We might not exactly have snow-ins to worry about, but Mississippi still has its share of winter extremes. Temperatures dip below freezing almost every winter, and it can be all or nothing with regard to inclement weather. With only a slight reduction in rain and moisture, any freezing event can potentially be more hazardous near the Gulf.

While we have a lot of tips to keep you safe this winter, the most significant measures require professional automotive services. Take these winterization tips from Cadillac of Jackson to heart, but above all, we encourage preparing your car for winter with the services of a qualified and experienced mechanic.

Can I Winterize My Car Myself?

You can and should take steps to winterize your car. Along with proper automotive service, consider any or all of the following tips according to your car’s particular condition:

• Keep mice from invading your car, either by blocking openings or using mint-scented repellents
• Check your car manual to see whether you need different oil weights in cold weather
• Also, check for any upcoming routine maintenance requirements
• Inspect your tires for wear, and consider a higher-traction set just for winter
• Replace your windshield-wiper fluid with a non-freezing variety
• Create an emergency car survival kit, including warm clothes
• Look into winter gas additives, which absorb small amounts of water your oil might contain
• Consider keeping a portable tire inflator/jump starter in the car (which can also double as a cell phone charger)

If you anticipate a particular storm, you might want to fill your gas tank or even load your car, truck, or SUV with added weight. This is also appropriate for the Gulf Coast storm season when the potential for tempest-level winds is high.

As for winter specifically, preparing your car much further will require a qualified mechanic. At least, we wouldn’t want any less for our friends and family.

Should I Take My Car to Get Winterized?

Simply put, preparing your car for winter is essential. While the tips above are important, they can’t fully address the factors that matter most in dangerously cold weather.

No matter how careful your driving is this winter, safety depends on a properly maintained vehicle. Even if everything’s functioning properly, a full checkup from a certified mechanic will reveal where any upgrades might make a world of difference in freezing rain or any other winter situation.

Make a particular effort to ensure you have high traction, one of the most important factors in wet or icy driving conditions. Proper tread depth is essential, and dedicated winter tires are a good idea. Brakes must be highly responsive and properly adjusted to ensure good stopping power, and this is a good time to make sure your wheels and steering are aligned.

Of course, no one wants a malfunctioning heater in the middle of winter, and you need to be sure your engine runs at the proper operating temperature under a variety of conditions.

Benefits of Professional Winterization Service

Professional winter-time maintenance will quickly confirm your car’s condition and show you the most important services needing your attention. Cadillac of Jackson’s certified technicians can provide the following services and more during your next winter-prep appointment:

• A thorough, itemized inspection and diagnosis
• Synthetic oil change
• Tread inspection
• Tire replacement, rotation, and balancing
• Proper engine and component functioning
• Effective braking
• Adequate fluid levels
• Leak-free seals and gaskets

By booking a professional service appointment, you’ll also know which parts you might need to keep an eye on. We also provide flexible payment plans, so you don’t need to risk your budget or safety this winter.

Car Winterization Made Easy in Jackson, Mississippi

At Cadillac of Jackson, we care about our customers’ automotive experience and, above all, their safety. That’s why we provide a price match guarantee on select tire brands, even 30 days after the purchase, plus extensive warranties on major parts and components.

For certified Cadillac service and beyond, contact us or book a service appointment at our Jackson service department today. Preparing your car for winter is never a one-size-fits-all task, but once you invest the time and energy in doing it properly, you’ll have greater peace of mind on the roads all season.

Image Source: ElenaEmiliya/Shutterstock

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From lower purchasing prices to greater selection, used cars carry several unique advantages compared to new ones. Yet once you’ve made up your mind to buy used, how do you choose between a certified pre-owned vs. pre-owned vehicle?

At Cadillac of Jackson, we’re first and foremost a locally owned small business. We believe buying used or new should be a fun, exciting, and pressure-free experience. To support your Madison County car-shopping efforts, Cadillac of Jackson has created this brief primer on getting the most from a quality pre-owned or certified pre-owned vehicle.

We’ll also provide insights for weighing the pros and cons of either. In the end, it’s a highly subjective decision, but our friendly and knowledgeable technicians are here to assist you throughout the process.

What Qualifies as a Certified Pre-Owned Cadillac?

At a reputable dealer, both pre-owned and certified pre-owned vehicles must pass a certain threshold for reliability and quality. With a certified pre-owned Cadillac, that threshold is higher and often comes backed by greater warranty coverage or other services.

At Cadillac of Jackson, all certified pre-owned Cadillacs come with the following benefits:

• A passing grade, based on a stringent 172-point inspection
• Our 1-year unlimited-mile warranty, in addition to any original warranty coverage
• Courtesy transportation during any warranty repairs
• 24-hour roadside assistance for the life of the warranty
• Access to certified Cadillac service across the country
• My Cadillac Rewards, where customers earn and redeem points for added services and savings

Unlike most standard dealers, we also fully road-test each certified pre-owned Cadillac and compile a vehicle history report to the fullest extent possible. Above all, we ensure you don’t need to guess about the condition of your car.

What Qualifies as a Pre-Owned Cadillac?

Pre-owned Cadillacs, without the certification, are still very reliable. What’s different is that they don’t provide access to our additional warranty coverage and related services.

Rest assured, we inspect all vehicles, certified or otherwise, and provide a CARFAX report upon request. Like our certified pre-owned program, standard pre-owned Cadillacs come with a clean bill of health from our highly trained service technicians. By purchasing from Cadillac of Jackson, you also have greater legal protections on your purchase than if you buy from a private seller.

Certified Pre-Owned vs Pre-Owned

The main difference between our certified pre-owned and pre-owned vehicles is the extended warranty coverage. It’s what most certified pre-owned benefits revolve around, which is our way of saying we consider a given pre-owned Cadillac the next closest thing to brand new.

Pre-owned Cadillacs, on the other hand, maybe just as reliable for their class. Models more than several years out of date and higher in mileage are usually perfectly reliable for what they are.

Of course, all pre-owned options benefit from Cadillac’s legendary build quality, no matter what new-to-you option you find in our previously owned inventory. If riding with like-new peace of mind is important to you, the certified pre-owned warranty is the way to go. If, instead, you find the Cadillac of your dreams, but it’s a bit out of date, don’t sell it short without a test drive if it’s really what you want.

Either way, our friendly representatives are happy to support you and provide the answers you’re looking for as you compare your options.

Used and Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles in Jackson, Mississippi

Deciding between a certified pre-owned vs pre-owned vehicle can be difficult. With a reputable dealer, however, you can be certain the benefits of either option dramatically outweigh the costs.

Cadillac of Jackson goes to extensive lengths to ensure you have an easy, pressure-free buying experience. To learn more about our pre-owned and certified pre-owned Cadillac programs, contact us and tell us what’s most important in a pre-owned Cadillac to you. We look forward to assisting you in your car-buying journey, and above all, be sure you settle for something you’ll enjoy for years to come.

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