For Safer Driving During Minnesota's Slippery Season
Winter driving in Minnesota can be treacherous, with icy roads, heavy snowfall, and freezing temperatures. Preparing your car for these conditions is critical, and one of the best ways to ensure your safety is through a comprehensive vehicle inspection.
At AutoPro Auto Service, we’ve seen firsthand how a little preparation can go a long way in preventing breakdowns and accidents during the winter months. If you’re in need of a vehicle inspection near Champlin, MN, our team of ASE-Certified technicians at AutoPro Auto Service will do a thorough inspection that includes:
- Diagnosis of any existing problems
- Intuitive consultation and transparent pricing
- Recommendations for services needed
- Complete 52-point inspection
- Fast and accurate repair work
- A 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on most everything
Schedule your vehicle inspection by calling (763) 703-6172, or keep reading to learn more about the critical vehicle features that play a major role in keeping you in control and out of harm's way on slick roads.

4 Critical Vehicle Components and Systems for Winter Driving
1. Tires: Your First Line of Defense
When it comes to winter driving, your tires are arguably the most important safety feature. They’re the only part of your car that makes contact with the road, and even the most advanced traction control system and 4 wheel drive cannot perform when your tires are in poor condition. A vehicle inspection will ensure your tires are ready for the challenge.
Tread Depth: Adequate tread depth is essential for maintaining traction on snow and ice. During an inspection, we’ll measure your tire tread to ensure it meets the recommended depth for winter driving.
Tire Pressure: As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure. Not only does improper inflation make it harder for your tire to grip the road, it can also lead to increased tread wear.
Consider Winter Tires: Once temperatures drop below 45 degrees, the rubber compound in most all-season tires will become too stiff to provide their maximum grip. Winter tires on the other hand, have specialized rubber compounds and tread patterns that provide superior grip in cold weather. If you’re considering winter tires, our service advisor can help you select the best set of tires for your specific vehicle and driving habits.
2. ABS Brakes: Your Ally in the Winter Storm
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are a vital safety feature, especially in winter driving conditions. ABS prevents your wheels from locking up during hard braking, allowing you to maintain steering control. Here’s how ABS contributes to winter safety:
Avoiding Skids: On icy or wet roads, sudden braking can cause your wheels to lock up, leading to uncontrolled skids. ABS pulses the brakes rapidly to prevent this from happening.
Steering While Braking: Traditional braking systems can make it nearly impossible to steer during hard braking, as locked wheels slide across the surface. ABS allows you to steer around obstacles while maintaining braking force.
Driver Confidence: Knowing that ABS is there to assist can give drivers more confidence to handle slippery roads. While it’s not a license to drive recklessly, it provides a safety net when you’re forced to react quickly.
For the best performance, make sure your ABS brakes are functioning properly. If your ABS warning light is on, don’t wait—bring your car to AutoPro for an inspection.
3. Defroster/HVAC System: Clear Visibility, Clear Mind
A good defroster and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system are often overlooked but clear visibility is non-negotiable when it comes to navigating snow and ice.
Defogging Windows: In cold weather, moisture inside the car condenses on the windows, creating fog. Your defroster works to blow warm, dry air onto the windshield and side windows, clearing the fog and improving visibility.
Deicing Windshields: The defroster also works with your HVAC system to melt ice on the windshield and keep it from re-forming as you drive. This is especially important when temperatures fluctuate around the freezing point.
4. Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Staying on Track
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a computerized system that works behind the scenes to keep your car stable and under control. Here’s how it works: Detecting Skids: ESC uses sensors to monitor the car’s direction and compare it to the driver’s intended path. If it detects that the car is starting to skid or lose traction, it intervenes.
Automatic Adjustments: The system selectively applies the brakes to individual wheels and, in some cases, reduces engine power to bring the car back under control. Works With ABS: ESC often works in conjunction with ABS to enhance its effectiveness. While ABS prevents wheels from locking during braking, ESC takes it a step further by actively managing the car’s stability in all driving conditions.
ESC is particularly useful on icy curves, snowy hills, and other challenging winter driving scenarios. Since 2012, it’s been a mandatory feature on all new vehicles, but if you’re driving an older car, it’s worth considering upgrading to a vehicle with ESC.
Schedule a Vehicle Inspection Near Champlin, MN
Don’t white knuckle your way through winter. Schedule a vehicle inspection with AutoPro Auto Service and face the season confidently, knowing your car is ready for whatever winter throws your way.
With ASE-certified technicians, cutting-edge diagnostic tools, premium NAPA parts and a 3 year / 36k mile warranty, we’ll make sure your vehicle is ready to tackle even the harshest Minnesota weather. We’re located just minutes from Champlin at 7901 W. River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN 5544.
Schedule a Vehicle Inspection Near Champlin, MN by Calling: (763) 703-6172