Swapping general tires for winter tires in Minnesota is a common task, but there may be more options than just making this simple switch. Many tire companies make all-season and all-weather tires, but which ones are best suited for winter driving in Blaine? This tire comparison will guide you in making an informed decision.
All-Season tires: In reality, all-season tires are three-season tires. While they may work well during spring and summer temperatures, they won’t do a great job when snow begins to fall, or temperatures drop. All-seasons typically feature a straighter tread than their winter and all-weather counterparts and can grip well in hot or moderate weather as well as repel water when raining. Unfortunately, these tires lack sufficient grip or rubber to handle significant snowfall, ice or freezing temperatures.
All-Weather tires: Although all-weather and all-season may appear similar, they are distinct. All-weather tires tend to perform better during shoulder seasons than their seasonal counterparts due to sections of their tread that are straighter than others and blockier like winter tires. These tires can be used during milder winter conditions as a mix between all-season and winter tires; we suggest winter tires due to Minnesota’s often harsh winters.
Winter Tires: Do I Need Winter Tires? If you live in Minnesota, yes. All-season tires are safer than their summer counterparts, but winter tires offer greater reliability and security when driving through snow, slush, or water. Winter tires have thicker treads with more aggressive grooves designed to allow snow and water to pass through them for maximum traction. These tires are softer and can be used on cold days for the best grip on ice. All-season and all-weather tires’ harder rubber won’t slide on cold pavement like winter tires will, while providing good grip in cold conditions; however, their soft rubber will wear quickly if exposed to excessive heat – this is why winter tires should be swapped out for summer ones in springtime.
Rim options: It is wise to have extra winter tires on hand in case one set doesn’t work out as expected, making changing them easier and more convenient with Clark Automotive’s tire changing service – meaning it will cost less money each season to have your tires changed.
Clark Automotive offers a selection of winter tires and can assist you in purchasing another set. Don’t wait to get stuck or slide on the roads – contact us at (763) 784-7944 to find the right tires for your vehicle. Alternatively, make an appointment for us to install them for you.
Your tires are a very important safety feature of your car and the only part of the car that has direct contact with the road. Your tires help you carry your precious cargo all over town, to/from work and school, on trips and as the temperatures fall, it is crucial to make sure that your tires are properly maintained. Clark Automotive is a local auto repair shop that specializes in many different types of auto maintenance and repair – at this time of year, we recommend that our clients take note of the following tips for keeping your tires in good shape for the road:
As the weather cools down here in Minnesota, one of the to-do list items we often forget has to do with properly maintaining our vehicles. Winter car maintenance is extremely important because you never want to be left stranded during the extremely frigid conditions that are an everyday occurrence during the colder months here in Minnesota. At Clark Automotive, we have a team of certified mechanics who are all well versed in winter car maintenance so do yourself a favor and make an appointment to check out your ride before the temperatures really start to drop!
Having a good set of tires on your vehicle is important no matter where you live, but especially in an area like Blaine, MN. With tough weather conditions throughout the year hitting this area, it is important that you and your family are safe every time you get in the car. If you’re concerned about the tread on your existing tires, bring your vehicle by Clark Automotive and we’ll be happy to take a look. Our tire experts are committed to being your one stop repair shop when it comes to tires in Blaine, MN. If you are in need of tire rotation, tire replacement or a tire evaluation stop by, or give us a call.
When you are preparing for another Minnesota winter you may be changing the furnace filter, cleaning gutters, hanging holiday lights and investing in a warm coat. Don’t forget to have your vehicle ready for brutal winter driving conditions. The extreme cold temperatures and abundant potholes can really do a number on any vehicle. This is one reason why it is important to have a winter readiness checkup at Clark Automotive. Chuck and his team know how much we all depend on our vehicles to keep us safe and sound on the road. Breaking down is not an option especially when your loved ones are on board. Having a dead battery, no heat, bald tires, worn brake pads or wrong oil viscosity can result in a very bad day.
