wheel alignment is something that the tyre trade are always talking about.
To be truthful, drivers usually do have the car’s alignment checked. Of course, when new tyres are installed. The thing is that it really does save you money. in the long run. if your wheels are not aligned correctly. As a result, your nice new, probably expensive tyres will first scrub off.
Wheel alignment and wheel balancing are two phrases
that most car owners frequently mix up. Because of they are both associated with wheels and tyres. We made the decision to provide explicit definitions of these phrases after considering our readers’ concerns.
After exploring the idea of wheel balancing in this article,. So, we are addressing the idea of wheel alignment today to allay any concerns that our customers here in Halifax, UK, have. The service that improves tyre driving and steering performance and lengthens tyre life is known as wheel alignment. Commonly referred to as tyre alignment or tracking.
In layman’s terms, alignment mostly has to do with your car’s suspension.
It is located at the section of your car’s body where the wheel is attached. A wheel alignment’s primary goal is to reset the angles of the wheels and tyres.
Another issue that motorists face with out-of-alignment vehicles is that the steering wheel is not straight and the vehicle pulls to one side. In this case, as well as doing the alignment, we also have to straighten their steering wheel.
Wheel Alignment is a Necessity
So, resetting the car’s steering geometry so that the steering wheel is in the correct straight-line position. An out of align steering could cost you half the life of your tyres. I enjoy displaying images of the tyres that we have removed at Pellon Tyres Halifax, Yorkshire, UK.
One of the problems that we have is when we are very busy. As a result, there will be a bank holiday for Easter this week. Drivers want their new tyres installed right away. Because of this, we do not have time to carry out the free wheel alignment checks that we normally do.
wheel alignment
We always point out to the customers that the car is out of alignment , but they forget and fail to return to have the work carried out.
Depending on which model the car is, we may have to charge a little extra, especially if the car is fitted with steering sensors, like some of the BMWs and Mercedes cars.
This means that when the job is complete, we have to reset the warning light with a special computer that we had to buy (although the computer does other functions, besides that).
Bringing this post to 2024, we now use the latest computer-based four-wheel tracking equipment. So, this modern machine will be able to change the tracking as well as the camber and caster.
Of course, this top ten is compiled in the USA. Thus, we do have similar products here in the UK. Hence, some of the tyre types are the same. Especially, tyres from the European tyre manufacturers. Therefore, this video gives a guide and an insight into what goes on when testing winter tyres.
Therefore, Top Ten Best Winter Tyres, give the consumer. Naturally, some of them are our customers here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, UK.
that can perform well in all areas. To locate the elusive sweet spot where the rubber can cut through ice and slush, find grip in all conditions, whether slick or dry, and serve up ride comfort, peace and quiet for drivers.
Of course, tyre manufacturers must juggle compound, tread design, and overall construction. Additionally, tyres must endure for a long period and not fall apart in high temperatures.
Moving on to 2022
So out of many tests the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 came out as the overall winter tyre winner.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s sole flaws, as in previous tests, were that it wasn’t the best at dry braking and that it wasn’t quite as balanced in snow handling as some of the other tyres.
With the best grip in wet handling
and the shortest wet braking distances, the LM005 excelled in the wet grip tests. It also won the snow-braking test. Performing well in the snow traction test.
Also, had some of the lowest noise levels during the test. Astonishly, and had the lowest rolling resistance of the top tyres. A well-earned test victory for the Japanese juggernaut; congrats to Bridgestone.
tyre business owner illegally stored 85,000 waste tyres
The owner of a tyre business has been jailed for 15 months, suspended for two years, after Tyre business owner illegally stored 85000 waste tyres at sites in Devon.
This is a common problem these days. especially here in the tyre business. Many such examples have come to light in recent years. So, where are the unscrupulous. Tyre dealers have just filled old premises with waste tyres and abandoned the building.
The last one that I heard about was in Bradford
Yorkshire, UK. The city used to be a large woollen industry city. Hence, we manufacture all types of materials. Thus, from large manufacturing mills, These premises fell into disrepair when the clothing industry collapsed. When I was younger,
These old mills are now converted into housing complexes. But some are used for storage. These have been the targets of criminals. As a result, they have been receiving money for the scrap tyres and filling the old mills to the roof.
When are the mills full of waste tyres and the dishonest person just locks the doors and walks away? Leaving the problem, to the local council
The last old mill had 100,000 (one million) old tyres filling it to the rafters. WOW.
Tyre business owner filled an old Airfield?
As I have said, this type of criminal activity is nothing new. A few years ago, a new law was introduced. Importantly, to control the movement and disposal of “end-of-life” tyres. Unfortunately, a few criminally minded people set up scams. I was sucked in by these crooks. The guy approached my depot manager, claiming to be the owner of a tyre business dealing with waste tyres, and I showed him the certificate that was required by law to remove, transport, and dispose of waste tyres.
We pay £1 each for waste tyre disposal. Therefore, if he collects 400 old tyres, Then we have to pay him £400. The tyres are then taken to a registered disposal site, where they are made into tyre crumbs and then re-used in industry.
Unknown to my manager, the certificate was fake?
The guy was found to be getting the money. But all he did with the old tyres was pile them up on an old RAF airfield in North Yorkshire, UK.
The environmental agency became suspicious when the old tyre collection began to grow and started to investigate the guy. He was also found to be dumping the old tyres in the River Calder and burying them on an old farm. He was eventually arrested and sent for trial.
The guy went to prison for five years.
because of the giant scale of the scam. He ended up doing this for two years and immediately started the same thing again, only this time we had nothing to do with him and he just floated off, not to be seen since.
TPMS now helping drivers with their tyre pressures
We wish to share with you the crucial TPMS Tools because TPMS sensors must be fitted on newly produced vehicles.
A TPMS Valve is an electrical device used to keep track of the tyre pressure in a car and give the driver real-time feedback on the dashboard.
Do TPMS Sensors Need to Be Used?
Beginning in 2014, all new vehicles must have a specific type of valve known as a TPMS, or “Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.”
Where can I find TPMS Valves?
There are 4 valves inside each tyre of the car, and the TPMS sensor is located just behind each valve to provide real-time air pressure, temperature, and battery level readings.
Additionally, these valves can be observed using a suitable TPMS Diagnostic Tool. To identify any difficulties that the driver may not be aware of, a garage can carry this out before aligning the wheels or changing and balancing the tyres.
Correct Tyre Pressures
When we put new tyres on our cars, everything should be fine. The correct tyre pressures and the wheel alignment will determine the way that your new tyres will wear and the amount of money that you will throw away?
What do I mean?
Well, you should keep an eye open to see if your tyres are wearing evenly or not. By “equally,” I mean wearing straight across the tread equally. The general problem is with your tyres wearing off at one edge. Either the inner edge or the outer edge Of course, this as most drivers seam to know is usually a wheel alignment problem and can be
Pressure gauges are easy to read
separated with the other money waster.
Correct tyre pressures are usually spotted when it is a little too late and premature tyre wear occurs. We should, in my opinion, check and adjust our tyre pressures at least once a week, but this is often not the case, and the pressures are ignored.
What are the signs
Under inflation will wear your tyres away at the edges, and your car may not handle very well.
Over inflation will wear your tyres away in the centre, causing your car to fail to handle well, resulting in a hard ride and over steering.
These problems can be corrected by inflating your tyres at regular intervals. Even if you are unsure what to do, it is critical to have the proper tyre pressures.
Importantly, you should visit your local independent tyre dealer. They would be pleased to check that your car has the correct tyre pressure and is safe for the road.
We at Pellon Tyres in Halifax literally drop everything when a customer wants their tyre pressures correcting.
We feel that it is such an important thing to do that we attend to any customer who wants their pressure checked immediately.
Since writing this article then TPMS systems are now taking over. As a result, the task of alerting the driver to falling tyre pressures was created.
Introducing the #TerrainContact A/T from our friends at Continental Tyre! —The ideal all-terrain tyre for CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks has the durability to conquer dirt, gravel, and grass while providing a quiet, comfortable ride on pavement. This is the tyre that strikes a balance between off-road traction and on-road manners!
High performance for off-road driving.
I believe from my research that the American version and the one available in the UK are the same tyre. Therefore, I must apologise. if I am wrong. The ContiCrossContact AT feels at home on all surfaces. The open shoulder provides very good handling characteristics on off-road terrain. The progressive and wear-resistant tread compound.
The Conti CrossContact AT
is the one available here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, UK. The tyre is ideal for the different road surfaces that we find in the Halifax area. Naturally, the region is very hilly. Because of this, there are also different road surfaces to contend with.
Of course, we have normal tarmac roads, but we also have dirt tracks further into the hills. The ContiCrossContact AT feels at home on all road surfaces.
The tyres’ open shoulders contribute- ContiCrossContact AT
to very good handling characteristics on farm tracks and gravel off-road terrain. The tread design and wear-resistant tread compound offer the potential for high mileage performance.
Consequently, the ContiCrossContact AT tyre has three circumferential rows of blocks. Thus guaranteeing that the Pirelli tyre rolls very smoothly and quietly.
The Conti CrossContact AT: A Historical and Contemporary Overview
Greetings, fellow lovers of automobiles! I’m delving into the intriguing history of the Conti CrossContact AT tire today—a tire that has advanced significantly since its creation. This tyre has a fascinating history that you should learn about, whether you’re an experienced driver or just want to enhance your car.
The Beginning: A Lowly Start- ContiCrossContact AT
Initially, the Conti CrossContact AT was marketed as a flexible choice for off-road and on-road experiences. German tyre company Continental, renowned for its high standards of quality and innovation, set out to design a tyre that could withstand the rough terrains and erratic British weather. And they did not let us down.
Early on, the CrossContact AT was commended for both its performance and robustness. It swiftly rose to popularity among people in need of a dependable tyre for their SUVs and 4x4s. The tread pattern was both aggressive and polished enough to provide a smooth off-road ride. However, there was always space for improvement.
ContiCrossContact AT
Raising the Bar: Technology Developments
Technology progressed, and the CrossContact AT followed suit. Continental made a number of improvements to improve the performance of the tyre. The addition of a silica-based compound to the tread was one notable improvement. This prolonged the tyre’s life and increased grip in wet circumstances. This was a game-changer for those of us who drive in the fickle British weather.
There was also a revision of the tread pattern. Better grip was provided by the revised pattern on a variety of conditions, including slick tarmac and muddy terrain. Continental’s engineers didn’t stop there. They also concentrated on lowering road noise to improve the comfort of lengthy drives. Who wants to listen to tyres hum when you can enjoy your engine purring, after all?
The Modern Era: Where Practicality and Innovation Collide
In the present era, the Conti CrossContact AT serves as evidence of the significant advancements in tyre technology. Improved load capacity and increased sidewall protection are among the advantages of the most recent models. Because they are heavier and frequently used for towing, this makes them ideal for modern SUVs.
The versatility of the current CrossContact AT is one of its best qualities. These tyres offer a balanced performance whether you’re negotiating the urban jungles of London or the twisting lanes of the Yorkshire Dales. Blessedly, the strengthened sidewalls provide protection from punctures, ideal for those unforeseen potholes.
Furthermore, Continental has improved its environmental friendliness. Fuel consumption is decreased by the new CrossContact AT tyres’ reduced rolling resistance. Thus, you not only receive a sturdy and dependable tyre, but you also help to save the environment. A win-win situation!
A Hint of What’s to Come
Continental doesn’t take its success for granted. The company is always investigating and creating new technologies to improve the quality of their tires. We may anticipate more developments for the Conti CrossContact AT as electric cars become more popular and driving alternatives become more environmentally friendly.
For the time being, though, we can enjoy the unique combination of ingenuity, history, and usefulness that this tyre provides. It serves as a reminder that occasionally striving for excellence and continuous progress yields the best results.
Concluding
Thus, the Conti CrossContact AT has you covered whether you’re organising a road trip across the UK or simply need a trustworthy tyre for your everyday commute. It’s the ideal fusion of contemporary technology, performance, and durability. As usual, feel free to visit our Halifax garage if you need assistance selecting the proper tyres for your car. We can assist you at all times!
I hope you have a safe, exciting, and pleasant driving journey!
I hope this provides you with a thorough overview of the Conti CrossContact AT’s history. Please enquire if you have any questions or require any additional help!
Ever seen old tyres, the rubber in them dried and deeply Cracked Tyres-Ozone? They were ripped apart not by the road, but by a greenhouse gas.
This is an excellent article. As a result, it highlights the risks that ozone poses to the deterioration of your tyres.
Over the many years that I have been a tyre retailer, I have found that the biggest problem with the ozone is affecting tyres. can, therefore, be seen on tyres that are exposed to the climate.
Of course, over an extended period. Hence, this includes things like tyres on farm vehicles, which are exposed to the weather for long periods of time.
Caravan and trailer tyres are also severely affected. As a result of the cracked tyre syndrome, the tyres are exposed to the elements over a period of time. Many tyre dealers will tell you about the farmer who came in with a couple of tyres. He had left it outside to be fitted onto some loose wheels.
Of course!
Ozone’s Effect on Tires: The Reason for Cracking
Over time, ozone—a type of oxygen prevalent in the atmosphere—can seriously harm tyres. Ozone reacts with the rubber compounds in tyres when it is exposed to them, particularly in urban and industrial locations where ozone levels can be higher.
The rubber becomes less elastic as a result of this reaction, and small fissures known as “ozone cracking” appear on the tyre’s surface. These cracks may shorten the tyres’ lifespan and pose a safety risk by compromising the tyres’ structural integrity.
To lessen the harmful effects of ozone, regular inspections and appropriate maintenance—such as applying tyre protectants and covering your tyres when not in use—can help keep your tyres safe and dependable.
These tyres were always riddled with cracks
in the bead area. Accordingly. This is what we call the crazy paving effect. Therefore, we had to refuse to fit them.
This was because we inflated them. They could have exploded apart, and I can remember one that did just that. The rear tractor tyre blew, lifting me ten feet into the air. Fortunately, I was unharmed, but my ears rang for days afterwards.
Cracked Tyres-Ozone
Are caravans the same? The danger is when the caravan (or trailer) has been exposed to the ozone, then the cracks around the bead area of the tyres become dangerous without the caravan owner knowing anything about them.
They then move the caravan out onto the roads and the cracked tyres, combined with heat build-up, cause the tyre to explode and in some cases, this can cause an unfortunate accident. We have all seen this, especially on bank holidays when the caravans are on the move for the first time.
To summarise, it is always a good idea to check the tyres
on trailers and caravans before hitting the road. Farmers will always be farmers, and if you fit these for them, they will just let you, as they do not like parting with their money. This article also relates to tyre pressure.
Another worrying aspect of this problem is that the cracked tyres are getting onto the used tyre market; we have seen this recently, and the fact that people are buying these worries me deeply.
Before I comment about which tyres the public can afford, So, may I say that, in general, I think that most drivers DO buy the best that they can afford to pay for?
I am convinced of this by the big mix of tyres that we do sell. Another piece of the puzzle is the internet tyre market.
Reasons to Purchase the Best Tires You Can Afford
Tires typically don’t receive the attention they need when it comes to car maintenance. Nonetheless, one of the best choices you can make is to spend your money on the best tires you can afford. Good tyres have a big impact on the functionality, safety, and general driving experience of your car. Let’s examine the benefits of spending a little extra on high-quality tyres.
Prioritise safety
Excellent Handling and Grip: The main purpose of tires is to guarantee that your car has traction and a firm grip on the road. Advanced tread patterns and rubber compositions are used in the construction of high-quality tyres to maximise traction, particularly in challenging circumstances. Premium tires provide better handling and stability, lowering the chance of skidding and accidents whether you’re negotiating Halifax’s rainy, slick roadways or tight turns.
Reduced Stopping Distances: Every inch matters when it comes to emergency braking. In comparison to less expensive tyres, premium tyres are designed to provide shorter stopping distances. This can be very helpful in preventing crashes, especially when there is a quick stop. High-quality tires can save lives because of their improved braking capabilities.
Enhancement of Performance-Buy Best Tyres
1. Consistent Performance: Throughout their lifecycle, premium tires offer consistent performance. They are more likely to hold their traction and handling qualities for a longer amount of time and to deteriorate more slowly. This consistency makes sure that your car runs at its best all the time, making driving more controlled and seamless.
2. Adaptability to Conditions: Premium tires are frequently made to function effectively on a variety of surfaces, including wet, dry, and snow-covered ones. Premium manufacturers’ all-season or winter tyres, for example, are designed with special engineering to withstand seasonal variations without sacrificing performance. This flexibility is especially useful in areas like Halifax where the weather is erratic.
Sturdiness and Lifespan
Constructed to Last: Superior materials and cutting-edge manufacturing processes are used in the construction of premium tyres, giving them increased durability and resistance to wear and tear. High-quality tyres may initially cost more, but they last longer and require fewer replacements over time, saving you money over time.
2. Long-Term Cost-Effective: Although economy tyres may save you money up front, you’ll likely need to replace them more frequently due to their lower lifespan. On the other hand, spending money on sturdy, superior tires lowers the need for replacements over time, saving you money. Furthermore, expensive collisions and repairs can be avoided with the superior performance and safety features of premium tyres.
Improved Comfortability When Driving-Buy Best Tyres
A more comfortable ride Premium tires are made to more efficiently absorb imperfections in the road, resulting in a more comfortable and smoother ride. This is particularly apparent on lengthy trips or uneven terrain, when premium tires can greatly lessen tiredness and improve comfort for the driver.
2. Less Noise from the Road: Another area where premium tyres shine is in noise reduction. Superior materials and cutting-edge tread patterns reduce road noise, making the cabin quieter. This can significantly impact how comfortable it is to drive, particularly on lengthy trips or regular commutes in congested areas.
Fuel Economy-Buy Best Tyres
Reduced Rolling Resistance: Better tires frequently have reduced rolling resistance, which means less energy is needed to keep the tire in motion. As a consequence, you get better fuel economy and pay less at the pump. Reducing gasoline consumption can result in significant savings over time, especially considering the constantly varying pricing of fuel.
Environmental Advantages: Enhanced fuel efficiency lowers your carbon footprint and saves money. Purchasing premium, fuel-efficient tyres is a green decision that helps reduce emissions and create a cleaner world.
Self-assurance and serenity-Buy Best Tyres
Dependability: It gives you confidence to know that your car is fitted with high-quality tires. Knowing that your tyres can withstand a variety of circumstances and keep you safe allows you to drive with confidence. This certainty is priceless, particularly while travelling on uncharted territory or in inclement weather.
2. Manufacturer Support: High-end tyre companies frequently provide strong guarantees and assistance. Should a flaw or issue arise—which is improbable—you have the manufacturer’s support to deal with it and find a solution, so you’re never stuck with a poor product.
Final Reflections
To sum up, investing in the greatest tires you can afford can improve the performance, safety, and overall driving experience of your car. Even while there may be a higher upfront cost, the long-term advantages greatly exceed the cost. Better grip and handling, increased longevity, and increased fuel efficiency are just a few benefits that come with investing in premium tyres.
Think about the long-term benefits and peace of mind that come with high-quality tyres the next time your tires need to be changed. In the long run, your comfort, safety, and pocketbook will thank you. Remember that having high-quality tires is the cornerstone of a wonderful driving experience. Drive carefully and safely.
Most of our Blackcircles fitting jobs were on a Saturday morning, and they were for upmarket cars that needed expensive tyres, usually Michelin or Bridgestone tyres.
On the whole, though, drivers will buy the best tyres they can afford. Always on the lookout for a good deal, not just cheap tyres. Pellon Tyre Shop in Halifax, UK, always gives our customers a choice, especially when it comes to larger SUV and crossover tyres.
Another bonus that has sprung up in recent years is the growing popularity of winter tyres. These must also fall into the category of affordable tyres, but only for the winter.
As an illustration, Falken tyres are usually more expensive than most other makes, and why not? They are very confident about their excellent tyre products.
Winter tyre purchasers will also select tyres based on their financial situation. This year I am expecting great things from the
To summarise, I believe that you get what you pay for, but quality margins are narrowing, so look for bargains, especially in the mid-range tyre price range.
The driverless car is closer than you think. But who will own and control these brave new machines: The traditional automakers or new tech giants?
The plot thickens?
Driverless cars
Now the giant Apple conglomerate is looking into developing driver-less cars to compete with the other giant, Google. This article looks at the unease that this is causing in the auto industry, amongst the car manufacturers.
Driverless cars
Thankfully, I do not think that we will see many of these cars. As a result, in Halifax where my garage is based. Of course, I am certain that they will pop up somewhere in the country. Particularly where road conditions are better. I still can’t wrap my head around the idea of these things driving on our roads.
Although the technology is here, I just cannot get my head around the idea of driverless cars running around on our roads. Out of all the new inventions that we have seen in the recent past, especially in the car industry, this is the one that my brain just will not take in: driverless cars.
We will have lines of small driverless cars trailing each other as they go about their task of getting from A to B at 20 miles per hour. It reminds me of when I was a kid and used to watch Flash Gordon.
The upper levels of the cities had little cars all in a row, but not on roads as we know them but on sky roads. As kids, we thought that was the future, but it never happened. This idea also reminds me of the London Docklands Light Railway, which has autonomous trains that automatically take passengers from A to B without any driver;
the safe thing is that they are on rails to guide them, whereas the autonomous cars will be battling against actual people who prefer to drive their own cars. I suspect it will not be too long before we see the first crash between humans and the driverless cars; that should be interesting.
Will autonomous cars ever take off?
I just cannot see it happening to a country like the UK with its busy, crowded roads; perhaps someone out there can explain to me how it will all work. For example, if there was a collision, who would be responsible for exchanging insurance information or even simply accepting blame?
I suspect it will be the human driver’s fault in any case, but if not, will the autonomous cars have to go to court? and show the images of the crash on the on-board cameras. I am looking at this lightheartedly, but there are issues that will require ironing out before these things are let out on the roads. Pellon Tyre and Auto-Centre offer car and van servicing and repairs to all makes of vehicles.
Moving onto 2024
Driverless cars, also known as autonomous vehicles (AVs), are rapidly advancing and gaining traction in the automotive world. As of 2024, many tech giants and car manufacturers, including Tesla, Waymo, and Uber, are testing and refining their AV technology.
These vehicles use a combination of sensors, cameras, radar, and AI to navigate roads without human intervention. In the UK, trials are underway in various cities, with the government aiming for widespread adoption by 2030.
The technology promises increased safety, reduced traffic congestion, and improved mobility for those unable to drive. However, regulatory, ethical, and safety challenges remain, requiring ongoing collaboration between policymakers, manufacturers, and the public to ensure a smooth transition to this futuristic mode of transport.
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