(ARA) – We all know the winter months can be hard on vehicles, and this year was no exception. Chances are your vehicle is in need of a little restoration. Returning your car to optimal condition may be less expensive and time-consuming than you think. Use these tips to get your car back in shape for a summer of smooth and smart travel.

Paint protection

Winter can be tough on a car’s exterior, and snow and ice may have made it difficult to see any chips or scratches in your vehicle. But now spring sunshine will reveal every nick, chip and scratch in your vehicle’s paint. Restoring your ride to its original factory finish takes only minutes with the easy to apply Dupli – Color ScratchFix 2in1. This innovative product is available in hundreds of exact-match colors for domestic and imported vehicles.

Simply use the vehicle make, model and year to find your guaranteed matching color code, and use one of the two applicators to fix any scrapes or nicks in no time. With a roller ball tip for precision and a tapered brush for full coverage, ScratchFix 2in1 will help restore your vehicle to its optimal condition. And not only will ScratchFix 2in1 make your car look great, the touch-up paint will also protect the damaged surface from rusting and becoming a big, expensive problem.

Under pressure

Driving on tires that are too flat or full can make summer traveling dangerous and expensive. With sky-high gas prices, maintaining optimal air pressure and getting the most out of your miles is more important than ever. You can improve gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires properly inflated, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The recommended tire pressure for vehicles is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s-side door or glove box, as well as in your vehicle owner’s manual. Checking tire pressure takes only a few seconds, but it may have a significant effect on both your well-being and your wallet.

Wiper replacement

Don’t let springtime showers catch you off-guard this year. Even if your windshield wipers aren’t visibly worn, they may not be working effectively after the winter months. Freezing temperatures can cause rubber to become brittle, making your blades more likely to crack or split. If yours leave behind spots or streaks of cleaning fluid, they need to be replaced. If you can pull the blades away from the windshield with little resistance, you may need new wiper arms.

Visibility is essential to safe driving year-round, and replacing these essential pieces every six to 12 months will ensure your view of the road is always clear. And, if you have one, remember to check and replace your rear windshield wiper as well.

Attention to detail

With just a few basic cleaning products and a little elbow grease, you can make your ride gleam. First, remove and wash the floor mats, and vacuum the carpets and seats. Using an all-purpose cleaner, wipe down the dashboard and use canned air to remove dust and dirt from the tiny nooks and crannies in the instrument panel. Use foaming fabric soap or leather cleaner on any stains, and fix small tears with a vinyl repair kit. Next, use hot water and vehicle soap to wash the vehicle in sections from top to bottom. Remember the wheel wells, and give a final rinse to avoid soap spots. When dry, wax the body, including under door jambs and behind the bumpers. Use a toothbrush to remove excess wax from emblems or flat black surfaces, then scrub your tires and polish the rims for a head-turning exterior.

You don’t need to break the bank to get your car back in shape for the hottest auto season. With just a little time and minimal cost, a summer-ready car is at your fingertips. These tips will help you whip your vehicle into prime condition, so get ready to show off your refreshed ride and enjoy wherever the new season takes you.