Q. I have heard on the radio some tire shops offer "free winter change over" is this true? or is this just a gimmick?

A. In our minds yes, this is a gimmick. If you call around and ask any local tire shops what a "winter tire change over" is, you will get the same definition, from all but 1.
That a "winter tire change over" is:
Dismounting of your old tires.
Mounting of your winter tires.
Balancing of your winter tires.

What you did not hear in their radio add is that they do not include tire balancing with their "free change over" and you will be charged for that once you arrive.

Q. Can one set of tires make my car more fuel efficient?

A. Yes, some tire manufacturers  say their tires do have a slightly lower rolling resistance than others.
But wait, there's more !
There are a few tips you can do to help improve the fuel efficiency on any tire!
1. Check your tire Pressure. A tire, even 5 psi under-inflated will increase in rolling resistance and reduces tread life.
2. Slow down. Driving 65 mph vs. 75 mph will reduce fuel consumption
3. Check your alignment. An out of align vehicle will cause rapid tire wear and increased rolling resistance.

Q. My vehicle is not a 4x4 do I still need a four wheel alignment?

A. Yes, there are a few reasons as to why only doing a front end alignment is only half the job.

1. More front wheel drive cars are adjustable in the read than 4x4?s

2. In order to properly align the front of a vehicle you need to know where the rear "thrust line" is (the direction the center line of rear tires are pointing) if this is not know your vehicle my "pull" to one side or when traveling straight ahead, you will have to steer the front wheels to the left or the right.

3. The rear of your vehicle can go out of alignment causing rapid tire wear and increased rolling resistance, only takes one pot hole, and let's face it this is New England, we grow pot holes here.