How To Read Your Tire Sidewall (and What It’s Actually Telling You)

Close-up of a vehicle tire with labels identifying section width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter, load index, and speed rating.

A tire sidewall carries more information than most drivers realize. Learning how to read tire sidewall markings can help you identify the tire’s width, profile, wheel size, load capacity, speed rating, and even when it was manufactured. So, what do tire numbers mean? Take P225/60R17 99H. Each part of that code has a specific purpose, […]

Back to School, Back on the Road: Car Maintenance for College Students and Parents

Two parents and a young woman loading books and belongings into a minivan.

Packing for college usually means thinking about dorm supplies, textbooks, and the drive to campus. If a student is bringing a car, there is another responsibility to plan for: keeping it maintained once the semester begins. For many students, this may be the first time they are responsible for oil changes, tire pressure, service appointments, […]

Why Your Car Runs Hotter in the Summer

Driver inspecting the engine compartment of a vehicle with the hood open.

Summer temperatures can make your vehicle’s cooling system work harder than usual. Even a short drive around Minnesota on a hot afternoon puts more demand on components like the coolant, radiator fan, thermostat, and water pump. That doesn’t always mean you’ll experience car overheating in summer. Even when the temperature gauge stays within its normal […]

Is Your Car’s AC Blowing Warm? Here’s Why 

Technician checking refrigerant gauges while servicing a vehicle air conditioning system under the hood.

Nothing ruins a summer drive faster than warm air coming through the vents. If you’ve been asking yourself, why is my car AC blowing hot air, several common problems may be responsible. If you’re dealing with your car’s AC not cooling, plenty of other Minnesota drivers commonly experience the same issue during the hottest months […]

Road trip ready: how to prep your vehicle before a long summer drive

Family preparing to leave for a long summer road trip beside a packed SUV.

Summer road trips give Minnesota drivers an opportunity to explore new destinations and spend time with family and friends. Before loading up the SUV and heading out, it helps to take a closer look at your vehicle. Addressing maintenance concerns ahead of time can reduce the chances of dealing with unexpected issues once you are […]

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