Before cleaning your car, check the recommendations made in your owner's manual and on the labels of any products you use.

Plastic and rubber can be found all over a car's exterior-the trim, molding, bumpers, even the brackets that hold wiper blades. Use a protectant to restore the look of faded and discolored plastic and rubber and to protect them from damaging UV rays.

• Later model cars use black trim usually made of plastic, but also can be rubber, vinyl, or anodized aluminum. Check with your Owner's Manual if you are unsure what it's made of, as it will determine which is the best product to use.
• Use a mild soap, like car wash soap, to clean the trim. You can also use protectant to clean the trim if it's plastic, rubber, or vinyl.
• Use a small brush, like a toothbrush, soaked in protectant to clean faded plastic parts.
• To avoid overspray, spray the dressing on a rag before applying. Or consider using a gel or wipes.
• For best results, let the protectant penetrate the plastic or rubber material before wiping clear, but follow the label instructions.