It's shocking the number of people that don't know what to do when it comes time to clean, polish and wax their cars. Many use products that were never intended for use on their vehicle, while other individuals use products and equipment that should only be used by certified professionals. Many do not even wash or wax their vehicles. They wonder what the reason dealers offer them a low price for trade-ins or the reason their paint is flaky and dull.

We spoke to a number of experts in the auto detailing industry as well as other similar professionals to create this article. We asked Smart Details about the products they use and ideas that customers could apply. They basically came back with the same suggestions:

Cars should be properly cleaned:

It is vital to remember that the harsh chemicals that are not automotive can cause damage to the finish of your vehicle and wear it faster. First, spray the car and let it soak. Apply water to clean off dirt and other contaminants that could scratch the car if you begin using a sponge and water first. It is not recommended to let your vehicle out in the sun for too long. Make sure you use warm water as it works best to remove the stains. After your vehicle is cleaned it is possible to use an automotive car wash product. Put it in an empty bucket of water. Follow the directions on the bottle. Then wash the vehicle. You will find it easier if you use the long-handled brush (most auto parts stores have these). Make sure you clean and rinse the car in segments, so that the car wash soap doesn't dry before being washed off. Utilize towels made of terry cloth or chamois to dry your car. A tip from a professional: use a squeezer. It's much quicker and easier.

Remove stubborn contaminants:

There will be bugs, dirt and tar... that are left behind after washing. A variety of products are designed specifically to remove these items. The most consistent answer from experts was Meguiar's Bug and the tar cleaner. Get rid of all contaminants and follow instructions (some products are able to be able to remove paint if used correctly). The best advice: 3M and other manufacturers have created a plastic shield that can be applied over your car's paint areas like bumpers and behind tires to protect from contaminants as well as rock chips.

Use a polisher that is cleaner:

It will also remove any persistent contaminates, such as the ground in the form of bug splatter onto your painted bumper, acid rain etching bird drop spots, and small scratches. Apply circular motions, exactly like wax. Follow the directions provided for the particular cleaner polish (some require the use of a damp or wet applicator while some do not). Apply the polish one piece at a time, and then use a clean section of cloth to buff once dry. Most cleaner polishes dry to a white cloud. Make sure you remove all the haze and residue from the cleaner polish. The car will look really smooth once this is done. A tip for those with deeper scratches and contaminants such as... it is possible to utilize an orbital buffer or polisher to apply cleaner polish. Utilize low-RPMs (under 2000) since anything more could cause paint to become burned.

Apply several coats of wax or polish:

There's a huge distinction between car wax and car polish. Car wax is usually composed of carnauba as well as other waxes that give a deep, wet look and new car shine. Car wax is available in liquid form or in a paste and won't last as long as a car polish. Car wax is not as effective in hot temperatures and may melt in hot areas like the hood. Car polish is a mixture of polymers generally without wax. They are long-lasting and can keep your paint protected for up to a year. For maximum durability and security, experts recommend that you polish your car with Teflon. Experts were impressed by the deeper shine from the car wax, but they all agreed that it is better for car shows. Whatever you decide to use, the two products are made in the same manner. Apply in a circular motion and let it dry to a cloud. Utilize a microfiber towel or terry cloth to dry the surface.

Expert tip:

Clothes for diapers and regular towels should be avoided since they collect dirt particles as well as other contaminants and can scratch your surface. To clean off car wax or dry car polish, using a microfiber cloth is the best choice. 2 to 3 coats of polish are recommended to ensure maximum protection and shine. It is a good idea to apply polish or car wax every two years at a minimum. Car wax is applied to the windows, not car polish. This helps prevent streaks and smudges from forming on the glass. Apply a thin coat and completely buff it off. Car wax works better than the top brand windshield treatment (it can also stop windshield wipers).