Fact or fiction? Ways to prepare your car for winter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The frigid temperatures mean preventive maintenance on your car is as important as ever.

Auto service experts say this is the worst time of year to break down on the side of the road. So, a few simple tips can go a long way toward not being stranded.

The low temperatures can make your tire pressure drop as much as 5 psi, and low tires could result in a blowout.

Service experts also recommend that drivers get their batteries tested and belts and fluids checked when their car is serviced, which can also help prevent a breakdown.

“The simple things that you should be doing throughout the year, just double-check them as we get into this cold weather,” said Bill Amonett, owner and manager of Beck’s Service Center in Indianapolis.

Amonett also says it’s a good idea to pop up your wiper blades if you park during a freezing rain or heavy snowfall. That could help prevent the wipers freezing to the windshield, which could burn out the transmission that powers your wipers.