New Tires in Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” although the state actually has closer to 11,800 lakes. The state is located in the Upper Midwest of the United States. It borders Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario. The capital is St. Paul, while Minneapolis is the largest city, forming the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Key Cities Of Minnesota

Anoka Burnsville Duluth Eden Prairie Lakeville Mankato Minneapolis Rochester Saint Cloud Saint Paul

The state is famous for its lakes, forests, outdoor recreation, and being the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Minnesota comes from the Dakota word "mní sóta" meaning "clear blue water" or "sky-tinted water," referring to the Minnesota River. Beyond tourism and outdoor recreation, Minnesota has significant healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and technology industries, with major corporations such as Target, 3M, and Best Buy headquartered in the state.

Tires Based On The Weather

In Minneapolis, summers are warm and rainy with average temperatures around 80°F, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 10°F to 20°F and occasional extremes from 9°F to 83°F year-round.

Average annual snowfall in Minnesota varies from 36 inches in the southwest to more than 70 inches along the Lake Superior snow belt. Minneapolis averages 52 inches of snow per year, nearly double the national average. Blizzards hit Minnesota twice each winter on average, and Minnesota’s location in the Upper Midwest allows it to experience some of the widest variety of weather in the United States.

Because of the harsh winters, drivers should switch to winter-dedicated tires during colder months. You could also choose all weather tires with 3PMSF certification, which perform quite well in winter conditions.

Best Tires For Minnesota

Best All Weather Tires For Minnesota

For drivers who don’t want to swap twice a year, all weather tires with the 3PMSF rating split the difference. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a popular choice that can handle winters while staying quiet and efficient the rest of the year. Another great option is the Firestone WeatherGrip.

Best All Season Tires For Minnesota

If you have dedicated winter tires and do not mind switching seasonally, all season tires are a great choice. The Continental TrueContact Tour prioritizes wet grip for Minnesota’s rainy May and June. The Michelin Defender 2 maximizes tread life if you put serious highway miles on during the warmer months.

Best All Terrain Tires For Minnesota

Minnesota’s northern forests, lake access roads, and rural gravel routes justify all terrains for truck owners. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 carries the 3PMSF rating, which means it’s actually winter-capable, unlike most all terrain tires. The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail is lighter and quieter if your off-roading stops at unmaintained boat launches.

Best Winter Tires For Minnesota

Minnesota has brutal winters, which demand winter-dedicated tires. Some of the most popular options are the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5. These tires are designed to stay pliable in freezing temperatures, offering exceptional performance in deep snow and black ice.

Most Popular Tire Sizes In Minnesota

Minnesota’s vehicle registration lists lean heavily toward winter-capable crossovers, tech-forward all-wheel-drive EVs, and domestic pickup trucks:

225/65R17

The absolute standard crossover size requested at local shops, fitting everyday commuter vehicles like the Toyota RAV4 and standard trims of the Honda CR-V.

235/60R18

Extremely common on mid-sized family crossovers and all-wheel-drive SUVs, including modern high-trim Honda CR-Vs, Ford Edges, and rugged Subaru Outbacks.

255/45R19

A fast-growing EV commuter standard, fitting the standard wheels on the Tesla Model Y, which has surged in popularity across Minneapolis and St. Paul due to the state’s robust charging infrastructure.

265/70R17

The primary size requested by tradespeople, contractors, and off-road builds, fitting the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Toyota Tacoma.

235/40R18

The modern standard sedan footprint, common on the Honda Civic (Sport trims), favored by daily metro commuters for its exceptional fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic.

Minnesota Driving Laws You Need To Know

The laws prioritize road protection while allowing winter traction devices when weather conditions require them.

Tread Depth

The absolute legal minimum is 2/32” in all major grooves. However, due to severe winter traction demands and the dangerous nature of packed highway slush, state troopers and safety experts strongly advocate for a replacement depth of 4/32”.

Studded Tires

Legally permitted on Minnesota roadways only from November 1 to April 15. Non-residents visiting the state may use them for up to 30 days within this window.

Tire Chains

Minnesota law permits the use of tire chains of reasonable proportions upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice, or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid. This provision allows chains during severe winter weather when conditions warrant additional traction.

Tire Recycling

There is no scrap tire fee or fund for Minnesota. However, tire retailers and disposal facilities may charge their own fees for tire disposal and recycling services.

When To Change Your Tires In Minnesota

Given Minnesota’s severe winters with average snowfall ranging from 36 to 70+ inches and temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March, dedicated winter tires are a must. Switch to dedicated winter tires in late October or early November and return to all-season tires in late April or early May.

You can also use all weather tires with the 3PMSF certification for year-round convenience. This is practical for drivers who want consistent winter capability without seasonal swaps, though dedicated winter tires still provide superior performance in severe conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Winter Tires in Minnesota?

Yes, winter tires are highly recommended for Minnesota’s severe winters. With average snowfall ranging from 36 to 70+ inches, depending on location, freezing temperatures from November through March, frequent blizzards, and icy conditions, winter tires provide dramatically better traction than all-season tires. Many Minnesota drivers consider winter tires essential safety equipment. At minimum, use all-weather tires with the 3PMSF snowflake symbol for year-round capability.

Is There a Tire Fee When Buying New Tires in Minnesota?

No, Minnesota does not charge a state-level tire recycling fee on new tire purchases. However, tire retailers and disposal facilities may charge their own fees for tire disposal and recycling services. These fees typically range from $1.25 to several dollars per tire, depending on size and the facility. Check with your tire dealer about any disposal fees that may apply.

When Should I Replace My Tires in Minnesota?

While Minnesota law requires a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inch, this is inadequate for winter safety. Tire specialists strongly recommend replacing tires at 6/32-inch tread depth for winter driving, as research shows winter performance degrades significantly at half tread depth. For summer/all-season tires, replace at 4/32-inch tread depth. Given Minnesota’s severe winters with heavy snowfall and icy conditions, maintaining adequate tread depth is critical for safe braking and handling.

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