I agree that a vehicle is a tool but I do clean them. I also clean my tools. in the case of the vehicles regular outside washing helps keep the rust at bay. It also lets me take 2 minutes to hit scrapes/dings with some spraypaint to keep the rust out. Rust is the end of almost every vehicle up here.
When it comes to tools a good cleaning/oiling extends their life. Good garden tools will outlast me so long as I oil the handles to keep them from drying out and prevent the heads from rusting. Same for handtools. Power tools usually burn out motors if/when they clog with dust. clean them and replace the brushes and most will last decades. Cordless almost always die from the batteries wearing out.
as for chrome accessories it really depends on what it is for. I added steps so my wife can easily climb into the truck. I'm considering adding a winch since I've found a fair number of times it would be useful. I won't be adding a shiny roll bar or shiny plastic balls to the trailer hitch though
