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(BPT) - You put your vehicle through a lot this winter, but spring is finally here and that means you can enjoy driving once again.

If you're ready to get out on the road, these environmentally friendly tips can make sure your car is ready for that first trip.

* Wash your car at a professional car wash. Winter months can be especially hard on your vehicle and washing your car is an easy first step to making your car feel new again. Using a professional car wash is a great way to protect the environment. According to the International Carwash Association, WaterSavers professional car washes use an average of 40 gallons of water or less per car while recycling and filtering their water to prevent harmful chemicals from going into our rivers and streams. Professional car washes also remove salt from the undercarriage of your vehicle, which is a must after a long winter. By comparison, the average home washing machine uses 41 gallons per cycle, and a garden hose uses 63 gallons of water in just five minutes. You can learn more, and find a WaterSavers wash at Washwithwatersavers.com.

* Give the inside a deep clean. Winter's elements are hard on the outside of your car, but many people forget the abuse the vehicle's interior takes as well. Think of how many times you've crawled into your vehicle with dirty, snowy feet and you can begin to understand why cleaning the inside is necessary. Apply some baking soda and a rubber sponge to your floor mats for an environmentally friendly and efficient clean. Then, wipe down interior surfaces with a microfiber cloth and vacuum the fabric and floor to remove dirt, sand, salt and dust.

* Don't forget the maintenance check. Winter is finally over, but that doesn't mean your vehicle can skip an overall maintenance check, especially if you want to save energy. Make sure to have your oil changed and give your vehicle an once-over. Check the fluid levels as well. The more efficiently your vehicle runs, the more gas you'll save.

* How's your tire pressure and alignment? Low tire pressure will cause your vehicle to overexert itself and waste gas so make sure your tires are up to the task. Your tires list their recommended pressure on the side. If you can't find it, you can find the recommended tire pressure in your owner's manual. It is also a good idea to have a certified technician conduct an alignment test since it could have been thrown off by driving over pot holes during the winter months.

The relaxing weekend drive was made for these warmer months. Taking the time to make sure your car is clean, safe and ready to go will help you enjoy the drive all the more. To learn more eco-friendly car maintenance tips, visit Washwithwatersavers.com.