Polishing and waxing once a year keep paint looking shining and leave a nice protective coat for a while. Depending on your local weather, you may want to do it more often.
Regular cleaning with actual car wash products is a good practice. Using dish soap may be common practice for some, but its not the same and definitely doesnt help maintain your paint; only clean it at the moment. I like to clean my car every 3-4 weeks but if I had the time I'd do it at least every other week. If a paint hasnt been cleaned or polished in a long while, using a clay bar after a cleaning and before a polish and wax will definitely improve paint feel and gloss.
If you want more protection than anything, such as for the front end, you can go the route of clear stick-on film.
If you're seeking added info, please be more specific.
