10624 Old US 52 Winston Salem, NC 27107 336-448-2256

Cars Get Cold Too

How To Check Your Antifreeze

It may not cross most people's minds, but checking your car's antifreeze protection level is an important part of regular maintenance. Anti-freeze helps protect your car from damage caused by cold weather, and keeping it at the proper level could save you from costly repairs down the road. In this article, we will show you how to check your car's antifreeze protection level and what to do if it needs to be adjusted.

What You Need

Before you begin, there are a few items you need for the job:

An anti-freeze tester: These are usually sold for just a few dollars at any auto parts store.

Paper towel or rag: This will help keep the anti-freeze off of surfaces like paint that could get damaged.

Ziplock bag: This will help keep dirt out of your anti-freeze tester while you’re not using it.

Step 1: Locate The Reservoir

The first step is to locate the reservoir where your car’s anti-freeze is stored. This is usually in the engine compartment, and it looks like a plastic container with a lid on top (as seen in Figure 1). There should also be a warning label telling you not to open the lid while the fluid is hot – so always make sure that your car has been sitting idle for at least two hours before proceeding! 

Step 2: Testing The Anti-Freeze

Now that you have located the reservoir, insert the end of your tester into the fluid (you may have to use a straw attached to the bottom of the tester). Then pump up and down until about half of the fluid has been drawn up into the glass chamber on top (Figure 2). Now look at how many “balls” are floating on top of the fluid; this number tells you how well protected your car is against extreme cold temperatures (see Table 1 below). Once done testing, pour any remaining liquid into its original container, then wipe off any residue with paper towel or rag. 

Step 3: Storing The Tester

After testing, take a ziplock bag and store your anti-freeze tester in it until its next use. This will help keep dust and dirt off of it when it’s not in use! And don't forget - always remember that antifreeze is poisonous so make sure none gets on any surfaces outside of its original container!   

Checking your car's antifreeze protection level doesn't have to be difficult or complicated; with these simple steps anyone can do it themselves! With regular testing every few months, you'll know exactly how well protected against extreme cold temperatures your vehicle really is - potentially saving yourself hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs down the line!

10 Steps to Finding the Right Car for You

If you're new to car buying or haven't made a purchase in many years, it can be hard to know where to begin. How do you find the car that will exactly suit your needs for years to come? It just takes a little research and planning. When you know the kind of car you want, you can then decide whether you want to buy a new car, lease a new car, or buy a used car.

Step 1. Assess Your Needs
The "right car" depends on who you are and what you expect from a car. Some of us like to make a statement with our cars ("I'm rich and hip" or "I'm earth-loving and retro"). Some like to go for spirited drives on weekends ("Give me more horsepower and a loud engine"). In those cases, practicality tends to take a back seat to how the car makes you feel.

But for those who need a vehicle for daily duties, functionality should trump flash. Here are some practical considerations to keep in mind:

How many passengers do you need to carry?
What type of driving do you do? Is it primarily highway, surface streets, off-road?
Do you have a long commute and, because of that, is fuel economy important to you?
Do you need all-wheel drive?
What are your must-have features? Think backup camera, leather seats, Apple CarPlay, etc.
What safety features are important to you? Do you want blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking, for example?
What cargo capacity do you need?
Will you be using children's car seats?
Will you be doing any towing?
How much garage or parking space do you have?

Step 2. Set Your Budget
Unless you're paying cash for your car, you'll need to think about financing your purchase or lease. How much can you really afford to allocate toward a car payment each month? The general rule is that your monthly new-car payment should not exceed 15 percent of your monthly take-home pay. A used car will be less expensive, but the same rule should apply. If you're looking to lease, aim for a monthly payment that's less than 10 percent of your take-home pay. You'll also want to factor in an additional 7 percent of your monthly income to cover fuel and insurance costs. Knowing your budget beforehand will help you when negotiating your next car or truck.

Not sure what kind of vehicles fall under this monthly payment? Take a look at the Edmunds affordability calculator, which lists vehicles that fall into the price range you've predetermined. Keep in mind that the prices on the results page will change based on the trim level, options, taxes and finance fees.

Step 3. Decide If You Want to Lease or Buy
Leasing and buying each have pros and cons, and how you feel about these may help guide your decision on which route to take.

For example, a lease requires little or no money down and offers lower monthly payments. But when the lease ends, you have no car and will need to go shopping again. On the other hand, buying a car is more expensive initially, and the monthly payments are higher. But when you pay off the loan, you will own a car that you can drive for as long as it runs.

Here are a few more factors to consider when deciding between leasing and buying:

Leasing
You can drive a more expensive car for less money.
You can drive a new car with the latest technology every few years.
Most repairs will be covered under the factory warranty.
There are no trade-in hassles at the end of the lease.

Buying
You have more flexibility to sell the car whenever you want.
You can modify the car to your tastes.
There are no mileage penalties if you drive a lot.
Your car expenses will be lower in the long run provided you pay off the car and keep it a while.

Step 4. Consider Other Cars in the Class
Do you have your mind (or heart) set on a specific car? Many shoppers do. But in today's ever-changing marketplace, new cars are always hitting the showrooms, and one that you've never even considered could be right for you. Edmunds lets you research and compare similar cars to find the one that truly fits you best.

If you already have a car in mind, you should still review other comparable vehicles in the same class to make sure you haven't overlooked an even better choice. You can do this by choosing the same vehicle type, as listed in our Car Finder tool, and setting the parameters that are important to you. Once you settle on a worthy prospect, you can easily check for detailed information on pricing, specifications and features. You can also compare vehicles you chose to more easily contrast features and specifications.

If, on the other hand, you only know what type of vehicle you want — an SUV for example — you can consult the corresponding Edmunds "car type" section. It lists the most researched vehicles in the class and their ratings, along with the top-rated picks from the Edmunds editors.

Step 5. Weigh the Costs of Ownership
Some cars may be cheaper to buy but more expensive to own. Even if two cars have about the same price, one might depreciate faster or cost more to insure and maintain.

Before you commit to a car, you should estimate its long-term ownership costs. These include depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. Edmunds has a great evaluation tool: True Cost to Own® (TCO®), which presents this information in an easy-to-read format. It can help you make a smart decision up front that can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the car.

Step 6. Find Cars for Sale
The old method of car shopping had you visiting dealerships in person to see inventory and find out if the cars had the options you wanted. Now, using the dealer inventory tools on Edmunds, you can quickly cover more ground and save money. Once you have an idea of the car you want, you can easily see its availability.

If you don't find what you want in your immediate area, select a greater distance to search. You also can filter your search to find cars in a specific color, with different options or with Edmunds Special Offers.

Edmunds Special Offers apply to new-vehicle leases and purchases and give you an upfront, guaranteed price on a specific car. Once you're ready to lease or buy, we recommend getting a few of these offers since the prices may vary from one dealership to the next. You'll usually hear back from the dealership via an email or phone call soon after you request a special offer. This is the time to verify that the car is in stock, schedule a test drive, and ask any additional questions. If you're not ready to complete the deal, just make a note of which dealerships have the vehicle you want, and contact them when you're ready.

Step 7. Set Up a Test Drive
Now that you've found a car that seems as if it might be a good fit for you, call, text or email the dealership's internet department to schedule a day and time for a test drive. Dealerships' internet salespeople are great allies: They cater to informed buyers, tend to be more upfront with pricing, and they're familiar with Edmunds Special Offers.

By making a test-drive appointment with your local dealerships, you ensure that the car will be waiting for you when you arrive. We recommend test-driving about three different vehicles so that you don't limit your options. Try to schedule a few appointments back to back; it will make comparing the cars easier and give you a graceful exit from the dealership. While the salesperson will want to talk numbers after a test drive, you might not be ready.

Step 8. What to Look For in a Test Drive
A car might seem to have all the features you want, but the true test takes place when you are in the driver's seat. You should test-drive the car the way you would drive it during your everyday life.

If you commute, try driving the car in both stop-and-go traffic and at highway speeds. If you trek to the mountains, see if you can find some nearby steep hills to climb. Drive over bumps, take tight corners, and test the brakes in a safe location.

Get in and out of the car several times and be sure to sit in the back seat, especially if you plan on carrying passengers. Check out the cargo space. If you plan on using children's car seats, bring yours along to test for fit and ease of installation. Take pictures of the cars so you can reference them later.

While you are evaluating the car, don't be distracted. Take your time looking everything over. A good salesperson will respect your need to experience the car and will let you focus on the driving experience.

Turn off the stereo so you can listen to the sound of the engine. You can evaluate the sound system when you return to the dealership. If the conversation does turn to questions about whether you'd like to talk about purchasing or leasing, you can say that you're still in the test-drive stage.

Step 9. Pick Your Car
After test-driving several cars, the choice should be clear. If it isn't, sleep on it. In the morning, you might have your answer. If not, you might need to take a few steps back and drive more cars. It's better to take longer in the shopping phase than have buyer's remorse later.

While making the right decision is important, it's also good to realize that there isn't one perfect answer. Today's cars are safer than ever before. They get better gas mileage. They have amenities at a lower cost than in the past. In short, there could be several good vehicle choices, and the final decision is really a matter of individual taste.

Step 10. Time to Buy or Lease
Now that you've done research that, we hope, makes you feel confident you've found the right car for you, it's time to become a car buyer or lessee. Here are articles that will take you through the actual car-buying or car-leasing process, including brief refreshers of some steps: "10 Steps to Leasing a New Car", "8 Steps to Buying a New Car" and "10 Steps to Buying a Used Car."

Gears & Gasoline Tips for Towing

Gears and Gasoline: Tips for Towing
By Jerry Renshaw
How do you know if the weight is distributed correctly? Do you have the correct connections?
CHECK THE TIRES
Even if you're in the habit of regularly inspecting the tires on your vehicle, it can be really easy to forget about the ones on the trailer. Nothing will wreck a trip quicker than a trailer with a blown tire, so inspect them for condition, tread depth, foreign objects and proper inflation. That last one is especially important — an under-inflated tire means excessive rolling resistance and heat buildup, which can soon lead to a shredded tire on a loaded-down trailer. And if that's the inside tire on a dual-wheel setup, well... you know.
KNOW YOUR VEHICLE'S TOWING CAPACITY
That means tow something that's quite a bit lighter than that max towing capacity. Otherwise, you're putting your car or truck's brakes, transmission, engine and frame under a lot of stress. This is especially true if you're going to be negotiating hills; there's nothing like driving downhill with a heavy trailer and overheated brakes and transmission to make you reconsider your choices. It's not just for your vehicle, it's for the safety of everyone else on the road with you.
DOUBLE AND TRIPLE CHECK EVERYTHING
The turn signals, lights, safety chains, brakes, the cargo that's on the trailer, everything.
KEEP YOUR SPEED DOWN
Of course it's tempting to open up the throttle and make better time, but don't do it. Higher speeds means more fuel, more stress on your vehicle and more heat buildup from the tires. Worse, it's unsafe due to longer stopping distances and can lead to the trailer swaying, reducing your control. Just leave a little early, allow more time for the trip, stay in the right lane and take your sweet time. You'll get there.
SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE
Can't stress this enough. That means make sure you've got fresh oil (synthetic is best), your tires are good, your brakes are good, your cooling system is good, you've got plenty of friction material on your brake pads and your trailer brake system is working 100% fine. Remember that heat is the enemy of any automatic transmission, and you may want to consider installing a transmission cooler if you expect to do a lot of towing. These devices look like a small radiator, with loops of aluminum tubing and fins to dissipate heat, and are not terribly difficult to install. They can make all the difference in a transmission's life expectancy if you're going to tow a trailer.

5 Tips Before Going On Vacation

Headed out for vacation? Don't forget to do these 5 things first! 
       First off, make sure that you're tires have enough tread and air to keep you safe on your journey. The last thing you want to do it have to replace a tire while you're gone or change it on the side of the interstate, where it's not safe. To ensure that you're tires have enough tread, take a penny and put it in the tread with the head pointing into the tire. If the tread reaches the hair of the man on the penny, then you are still in the clear. If not, you may want to consider replacing your tires before you leave.
     Secondly, make sure that your vehicle has plenty of oil and coolant. You don't want to take the chance of having any engine problems while you're gone. It's bad enough to have engine problems close to home, much less hours and miles away. If you don't feel comfortable checking these things yourself, take your vehicle to your local mechanics shop and let them check it for you.
    Next, make a list of all of the supplies you'll need. Some people make theirs more extensive than others. I recommend adding everything you could possibly need down to exactly how many pairs of socks. Make sure that you have a bug-out bag ready as well just in case you have any trouble and are parked on the side of the road for a while. Your list should also include the numbers for your roadside assistance program and insurance information so that you have it handy just in case. Take this list with you when you go so that you don't forget anything when you get ready to head home.
    Now that you have everything packed and checked, let's head back in the house to make sure everything is ready for your time away. If no one is staying in your home while you're gone, turn the air up or down to set it close to what they're calling for the temperature to be so that you're air conditioning isn't running so much while you're gone and save on power. If they're not calling for the temperature to be too hot outside, you could turn the system off completely. You also want to make sure that all of the water spigots are turned off. If you have a leaking faucet, you may want to go ahead and get that fixed before you leave so that it's not dripping the entire time you're gone.
    Last but most certainly not least, before you head out, make sure that your vehicle has a full tank of gas. There is nothing worse that being stuck on the side of the road. Especially for something that could've easily been prevented. Sometimes you can find it cheaper on down the road, but is it worth risking not making it there to get it a few cents cheaper?
    We hope that these 5 tips help you when you get ready to head out for vacation this year! Stay safe out there and know that our service department is here to help you when you need it! Wherever you're headed, we can get you there!  

8 Summer Maintenance tips

From our friends at Advance Auto Parts, here are some helpful tips to get you ready for whatever adventure you find yourself on this summer. Contact us today to schedule your maintenance or repair. 



1. CHANGE YOUR OIL
You probably heard it from your dad a long time ago, and it’s just as true now as it was for his ’75 Buick wagon– get your motor oil changed at regular intervals. If anything, it’s more true now than it was then. If you’re still using conventional oil, a 3,000 to 5,000 mile interval between changes is good and for synthetic oil, intervals can be around 7,500 miles or more. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for manufacturer’s recommendations on brand and weight of oil as well as oil change intervals. Some vehicles’ engines are actually engineered for the anti-corrosion agents, friction modifiers, gasket conditioners and other additives in proprietary formulations of motor oil. Using another type of oil can cause damage in the long run and can invalidate a warranty. Here are the current oil change specials.
2. CHECK THE COOLANT
The coolant in your vehicle's radiator works triple time in summer. In addition to keeping your car from overheating, coolant guards against corrosion and lubricates your water pump. However, coolant degrades and loses its effectiveness, so you should change out conventional coolant every one to two years, and extended life coolant every five years. Can't remember the last time you changed your coolant? No worries. Use an antifreeze tester to check the quality. Then read this handy guide to learn how to flush your radiator.
3. TEST THE BATTERY
Summer can be harder on a battery than winter, so bring your battery to an Advance Auto Parts store near you for free testing. If you need a new battery, remember, we'll install it for free when you purchase from us.
4. CHECK THE A/C
Air conditioning systems have a way of quitting at the worst possible time. Take preemptive action and get your air-conditioning system checked before the summer months really heat up. Ask your trusted mechanic to run some diagnostic tests or learn to troubleshoot your A/C on your own. You can also review the basics for troubleshooting cooling system components. In many cases, if your A/C isn't blowing quite as cold, the fix is as simple as topping off the refrigerant with A/C Pro.
5. INSPECT THE TIRES
Check the tread on your vehicle's tires. Rain-slick roads shorten stopping distances and impair maneuverability. Poor tire tread worsens both conditions, so replace your tires as needed. Generally, tires should be replaced when the tread is 3-4/32". You should also rotate your tires and be sure to frequently check the air pressure.
Changes in temperature affect your tire pressure, with approximately 1 pound per square inch (psi) gained or lost per 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to check the pressure first thing in the morning. The heat of the day, and particularly driving, will inflate your tires a little and you want to check them when they’re cold. Low air pressure can lead to inferior performance and reduced gas mileage.
PRO TIP
Big temperature drops will cause your tires to lose pressure more quickly. This can lead to inferior performance and reduced gas mileage.
6. CHECK BELTS AND HOSES
Inspect your belts and hoses for evidence of damage. Belts should be replaced if they're cracked, fraying, or glazed. Hoses should also be checked for cracks, as well as swelling and leaks--especially around clamps. The heat and humidity of summer will only make these conditions worse and may cause a breakdown.
7. REPLACE WIPER BLADES
You'll want a sturdy set of windshield wiper blades to ensure good visibility during summer thunderstorms. Replace your blades if they're showing signs of wear, including splitting, cracking, or skipping, or if they're more than six months old.
8. INSPECT THE BRAKES
Road trips to the mountains and towing boats or trailers will put your brakes to the test this summer. Make sure they ace the exam, with a basic checkup. 

Welcome Salem Parkway

Welcome Salem Parkway
 As most of you know, Business 40 in Winston Salem has been closed for quite some time now. Thanks to the State of North Carolina and the City of Winston Salem, we now have a fresh new rode to drive on. While it was inconvenient when the road was closed, the benefits now are fantastic! Some of the new renovations include lengthening the turning lanes for the exit ramps, replacing a total of 11 bridges, and repaving the entire highway. They also widened the shoulders of the highway to make it safer for those that need to use them.
 Along with all of these wonderful upgrades, they have also updated the signage making it easier for the drivers to read and reach their destination. Be sure to make yourself aware of the new exit numbers as they have changed as well. You can find a written list with the old exit numbers and what they are now on the Winston Salem webpage.
 So go out and enjoy the new Salem Parkway, but be safe in doing so. Webber Automotive and Webber Offroad & Performance would like to send out a warm "Thank You" to the State of North Carolina and the City of Winston Salem for making the roads better on our vehicles. 

Why buy from Webber Automotive

 Why should you buy from Webber Automotive? Our 20+ years of experience in the automotive industry gives us the leading edge over the competitors. We can assure you that you will get fast, friendly, and professional service you deserve.
 We partner with a lot of lenders to not only get you approved, but also get you the best rate and a payment you are comfortable with. We work with first time buyers and credit re-builders as well. Prefer working with a credit union? That's no problem. We can communicate with them and do what we need to in order to get you the financing you deserve.
 We have certified mechanics on site to ensure you that the car, truck, or SUV that you purchase from us has had a multi-point inspection from top-of-the-line mechanics. We are so sure that you're getting a quality vehicle that we back it with a 60-day, 3,000 mile warranty. If you have any issues with your vehicle, bring it back and we will make sure that you're taken care of and back on the road in no time.
 So the next time you're in the market for a new vehicle, check out our inventory at Webber Automotive. Trust local professionals like us to get you the car, truck, or SUV you deserve. 

Financing Made Easy

 One of our highest goals at Webber Automotive is to make the purchase process as simple as possible for the customer. Buying a car should be fast, friendly and Professional! When you come to Webber Automotive, we do all of the work for you and let you know the best offers from the banks.
First, you simply fill out our one-page credit application, which is found at http://webberautomotive.dcs-mvc.com/creditapp. Once you've done that, just send us over a copy of your most recent paycheck stub. We will get everything sent over to the bank for you. From there, your job is done! We pull credit and send you the results
  Our goal is not to just sell you a vehicle, but to also provide you a dependable vehicle that you can afford. We work hard to get you the perfect vehicle at a price and payment you can afford. With over 20 years of finance experience, you can rest assured that we will find you the perfect deal!
 If you decide that it would be easier for you to do the application in the office, that's no problem. We have professionals on duty ready to help you fill out the application and send it over for you. Be sure to bring your driver's license and your most recent paycheck stub.
 Let us help you get the car, truck, or SUV you deserve at a rate that's comfortable for you. We take the headache out of buying the vehicle for you. We make it as simple for you as possible to keep you coming back for all future vehicle needs.

Let's Sell Your Ride

  Have you been trying to sell your vehicle with no success on your own? Have a vehicle you need to sell but no time to meet people to see it or resources to post it online? Let us sell it for you! That's right! We will post your vehicle on our website and many other marketing platforms to help you get the best price and take the stress out of it.
 Simply bring us your quality, pre-owned car. We will detail it, post it on all of our resources, and get purchasers approved for financing. You don't have to worry about anything but bringing it to us and getting paid. Our 20+ years of experience, digital presence, and pristine location gives us the upper hand at getting your vehicle sold in a timely manner at a price that suits you and the consumer.
 Don't want to wait until it sells to get your money? No worries. Simply bring us your quality vehicle and we will give you cash for it. With our years of experience in purchasing pre-owned vehicles, you're sure to get the most for your vehicle. Let us take that ride off your hands and give you peace of mind.
 So whether you want us to help you sell your vehicle or give you cash for it today, bring us your quality pre-owned car, truck, or SUV today! Let us help you get the most for your vehicle! 

Our new Webber Automotive video is now live!

When you come to Webber Automotive, it’s like you’re a part of the family. It’s a fun atmosphere, but it’s also professional as well. We offer everything from automobile sales, to full-service shop, sell off-road accessories, we do a lot of lift-kits wheels, tires, and anything you need automobile related we can handle it.


We’ve got over 50 years of experience sitting right now at the dealership just between the 3 of our front-end employees.

The person you meet when you reach the lot is the same person who will help you fill out your paper work and call your insurance and get things wrapped up pretty quickly for you.

There is no I need to go see my manager, to see if I can sell you the car, we’ll come below marketing pricing so people pretty much know what they are getting for they get here and their calling because of the price on that vehicle.

When we say Webber family we really mean Webber Family. You need a new vehicle, you need an oil change, you need an alignment, you’re a/c’s broke, if you want to be the biggest guy on the street with the biggest truck, we can help you do that.

Find out why others are driving from all around to do business with Webber Automotive. Fast, friendly, and professional. Come, experience the difference for yourself. Give us a call quick or come by today.

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