COLUMBUS - We're beginning to see the frigid air in our state and that can have an impact on your car.

Josh Hopwood is the general sales manager at the Columbus Motor Company.  He said the lower temps affect older vehicles more than those that are five years or newer.

Hopwood said the top cold-weather problem they see folks bring in their vehicles for are batteries.

“At this time of year is when you’re going to start to see batteries going dead," he said.  "That’s the No. 1 thing I would tell people to check right out of the gate is those.”

As far as your engine goes, he said don't forget to warm up your vehicle for at least five minutes every cold start — especially for older vehicles.

“Like this morning, when it’s 20 degrees and that car’s parked outside all night, don’t just go in there and start it up and just take off and think you can just drive it normal.”

Hopwood said in the long run, doing that can lead to valve and seal damage.

He said tire pressure is another big one and that you should make sure your tires have good tread on them before the snow and ice comes.

Columbus Motor Company offers *free* winterized inspections to see if your vehicle is prepared for what's to come.