer handling.** – **Lower rolling resistance saves fuel.**
Don’t wait until yourtyress are **beginning to wear** before they become a safety concern. We have a variety of **premium and cheap tyres** in stock at **Pellon Tyres in Halifax** to meet every demand. We can provide you with a more cost-effective option or high-end performance like the **Pirelli P7**.
Concluding Remarks: BMW X3 + Pirelli P7 = A Successful Pair-BMW X3 For New Pirelli P7 Fitting
With a brand-new set of Pirelli P7 tyres, this **BMW X3** departed our garage, providing the customer with **greater grip, better efficiency, and a smoother ride**. They were satisfied when they departed, and we were thrilled to restore another fantastic car to its peak condition.
Visit **Pellon Tyres** if you’re in **Halifax or the nearby areas** and require **new tyres, wheel balancing, or a check-up**; we’re always pleased to assist!
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