Mix rising interest rates, surging inflation, corporate layoffs, and consumers that are increasingly struggling to pay for basic necessities, and you get the ingredients for a potential economic downturn. In fact, in the first two quarters of 2022, the U.S. economy posted negative GDP growth, which is the technical definition of a recession. 

What should investors do to prepare for more turmoil ahead? Look for ways to strengthen and recession-proof your portfolio -- and one stock that can help do that is auto parts retailer O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY). Let's see why it should be on every investor's radar right now.

Even someone like Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, who many would consider an expert on the state of the economy, sees a tough road ahead. He believes the U.S. economy will enter a recession within the next "six to nine months." Inflation that remains at 40-year highs is going to force the Federal Reserve to aggressively hike interest rates, which will pump the brakes on the economy. 

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Source Fool.com