Prewash preparation

First, go over areas that have bugs or rubber residue with "Bug & tar remover".

Whitewall tires - use a strong cleanser on a sponge or even better a scouring pad and rub vigorously.

Chrome and alloy spoke wheels - use a good chrome wheel cleaner spray. Do one wheel at a time and remember to wash off within 30 seconds of application

Chrome trim - Use a chrome polish to remove oxidization. For heavy residue, scour with very fine steel wool.

Washing 

Wash the car using a mild soap detergent. Ordinary dishwashing liquid does a fine job. Pour a capful into a pail and apply using a washmit or large sponge. Remove the soap with water under pressure  from your garden hose. 

Drying after washing

A "Chamois" is the best thing to use to dry a newly washed car. Wet the chamois cloth thoroughly and then twist it to remove the water in the cloth. Once it's wet, it will absorb all the water droplets on your car after washing and it avoids streaking. Lay it over the body part and put it towards you, (just like the car wash guys do) twist often to remove excess water. Get a good sized one and the drying job goes a lot faster.

Restoring the luster on old paint

Absolutely get yourself a decent orbital waxing machine if you intend to wax fairly regularly i.e.. twice a month say. The orbital machine takes a lot of the grunt work out of doing a good job.

Over time, the finish on your car deteriorates due to oxidization and buildup of dirt and grime. If you want your car to sparkle, then you have to remove remove whatever is over the paint right. The best product to use is a "Fine cut" type polishing/rubbing compound and to go over the entire car with the orbital machine. This will remove any dirt, oxidization, old wax and any surface imperfections on the paint. Just doing this alone will bring a lot of luster back into an old paint job and make it look brand spanking new. Use lots of water and don't stay in one area with the orbital machine for too long however as you can end up going right through a couple of coats of paint if you aren't careful.:) Do this once every couple of years and your car will look like new.

Waxing 

There are more waxes for cars out there than there are cars I think:) Cubanno is the very best wax but it isn't cheap and the more Cubanno in it the more expensive it gets. You really don't have to consider that type of a wax if you are driving daily unless you wish to spend your life constantly waxing and polishing. As for various wax types, my favorite products are from "Meguiar's". (You should be able to find it at any car parts/detailing shop) Basically waxing is a 2 step system:

Step 1 Go over the car with a paint cleaner or "cleaner - wax". It's the same type of thing as rubbing compound but way less aggressive. If  you merely want to remove old wax and oxidization from your paint, then this is sufficient. Apply it with your orbital machine and after 20 minutes, remove residue using a dry terrycloth rag. 

Step 2 - Apply a polish (also called wax) which enhances the paint finish. I like the "Mirror glaze Professional Hi-Tech Yellow wax" or the "Mirror Glaze Professional Show car Glaze" These are easy to apply and maintain and really make your car shine. You simply apply by hand all over the paint with a clean terrycloth rag. Use a clean terrycloth rag to remove any excess and bring the polish to a good luster. If you want even more luster, go over it with the orbital machine using a clean terry cloth pad. 

Maintaining wax

"Quik Detailer" can be used to touch up your wax job in specific places like after someone puts their paw down on your fender.