Road Closures and Construction in MN
June 17, 2013 by Tire Zoo
Leave a Comment
The summer weather is fabulous, but it also means it’s the only time on the frozen tundra that road crews can work on various projects. From resurfacing and pot hole filling, to bridge replacement projects, the landscape in Minnesota is dotted with orange cones and barrels. In order to make your commutes tolerable and your weekend road trips less stressful, it’s good to check out current projects so you can anticipate detours and delays.
We all know that 169 North, 494 East and West and I-35 are all a bit challenging. To learn more about the work being done, re-routes, and anticipated completion dates, check out MN DOT; they keep the information up-to-date. You can also access 511.org on your mobile phone for real-time updates.
Learner Permits: A Rite of Passage
June 10, 2013 by Tire Zoo
Leave a Comment
If it’s been a while since you took your Minnesota driver’s test, you may not be aware of the requirements for today’s teens. While the feelings of anxiety, mixed with excitement may not be too hard to conjure up, parents may be surprised to find out that a few things have changed.
According to the MN DMV website, students must be at least 15 years old and have completed 30 hours of driver education classroom instruction in order to qualify for an instruction permit. Once they have their learners permit, some additional rules now apply. Cell phone use while driving is not allowed, although I think we can all agree this isn’t a good scenario anyway. There are also restrictions about nighttime driving, passengers, and more.
In addition to teaching laws and regulations, we want to encourage you to teach your teen about proper vehicle maintenance and how to pay attention when something isn’t quite right. Keeping the oil changed, how to check oil level, checking tire pressure and tread, rotating tires, and regular tune-ups are all important.
Family Road Trip Destinations this Summer
May 30, 2013 by Tire Zoo
Leave a Comment
Summer is coming around the bend, and it’s time for you to start preparing for your road trip. Where should you go? Here are five places you can go with the family this coming summer.
- You can’t really go wrong with Colorado for your road trip. It is one of the few destinations that you can take a drive through and marvel at the beauty. You may think there is not much in Colorado, but when you see those snow kissed mountain tops and beautiful lakes as you drive through, you’ll be impressed. Also, a great place to take an RV or go on a camping trip.
- Southern flair and food seems to get the best of most people. You could be one of those people who is dining on fine southern BBQ and southern cuisine. If eating is on your platter, you should take a visit to savory New Orleans, Louisiana with your family this summer.
- Marveled as a truly American city, you might want to visit Chicago. There is a number of upscale clubs that remind you a place Al Capone would spend his time. If that doesn’t do it, the architecture will be a sight to see. Don’t forget to pick up a slice of Chicago style pizza.
- Of course, a road trip isn’t complete without a trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. Of course, as with everything in Las Vegas, it comes at a price. The entertainment is world-class, even for your kids, and people come from around the world to see Las Vegas. It’s definitely among the top five places you can visit in the United States.
- New York City has a great mixture of people and entertainment options. It is one of the best places for tourists to visit, since there is a cultural melding pot within the city. You could spend your entire life doing a new event each day, but you would never do everything within New York City. Places to see include the Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, Little Italy and Times Square.
Before you head out for your road trip, make sure you have checked your tires and prepared your vehicle. The last thing you want on the road is a flat tire. Stop on by TireZoo for a check up on your tires.
Where is a surprisingly fun or family-friendly destination you’ve discovered on a road trip?
Get Social with TireZoo
May 21, 2013 by Tire Zoo
Leave a Comment
Where do you like to hang out?
The TireZoo is on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Pinterest. We love comments and questions on our blog too! Our ultimate goal is to provide you with safe, affordable tires; online we like to share ideas and pass along information to help each other out. If you have an idea you’d like to share with us, please connect with us where ever you prefer to “hang out”.
Join our TireZoo community on Facebook, where we, along with our fans share the latest inspiring ideas, safety tips, and family-friendly travel ideas. Our Facebook page shares information specific to Bloomington, Anoka, the metro area and greater Minnesota.
If you like the fast pace of Twitter, humor, and timely breaking news we’d love to connect there. We’re growing our network in the Minnesota and upper Midwest area, as well as reaching out to people in other areas of the country passionate about tires, vehicle safety, and traveling.
Our newest venture is on Pinterest, where we love Pinning ideas about repurposing tires, entertaining kids while traveling, and other out-of-the-box creative ideas. Pinterest is addicting, isn’t it? If you have a travel related Pinterest Board, let us know so we can follow you too! We’d love to see your ideas and pass them along.
Entertaining Young Kids on a Long Car Ride
May 13, 2013 by Tire Zoo
Leave a Comment
If you have babies and toddlers to entertain in the car, things like iPods and travel games won’t work. While you can pack toys and books to keep them entertained, chances are they will want something more interactive at some point.
One idea is to pack puppets. The parent or guest in the front passenger seat can easily entertain young children with puppets, actions, songs, games, or just make them dance to the music on the radio. Older kids might be willing to give adults a break and entertain with the puppets that always seem to hold attention of young passengers.
~An added bonus to those along side you on the interstate glancing over to your vehicle. Be sure to make the cow or horse give them a little wave!
Before heading out on any road trip, but sure to check your tire pressure and tread. If you aren’t sure about your tire safety, stop in to either our Bloomington or Anoka, MN locations and we’ll help you out!
Safe Tires – Safe Families – Happy Kids
