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.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?

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.

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!

If you vehicle is dirty or has been through the ringer with carpools and road trips with kids, you may really appreciate the assistance with getting the interior clean again.

Have you had your vehicle detailed? Where in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN metro area do you go that you love?

Preparation: Fill an easy to open ziplock bag or container with a variety of items such as peanuts, cereals, raisins, marshmallows, dried fruits, fruit snacks, seeds, etc. The key is to use very small items and a wide variety.

The Game: Explain that the kids need to watch for something specific out their window to match up the letters in the snack. For older kids, you could make them watch for license plates or road signs. When they have a match, they call it out, and then can eat that item. For example, “I see a pig, so I’m going to eat a pretzel!” or “I spy an California license plate, so I’m going to eat a cashew.”

The winner are the parents and driver of the vehicle, who have happy kids content to stay busy and eat a snack.

If you’re a visual person, then taking a look at some food ideas and packing/storage solutions can help you plan. Take a look at some of these ideas, as well as this creative use of a bead box for organizing a variety of children’s snacks.

And while most business men and women aren’t likely to eat their snack on a string, this idea is likely to be a huge hit with kids; make a necklace out of pretzels, cereal and other items that are simple to string and bite off.

It never hurts to keep a small garbage bag or container, some wet wipes, and plenty of extra napkins in the vehicle too.

What snacks do you pack that travel well?

National Car Care Month Checklist

• Check your purse, wallet, and glove compartment for your most recent insurance card. Shred the old one.
• Check the expiration date and information on your driver’s license.
• Double check you have current tabs on your plates.
• Refill window wiper fluid
• Check that your windshield wiper blades work as they should
• Check the inflation of your tires and the tread
• Get any warning lights/censors checked and reset.
• Test your blinker and brake lights
• Wash the salt and grime from your vehicle, taking care to wash underneath and between the door frames, etc.
• And of course, regular maintenance items like oil change, filters, and tire rotations.

The TireZoo can help you with all your tire needs. Stop by and let us help you complete your National Car Care Month “to do” list.

Reviews from Our Clients:

“#1 in Customer Service and have very good prices. Had a issue with one of the tires i purchased and they were quick to warranty it and get it replaced in no time at all. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a decent set of tires.” J.S.

“Purchased wheels at a great price!” T.B.

“@DeRushaJ @tirezoo That’s where I go!! Yes, great!” TM via Twitter

“Not a sponsored tweet: @tirezoo in Anoka has great service.” That is all. Jason D. via Twitter

“Just last week went in to the Bloomington location. I am glad I was referred to go there by a friend. I am a single mom of two boys and on a budget and they put new wheels and tires on my car!! I felt the prices were the cheapest around town!”  Renee via Facebook

“Wow. Really great service at @tirezoo in Bloomington. Got yourself a repeat customer and will be sending people. #gettingtires” via Twitter~ Nick T.

“I am very pleased with the service from Tire Zoo.” Laurie A.

“I purchased 2 used tires, a week later I had a problem. I went back and was taken care of quickly and courteously. I will be a return customer. Thank you” Laurie

“I’m kind of a novice tire guy. These guys were friendly, knowledgeable, and quick. I told my gearhead buddy what I paid for them installed and he thought I was kidding. Needless to say, he went shortly afterwards. Not sure how these guys pull it off, but my entire family goes out of their way to come up here. We live in Burnsville. Thanks Tirezoo!” Reno via Google

“I bought my first set of used tires from the TireZoo, and found out how good used tires can be; and how much I can save. They are very trustworthy and fast.” Anonymous via Google

“Nice tires for cheap price, very happy” Tink via Google

“Tire Zoo! I found you today on the internet, talked to Pete who was so helpful. Stopped by your Bloomington location and within 20 minutes Paul had solved my tire problem. Thanks guys! Your advice and expertise helped me save hundreds of dollars this holiday season and I’ll be back in 20,000 miles when I need a full set of all weather tires!” E.G. via Facebook

“Exceptional Service-I will be returning to these guys for all of my tires. Cal helped me out and took the time to explain all of my options it was the most professional service I’ve received at any store, bar none. Thanks Guys You Have A Customer For Life.” Dean2007 via CitySearch Reviews

“Nice people, put my summer tires on for much less than their competitors. I’ll go back again.” Tom via Google

Five Stars from RJ on Google Local Reviews

“Had a rear tire fixed and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Fast and easily the best price around. I highly recommend this place.” Osbourne cox via Google

“Excellent service. Excellent prices. Saved me $450 by fixing a tire other mechanics at corporate shops said needed to be replaced along with the other three for even wear. Fact: Tire shops can even the wear on tires to match the level of wear on your other three. This place was honest and just plugged the hole instead of trying to sell me a new or used one. I know were I’ll be going when time comes for tire replacement. Thanks TireZoo!” SavyConsumer via Google

“Super fast service!” Michael via Google

“Purchased wheels at a great price!” Troy via Google

“Great tires at a great price. I would definitely check them out next time I need tires just because of the price, but because of how well they’ve taken care of me after the sale I won’t even shop around, I will just buy tires from them, they are MY tire guys.” Mike via Google

“I was amazed. I needed a couple of used tires for an old utility trailer. I was taken to the used tires and shown the options. After making my selection, I was told the exact price and that they would be ready in 10-15 minutes. I ran an errand to one store and they were ready. I am exceptionally pleased with the service and the price. I will tell my friends!” FlashGorden via Google

“Thought I needed a new set of 4 tires. I gave them a call and they had my tire with a similar (50%) tread depth. Cost me 10% of what a new set would have cost. The guy said it would take about 45 minutes to get the car in and get the tire on….I was out of there in 20 minutes. Very happy!” Jonanthan via Google

“Tire Zoo is a great shop with good service and good pricing! I have recommended to everyone that says they need tires! Every time I just drop in they take care of me right away, with no appt. THANKS TIREZOO!” Deni via Google

“Great service and prices. I had new tires put on my car very quickly with no appointment.” Srebla via Google

“Best Prices, Best Selection, and Best Customer Service in Minnesota! Since I know very little about tires, I thought I would be taken advantage of and be sold the most expensive tires (which has happened in the past at Discount Tires), but after explaining my driving situation and needs for my tires (high mileage/low cost) I was offered a variety of sets of tires that met my requirements and a knowledgeable explanation of how each could benefit my commute. Not only did I get a great set of tires, but quick mounting and balancing, and friendly, knowledgeable service! I will be back for new tires on my wife’s car very soon and recommend Tire Zoo/All Season Tire to all my friends and family….. I never thought I would be so excited about purchasing tires!” Kyle via Google

“You guys are awesome! Thanks for making a stressful situation so easy! Gonna tell everyone I know about you! Thanks for being such a trusted place.” Dawn S. via Facebook

“My son’s minor mishap bouncing off a curb caused rim and wheel damage. I was VERY pleased with the repair costs and service from your Bloomington facility. It was one of those times I was stressed yet couldn’t have been happier with my experience with you. Thank you!” Randy W. via website

“Wow, fast service at a great price. Check Tire Zoo first!” Tom via Google

“I needed new tires for my VW Jetta. Last time I purchased new off-brand tires and paid $1,000. This time I went to TireZoo and got a set of Michelin tires with 75% of the original tread wear remaining for $300. Not only did I save money, but the staff had me in & out in about 45 minutes. I love these guys!” Brian T. via Facebook

“I just bought used tires for the first time in my life, and I can’t believe what I’ve been missing. The tires I bought are like-new and have 30,000+ miles left on them. I saved some significant money and have the peace of mind that the help at the TireZoo know what they are doing and stand behind the product and service. Best of all, people will stop telling me that my tires are bald. Thanks TireZoo in Bloomington!” Beth G.

“I was in serious need for new tires but could not bring myself to spend that kind of money. A friend recommend I check out tirezoo.com. I got four new “used” tires, 85% tread life for a great price. And, they got them installed and balanced in 42 minutes. How cool is that. Never buying new tires again!” CanadianDude via Google

“My wife and I have used All Season Tire for the past 10 years when purchasing both new and used tires and also for our tire repair needs. There is never pressure to purchase the most expensive tires that you often will find at 99% of all other tire shops. They outfit your vehicle with superior quality tires that also fit into your budget, they take the time to explain everything to you and answer your questions, and serve all of their customers with honesty and integrity. We plan on using them for many years to come.”  Brian J.

“You guys are the greatest tire distributors in the history of the planet.” SM via Fan Page

“Fastest most professional service in town” AA via Google Reviews

“We have been outfitting mine and my families tires with All Season/TireZoo for years. Their knowledge of what you need when you explain what you do with your vehicle is second to none. Forget being sold the top of the line tire to pad commissions, when a $70 Radial is all you need. I seriously couldn’t recommend these guys higher.‎” TM via Google Reviews

“I don’t live nearby anymore but still go back every time. The used tires are super cheap and reliable. When I got one today it was mounted and ready to roll in under 10 minutes.‎” J via Google Reviews