Use paste wax: Waxing your car is the best way to maintain your car exterior, however, don't try to take short cuts, because they really don't offer the best protection, or last the longest. Instead of a liquid or spray wax, use a paste wax. While a liquid or spray wax can help make your car shine, it is not going to give your car the hardest finish, or longest-lasting. A paste wax rubbed into the surface of your car will lead to a better protective barrier.

Don't apply too much wax, a thin coating is best: When waxing your car, it can be tempting to use a thick layer of wax, but too much will make it hard to remove, and can even lead to the residue messing up your car finish. So, instead, use a damp sponge to apply a thin even coat of wax. Do your best to keep it thin and even.

Use a soft cloth to remove wax once it is dried: After the wax on your car is dry, you want to wipe it off so that it does not mar your finish. Of course, if you are not careful, the act of wiping it off can lead to scratches, etc. So, avoid these little scratches by making sure you use a clean, soft cloth designed for this, such as a cotton or microfiber. Wipe it over the car to remove the wax.

Apply extra wax to nose and hood: There are some places where your car takes more abuse, and so to keep the wax coating from wearing off too quickly, you will want to apply a second coat. The hood and nose of the car, experience the most abuse. So, help them stay protected by offering an extra coating of wax to the front of the car.

Your car exterior is a critical part of the car, and keeping it in good repair is critical to proper functioning. So, wax your car regularly, and make sure that when you wax it you do it right so that your car does not have those little tiny scratches that come when waxed improperly.

Other things you can do include regular washing, even in the winter months, protecting your car from UV damage by parking in a garage or using a car cover when it will be exposed for long periods of time. Additionally, if you get any nicks or scratches, treat them or fix them right away, as they can lead to corrosion and rusting of the area that is no longer covered with the car's paint. There are ways to keep your car exterior in tip top shape, but it does take some effort on your part.