Category Archives: General tyres Stuff

General tyres Stuff

Tyres Stuff

Of course, the compound on these tyres, is generated from computers. So, to provide the tyres with  good tread pattern. Including, high-void all-terrain pattern with interlocking tread blocks. Significantly, this is also backed. So, by placing the sipes in a way that rejects and throws out pieces of grit and gravel. Firstly, at one time tyres with many sipes would also be noisy. Especially, when driving on normal tarmac roads. The  General Grabber series of tyres, with all their siping. Of course, can now run much quieter. As a result, on normal tarmac roads, due to the computer design.

Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres: A look at the main differences ? the Truth! – Auto Express

Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres

Summer Tyres Versus All-Season

Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres

Fore more videos visit: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/videos/

Of course many people are visual. Including myself. So this is the reason that I include some videos in my blog posts.

British motorists tend to run summer tyres on their cars all year round, regardless of the weather. However, as our exclusive comparison test shows, this can be very dangerous.

We headed to Sweden where snow and ice is guaranteed. To  point out the often overlooked. Comparing, the performance of Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres ­ and the results were quite shocking.

The primary differences between Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres

There are two types of tyres that are frequently used: Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres. Despite their apparent similarity, they actually differ significantly in a number of important ways, making them appropriate for various seasons.

Winter Tyres

Summer tyres are intended to be utilised in temperatures above seven degrees Celsius. They have a tougher rubber composition that offers higher traction on dry surfaces. Summer tyres have narrower tread patterns, which reduce rolling resistance, increase fuel efficiency, and lessen road noise. Summer tyres are also more responsive and provide superior handling, making them perfect for driving in a dynamic manner.

Seasonal tyres

Winter tyres are intended for usage in settings where the temperature is below seven degrees Celsius. They offer superior traction on snowy and icy roads since they are constructed of a softer rubber compound that keeps its flexibility in freezing temperatures. Winter tyres include deeper tread patterns with sipes, which serve to create more biting edges and increase traction on slick terrain. Moreover, winter tyres are made to divert water and slush, lowering the possibility of aquaplaning.

Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres: have major differences.

Rubber Substance
The rubber compound used in the production of summer and winter tyres is the primary distinction between them. Winter tyres are comprised of a softer rubber compound that remains malleable in subfreezing conditions and offers better traction on snowy and icy roads. Summer tyres are built of a stronger rubber compound that offers more grip on dry roads.

Tread Design
The tread pattern is another key distinction between summer and winter tyres. The narrower tread patterns of summer tyres minimise rolling resistance, increase fuel efficiency, and quiet the road. Winter tyres, on the other hand, contain sipes and deeper tread patterns, which contribute to stronger biting edges and better traction on slick conditions.

weather circumstances
Winter tyres are made to be used in colder weather, whereas summer tyres are made to be used in warmer climates. Winter tyres work best when it is below 7 degrees Celsius, whereas summer tyres work best when it is above 7 degrees Celsius.

Driving Capability
Summer tyres are good for athletic driving since they have improved handling and are more responsive. Winter tyres, on the other hand, offer higher traction on snowy and slippery roadways, increasing overall safety in chilly weather.

Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres
Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres

Conclusion

In conclusion, both summer and winter tyres have distinctive qualities that make them appropriate for various weather situations and seasons. Winter tyres are built for cold weather and offer better traction on ice and snowy roads, while summer tyres are made for warm weather and offer better traction on dry roads. You may choose the best tyres for your automobile, ensuring the best driving performance and safety, and choose the proper tyres by being aware of the differences between Winter Tyres versus Summer Tyres.

Even here in the UK we just dont know what the winter will throw at us? here at Pellon tyres in Halifax UK, we can recommend some good winter products, through experience and customer satisfaction.

General winter tyres are well proven and the many test winners Nokian winter tyres are amongst out favourites.

Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions-Twitter from-Depth In Gaming

Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions

Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions
Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions

Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions

Here we are, with thesummerr of 2023 coming to a new start. Of course , we are hurtling towards June. Which is the traditional time to remove our winter tyres? Here in the Northern Hemisphere.

The funny thing is that we don’t know what to expect. So, will it be a mild or cold winter? Of course, places like Canada experience a bad winter every year, so they can prepare well in advance.

Most of our weather comes from the mild West Atlantic winds. However, last year produced the “Beast from the East.”. Britain was bombarded with freezing winds out of Russia.

Why Winter tyres are Essential in the UK

Winter’s icy grip descends on the UK each year, and with it come treacherous road conditions. Slick, icy surfaces, snow-covered roads, and biting winds make for a hazardous combination, leaving drivers struggling to maintain control of their vehicles.

It’s during this time that winter tyres become essential. They offer superior grip, handling, and safety in challenging winter conditions. Let’s take a closer look at why winter tyres are so important in the UK.

What are Winter Tyres? Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions

Winter tyres, also known as snow tyres, are designed specifically to perform in colder conditions. They feature a different tread pattern and rubber compound than regular tyres, making them better suited to tackle snow, ice, and slush.

The rubber compound used in winter tyres contains more natural rubber, which allows it to remain flexible in cold temperatures, providing better traction on icy surfaces. Additionally, winter tyres have a deeper tread pattern and wider grooves, which help them to expel slush and snow from the tyre, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions

It is important to realise what a devastating effect this can have on our transport system. The beast brought much snow and ice to most of the country. Sensible motorists were prepared by fitting winter tyres.

Also, all-weather tyres became more popular. Tyre manufacturers were bringing out new tyres to cope with summer and winter conditions. General winter tyres became very popular at Pellon Tyres in Halifax UK.

Altimax Winter Plus tyres were becoming very popular. This year should be no exception ? In my opinion, the rule of thumb should be that your tyre requirements should suit the terrain where you are living.

Different terrains suit different tyre types.

Drivers who live in hilly areas should wear genuine winter tyres. Motorists in low-lying areas such as Lincolnshire and Norfolk. Consequently, it would be better to fit all-weather tyres. Although the East often suffers the most snow,?

Improved Traction, Winter Tyre-Blizzard Conditions

Winter tyres offer superior traction on cold, wet, and slippery surfaces. The deeper tread pattern and softer rubber compound provide better grip on the road, making it easier to accelerate, brake, and steer in challenging conditions. The grooves in winter tyres are also designed to channel away water and slush, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

I just thought that this was a great image of the Subaru battling through a blizzard. Unfortunately, I cannot make out the brand of winter tyres that were fitted. Hence, the tweet makes no mention of that either.

I am not even sure that this is a race or normal road conditions. Hence, the Subaru certainly looks well equipped with winter tyres.

In conclusion,

Winter tyres are an essential investment for drivers in the UK. They offer superior grip, handling, and safety in colder conditions, reducing the risk of accidents and providing peace of mind for drivers. While they may be more expensive than regular tyres, the benefits they offer are well worth the investment.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/TyreSearch/Details/4131/General+Altimax+Winter+Plus+20555R16

General Grabber tyres feature: Duragen

General Grabber tyres feature

General Grabber tyres feature

General Grabber tyres feature Duragen

Tyre choice is very important for off-road performance. Even the most capable 4WD platform can run into problems. Especially off-road when fitted with street-oriented tyres. As is the case with nearly all new 4×4 vehicles,. But by the same token, dedicated off-road tyres will have less traction. Especially on wet tarmac, which is considerably noisier than road tyres, there is always a compromise.

Familiarity with the features and controls of a new 4WD vehicle is key. Hence, getting the best of it when venturing off-road. As a result, plenty of drivers have come unstuck, looking at the 4×4 logo on their new car and thinking they can drive it anywhere.

General Grabber tyres feature Duragen

In particular, pay attention to how the 4WD system operates. If it requires any driver input,. Thus, such as selecting 2WD or 4WD, changing between a low or high ratio. Including manual differential locking or whether the front hubs are freewheeling, where the hub must be locked by hand.

Wheel size is also a factor; large-diameter rims with low-profile tyres look good in the city but have very little off-road capability, and off-road tyres may not be available to fit them. When possible, fitting mud-terrain (MT) or all-terrain (AT) tyres will dramatically increase the off-road ability of any new 4WD vehicle and provide the most flexibility.

By checking the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended range of tyre sizes and choosing an off-road tyre as tall and wide as possible, not only will traction be improved, but the taller tyres will also increase the ground clearance.

General Grabber tyres feature Duragen

One thing about General Tyres. Hence, they are constantly looking out for quality materials. Thus, to enhance the performance of their tyre products,. Of course, General makes a broad range of tyres. Accordingly, to fit many models of ultra-high-performance passenger, light truck, off-road, and commercial tyres.

General Tyres is now under the large Continental Tyre Group. Therefore, as part of this giant organisation,. Naturally, General Tyres has access to all of the scientific and engineering facilities. Thus belonging to the Continental Tyre  Group.

One of the latest technology materials to be used is state-of-the-art technologies such as Duragen, 3D Sipe, and the V.A.I. Visual Alignment Indicator. (a feature of tread design that allows for you to monitor even initial tyre wear shoulder to shoulder) and RTM (Replacement Tyre Monitor—a feature of tread design that allows for you to control overall tyre wear).

General Grabber tyres feature Duragen

Duragen is used to build up the tyre tread layer. Accordingly, General says that “robust compounds give excellent cut and chip resistance” and “reinforced tread blocks reduce block deformation.”.

This innovation of design gives the tyre excellent properties.

General Grabber tyres feature Duragen

That improves the life of the tread. When the tyre is subjected to harsh conditions. Therefore, that is experienced when using your vehicle in a tough terrain situation.

The Duragen features also include an ultra-high-strength steel belt. As expected, this gives the tyres an even footprint. giving the vehicle driver confidence and stability. As expected on rocky or other tough terrain.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Details/General/Grabber+AT+3

General Tyre Altimax Arctic-A great tyre part of the excellent Continental Tyre family.

General Tyre Altimax Arctic

General Tyre Altimax Arctic

The General Altimax Arctic has many attributes. Therefore the tyre exhibits excellent traction in the wet. Including, snowy and dry driving conditions. Naturally, the Altimax is most suitable for urban drivers. Including the drivers of Sedans, CUVs and SUVs.

The tyre test was carried out,100 km from the Arctic Circle. Hence at a world-class testing facility in Sweden. Therefore  the performance would replicate the conditions found during winter time. Of course in Northern Europe and Canada.

The most outstanding feature was the tyre scored an incredible 100 in wet traction. Naturally, the  General Altimax Artic is designed with a directional tread pattern. Of course, which amplifies water evacuation. This design helps the tyre to resist hydroplaning and naturally, increase wet handling.

Another advantage of the tyre is a design feature of  a multi-angle sipes systems. Thus ,to enhance the traction in high-angled turns and straight-ahead driving in snowy conditions. A great benefit for winter tyres. Thus earning a score of 97.7 in snow traction.

With the ability to drive comfortably in rain and snow, drivers can drive worry free with the General Altimax Arctic. A great tyre product from the Continental tyres stable .

See price: http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/Tyre/Details/General/Altimax+Winter+Plus

Honda Civic Winter Tyres

Honda Civic Winter Tyres

Honda Civic Winter Tyres

Honda Civic Winter Tyres
Honda Civic Winter Tyres

2024, General tyre update

Unfortunately, General tyres have become unavailable on the European tyre market. In a commercial decision, Continental, the mother company, has decided to withdraw the product from the European and UK tyre markets.

Some products will be available. Including their range of 4×4 tyres.

Here at Pellon Tyres in Halifax, UK, we first became General tyre retailers earlier in 2016. For this reason, I became disenfranchised with some of the other tyre companies.

If we promote and sell a product, then we require a little loyalty. In my 40 odd years in the tyre business, I have been let down by many tyre companies. However, this is an unusual way to break up a business pact between companies.

I can only suspect. Honda Civic Winter Tyres

Continental had too large a product range and so decided to ditch the General Tyre brand.

Normally, tyre companies suck us in by making promises of special discounts and pricing schemes. When they have sucked you onboard, they then offer your competitors the same deals in your local area. Apollo tyres were a good example of this.

However, if you have your finger on the ball, then these broken promises are easily found and action can be taken.

They seem to accept that when you build their product base in a certain area. They then flood their tyres into your area. Its as old as the hills!

The latest tyre company to do this was Yokohama Tyres. Honda Civic Winter Tyres

We became dealers in the Halifax area. Accordingly, we sold thousands of their tyre products, including many winter tyres. The next thing we knew. Yokohama was selling their tyres online at a highly discounted price.

I was not worried about being let down by Yokohama Tyres because we were able to buy them from a large tyre wholesaler at the same price!

To bring things up to date in 2024, we now have a good working relationship with Falken Eurowinter HS01 Tyres. Honda Civic owners wanting good winter tyres can be confident with this product.

Having some fun in my ’07 Civic LX riding on Falken snow tyres. Awesome tyres, awesome price.
Let it snow!

Testing General Grabber-ATs on Land Rover Freelander 2 in the Snow of Scotland

Testing General Grabber

Testing new General Grabbers- ATs on Freelander 2, Eastern Highlands, Scotland.

Scotland is probably one of the best tyre testing areas of the UK. Hence, you can guarantee that snow will fall on the upper regions of the mountain ranges.

The General Grabber is famous for its many attributes. As expected, the first thing is that the tyres are not noisy on normal tarmac roads. This has surprised many drivers in the past.

This is because the grabbers have a chunky tread pattern, then our customers think that there will be a noise build up, say in summer when the roads are dry. However, this is not so?

Testing General Grabber

On road tests the General Grabber’s  have compared favourably with many of the”so called” road only tyres. Of course, these tyres are a little noisier. However, the sound difference is negligible. The Pirelli Scorpion verde, which is a road tyre comes it at 71DB. Compared to the grabber coming in at 74 DB. As a result, not much difference.

The reason behind the low noise level. Is the Highly-engineered acoustic tread pattern, designed by General tyres. This and the incredible gripping power in extreme weather conditions is why the Grabber is very popular. hence, amongst the SUV and 4X4 tyre fraternity.

Finally these tyres are suitable for fitting on the Range Rover car models.

The original video text is

Video shows the tread self-cleaning, with snow been thrown from the tread. The side profile of the tyre gives it superiority over other similar tyres, especially when on a steering wheel lock.

*New 235/65/R17 General Grabber AT tyres bought/fitted for £125 per tyre.

Land Rover Freelander-General Grabber Tyres-Tyres off road with the General Grabber AT

Land Rover Freelander-General Grabber Tyres

Land Rover Freelander-General Grabber Tyres

The General Grabber , is a tyre that i can’t stop enthusing about. Hence, it is one of those products, that sells themselves. of course, just like we have Michelin guys, who only want to buy Michelin tyres. So we have the General grabber guys.

Of course, I keep writing about them. Because I want all the Drivers of SUV’s and 4X4’s. Thus, in the Halifax area of the UK that we are the place to buy them from.

General tyres sell themselves. As expected, because of the hilly terrain of Halifax UK. Naturally, we have a large number of drivers owning the Land Rover range of vehicles. The general grabber is well known amongst the drivers of these vehicles.

Land Rover drivers are always well informed about their vehicles. They know about a tyres qualities. of course whether driving in summer or winter, from sunshine through to extreme weather conditions.

The general Grabber in all its forms and modifications, can cope with everything the climate has to throw at them. The land Rover Freelander in the video shows haw diverse these tyres are. So they are seen to cope with the mud and water that is in their path.

The original video text from the video is listed bellow.

Testing my new General Grabber AT 255/60/18 on the Land Rover Freelander 2
It`s not the real off road thing,, but I was alone on a Sunday afternoon in my good clothing. But it looks very promising. On Road it`s perfect. Only a little more road noise as my  Pirelli Scorpions. (100% road tire)

General Altimax Winter Tyres-A Preview of The AltiMAX Touring All-Season Tyre

General Altimax Winter Tyres

Winter Driving Tips

General Altimax Winter Tyres

There is little doubt in my mind. Hence, that the tyre buying public are becoming much more aware. Thus, of the safety qualities that winter tyres bring. Of course in winter time. Winter tyres are to me the complete article. However, many of our customers, go for the All-weather tyres.

The general Altimax, falls into this category of tyre. Therefore, I genuinely believe that this is still a better option than the regular summer tyres. The All-weather tyres certainly give the driver more protection and safer motoring in a climate such as we have in the UK.

General Altimax Winter Tyres

My advice would be to buy All-weather tyres, for all year round motoring. Of course, many of our tyre manufacturers make these excellent tyre products. In my opinion general are one of the best. The Altimax tyres are also classed in the mid-range tyre bracket.

Therefore, this means that the tyres will be cheaper than the main brands, but retain good quality. For this reason, we all know that drivers are the first people to try for a bargain and the General Altimax will be no exception.

General Altimax Winter Tyres

If you only want to choose one type of car tyre you are better off sticking to summer tyres. We do recommend changing to winter tyres when the temperature starts falling.
The main reason for this is that in other European countries, it is a legal requirement to change to winter, or cold weather tyres, for the winter season. Winter tyres are the one type of seasonal tyre that is easy to understand! All season tyres are actually a compromise between winter and summer tyres. If you only want to choose one type of car tyre you are better off sticking to summer tyres.

All season tyres are actually a compromise between winter and summer tyres. As with most compromises, they don’t match up to the performance of either summer or winter tyres. There are a few countries where motorists are permitted to have all season tyres fitted on their vehicles all year instead of having to change them twice a year.

In the UK, most cars on the road are fitted with ‘summer tyres’ all year. The main reason for this is that in other European countries, it is a legal requirement to change to winter, or cold weather tyres, for the winter season.

Winter tyres are the one type of seasonal tyre that is easy to understand! Even in the United Kingdom, the average temperature for most parts of the country will be low enough to warrant changing to winter tyres. As a nation, we do seem to be opening our minds to winter tyres, and realising that they are a good investment.

Finally we also recommend fitting Nokian quality winter tyres.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUwoSCVlleQ

Subaru Forester XT-General Grabber Tyres- in Deep Snow (Grabber AT2) – from a Dash Cam Video

Subaru Forester XT-General Grabber Tyres

Subaru Forester XT-General Grabber Tyres

This excellent video shows the quality and endurance of this Subaru car in thick snow. Consequently, equipped with General Grabber AT2 tyres.

The AT2 tyres have been a popular choice for millions of drivers. Especially the drivers of SUV and 4X4 vehicles. Bridgestone 4X4 tyres are also popular, but General are the top of the pile.

The Forester, was fitted with 215/70R16 General Grabber AT2 tyres. of course the car had standard suspension, (not uprated). Thus this probably the reason for the car bottoming out a few times(this can be heard on the video).

The experiment with the tyres took place on a farm. Of course the filming took place with a video cam, over a few days in winter time. Snow had fallen to a depth between 3 inches and two feet. Thus , giving the car plenty to think about during the tyre test.

General Grabbers are also very popular, here halifax Yorkshire, in the Pennine mountain range foothills. All types of drivers, use the tyres, from farmers to families that live in the hilly areas. Therefore, they are well prepared for the snow that falls practically every winter.

This is the text that accompanied the video

Snow ranging from 3″ to close to 2 foot. I have about 9.5″ of ground clearance and you can hear it bottom out several times in the video on hard snow. Some highlights from a few days out on the farm (Iowa) this Winter with the FXT. Using 215/70r16 (28.1″ diameter) General Grabber AT2 tires (stock suspension). I didn’t have a camera man this weekend to take video from outside the car so we’re stuck with the video from my DVR207 dash man which isn’t that great. The rattling you hear is actually the slightly loose mic inside the camera.

General Altimax Arctic-Starring in this Winter Tyre Test featuring a Toyota Camry

Altimax Arctic great in coming snow

So, here in Halifax, Northern England, the first snowfall fell in early November. Importantly, were winter tyres the order of the day?

This year 2022 we have heavy snow forecast for early December.

I am not complaining! However, we were very busy fitting snow tyres. one of our long standing customers. Hence bought a new set of  185R60T15 General Altimax Arctic Tyres for a total of  £284, installed and out the door. The customer took our word for the quality and endurance of these winter tyres.

So, the driver who made this video, went a step further, “Since it seemed hard to find reviews of these online, I thought I’d whip up a short video.” The guy came up with the following facts

General Altimax Arctic some facts

1. These are great on dry roads. Hence, I have been driving them on dry pavement for the last couple of weeks. Consequently, they’re almost unnoticeable. Contrast that to the winter’s force. So, where they would throw you from side to side for the first 1 k to 1.5 k miles (need to really wear them in).

2. Wet pavement:

handled successfully and beautifully perfect traction during the two rain storms we had previously.

3. Sloppy wintery mix:

Unreal. Just watch the video above. The deep tread throws the slush off the wheels, so you don’t even notice it. Earlier in the day, I was driving my all season tyres on a different car, and the slush would throw the car from side to side and create that nasty sound hitting the wheel-wells.

4. Grip: Perfect.

Last year, this Camry had pretty bad tyres, so I’ve always viewed it as a death trap, in any type of winter weather. This test proved the complete opposite! So, now the thing feels like it has 4-wheel drive. The grip really is nice. So, early this evening, I was driving my Honda Accord. Importantly, with all-season tyres fitted, Subsequently, I was slipping and sliding on the side roads. Importantly, are there winter tyres on the Camry? Nothing. Felt great.

Eric Roberts

I’ll post more reviews as we roll into the season and we get deeper snow. I’ll try to make them a little more exciting too.

Thanks for watching! Any questions, let me know.

http://www.pellontyres.co.uk/TyreSearch/Details/4126/General+Altimax+Winter+Plus+18560R15