April showers bring May flowers… along with compromised visibility and reduced traction. According to Edmunds.com, there are more accidents caused by rain than by snowfall, sleet, and ice. The first step towards staying safe is making sure your vehicle is primed for bad weather. Our Winston-Salem auto repair center can check things like tire tread and your wiper blades, ensuring you’re not taking any unnecessary risks!

Don’t Get Caught Unprepared

Equipment is key once the weather gets nasty. Staying on top of routine vehicle maintenance may seem like a hassle, but it could be the difference between staying safe and getting into an accident. Winston-Salem drivers can count on us for necessary and top-quality auto repair and maintenance such as tire rotations and replacements, with a huge inventory of brand new tires.

Sometimes you don’t notice that you need new windshield wiper blades until you’re caught in a rain storm. Don’t let that happen to you! Regularly check your windshield wipers to make sure they’re in good condition. If they seem iffy and you’re not sure how to replace them, we’ll be happy to help you.

Approach Responsibly

Of course, the conditions of your tires and wiper blades aren’t the only mitigating factors in unpleasant weather. The onus is on all drivers to proceed with extreme caution. Make sure to slow down, since, according to Edmunds.com, your car’s traction is reduced by about one third in slippery weather. Keep more distance than usual between you and the car in front of you, and don’t activate any type of cruise control- adaptive or otherwise. That feature isn’t great in compromised driving situations because of the way the car’s weight is distributed while maintaining constant speed.

The best safety feature in your vehicle is your own attention, but proper care and maintenance doesn’t hurt, either. Visit our repair center to make sure your car, truck, van, or SUV is rain-ready!

After over 50 years on the road, the Ford Mustang is still one of the most iconic cars of all time. Now in its sixth generation, it’s seen a lot of changes since its introduction in 1964. That emblematic running horse has been galloping for much longer than any other in its class. At our Winston-Salem used car dealership, we know that there’s a lot to love about the Mustang, and have plenty in our inventory to appease the horsepower-hungry with a budget!

Enjoy the Fruits of a Legacy

Every 50th birthday deserves a celebration. Ford celebrated the Mustang with a revolutionary redesign, featuring a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that’s at the top of its class in gas mileage, all while netting 310 horsepower. However, the 2015 incarnation is the tip of the iceberg that makes up this hot ride.

The fifth generation (2005-2014) Ford Mustang was heralded as a return to form after many critics maintained that the vehicle had lost a little bit of its edge over time. A highlight was the 2012 Ford Mustang model, with the available Boss 302 Coupe, was a true throwback to the model of the same name that had been out of production since 1969. The Mustang’s huge fan base was thrilled with the vehicle’s return, with a standard V6 engine that can hit 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. We have several of the fifth generation used Mustangs available at right here in Winston-Salem!

An Unparalleled Experience

The Ford Mustang is truly the epitome of the classic American sports car, dedicated to an overall superior experience from the very start. Once you’ve experienced hundreds of pounds per foot of torque pinning you to your bolstered sport seat, there’s no turning back (but if you do, the tight cornering should prove helpful). Assembled in Michigan and sent all over the world, the Ford Mustang has set a course for worldwide adoration.

If you’re ready to take on the roads in a beautifully designed icon at a reasonable price point, contact our dealership! Our selection of used Mustang models will surely provide one that’s exactly what you crave.

When shopping for a new vehicle, some of us are faced with past credit problems. If you have a poor credit score or no credit score you’ve probably heard the term “subprime loan” thrown around a lot. You have enough to worry about when shopping for your new vehicle without hearing new terms and jargon. To help ease the process we can help you understand what a subprime loan is and how it can help you get the car, truck or SUV you need.

What is a subprime loan?

A subprime loan is designed for people who have low credit scores. They enable people who may not have the greatest review with creditors to get a loan at a higher interest rate than other lenders or “prime” loans may receive. These loans a typically labelled as being at a higher risk of default than other loans. There is no cut and dry line on what distinguishes a prime rate from a sub-prime rate so it’s a good idea to speak with your reputable auto lender to discuss your rate and what you can afford. While there is no strict definition, the Federal Reserve defines a subprime loan as a loan that carries an interest rate at least three percentage points higher than the rate on a US Treasury bond that has the same term as the loan. Keep this in mind going forward in your auto loan!

How can a subprime loan help you?

A subprime loan is a second chance. You can secure an auto loan and get the car or truck you need! Yes, the interest rate is higher but if you can afford the payments it may be worth more than just a new vehicle to sign up for a subprime loan. Consistent making payments can help raise your credit score over time and ultimately get you a better rate on loans in the future! Because there is no fixed subprime rate, it’s a good idea to shop around for a loan before signing up and it’s an even better idea to start with a lender who has a great reputation.

Shopping for a car can be stressful but it doesn’t have to be. Doing some research can help make this process easier. Knowing what a subprime loan is and how it can work for you and your financial needs is a great first step. For more information about subprime loans, use the resources around you including dealerships like Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston-Salem, NC. Getting a loan can be your first step out of bad credit, and enable you to keep shopping for the car you need!

Purchasing a car is one of the largest investments we make. It can be a challenging field to navigate especially when considering financing options with bad credit. In order to start rebuilding bad credit, you have to enter into an affordable agreement and make timely monthly payments that you can afford. Most vehicle financing programs start with a down payment followed by a term length agreement, where you choose how long it take you to pay back your lender but some dealerships offer no money down programs for buyers. Choosing how to balance term length and size of down payment can be difficult and should be carefully considered.

How big a down payment do you need?

It’s possible that you won’t need a down payment at all and even those with poor credit can to benefit from these programs. When considering a down payment it should be noted that contributing money upfront can help reduce both your interest rate and your term length. While many factor contribute to your interest rate, a down payment will often afford you a lower interest rate and a lower monthly payment. If keeping your monthly payments low is high on your priority list, then contributing a larger down payment is a must or you selecting a less expensive vehicle.

If you’re credit score is low or less than ideal, you should save up a reasonable down payment so you can secure a better rate. A lower credit score will yield a high interest rate so your best bet is to pay a little more up front. That said, don’t be scared to look around for the best loan rate. If you know your budget and can put forward a 30% down payment but you can get the same or a better rate for only 20% down, hold on to that extra cash.

If a new vehicle is in your future but you don’t need it right away, start putting some money aside. Only you know what’s best for your personal finances and if purchasing a car outright isn’t for you then having a healthy savings to dip into where if you don’t use it all you’ll have a little extra cash for monthly payments if need be. Plus, being able to come to the table with some more money behind you may put you in a better bargaining position. If paying that extra 5 or 10% gets you a lower rate or shorter term, it may be worth it in the long run as the longer you take to pay people back, the more interest you’re going to pay.

While you’ll hear some mixed messages around how much you should be paying, the consensus seems to be that at least 10% down is ideal. We know that this isn’t always possible especially if your need for a new car is sudden. If you can’t manage this or any down payment, speak with a qualified auto loan specialist such as the ones at Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston-Salem  and discuss your options. Having bad credit or limited options doesn’t have to prevent you from securing a great quality vehicle at an affordable price.

With spring rapidly approaching, it’s hard to resist the temptation of a new beginning. So why bother? Start with your vehicle. A place where you spend so much time should be in impeccable shape once it’s time to roll the windows down and enjoy the spring air. Check out these tips from our Winston-Salem auto repair center for an idea of how to make the most of warmer weather.

A Thorough Cleaning

It’s called “spring cleaning” for a reason: open up the windows, air out your car, and get to work! Some prefer to get their car, truck, van, or SUV detailed at the turn of the seasons, but it can be more satisfying to do it yourself. Get rid of the junk that may have accumulated in your back seat. Sort and organize your glove compartment and center console. Throw out any trash, and clean out the trunk. Then, take a vacuum to the whole thing! This won’t only help get rid of allergens, but after a long, wet winter, there may be dirt, mud, and salt in the carpet of your vehicle.

Next, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the wash and wax. Cleaning a winter’s worth of salt, grime, and debris off of your vehicle and getting it back to the gleaming shine you love will be infinitely satisfying. It’ll also pay off in the long run, since a salt buildup can cause major problems, the least of which is rust.

Keep Up With Your Routine

After toughing it out all winter, your car may need more than just superficial TLC. You can head to Winston-Salem to get thorough maintenance done at our auto repair center! We’ll make sure your tire pressure, wiper blades, and alignment are all in good shape, as well as checking out your engine.

Get ready for an amazing road trip season ahead. Visit us today and we’ll make sure you’re taken care of!