As colder weather approaches, motorists should start thinking about taking their vehicle into their dealer or repair shop for a checkup and preventive maintenance.

Here’s advice on how to get ready for winter from the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians.

- Read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s service instructions.

- Replace worn wiper blades; keep extra washer fluid on hand.

- Check things such as lights and bulbs, turn signals and backup lights.

- Replace worn tires with all-season radials or snow tires, as local conditions warrant. Make sure the spare tire has air and the jack functions. It’s also a good time to have alignment problems corrected.

- Engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration or hard starts) should be corrected before cold weather sets in.

- Check the condition of your battery and cables, radiator, and all hoses and belts.

- Make certain the heater and defroster are in good working condition; have the exhaust system examined for leaks, a potentially deadly condition in closed vehicles.

- Carry emergency gear: flares, boots, gloves, ice scraper, high-energy snacks, a blanket, shovel, flashlight, tire chains, a few tools, a cell phone and a first-aid kit.