Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

24th January 2025/in Brake Servicing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Volvo XC60: Shattered Brake Discs at Pellon Tyres

It’s always a bit of a head-scratcher when a vehicle comes into Pellon Tyres with a rare and unusual problem. Recently, we had a Volvo XC60 roll into our Halifax garage with something you don’t see every day—a shattered brake disc. Yes, shattered! The sight of the fragmented disc was enough to make even our seasoned team stop and have a good look.

This got us thinking, How does a brake disc end up in such a state? Before we delve into the specifics of the repair and its causes, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Volvo XC60 and give it the respect it deserves. Ultimately, the Volvo XC60 is not just any car, but rather a contemporary marvel.

A Short History of the Volvo XC60-Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

The Volvo XC60 is one of those vehicles that seamlessly blends luxury, practicality, and safety, making it a favourite among families and professionals alike. First introduced in 2008, the XC60 marked Volvo’s entry into the competitive mid-size SUV market. And what an entry it was!

The XC60 elevated Volvo’s reputation for safety to unprecedented levels. It was one of the first vehicles to feature City Safety, a groundbreaking automatic braking system that could help prevent low-speed collisions. Over the years, the XC60 has become Volvo’s best-selling model worldwide, thanks to its sleek Scandinavian design, spacious interior, and top-notch reliability.

In the UK, particularly in areas such as Halifax where versatility is crucial, the XC60 has proven to be an ideal choice. Whether you’re navigating the steep inclines of the Calder Valley or cruising on the motorways, the XC60 delivers in style and comfort.

What Causes a Brake Disc to Shatter?Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Now, back to the issue at hand—a shattered brake disc. It’s not a common problem, but when it happens, it’s a clear sign that something has gone seriously wrong. Let’s look at some of the possible causes:

Extreme Heat Build-Up
Brake discs are designed to handle heat, but they have their limits. Repeated heavy braking, such as when towing or descending long, steep hills (hello, Halifax! ), can generate excessive heat. If the discs don’t get a chance to cool properly, they can become brittle and prone to cracking—or, in this case, shattering.
Poor-Quality Brake Discs
While Volvo vehicles are known for their quality, it’s not uncommon for replacement parts to vary in standard. If the disc was a cheap aftermarket part, it may not have been able to withstand the demands of a heavy SUV like the XC60.
Corrosion and Wear
The weather in our region is not particularly favourable for vehicles. Salted winter roads and constant exposure to damp conditions can cause brake discs to rust and weaken over time. If left unchecked, this can lead to catastrophic failure.
Sudden Impact or Mechanical Failure
Sometimes, external damage or a malfunction in the braking system can put uneven stress on the disc, causing it to fracture under pressure. For instance, a stone or debris lodged in the brake mechanism could cause significant damage to the disc.
Driver Habits
While modern braking systems are robust, aggressive or erratic braking habits can push them beyond their limits. If the vehicle is often driven hard or loaded heavily, the strain on the brakes increases significantly.

Diagnosing and Repairing the Volvo XC60

When this XC60 arrived at our garage, the first step was a thorough inspection of the brake system. The shattered disc was on the front offside wheel, and there were clear signs of extreme heat and wear. We checked the callipers, pads, and hydraulic system for any issues that could have caused uneven pressure or overheating.

The culprit? A combination of worn-out brake pads and poor-quality replacement discs fitted elsewhere. The pads had worn down to the metal, causing excessive friction and heat buildup. This, when coupled with the inferior-quality disc, was a surefire recipe for failure.

We replaced the shattered disc with a high-quality OEM part, fitted brand-new brake pads, and flushed the brake fluid to ensure the system was running perfectly. After a quick test drive (down the steep roads of Pellon Lane, naturally), the XC60 was back to its usual smooth and safe self.

Lessons for Local Drivers

If there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s the importance of regular maintenance. Brake systems are your vehicle’s most critical safety feature, and ignoring warning signs like squealing brakes, vibrations, or reduced stopping power can lead to costly—and dangerous—failures.

Steep gradients and unpredictable weather in Halifax can severely damage brakes. So whether you’re driving a Volvo XC60, a Ford Ranger, or anything in between, make sure to have your brakes checked regularly. At Pellon Tyres, we’re always happy to help with inspections, repairs, and advice to keep you safe on the road.

A Nod to Volvo

Despite its shattered brake disc, the Volvo XC60 remains one of the safest and most reliable vehicles available. Even when things go wrong, it’s built to protect its passengers, proving once again why Volvo remains a trusted name on UK roads.

If you’ve got any concerns about your brakes—or anything else for that matter—pop into Pellon Tyres. We’re here to keep Halifax rolling smoothly and safely, one repair at a time.

Cheers,
Eric and the Team at Pellon Tyres

Volvo self driving cars

7th January 2025/1 Comment/in All Car Manufacturer Articles/by Eric Roberts

If that’s what people want, why on earth don’t they stick to the driver-less train systems that we see in many countries these days? I would much prefer to sit on a train high up above the busy traffic “Than In Volvo self-driving cars”. Significantly, modern technology is good, but it is not perfect. During a recent trip to France, I had to exit the highway due to an accident blocking it.

A fleet of Volvo self-driving cars that are equipped

sensors, cameras, and other technology is used in the experiment to traverse the highways. Initially, there were only a few self-driving cars in the trial, but that number has since increased. The self-driving vehicles have been tested in a variety of weather situations and on a variety of roadways, including motorways and city streets.

With the aid of professional drivers who can take over control of the Volvo self driving cars if necessary, the tests have been carried out. Impressive outcomes have come from the experiment. The self-driving vehicles have successfully negotiated the roads, proving its practicality for use on public highways.

Volvo self driving cars have demonstrated the ability to recognise other automobiles, pedestrians, and other impediments and steer clear of collisions. The autos can also converse with other vehicles and adhere to traffic regulations.

Yet there have been difficulties with the trial as well.

Volvo’s experiment with self-driving cars has been a success overall.

So I have my doubts about the technology used in these cars.

Here is a good snippet from the Popular Mechanics web-site about the strange sensation that their driver experienced when first handling one of these Volvo self driving cars,

“As soon as I hit the small black lane-centre button, I can feel the wheel stiffen in my hands. Suddenly the light bar atop it begins to glow a soft green, signaling that the car has taken over the task of steering. I had already surrendered control of the acceleration and braking to the vehicle’s adaptive cruise control, and now with my feet flat on the floor, I slowly un-wrap my fingers and release the wheel. Sitting in the passenger seat is Jeremy Salinger, who works on General Motors’ semi-autonomous car program. He’s seen the car do this dozens, possibly hundreds, of times, but, if only to reassure me, he states the obvious: “The car is in control now.”… http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/the-12-most-important-questions-about-self-driving-cars-16016418

His final comment is that” it felt like a ghost was driving the car”

See on www.digitaltrends.com

Car Air conditioning air-con

27th November 2024/in Air-conditioning in Halifax/by Eric Roberts

Car Air conditioning brings many problems for their drivers

Car Air conditioning

Here in Halifax in the UK, we are experiencing a particularly warm and pleasant summer. We are at the moment in the middle of the main holiday season and trade can be a little hit and

miss. Many of our customers have had their cars serviced in preparation for their summer holidays, so the servicing side of the business can be a little slower this time of year.

However, one of the things that have kept us going in this hot summer is the number of cars with Car Air conditioning systems that break or have never worked for years.

The hot weather makes them dig deep into their pockets and have the air con Operating Systems serviced or repaired. The cars that come to my garage with problems are usually older cars and some come to us complaining that they are having strong smells coming from inside the car.

This is due to the Car Air conditioning system not been used often

with a build-up of nasty’s in the evaporator located just behind the dashboard, this consists of molds, fungi and bacteria, that can cause some drivers to feel ill. This problem can be remedied by using an anti-bacterial spray which should get your car back to smelling fresh again.

Unfortunately, the Car Air conditioning system in cars are not covered by warranty and the system will need servicing from time to time when the gas starts to deplete and the air con system stops working properly, leaving the driver hot and sweaty.

For some reason motorists in the UK, where we have four seasons a year switch off their air con systems in the winter time. I do not think they know that you can run the air con and the car heater at the same time and also the smaller cars with the lower engine capacities will use much more fuel and so they switch the air con off.

Car Air conditioning system can dry out if not used

This result is that the system will dry out and start to damage some of the internal parts. Including small “O”, rings that act as seals within the air con system.

These are normally lubricated by the “PAG OIL” that circulates within the system when the air con is in use. The consequences of this are the refrigerant gas that is confined to the system . So,will leak out through the broken “O” ring. Causing it not to work.

To find where the leak is we have to re-gas the system . So,and try to find the leak with a special chemical .That we use to show us where the leak is and then repairing the fault.

In fact, this was the case just the other day. A customer called into to see us with a problem with his Car Air conditioning. In fact, it was not working at all.

The car was an older Volvo V40 and the customer always switched the air con off in winter. The car was five-year-old and so we started the process of re-gassing the system. So, in order that we could find out what the problem was.

Indeed, we used our special leak-detecting tool.

Finding out the place where the gas had leaked more or less straight away. The problem was due to his air con system drying out. Breaking one of the “O” ring seals.

This is a common thing with most cars. If the engines do not run then the hoses and other rubber parts will dry out and perish, because of no lubrication exactly the same as the air con system, the “PAG OIL” circulates in the system and oil all the parts when the system is running.

The particular “O” ring was located in the high-pressure pipe part of the condenser which had to be removed and a new one fitted. Here at Pellon Autocentre can repair most models of cars air con and heater systems in the Halifax area of West Yorkshire.

Many other things can go wrong with air con

but I will cover those when and if they happen in other blogs.

The new “O” ring was fitted and the driver drove away much happier with his nice cool Volvo.

Pellon Tyre and Auto-centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes and models of vehicles. Significantly, we also sell tyres online from our website www.pellontyres.co.uk . Finally, by using the tyre selector and choosing your tyre size.

Volvo C30 Broken Spring

19th November 2024/in All Car Repair Articles/by Eric Roberts

Volvo C30 Broken Spring

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

Volvo C30 Broken Spring

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

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

Why Do Coil Springs Break? Volvo C30 Broken Spring

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Information on the Volvo C30

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

Therefore, a Volvo C30-Volvo C30 Broken Spring

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

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

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Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

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Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs

Volvo XC60: Shattered Brake Discs at Pellon Tyres

A Short History of the Volvo XC60-Volvo XC60 With Shattered Brake Discs