Today, smartphones are equipped with GPS, calling, and texting features. In recent years, these features have increased cell phone use while driving. In fact, distracted driving accounts for thousands of deaths each year. In 2017, distracted drivers in Minnesota killed 59 people and injured 223.

Recently, the Minnesota House voted 106-21 to pass a new bill that bans the use of electronic devices while driving, by taking a hands-free approach. Learn all about this new law coming into effect August 1st.

When you begin your search for a new or used vehicle, you typically start off with a particular type of car, truck, or SUV in mind. Whether it’s a hybrid or fuel-efficient vehicle, your first step in the purchasing process is research — that way you won’t feel lost when you walk into a dealership. 

During your search, maybe you think a sleek Audi to whiz around town in would be the right fit. Or perhaps you’re considering an SUV, so you have room for the kids and all of their gear. Whichever option you decide on, your next step is going to be visiting a dealership.

Shopping around is a great way to get more information, but that decision can take a significant amount of time and energy. When the purchasing process drags on for too long, the end result can sometimes be purchasing a vehicle that wasn’t exactly what you wanted.

It can be frustrating to visit tons and tons of dealerships only to find out that the first dealership you visited offered you the best deal in town. To help you identify when you’ve found the right dealership, here are 5 signs that the first car dealership you visit may be the best one for you:

Have you heard of the term “drivetrain?” Maybe not, but you’re likely familiar with it even if you don’t realize it. Drivetrain is the group of components that deliver power to a vehicle’s axles and wheels. There are four types of drivetrain: all-wheel drive (AWD), four-wheel drive (4WD), front-wheel drive (FWD), and rear-wheel drive (RWD).

Were you impressed when heated seats entered the auto market?

Were you in awe of the bluetooth technology’s hands-free capabilities?

Car features, such as these, have helped the auto industry evolve over the years, pushing some features, like power windows and locks, to become standard options on today’s vehicles.

But, which car features do we actually use the most?

Well, we asked our followers what their 3 most commonly used car features were. See what they had to say!

Where rubber meets the road.

Tires are what separates you and your vehicle from the cold, hard, and dangerous surface of Minnesota’s roadways.

Have you ever walked out to your vehicle and spotted a dreaded flat? Minnesota roads cause all sorts of wear and tear to your car's tires which can lead to flat tires.

So, how do you spot abnormal tire wear before you’re stranded somewhere? With a trained eye, you can tell if something is wrong simply by looking at the wear patterns on your tires.

No matter the season in Minnesota, understanding your car’s tire wear patterns will help keep you on the roads.