Buy Tires on Sale for Minneapolis: But Not Until You've Read This Guide!
Unitedtires
Driving and buying tires in Minneapolis
Also known as the City of Lakes, because of its 22 lakes, Minneapolis is a warm, friendly place to visit (although it can get very cold in winter). Laid out on an organized gridline it’s a great place to drive around and with many major attractions, including the Mall of America, Guthrie Theater, and the Walker Art Center, it’s a great place to visit or live. Thanks to the team at United Tires we’ve pulled together a comprehensive guide to all things motoring-related in this beautiful northern city.
Known for its cold winters you might need to buy a set of new snow tires the first time you visit Minneapolis, and before you do, make sure to check out the United Tires online tires outlet, where you’ll find a huge selection of quality-assured used tires, as well as the biggest brand new tires, all at amazing prices. We compare prices across the internet daily to make sure you always save with us. And we’ll even ship your tires for free using FedEx, to save you even more money.
The most popular cars and tires in Minneapolis
The most popular car model
Chevrolet Silverado*
*Source: 98.1 Minnesota’s New Country
The most popular color of the car
White
*Source: 96.5 Quick Country
The most popular tire model
Firestone Destination LE2
*Source: utires.com sales department
The average budget to buy 2 used tires
$116.10
*Source: utires.com sales department
Minneapolis tire shops and key auto facilities
Minnesota Transportation Museum
Minnesota Transportation Museum
193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
193 Pennsylvania Ave E, St Paul, MN 55130
44.9623957
-93.0976836
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
Minnesota Streetcar Museum
501 MN-7, Excelsior, MN 55331
501 MN-7, Excelsior, MN 55331
44.901088
-93.563017
The Old Chrysler Garage
The Old Chrysler Garage
117 Main St W, Isanti, MN 55040
117 Main St W, Isanti, MN 55040
45.4904683
-93.2512507
Hooked On Classics
Hooked On Classics
701 Jefferson Ave SW, Watertown, MN 55388
701 Jefferson Ave SW, Watertown, MN 55388
44.960483
-93.8605327
Team Molzer Mowery Racing
Team Molzer Mowery Racing
3850 Edgewood Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55426
3850 Edgewood Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55426
44.9329601
-93.3646101
Motokazie Supercross
Motokazie Supercross
7000-7462 W 195th St, Jordan, MN 55352
7000-7462 W 195th St, Jordan, MN 55352
44.6668507
-93.6675162
ProKART Indoor Racing
ProKART Indoor Racing
14350 Rosemount Dr, Burnsville, MN 55306
14350 Rosemount Dr, Burnsville, MN 55306
44.7435729
-93.3164515
Costco Tire Center
Costco Tire Center
5801 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
5801 W 16th St, St Louis Park, MN 55416
44.9669096
-93.3564919
Walmart Auto Care Center
Walmart Auto Care Center
9451 Dunkirk Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55311
9451 Dunkirk Ln N, Maple Grove, MN 55311
45.1262544
-93.4968461
Did you know that?..
The street names were designed to help immigrants
You might notice that in the northeast of the city there are several streets named after U.S. presidents. And if you remember your history class you might notice that they are arranged in chronological order for the dates each president served. Rumor has it that this was done to help immigrants studying for the citizenship test remember the presidents in order. So if you have a history quiz coming up why don’t you take a drive along Broadway from Washington St to Hoover St. Although, perhaps don’t rely on it as modern construction has somewhat messed up the logic.
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Automotive Minneapolis at a glance
Minneapolis is a great city for motoring with a simple grid system, although watch out for the multitude of one-way streets in the downtown area. While the city was once home to a major Ford plant, today it’s more a city for car lovers and drivers than car makers.
Crazy for car shows
Just because they don’t make any cars in the City of Lakes anymore doesn’t mean that residents aren’t car lovers. The city is home to several amazing car shows, including one of the biggest in the country:
The Twin Cities Auto Show is an annual event that spans 9 whole days, with the latest and greatest cars on display, to admire and buy. They also have a full range of events from car parades to test drives, and ATV displays to food trucks. Learn more on the Twin Cities Auto Show’s official website.
Minneapolis Mile Car Show celebrates all things cars with European imports, muscle cars, trucks, motorcycles, and much much more on display. Read all about the show on the Minneapolis Mile Car Show’s official website.
MN Cars & Coffee is a regular series of events where car enthusiasts can show off their beloved wheels in the downtown area. To find out how to show your car, or what you can expect when you visit, go to the MN Cars & Coffee official website.
History Cruzers hold weekly car shows throughout the summer months where you can see beautifully restored classic cars, eat great food, and meet fellow car lovers. Find out more on the official History Cruzers website.
Snow needs to know
Minneapolis is a city that is no stranger to heavy snowfall, and our roads can sometimes become difficult to navigate. So here are some tips to make it safe and easier for you to get around in the winter:
Snow drifts on residential streets: As the snow piles up residential side streets can become much narrower, so much so, that you may need to pull in for oncoming traffic.
Piles of snow at intersections: At intersections, the visibility of cross-traffic can be sometimes reduced because of piles of snow.
Plowing main routes: During and after heavy snowstorms plows will be out, no matter the hour, to clear the main roads. Freeways and main, higher traffic routes will generally be cleared of snow within a day, if not less.
Plowing residential streets: Residential streets are generally the last to be plowed, so there may be a build-up of hard-packed ice and snow that can be challenging to navigate.
Snow parking: Check out the snow parking rules for where you live/work so you don’t get caught out. They won’t hesitate to tow you if you break them.
In addition to being aware of changing road conditions, it is also important to take extra care while driving. It's always best to give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination when winter weather is in the forecast. Be sure to leave extra space between you and the car in front of you in case you need to stop suddenly. And as always, buckle up!
Choosing the right tires for driving in Minneapolis
Where to buy new tires in Minneapolis?
You won’t be surprised that a big city, like the City of Lakes, is home to a great selection of tire stores, from Costco and Walmart to smaller local outlets. However, for the best choice in discount tires, Minneapolis visit our new tires section.
We always give you the best prices on all the big brands you know, as well as many specialty tires, and even offer a price match promise if you discover a better deal. You’ll save on shipping too as we send all tires out for free with FedEx. And they won’t take long to arrive - we’ll ship the same day if you order by 1 p.m. on a business day.
Costco Tire Center
5801 W 16th St, St Louis Park, 55416
12011 Technology Dr., Eden Prairie, 55344
14050 Burnhaven Dr, Burnsville, 55337
11330 Fountains Dr, Maple Grove, 55369
995 Blue Gentian Rd, Eagan, 55121
Walmart Auto Care Center
9451 Dunkirk Ln N, Maple Grove, 55311
8101 Old Carriage Ct, Shakopee, 55379
1644 S Robert St, St Paul, 55118
850 Co Rd E East, Vadnais Heights, 55127
7835 150th St W, Apple Valley, 55124
Where to buy used tires in Minneapolis?
Used tires are a great way to save money without compromising on quality, and you have a range of options for buying them in the City of Lakes. You’ll find the lowest prices and highest quality on our used tires website, where we have one of the largest selections of used tires online.
Your safety is our priority so we fully check every tire before it’s added to our inventory - we have a team of tire pros who check the tires by hand, and then the second round of tests using state-of-the-art machines. With our used tires we’ll tell you exactly how much life is left on every tire - from 60% to 99% of their lifespan (not tire depth). The tires with the least wear are available in our driven once section, where you can grab some amazing deals. We also give you:
If you have any questions, queries, or want advice on selecting your tires, call our tire team at 1-888-566-6214 (toll-free) or find out more ways to contact us online.
What tires do you need for Minneapolis weather?
The weather in Minneapolis is highly variable, and it can be very cold in the winter and quite hot and humid in the summer. In January, usually the coldest month, the average low temperature is around 9 °F, while the average high temperature is only 23 °F. In July, generally the hottest month, the average low temperature is around 65 °F, while the average high temperature is around 83 °F. Minneapolis experiences quite a lot of snowfall each year, averaging about 51 inches each year. But luckily the city works department is expert at managing the snow within the city limits, minimizing the delays it can cause.
Winter months
With these temperatures and this amount of snowfall, winter tires are strongly recommended for everyone in the City of Lakes, especially if you ever need to go out of the city, or live in a quieter residential area that gets plowed last. Winter tires provide a number of benefits including:
Better traction on snow and ice
Improved braking performance on wet, icy, or snowy roads
Better handling on slippery surfaces
Reduced risk of skidding or sliding
Increased safety for you and your passengers
Summer months
For the warmer months, you don’t want to be using winter tires, as the rubber will soften up too much in the heat, so they will wear down very quickly. Instead, you can use either all-season tires, touring tires, or summer tires.
Summer tires are a good option if you want superior handling on the pavement in hotter weather, especially if you drive a sports car or performance car. They’ll have you handling like a race car driver (although make sure to stick to the speed limits) as the special rubber compound sticks so well to the road.
All-season tires and touring tires are both great all-around choices for most drivers. Touring tires are designed for people who do a lot of highway driving and all-season tires are great for their versatility. They can handle a gentle unpaved road and wet and dry pavement, and if they’re rated for mud and snow they’ll also cope with light snow flurries and muddy surfaces. They also have the advantage of being very durable so can be great value for money.
Best-selling tire brands in Minneapolis*
*Source: utires.com sales department, 2022
The most popular tire sizes in Minneapolis*
*Source: utires.com sales department, 2022
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DRIVERS’ MINNEAPOLIS GUIDE: PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The City of Lakes is pretty easy to get around with its clear grid layout, but as with any city, there are some insider tips and tricks. We’ve put together our tips for the city, from parking and road rules to highways and seasonal tire changes.
Live traffic report
Traffic reports are especially useful in the City of Lakes, with all the changeable weather conditions we get. Find out what’s happening on the roads with these live news updates and travel maps:
Even though the City of Lakes is very good at managing the heavy snowfall, with plows clearing the roads, it’s still strongly advised for drivers in the city to carry out a seasonal tire change to get ready for winter. Here are our tips for the what and when of a seasonal tire changeover in Minneapolis.
Winter
You should put your winter tires on in the city from October or November until March or April, to keep you at your safest on the roads. You can select from snow tires or ice tires, which are designed for different types of winter weather. Snow tires have an aggressive tread pattern designed for digging into and gripping onto the snow, along with their rubber mix that sticks to the road, even as temperatures plummet. Ice tires, on the other hand, are designed to grind the ice and stick to it with a closely packed tread pattern. The one you choose will depend on whether you encounter more icy or more snowy roads.
The rest of the year
From April to October, your options for tires are also varied. Many people like to use all-season tires as they are long-lasting and hard-wearing. This makes them good value for money for many. They can cope with light snow and mud (especially if they have an M&S marking on them). They perform well on pavement and unpaved roads too.
For lovers of speed and excitement, summer tires are a good option. They are built to grip the road tight in hotter conditions, allowing you to accelerate, corner, and brake like a pro. So if you have a high-performance or sports car they could be the best option for you.
Driving Laws
When it comes to the City of Lakes motoring here are a few driving laws that you should be aware of:
Texting while driving is illegal, even when stopped at a traffic light. The fine for your first offense is only $50 but it goes up for second and subsequent offenses.
Talking on your cellphone is only allowed using a hands-free device. And if you still have your learner’s permit it’s not allowed at all!
Keep intersections clear and avoid stopping in the box in the middle of the intersection even if your light is green. If the light turns red and you’re stuck in the middle it’s known as blocking the box and can result in a fine.
Light rail tracks are not to be driven on in the City of Lakes. We know this isn’t the case in some other cities but here it’s against the law.
Unspoken Road Rules
Here are a few tips from Minneapolis locals about how to deal with driving in their home city:
Always keep an eye out for one-way signs in the downtown area. If you can’t see a sign watch out for cars only parked in one direction on both sides of the street.
Cyclists can appear from nowhere so always be extra aware when turning. Cycling is a popular way of getting around the city and avoiding traffic jams so more and more cyclists are appearing on the roads.
Avoid the rush hours if at all possible. In the City of Lakes, the busiest times are from 7-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.
Highway exits are fairly standard with east exits on the right and west exits on the left.
Know your sports. With two major sports teams, the Minnesota Twins baseball team and the Minnesota Vikings football team playing downtown, traffic can be a real problem on game days, so it pays to read the sports pages.
Parking rules
Like many big cities, the City of Lakes has many complex parking rules so the first point to note is to always check the signs where you park:
Snow parking: When there’s been heavy snow, 3-day parking restrictions come into effect to allow for plowing the streets. You can find the full snow parking rules on the official City of Minneapolis website.
Parking meters: The enforcement times and days for various parking meters will vary from street to street so always check the signs - you might get lucky and be parking on a free day.
Snowdrifts: If there’s a snowdrift in a parking spot which means your car will partly stick out into the lane, don’t park there or you might get a fine.
Window tint laws
Tinting vehicle windows is a great way to ensure some privacy and keep your fuel costs down, as you don’t have to run your air conditioning so much to keep your car cool. However, you need to ensure the tint you use meets the state or city laws. The tinting laws for the City of lakes are:
Cars
Windshield: No tint at all is allowed
Front side windows: Must have a VLT (visible light transmission) of 50%
Back side and rear windows: Must have a VLT of 50%
Vans and SUVs
Windshield: No tint at all is allowed
Front side windows: Must have a VLT of 50%
Back side and rear windows: Any darkness of tint is allowed
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle or bicycle can save your life during an accident but it’s not required in many cities or states. Here are the laws for the City of Lakes:
Motorcycle helmets must be worn by anyone with a learner’s permit and anyone (passenger or rider) under the age of 18. They are not required for anyone else.
Bicycle helmets are not required by law for anyone riding a bicycle, although they are strongly recommended, especially for children.
Roads and highways
Minneapolis is served by a number of highways that provide access to the city's many attractions and services, as well as connecting it to other cities.
I-94 is a major east-west highway that runs through the city in an L shape, providing access to downtown Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota. It also connects Minneapolis to St. Cloud, Fargo, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
I-35W runs north-south through Minneapolis, while I-35E runs through the twin city of St. Paul. It provides access to downtown and the Minnesota ST. Paul International Airport. The I-35 connects the city to Duluth and Iowa.
I-394 runs from downtown Minneapolis to the western suburbs, connecting with the I-494.
I-494 circles the southern and western suburbs of Minneapolis and St. Paul, providing access to MSP International Airport and the Mall of America.
I-694 runs east-west through the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, forming a beltway with the I-494.
US 12 is a major east-west that runs through the City of Lakes along with the I-394 and I-94. It provides access to Wisconsin and South Dakota.
Scenic routes
There’s a lot of beautiful scenery within a short radius of the City of Lakes which makes for a great day out, or even a fun weekend away. The kind folks at CBS News have collected a selection of the best drives within 60 miles of the City of Lakes, on their official website.
Fun facts
The first armored car in the U.S. was made in the City of Lakes.
The first bridge over the Mississippi river was built in Minneapolis in 1855, where the Hennepin Avenue Bridge stands today. You can still see the old footings if you know where to look.
The city was home to a Ford factory for almost a century, from 1912 to 2008.
The City of Lakes is a cycling city with over 10,000 cyclists taking to the road each day.
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Best tires for Minneapolis
The best tires for you in the City of Lakes depend on a range of factors and we’re here to help you choose the right tires for your unique situation:
Type of vehicle: It’s important to get a set of tires suited to your particular vehicle - whether it’s a sedan or an SUV. In the City of Lakes trucks are king - people in and around the city love to drive their pickup trucks around. This means that a solid set of truck tires can be a great buy. They will cope with city and off-road driving, as well as carrying heavy loads.
Time of year: Always take into account the weather where you’ll be driving. With cold Minnesota winters, if you need new tires for the winter, a set of snow or ice tires could be a good investment.
Terrain: Some people never take their cars off the highways and city streets while others love to get a bit muddy! If you’re really into off-road driving a set of off-road tires might be for you - but if you want the convenience of tires that can cope with both on and off-road conditions, pick up some all-terrain tires.
Budget: If you don’t have budgetary constraints then you might want to get new tires, however, for those of you on tighter budgets, used tires can allow you to get the highest quality tires at a price that won’t break the bank.
If all this is too much, give our tire team a call today (toll-free) at 1-888-566-6214. They’ll be happy to help you select your next set of tires.
Buy tires in Minneapolis and save up to 50%!
Living in a city where you almost certainly need two sets of tires, the costs can soon add up. But you can cut those costs in half by investing in a set of high-quality, fully checked, used tires. They can save you up to 50% off regular prices, without making any sacrifices in the way of quality.
Every tire we sell has been checked by our team to make sure there are no defects or issues that would impact your safety. Plus, the used tires in our stock will have between 60-99% of their tread life remaining, meaning you can drive them for many many miles to come.
If you’re looking for a really big bargain we suggest you look at our selection of new tires for less than $100 where you’ll find great tires from a wide range of manufacturers, all at great prices. If you’re on an even tighter budget then our range of used tires for less than $50 is for you. Here you’ll find thousands of tires with amazing savings, so you can upgrade your tires for less.
We are proud of the fact that our prices are the lowest online - we compare them against the market daily! And if you find a better price, let us know and we’ll match it. There aren’t any additional shipping costs either. Delivery is free of charge with FedEx!
Other tire websites
Set of 4 used tires
Tread Depth
0/32
11/32
Average Price
$546.65
Based on pricing for set of 4 new 245/55/18 on other tire websites
Other tire websites
Based on pricing for set of 4 new 245/55/18 on other tire websites
Set of 4 used tires
Tread Depth
0/32
9/32
11/32
Average Price
$246.65
Based on pricing for set of 4 used 245/55/18 on utires.com
Savings $215.65
Based on pricing for set of 4 used 245/55/18 on utires.com
There are always great deals to be had in our online used tire shop. Whether you’re looking for tires for your new passenger car or decade-old pick-up truck we have sizes and prices to suit! Shop at Utires.com for used tires in Minneapolis
The best tire shop, Minneapolis is the United Tires online outlet. Here you’ll receive the best prices on one of the largest selections of new and used tires online. Tires are sent out from our warehouse in Chicago for free, using DHL, and will be with you very quickly. And if you find a better deal on another website we’ll match the price. Our used tires are also put through a thorough quality assessment before we sell them, as safe tires are a priority for us.
What tires are best for Minneapolis?
Truck tires are a great choice, with the Chevvy Silverado being the number one vehicle in Minneapolis. Because the city experiences such extreme weather conditions and is surrounded by nature, it's important to buy a tire that can handle both hot and cold temperatures as well as different terrains. Truck tires are a good choice for all the truck lovers out there - they're built to withstand tough conditions and provide a lot of stability even in bad weather. As a bonus, they’re also great if you need to haul heavy loads in your pickup!
Do I need winter tires in Minneapolis?
Winter tires are strongly recommended in Minneapolis, especially if you want to go out of the city in winter. The reason for this is that the City of Lakes and the surrounding areas receive significant snowfall every year, and the roads can be very slippery. All-season tires do a good job of handling light snow, but they don't perform as well as winter tires on deep snow or ice. Winter tires have special treads that help them grip the road better, which is essential for staying safe on icy, snowy roads.