MEMPHIS, Tennessee -- Your car says a lot about you. That's why many hard-core car enthusiasts would think nothing of spending an entire afternoon -- or even an entire weekend -- detailing their vehicles.

But protecting your investment doesn't require an entire day in the driveway. With all of the latest car care products at AutoZone, it's never been easier to make your car look great. New microfiber items and products with built-in applicators can help produce superior results and save you time, too. Regardless of how detailed you want to get, you'll find everything you need to clean, shine and protect your car, inside and out, at your local AutoZone.

Here are some basic detailing steps from AutoZone that can help make you proud of your car's appearance:

The wheels.

Tools needed: wheel cleaner, soft-bristled brush, small detailing brush, water hose.

Before spraying wheel cleaner, make sure wheels are cool and dry. Clean one wheel at a time. Spray wheel cleaner on the wheel and allow to soak in for one minute. Scrub stubborn stains with the brush, and use the detailing brush to get between tight areas. Wash the tires too, but save the detailing for later. Rinse thoroughly.

The debugging process.

Tools needed: bug & tar remover, glass cleaner, sponge, shop towels.

Trying to scrub off bug residue using car wash and a wash mitt does more harm than good because you're likely to scratch the finish. Use a bug and tar remover to dissolve messes like bugs, tar, tree sap, and sticky road grime without scrubbing. Next, clean the exterior glass, windows, headlights, and fog lights with glass cleaner.

The wash cycle.

Tools needed: car wash, wash mitt or sponge, bucket, chamois.

Park the car in a cool, shady location to prevent spotting. Wash and rinse one section of the vehicle at a time, working from the top down. Dry the entire vehicle immediately after washing. AutoZone has many products besides the traditional chamois that can make the drying process even easier.

Tip: Never use dishwashing soap to clean your vehicle; its grease-cutting properties will strip the wax from your car's finish. Also, change the water in your wash bucket and rinse your wash mitt frequently to avoid scratching the paint.

The wax job.

Tools needed: Pre-wax cleaner, liquid or paste wax, applicator pads, clean terry towel, or buffer.

Before waxing your car, always use a pre-wax cleaner. Some of these products come with a clay bar, which helps remove old wax and dirt imbedded in the clear coat. Next, add a thin coat of wax, one section of the car at a time, and then buff it out before moving to the next section.

Tip: Liquid waxes are usually easier to apply, but paste waxes tend to last longer.

The tires and trim.

Tools needed: Tire shine, applicator pads.

Many tire protectants can be sprayed directly on the tires, but many car enthusiasts have found that using an applicator pad helps to minimize overspray and helps ensure even coverage.

The inside job.

Tools needed: stiff-bristled brush, wet/dry automotive or shop vacuum, carpet cleaner, upholstery cleaner, protectant, glass cleaner, shop towels.

Remove the floor mats and clean them first. If the mats are carpeted, loosen ground-in dirt with a stiff nylon brush, then follow with a carpet cleaner and vacuum. Clean the carpets in the same manner.

Clean your interior glass and mirrors with glass cleaner (not a multi- purpose cleaner).

Finally, clean the upholstery, dashboard and interior trim, then follow with a protectant.

Tip: Do not use cleaners and protectants designed for vinyl interior on leather surfaces. AutoZone has a full line of cleaners and protectants specifically for leather interiors.

The final touch.

Examine the vehicle lengthwise at all angles, checking for swirl marks, water spots, or places you may have missed earlier. Check all glass surfaces inside and out for streaks. It's also a good idea to apply a glass treatment to your windshield to improve visibility during rainy weather.

For more tips on detailing, plus lots of advice on keeping your car running great, stop by your local AutoZone store, or visit us on the web at www.autozone.com.