Every neighborhood has one: that guy, obsessed with shine, who waxes and polishes his car weekly. And then there's that other guy whose car stoically bears the words "wash me" on its windows. Truth is, both are doing themselves a disservice. If you don't bother to give your car a sparkling wax job, you jeopardize its finish and the metal beneath. But if you stop there, happy with this most visible result, you won't get rid of the hidden dirt and grime that hasten the decay of trim, rubber, and upholstery. Thorough cleaning -- known as "detailing" to automotive enthusiasts -- not only beautifies, but also extends the life of the vehicle.

Detailing is not difficult, but it does take time; try to start in the morning, and spread the job out over an entire day, once in the spring and once in the fall. Pick a shaded spot in which to work, break out the vacuum, and comb through the interior. Vacuum the broad surfaces and the nooks and crannies where dirt hides. Treat the upholstery with the product appropriate to that fabric, and clean the windows with a household glass cleaner.

Wash the exterior of the car using a soap formulated specifically for automotive finishes (nonwax car-wash cleaning solution is best; dish soap will strip wax) and a lamb's-wool wash mitt. Dry with a leather chamois, following up with a soft, damp terry-cloth towel in wells and cavities. Then use a damp, worn sponge or a very soft cotton rag to apply a paintwork cleanser, which is a very mild polish, to strip the old layer of wax. Next, use a carnauba paste wax, and buff with a soft terry-cloth towel or cotton rag. After waxing and buffing, clean areas that collect dirt, such as the joints between trim and painted surfaces or between adjoining trim surfaces.

If you've paced yourself, you'll be done just in time to slip behind the wheel and find a westward road to enjoy a clear, sparkling sunset.