(ARA) – As the weather heats up, trucks and their owners take advantage of the sun and head outdoors to work and play.

A little elbow grease, motivation and some innovation can make all the difference between making your truck look new again and driving an old beater.

Whether your truck has been plowing through muck and mud, hauling tools, helping a friend move or transporting hay, there’s no doubt it could use a serious visual overhaul.

A few simple steps now can keep your truck sparkling and working hard for years to come.

Inside

Remove the floor mats and shake out the dirt, rocks and debris. Use a heavy duty vacuum cleaner to tidy up the mats and the inside of the truck.

Wipe down the instrument panel and console with a gentle, all-purpose cleanser and get at stubborn dirt in nooks and crannies with a cotton swab. An occasional spray with a dashboard protectant product helps prevent fading, warping and cracking.

Outside

Use a hose with a sprayer attachment to wet the top to bottom. Make sure the water pressure is not too hard to damage the vehicle. Wash the truck with gentle soap and tepid water to get rid of muck.

Make your final focus the and bumper. Don’t forget to hose off and clean the undercarriage and wheels wells as those areas take the brunt of the road’s abuse.

Rinse the truck and dry with a chamois or natural fiber cloth. Never let the truck air dry as water spots will develop and can be difficult to buff out.

Clean the windows and mirrors, both inside and out, taking care to eliminate streaks that can impair vision while driving.

Check the tires. Your truck takes you through rough terrain so check for any slow leaks or punctures and inflate the to proper pressure levels.