1 Household detergents, including dishwashing detergent and laundry soap, should never be used to wash cars. Their high pH content— designed to cut grease—will remove your car's wax coating and harm its clear-coat finish. Use specially formulated car wash treatments instead.

2 Rinse your car before washing it to soften and remove dirt. Caught under your sponge or towel, dirt and grit can scratch the paint.

3 To clean leather, wipe with a damp cloth and buff dry. Follow up with a good leather conditioner. Never apply silicone dressings to leather. If a more thorough cleaning is needed, see a professional for service to avoid damaging the leather.

4 Beware of acid rain from industrial fallout. It's harmful effects can be activated by dew or fog, as well as rain. Rinse and dry your vehicle often to prevent acid rain damage.

5 Be kind to your car. Avoid car washes using nylon brushes or recycled water. Brushes can scratch your paint, and recycled water may contain salt and other contaminants from previous vehicles that can accelerate deterioration.

6 It's gross, we know, but clean off bird droppings, bug stains and tree sap as soon as possible to avoid paint discoloration and damage. For best results, use a mild car wash soap, then rinse and chamois dry to avoid staining and discoloration.

7 Touch up chips and scratches promptly. Chipped or scratched paint can cause blisters and surface rust.

8 Moisturize your vinyls. Interior and exterior vinyls should be cleaned and dressed at least twice a year to prevent drying and cracking. Use a cleaner specifically recommended for vinyl, then buff dry and apply a vinyl dressing.

9 Don't use Brillo- style pads on those wheel covers or aluminum wheels. Abrasive pads are made for cleaning pots and pans, not the delicate finish of your wheels. Aluminum or magnesium sports wheels have a clear-coat finish, which can strip away if not treated properly. Use a non-caustic cleaner and soft brush or sponge.

10 Remove bumper stickers and window decals gently. Use a hair dryer to soften the adhesive. Then scrape clean with an old credit card. If your bumper is painted, keep the heat low to prevent paint damage.