Swissvax Autobahn

• Product: Autobahn
• Manufacturer: SWISSVAX
• Size: 50ml (Cleaner Fluid sold separately).

Presentation:

SWISSVAX is a brand that needs no introduction by now. A true leader in the manufacture of premium natural waxes in particular, the Swiss brand has built a reputation for excellence through products with exceptional finish and ease of application.

Today, we invite you to (re)discover Autobahn, Swissvax's specific wax for wheels. This wax, based on carnauba (minimum 40% content), is enriched with PTFE (Teflon) to offer significantly greater temperature resistance.
Indeed, very hot brake dust or heavily stressed brake discs create major thermal stress. PTFE is a material that withstands high temperatures very well and also offers a very pronounced hydrophobic effect.



This wax is available in a 50ml format but can also be ordered directly from Swissvax in a large format (200ml pot). We will see that for a specific use, the small pot is more than sufficient.

The first surprise concerns the quality of the product's presentation. The pots, in slightly translucent black, are very elegant. They exude quality. Then, and this is characteristic of Swissvax waxes: the smell released when you unscrew the pot! A true bouquet of fragrances. Here, you'll notice scents of coffee and chocolate that awaken the senses. You could honestly eat it...

Autobahn is fairly hard on the surface compared to a Concorso for example, but less so than some other waxes from the brand with a much higher carnauba content. To make application easier when temperature conditions during application are quite cool, don't hesitate to warm it near a heat source (a spotlight for example).




Usage:

SWISSVAX Autobahn is one of the rare waxes from the brand where application by hand is not recommended. I mean of course application using the palms of your hands. This is due to the presence of Teflon, which is not very good for your health. Therefore, prefer manual application using a foam applicator pad. The CHEMICAL GUYS W-APS will be perfect.

However, before any application, it will be essential to apply the brand's Cleaner Fluid Regular in order to prepare the paintwork for the wax to bond. Like any natural base, a greasy base is needed for adhesion.



You will therefore apply a coat of Cleaner Fluid Regular (without abrasives) to all surfaces to be treated, ideally using a manual microfiber pad. Work the product in crossed straight passes if possible. Cleaner Fluid Regular is a compound of oils — a greasy product therefore — that will require perfect wiping before applying Autobahn.



No dwell time is required for Cleaner Fluid — you apply it and wipe it off. Consider it like a glaze.
Take particular care to wipe thoroughly, otherwise you risk leaving a film of Cleaner Fluid that would come into contact with Autobahn and remove it. Cleaner Fluid, as its name suggests, is also a cleaner, a purifier for your paintwork.

Use a double-sided edgeless microfiber such as the Black Velvet for example.



You can then move straight on to applying Autobahn wax to your wheels.

Autobahn is perfectly suited for use on lacquered, satin, polished, even chrome wheels, on brake calipers and even on exhausts. We will see this at the end of the article.

Rub a soft foam pad such as the CHEMICAL GUYS W-APS for example onto the surface of the wax to load it lightly. Very little is needed. There is no point in fully loading the pad and "greasing" your wheels — you would be wasting product more than anything else.



Spreading SWISSVAX Autobahn goes very well — very little is needed to treat an entire wheel, which makes it a very economical product in the end. With a 50ml pot you can do at least 10 complete sets of 4 wheels.





You will notice that after applying Autobahn to your entire wheel, a white haze will appear. This is the sign that wiping can be carried out.



Prefer using a thick and dense microfiber such as the Bloody Mary for example. It will absorb the greasy wax residues more effectively.

This is the huge advantage of this wax: its ease of wiping! You will hardly find a softer wipe and a softer feel afterwards. Autobahn is truly a prime example.
Wiping is therefore a formality and the shiny finish left afterwards is impressive, especially on this black color.



Once your wheels are treated, you can then add a second coat 4 hours after the first if you wish, for additional protection and shine.

The hydrophobic effect observed is immediate and the water beads are a pleasure to watch, as with any carnauba you might say.





The Autobahn wax, thanks to its Teflon (PTFE) content and its resistance to high temperatures, can also be used on exhausts.
Feel free to finish your application by using the remaining wax on your pad on your exhaust pipes after having cleaned them of course.





Conclusion:

SWISSVAX once again demonstrates the quality of its products. Autobahn is a magnificent wax to apply, wipe off and in terms of the finish left behind. It is no coincidence that it is among the brand's must-haves.
Everything contributes to the pleasure of using this wax: the smell once the pot is opened, the ease of application and wiping.
Of course, its durability, which will certainly allow for several months of protection, will fall short of certain purely chemical ceramic treatments, but the application is far less technical.

Autobahn will therefore appeal to purists, seeking an unmatched finish, wishing to take the time to treat their wheels in their own way.
A must to try at least once in your detailer's life!

Advantages

+ Easy application
+ Effortless wiping.
+ Scent!
+ Finish (shine, beading).

Disadvantages

- Price? (and even then, given the product consumption...)