BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) — The extreme cold is causing problems for drivers and auto shops across the area have been busy making repairs.

"Cars are much like us, when it's this cold out, they're going to wake up a little grumpy," said Darren Garlock, co-owner of Silver Lake Auto, one of many businesses seeing a lot of "grumpy" vehicles this week.

"There's been a lot of dead batteries, hard to start vehicles, as well as some diagnostic problems due to the cold," said auto technician, Tony Martinez.

The experts at Silver Lake Auto recommend getting your vehicle inspected twice a year, especially before winter - but it's never too late for a tune-up.

"The cold doesn't necessarily break parts but it influences it," Garlock said. "It will point out those parts that have some wear on them and are in need of repair."

If your engine is starting noticeably slow, he recommends getting the battery checked out.

Drivers should also keep up on oil, fluids and tire pressure, especially with changing temperatures.

"Tires will lose pressure in the cold. For every ten degrees it drops, it's going to lose one to two PSI," Garlock explained.

Make sure you have at least a quarter tank of gas. If you have an electric vehicle, keep it charged.

"Electric vehicles need to warm their batteries constantly during the cold weather," Martinez said. "You want to make sure you keep the battery warm, so you get the range that you're expecting."

While you're bundled up inside for the next few days, don't forget about your car.

"Go put some miles on it, put it through its paces, let the battery recharge up, and do that once or twice this weekend," Garlock said. "That should minimize your chances of having a no-start come Monday morning."

Along with emergency roadside items, like jumper cables, you should keep your car stocked with an ice scraper, a shovel, kitty litter, a blanket, and extra warm clothing.

"Have a towing company's phone number in your phone," Garlock recommends. "Have your phone fully charged and ready to go."

If you do need a fix, be patient and they will be ready to help.

"We're pretty prepped up and ready for Wisconsin winters. This isn't the first time we've seen this," Garlock said.

Click here for more winter driving tips.