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


Pellon tyre online tyres and car repairing servicing

Car Service Tips

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Car Service Tips

Car Service Tips
Car Service Tips

Car Service Tips

car service advice for young drivers

This (the smaller engine service) usually means the oil and filter changed and the rest of the cars fluid levels topped up. It is also a great idea (if you can afford) for cars over three years old to have the main service carried out at the same time as the cars MOT test. Your garage will probably advice you to have the MOT test carried out before the service; this is always best practice and is recommended by the Ministry of Transport as the correct procedure to follow.

 It also gives you control over your spending budget.

Indeed, what you should do is instruct the Car Garage to inform you of any failures that the test may throw up. You must also ask your garage to give you an estimate of the cost of repairs to your car to get it through the test.

Many customers of garages do this! Because if the cost of your repairs is high, you may not be able to afford to have the car serviced; indeed, you can cancel the service for a later date, when you can afford to have the service carried. The best practice, though, is to have the test and the car service carried out in the same day. This will ensure that your car will be in the best condition for your summer holidays or the possible harsh winter ahead.

Halifax Guide: Safety and Maintenance Advice for Young and Experienced Drivers

You’ve cleared your driving test and are now prepared to drive! Congratulations! The broad road and its freedoms await you as a new driver, but so do the duties that come with owning a vehicle. Here are some top safety and maintenance suggestions with a dash of Halifax spice to make sure you have a pleasant and safe driving experience.

Get to Know Your Vehicle-Car Service Tips

It’s important to get to know your automobile before you even consider taking it on a road trip through the Yorkshire Dales or a fast trip to Leeds. Take some time to become acquainted with the dashboard lights, controls, and fundamental functions of the car. In addition to boosting your confidence as a driver, this will enable you to respond swiftly in an emergency.

Routine Maintenance Inspections-Car Service Tips

Don’t put off routine auto maintenance any more than you would a dental exam. Frequent inspections can stop small problems from growing into bigger ones. Here are some fundamentals to be aware of:

Oil Level: A minimum of once a month, check the oil level in your vehicle. It’s your engine’s lifeblood, and maintaining the proper level makes sure it runs smoothly.

  • Tyres: Make sure that your tyres have enough tread and are correctly inflated. Halifax’s cobblestone streets and uneven topography make for a rough ride for tyres.
  • Brakes: Pay attention to any strange noises and get your brakes inspected frequently. West Yorkshire’s high inclines can be taxing on them.
  • Lights: Check your headlights, brake lights, indicators and fog lights on a regular basis. In our frequently cloudy weather, particularly on the moors, visibility is crucial.

Maintain Concentration-Car Service Tips

It takes complete focus to drive, particularly in a busy area like Halifax. Steer clear of distractions like eating, using a phone, or tinkering with the radio. Pull over securely if you need to send a text or make a call. Recall that other drivers’ safety is also at risk in addition to your own.

Be Aware of the Roads

There are many different kinds of roads in Halifax and the surrounding areas, ranging from busy city streets to peaceful country lanes. Take your time getting to know the peculiarities of the local roadways. Give special consideration to:

Small Roads: A few of our rural roads are only big enough for a single vehicle. Reverse your speed and be ready to stop for any approaching vehicles.

  • Roundabouts: West Yorkshire is full with these. Proceed cautiously, yield to oncoming traffic, and accurately indicate.
  • Traffic Areas: Town centres with a high pedestrian traffic volume are Halifax. Always be ready to pull over when someone crosses the street.

Emergency Provisioning-Car Service Tips

Keep an emergency kit in your car at all times. This ought to consist of:

First Aid Kit: For small cuts and bruises.

  • Jump leads: In the event that your battery runs out,.
    Torch: In case you find yourself in the dark.
  • Warm Clothes and a Blanket: Yorkshire winters may be harsh, and you never know when you’ll become stuck.
  • Basic Tools: A spare tyre, screwdriver, and wrench can come in very handy.

Weather Sensitivity

The weather in Yorkshire is notoriously unpredictable. It can be sunny one moment and pouring rain the next. Be ready for anything that could happen:

Rain: Slow down and lengthen your following distance. Roads that are wet might become slick, and stopping distances might grow.

  • Fog: Turn on your fog lights, but don’t forget to switch them off as the weather clears. Around the Pennines, fog is common, so exercise additional caution.
  • Ice and Snow: Take just a car if it’s absolutely essential. If you must go, make sure you leave plenty of space between you and the car in front, drive carefully, and shift into higher gears to prevent wheel spin.

Parking

It might be difficult to get a decent parking spot in Halifax, particularly in crowded areas. Parking should always be done in well-lit, crowded areas. Pay attention to parking regulations to prevent penalties. Use your handbrake and turn your wheels towards the curb when parking on a hill.

Final Reflections ###

The ability to drive gets better with practice. It’s normal for a novice driver to have a mixture of nerves and enthusiasm. You’ll be well on your way to developing into a self-assured, accountable driver if you adhere to our safety and maintenance recommendations. Recall that although the roads in Halifax and the surrounding area of Yorkshire are stunning, they may also be challenging. Enjoy the trip, take good care of your car, and remain vigilant.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable journey!

Most good garages and auto centres carry out a car service  to a high standard.

They will carry out menu services according to the manufacturer’s advice. Indeed, many garages and auto centres use a service menu specific to your car. Thus, by typing your registration number in to an automotive computer such as “Autodata”. Complete with software that will print out the exact Car service menu. of course, which is for your make and model of car.

Another good piece of advice

The usual way to find a good garage is by word of mouth by friends or relations.