Advice from an Auto Shop for Safe Winter Driving!

Don’t get stranded on a snowy or icy road, unable to travel to your holiday destination due to poor tires.  Check out your tires before heading down the road to make sure you are driving as safely as possible.  Many drivers ask, "Do I need winter tires or are my all season tires sufficient?"  To understand which tires would best suit your winter driving, you must understand the differences in winter tires vs. all season tires.

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• All Season Tires

Many vehicles are fitted with all season tires when they leave the factory. They are built to provide a relatively quiet ride, good tread life and fuel economy.  They provide versatile performance and are designed to perform in a variety of conditions including wet roads and light winter driving. Even though all season tires are designed to provide good performance in many conditions, they tend to compromise between the summer and winter performance capabilities. All season tires won't provide the same amount of extreme grip and sharp handling of a summer tire, and they are not designed to handle extreme winter conditions like trekking through snow or driving on ice.  All season tires are a great option for drivers who live in moderate climates and do not encounter extreme cold, ice and snow in the winter months.

• Winter & Snow Tires

From heavy snowfall to black ice, winter roads are unpredictable. The combination of cold temperatures, ice, and snow can be best met by winter tires, specially designed to perform in winter conditions.  There are specific features that make winter tires unique:

• Tread rubber – The rubber compound remains more flexible in cold temperatures so that the tire grips the road better.
• Tread depth and patterns – The deeper tread reduces snow buildup and provides better traction, and the unique tread patterns are designed to channel snow and slush, and expel water.
• Biting edges -- Winter tires feature biting edges and high sipe densities (thousands of tiny slits in the tread that provide traction on ice).

Having the right tire matters!  The solution to the winter tires vs. all season tires question will depend on where you live and the conditions in which you drive.  If you only see a few snow flurries each year, all season tires will be fine. But if icy roads are a constant issue, winter tires are an essential safety measure that could save your life.

Need a set of high-quality winter tires?  Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about purchasing new tires.  Rum River also offers quality auto repair and auto detailing services.  Since 1997, our auto shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman,MN.  

How to Choose the Right Auto Repair Shop!

As most vehicle owners already know, all auto repair shops are not alike!   An auto repair shop (it may also be referred to as a garage) is where varying types of vehicles are repaired by auto repair technicians.  Some shops may specialize in only certain types of vehicles, or specific types of repair or services.  Take time to find the right auto repair shop before you need one!  For the average driver, a full-service auto repair shop that offers varying forms of repair may be your best choice!

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Auto repair shops can be divided into several categories, such as:

• Independently owned and operated – Generally, an independently owned and operated auto repair shop offers complete auto repairs and maintenance services for various types of vehicles.  They can also achieve certification to perform work on specific types of vehicles through manufacturer-sponsored programs, such as hybrid vehicles.

• Specialty shop – Specialty shops deal in only a certain component or system, such as brakes, mufflers and exhaust, transmissions, tires, electrical, air conditioners, glass repairs and installation, wheel alignment, or specific brands of vehicles. There are also shops that specialize in vehicle modifications and customization.  This type of shop may have a facility in various locations for specific jobs or vehicles, and technicians and mechanics with varying certifications.
• Auto parts store – These stores sell automotive parts to the general public, and some may also maintain a service center.

• Online auto repair shop – These online shops provide doorstep repair services and home delivery of new and used auto parts, generally not widely available in the market.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)

The ASE is a professional, non-profit organization that certifies auto repair technicians and auto repair shops in the U.S. and Canada.  It was created in 1972 in response to consumers needing to distinguish between incompetent and competent auto repair technicians.  The organization aims to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals.

Looking for a professional auto repair shop?  Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians at http://www.rumriverauto.com for more information and to schedule an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served customers in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca and Zimmerman, Minnesota.