Car Care FAQ – Expert Answers by Swissvax

Always wash gently and with plenty of water to avoid scratches and paint damage.

Keep the paintwork wet at all times throughout the wash. Dry or slightly damp surfaces dramatically increase the risk of micro-scratches. Remove coarse dirt, sand, and dust before the contact wash begins — otherwise these particles act as abrasives against the clear coat.

A careful wash is the foundation for all further care steps. It protects appearance and ensures long-term surface integrity.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, see our vehicle wash tutorials.

No. Washing or applying care products in direct sunlight causes water and products to dry too quickly on the hot surface.

This leads to water spots, streaks, and uneven results. Care products cannot be worked in evenly and may not bond properly. On sensitive surfaces, this can cause permanent marks or residue.

For the best results, always wash and detail your vehicle in the shade or wait until the surface has fully cooled down.

More tips in our vehicle wash tutorials.

Wash frequency depends on driving habits, weather exposure, and parking conditions.

Regular care protects paintwork from cumulative damage caused by dirt, road salt, bird droppings, tree sap, and UV exposure. Vehicle care is not just cosmetic — it directly preserves resale value. In summer and winter especially, consistent maintenance prevents issues before they become costly to correct.

A well-maintained vehicle needs less intensive correction work over time, saving both effort and expense. Browse our washing and drying products for the right tools to get started.

Always soften insect residues before removal — never scrub them dry.

Soak a clean cloth in lukewarm water and lay it on the affected area for about five minutes. Once softened, gently wash the residues away using Car Bath and a Micro-Wash cloth.

Never rub dried insect remains or use insect sponges — both cause micro-scratches in the clear coat.

Carnauba wax has been prized for glossy finishes since the 19th century. However, pure carnauba wax on its own has limited mechanical durability and can be removed relatively easily. This is where the Swissvax formulation makes the difference.

Swissvax deliberately blends pure carnauba wax with additional natural waxes, fruit oils, and botanical components. This blend is refined in a controlled, multi-hour manufacturing process carried out entirely by hand. The result is a wax that lasts significantly longer than pure carnauba while delivering the characteristic deep, warm gloss.

To this day, every tin is produced and filled by hand in a manufactory setting. The complex composition is not suited to industrial mass production. Because only biological raw materials are used, Swissvax waxes leave no white residues on rubber seals, plastic trim, or panel edges.

One 200 ml tin is sufficient for up to 15 applications when used correctly. Explore our full range of carnauba waxes to find the right formulation for your paint, or request a free personalized wax recommendation. For optimal bonding, always prepare the paint surface with Cleaner Fluid Regular before waxing.

Wax and ceramic coatings follow two fundamentally different protection philosophies and are not directly comparable.

A ceramic coating excels at hydrophobicity — strong water and dirt repellency. It forms a durable, chemical-resistant layer. However, it is permanent and affects all future maintenance. Application is more complex, mistakes are harder to fix, and scratches that occur through the coating cannot simply be polished out. When panels are repainted, the ceramic must be reapplied, potentially creating inconsistencies. Performance also decreases gradually over time.

A Swissvax carnauba wax may not match ceramic-level water beading, but it clearly wins on gloss depth, wet-look appearance, and ease of use. Different carnauba concentrations produce different gloss characteristics — see our car wax collection for the full range. Application is straightforward and requires no prior experience. Wax can be reapplied any time — including selectively on high-wear or repainted areas — keeping the entire vehicle at a consistently high care level.

The two systems should not be mixed at the top layer. Ceramic on top means ceramic care. Carnauba on top means carnauba care — otherwise you lose the characteristic wet-look gloss and water-spot tolerance.

Can you combine them?

Wax over ceramic is possible but lasts only about two months. Ceramic over wax works technically because the ceramic chemistry dissolves the wax underneath.

For the best combination of deep gloss and high hydrophobicity, Swissvax recommends a premium carnauba wax finished with KERAMIQ9, the water-based ceramic sealant from Swissvax. Not sure which option is right for your car? Request a free wax recommendation.

Yes. A second wax layer reinforces the protective seal and visibly deepens the gloss. The added thickness intensifies light refraction on the paint surface, creating a richer, more three-dimensional shine while extending overall durability.

Allow at least three hours between the first and second coat. This gives the first layer time to fully bond with the paint before the second layer builds on top of it.

PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, a synthetic high-performance polymer in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine. This gives PTFE exceptional chemical resistance and one of the lowest friction coefficients of any known material.

The original PTFE resin was developed in 1938 by DuPont and became widely known under the brand name Teflon.

In vehicle care, PTFE is valued because it is highly dirt-repellent, reduces surface adhesion, and creates a very durable protective film. Swissvax uses PTFE in products like Autobahn wheel wax and Shield carnauba wax, where it significantly reduces the adhesion of brake dust, road grime, and salt. See all PTFE-enhanced waxes in our collection.

Yes. Lotos Speed can be applied over an existing wax seal to boost water repellency and extend the durability of the protective layer.

Wait at least three hours after waxing before applying Lotos Speed. The wax needs time to fully cure and bond with the paint — only then will the additional sealant layer achieve its full effect.

KERAMIQ9 does not change the gloss level. It sits transparently on the surface without adding color depth or shine on its own. This is why KERAMIQ9 also works on matte paints and matte wraps, where the original finish must remain unchanged.

Gloss is created by reflection and color saturation — both achieved through thorough paint preparation with polish and wax beforehand. KERAMIQ9 preserves and protects that condition, but does not create it.

Yes. KERAMIQ9 is an infused, water-based ceramic sealant designed for both private and professional users. It is easy to apply, highly water-repellent, and fully removable if needed.

KERAMIQ9 extends the durability of surfaces previously treated with Swissvax polishes and waxes by several months. It locks in the achieved condition — but like all ceramic sealants, it does not create additional gloss without proper paint preparation beforehand.

Wax is not a polish. Polishing is done exclusively with a polish — never with a wax.

In everyday language, "car wax" is often used loosely to describe polishes. Technically, they are completely different product categories with different functions.

A polish is a liquid correction product containing water, solvents, and fine abrasives. It removes paint defects such as fine scratches, holograms, or haze and smooths the surface. Polishes can be applied by hand or machine. Swissvax polishes — called Cleaner Fluids — are formulated for controlled, safe correction without over-aggressive removal.

A wax contains no abrasives at all. It does not correct the paint — it seals and protects it. Pure carnauba wax intensifies gloss and provides a natural, long-lasting protective barrier.

The correct sequence is always: wash → clean/polish → wax. Wax is never used for paint correction. It is always applied to an already clean, smooth surface. See our paint care tutorials for step-by-step application guides.

Swissvax Cleaner Fluid hand polishes and Cleaner Fluid Professional machine polishes differ significantly in viscosity and formulation.

Hand polishes are deliberately more fluid for easy manual application. Machine polishes are firmer and more stable to withstand rotational forces.

Cleaner Fluid Regular is therefore not suitable for machine use. At high RPM, the thin product splatters, distributes unevenly, and delivers poor results. For machine polishing, use Cleaner Fluid Professional Regular — specifically designed for controlled product release under mechanical load.

Cut performance describes the abrasive power of a machine polish on a scale from 0 (no removal) to 100 (maximum removal).

For Swissvax Cleaner Fluid Professional polishes:

Professional Regular — cut value 22. Very finely balanced, ideal for one-step polishing where correction and finish are achieved in a single pass.

Professional Medium — cut value 30. Also suitable for one-step polishing, as the cut stays below the threshold requiring a separate finishing step.

Professional Strong — cut value 51. At this level, two-step polishing is required. The finish threshold starts at roughly 55, so a finer polish must follow the correction pass.

The longer you work in the initial cut phase, the finer and more uniform the finish becomes — though a high-cut polish cannot fully replace a dedicated finishing polish. Professional Regular is an independent nano polish for machine use and is the softest of the three, aimed at users who want maximum correction-plus-finish in one step.

Swissvax offers three quick detailing spray products with clearly separated purposes. They are not interchangeable.

Quick Finish is for quick spot cleaning. It removes light dust, fresh insect splatter, bird droppings, resin, and water spots from paint, glass, chrome, wheels, and plastics. It cleans — but does not seal.

Nano Express is a paint and plastic refresher. Use it when full paint preparation is not practical — for example after automated car washes, on used vehicles, or rental cars. It temporarily conceals wash marks and fine micro-scratches (about one month) and refreshes color depth. Also excellent for plastics, acrylic windows, vinyl rear windows, door jambs, and sill plates. Application time is roughly 30 minutes per vehicle.

Lotos Speed is a quick sealant for already-clean surfaces. Apply directly after washing and drying. It creates a very smooth, highly water-repellent finish on exterior paint and glass for about one month. Also works on high-gloss interior surfaces like lacquered wood. Not compatible with KERAMIQ9.

Vehicle interiors use several distinct leather and leather-like materials, each with different care needs.

Smooth leather (coated) is surface-sealed, durable, and the easiest to maintain. Open-pore leather such as aniline or semi-aniline leather is untreated, breathable, and noticeably more sensitive to moisture, staining, and abrasion. Vegan leather is a synthetic material that looks like leather but ages differently and requires gentler, material-specific care. Alcantara is not leather at all — it is a synthetic suede with a fine fiber structure that demands a completely different cleaning approach.

Each surface reacts differently to cleaners, moisture, and mechanical stress. Using the right product for the right material is essential to preserving appearance, feel, and longevity. Find all options in our leather care collection, or learn more on our leather care guide.

A simple water drop test in an inconspicuous area gives you the answer. Place a small drop of water on the leather. If it absorbs quickly and the area darkens, the leather is open-pore (aniline). If the drop sits on the surface and can be wiped away, the leather is coated smooth leather.

Open-pore leather is untreated, breathable, and sensitive to moisture and dirt. Coated smooth leather has a protective color layer, is more resistant to wear, and significantly easier to care for.

New smooth leather does not need conditioning — it is sufficiently moisturized from the factory. However, it should be protected from day one against early wear, abrasion, and dye transfer from clothing (especially dark jeans).

For this purpose, apply Leather Glaze. It forms an invisible protective barrier that reduces friction and prevents dye penetration, keeping the leather cleaner and more uniform for longer without altering its natural feel.

After cleaning, treat used or dry smooth leather with Leather Milk. Apply sparingly — the emulsion absorbs into the material, restores moisture, and keeps the leather supple.

Leather Milk prevents further drying, improves the feel, and supports natural elasticity without over-greasing or creating an unnatural shine. For long-term waterproofing and deep protection of heavily used leather, follow up with Leather Wax as a final sealing step.

Swissvax smooth leather products must not be used on buffalo leather or suede. These leather types have a different fiber structure and react negatively to standard smooth leather cleaners and conditioners.

Open-pore leather (aniline) also requires caution. Do not use strongly cleaning products or brushes on these surfaces — aggressive treatment can damage the open structure, cause staining, or permanently alter the appearance.

For sensitive leather types, the rule is always: clean gently, work without pressure, and only use products designed for that specific material.

Vegan leather is cleaned and optionally protected, but it does not need nourishing emulsions like genuine leather. For material-appropriate cleaning, use Vegan Leather Cleaner.

This cleaner gently removes dirt while maintaining the material's elasticity and preventing drying or cracking. The surface is cleaned without being over-treated or left greasy. Depending on the texture, apply with a soft brush or sponge, then wipe with a clean cloth.

Vegan leather is a synthetic material with different aging behavior than genuine leather. Classic leather conditioners are not suitable and can negatively affect the surface over time. See our fabric and vegan leather collection for all suitable products.

Start by thoroughly vacuuming loose dirt with a narrow nozzle. Remove floor mats and loose carpets beforehand for best access.

Clean textile surfaces — seats, carpets, headliners, floor mats — with Fabric. This textile cleaner removes dirt gently without leaving marks and works on all interior fabrics.

Next, clean plastic and vinyl surfaces with Plastic Wash. It provides deep-pore cleaning and creates the ideal base for subsequent care or sealing — without attacking the surface or leaving a greasy finish.

Browse our complete interior car care range, or visit our interior care guide for detailed instructions. Following this sequence keeps the interior hygienically clean, properly maintained by material, and visually consistent.

Sensitive surfaces like piano black trim, displays, and high-gloss interior panels are best cleaned with Quick Interior Finish and a Micro Polish cloth. Fingerprints, dust, and light smudges come off streak-free without micro-scratches.

Quick Interior Finish is antistatic and solvent-free. It prevents renewed dust buildup, protects sensitive coatings, and preserves the original finish of screens and gloss trim. See our full touchscreen care range for more options.

First, thoroughly clean all interior plastic and vinyl with Plastic Wash. This removes dirt, skin oils, and residues while creating an even base for care products.

After cleaning, apply Protecton for intensive deep conditioning and a rich protective layer. For matte surfaces or a matte finish, use Protecton Matt instead. Both products protect against drying, discoloration, and premature material degradation. Find all options in our plastic and carbon care collection.

Clean Alcantara surfaces with Alcanta Cleaner. Spray the cleaner onto a clean sponge or directly onto the surface and work in by dabbing only. Do not press hard and do not rub — this protects the fine synthetic fibers from damage.

For heavier soiling, carefully work in the Alcanta Cleaner with a soft brush using minimal pressure. Then dab the surface dry with a soft cotton cloth. Always avoid rubbing to preserve the structure and appearance of the Alcantara.

Matte-painted wheels need a specific sealing process to preserve the matte finish while building effective protection.

Start by washing and fully drying the wheels. Then spray a small section with Pre Cleaner Opaque and wipe it off within 10–15 seconds. Repeat section by section until the entire surface is clean and prepped for sealing.

For the seal itself, apply Autobahn wheel wax to one small section at a time. After about 10–15 seconds of curing, buff off and move to the next section.

This method fully preserves the matte effect while making the wheel more resistant to contamination and easier to clean going forward.

Swissvax offers two wheel cleaners because wheels have very different cleaning needs depending on maintenance level and soiling.

Wheel is a classic concentrate based on natural peppermint oil. Dilute it with water to match the soiling level — only as much cleaning power as necessary, which helps preserve existing wax protection. Highly economical and compact for travel. Ideal for regularly maintained wheels with light to moderate brake dust.

Wheel Spray Forte is a modern, acid-free and phosphate-free spray cleaner safe for all wheel types including painted and magnesium rims. A built-in color indicator shows when the chemical reaction is working. The thicker formula clings better and removes heavily baked-on brake dust more reliably.

In practice: Wheel is your everyday go-to for regular cleaning. Wheel Spray Forte is the right call for neglected wheels, post-highway drives, or when weeks of brake dust have accumulated.

Always clean wheels before washing the body. Brake dust, metal particles, and heavy grime could otherwise reach already-cleaned paint surfaces and cause damage.

Wheel cleaning uses stronger cleaners, brushes, and plenty of water. If done after the paint wash, loosened dirt, cleaner splashes, and contaminated water could settle on the clean bodywork, undoing your work and risking micro-scratches.

By cleaning wheels first, then washing the paint, you keep the final result clean, uniform, and well protected — and you prevent brake dust from causing lasting damage to the wheel surface itself. See our full rim and tire care range and our wheel care guide for detailed instructions.

For lasting protection, use Autobahn wheel wax. It forms a heat-resistant protective layer based on carnauba wax enriched with PTFE. This makes it significantly harder for brake dust, salt, and road grime to bond to the surface, and future cleaning becomes much easier.

Thanks to its high temperature resistance, Autobahn is suitable even for heavily stressed wheels on performance vehicles. It prevents corrosion, protects existing finishes, and extends the time between deep cleans.

Treat tire sidewalls with Pneu after they are clean and dry. This tire dressing supplies moisture to the rubber compound, prevents drying and cracking, and delivers an even, deep black finish. Spray on directly or apply with a brush or applicator.

For whitewall tires, first clean the white area with Pneu White. This specialist cleaner removes yellowing and stubborn stains without damaging the material. After cleaning and drying, apply Pneu to the black rubber areas for protection and a clean appearance. Step-by-step instructions are available in our tire and rim care tutorials.

On matte-painted or matte-wrapped surfaces, no conventional polishes, waxes, insect removers, or insect sponges may be used. These products smooth the micro-texture and permanently shift the finish toward gloss. To keep matte surfaces looking correct, Swissvax developed the Opaque product line — learn more on our matte paint care guide. All Opaque products are purpose-built for the structure and sensitivity of matte finishes.

Opaque premium wax contains 40% by volume of pure Brazilian Grade One carnauba wax. It protects matte surfaces against fingerprints, dirt, water spots, and insect residues without altering the matte effect. The surface stays evenly matte while becoming more resistant and easier to clean. Application is very straightforward for both private and professional users.

For a durable result, always prepare the surface with Pre Cleaner Opaque before waxing. This ensures proper adhesion and full protective performance.

No. Matte paints and matte wraps must never be polished. Polishing smooths the surface texture and permanently changes the appearance toward gloss. There is no polish designed for matte surfaces.

Before sealing, however, the surface still needs to be cleaned and prepped. Use Pre Cleaner Opaque to gently prepare the paint without altering the matte finish.

Wash matte vehicles exclusively with Car Bath Opaque. This shampoo contains no gloss enhancers or brighteners, so the matte finish is fully preserved. After washing, gently dry with the Ultra Dry towel.

Conventional car shampoos are not suitable for matte surfaces — they may contain abrasive particles or gloss-boosting additives that attack the silky texture or create unwanted shine.

Dose Car Bath Opaque sparingly into the wash water and work from top to bottom. Regular washing removes dirt and environmental deposits without damaging the sensitive surface, forming the foundation for further care or sealing with Opaque products.

For matte paint and matte wraps, use Opaque wax. Developed specifically for matte surfaces, it protects against micro-scratches and rapid re-soiling without adding any gloss.

Opaque forms an even protective layer that increases durability and simplifies future cleaning. The matte appearance stays completely intact. Always prepare the surface with Pre Cleaner Opaque first for optimal adhesion.

Use Quick Finish Opaque for light dirt and fingerprints on matte surfaces. Spray on, then gently wipe with a Micro Polish cloth.

Quick Finish Opaque is specifically formulated for matte finishes. It removes light contamination without creating gloss or disrupting the sensitive surface texture. The matte appearance remains fully preserved.

Paint protection films are permanently exposed to UV radiation, dirt, environmental deposits, and chemical stress. Without regular care, the material gradually loses elasticity, becomes brittle, and its protective function degrades.

PPF reliably guards against stone chips and surface damage — whether transparent, glossy, colored, or matte. But all PPF materials age under sunlight, air pollution, insect residues, and lime deposits. These factors attack the film surface, promote water spots, weaken adhesion, and reduce self-healing capability.

Regular care with dedicated Swissvax PPF products — detailed on our PPF care guide — preserves the film's flexibility, stabilizes the surface, and supports its original protective properties. Water and dirt repellency is improved, making deposits easier to remove and significantly reducing the risk of permanent marks.

PPF Wax with 40% carnauba wax is specifically developed for wrapped vehicles and matched to the chemical structure of paint protection films.

It maintains the film's gloss, supports elasticity, and provides additional UV protection. Durability is approximately 6 to 9 months with proper care — though this varies with usage, environmental conditions, and washing habits. Using harsh cleaners or aggressive chemicals will reduce durability.

The high proportion of natural carnauba wax protects the film surface without impairing its material structure or function.

Yes. PPF can be polished by hand or machine using specially developed Swissvax products. Fine scratches, light scuffs, and holograms can be reduced without compromising the film's structure or protective function.

Only use products matched to PPF. Unsuitable or overly aggressive polishes can damage the surface, impair self-healing properties, or create gloss inconsistencies. When applied correctly, the film stays functional, visually uniform, and fully protected.

KERAMIQ9 is compatible with PPF protection films. It provides up to 12 months of additional protection and can be applied one day after waxing.

KERAMIQ9 creates a very smooth, water-repellent surface and further protects the film from environmental influences. Application is safe for private users, free from toxic fumes, and works across different materials. If needed, the coating can be fully and residue-free removed with Swissvax Prep Fluid.

Wash microfiber cloths, polishing pads, and applicators at 40°C (104°F) without fabric softener.

Fabric softener clogs microfiber and reduces cleaning performance, absorbency, and lifespan. Excessive heat or harsh wash cycles can permanently damage hook-and-loop fasteners, foam structure, and fiber bonding.

Always wash care textiles separately from household laundry — and keep cloths with wax or polish residue separate from drying towels and glass cloths. For polishing pads, select a program with extra water rinse so all residues are flushed out completely. Browse our microfiber cloth collection for replacements, and see our tutorials for tips on getting the most from your tools.

Microfiber cloths vary enormously in quality. What matters is fiber structure, material blend, and edge finishing — not appearance.

Fiber splitting: High-quality cloths absorb 7–8 times their weight in liquid because the fibers are split during manufacturing, creating a much larger absorption surface. Cheap cloths use unsplit fibers, dramatically reducing absorption.

Fiber fineness: Premium microfibers measure 0.01–0.02 denier. The finer and denser the fibers, the better the cleaning and dirt pickup. Budget cloths use fibers up to 0.5 denier — roughly the thickness of a regular polyester thread.

Material blend: The standard is 80% polyester / 20% polyamide. Swissvax uses a 70/30 blend for faster, more effective liquid absorption. Polyamide is significantly more expensive than polyester, which is why cheap cloths often contain little or none of it.

Edge finishing: For automotive paintwork, use only cloths without hems, with sealed edges, or with silk-bound edges. Sewn hems can cause scratches and streaks on sensitive paint surfaces. All Swissvax microfiber cloths meet these standards — see our full range.

Seal Feed is used when rubber seals or plastic parts are already aged, dried out, or weathered. For new seals and new plastic parts, Protecton is the right initial product.

Seal Feed is an intensive care product that maintains elasticity, reduces drying, and supports material regeneration. New components do not yet need this level of treatment but benefit from preventive sealing with Protecton.

How often you apply depends on climate. In the Northern US or moderate climates, once or twice per year is enough. In hot, high-UV regions like Texas, Arizona, or the Southwest, monthly application is recommended.

Shelf life depends on the product category and proper storage. Swissvax waxes last 7–10 years when stored in a sealed, undamaged container. For the rest of the range, expect a minimum of two years under proper conditions.

Store products in a cool, dry place at around 50–57°F (10–14°C) — a basement or climate-controlled garage works well. Protect from frost and temperatures above 86°F (30°C), as extremes can affect the formulation.

Shake liquid products well before each use to ensure even distribution of active ingredients. Our care kits and sets are a great way to start, and our care tutorials show you how to get the most out of every product.

The Swissvax AG flagship store and car detailing center at the company headquarters offers personal expert advice and direct product purchases.

Vehicle detailing quotations are provided free of charge, on site, by our specialists. No appointment required.

Address
Tämperlistrasse 3
8117 Fällanden, Switzerland

Contact
Phone: +41 840 851 851
Email: customerservice@swissvax.com

Hours
Monday – Friday
08:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:30 (CET)

For US customers, products are available directly through our online store with domestic shipping. You can also contact us directly with questions.

The cost of professional vehicle detailing depends on the vehicle type, current condition, desired scope of work, and care goals. For this reason, Swissvax does not offer flat-rate pricing but prepares an individual quotation tailored to each vehicle.

At the Swissvax AG detailing center in Fällanden, Switzerland, our team is happy to provide personal advice — even for walk-in visits. After a brief vehicle inspection, you receive a free, no-obligation quote. See all Swissvax detailing centers for locations.

Address
Tämperlistrasse 3
8117 Fällanden, Switzerland

Contact
Phone: +41 840 851 851
Email: customerservice@swissvax.com

Hours
Monday – Friday
08:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 17:30 (CET)

Swissvax products are formulated to be as natural and environmentally compatible as possible without compromising performance or material protection. We call this approach "best-natural" — as natural as technically feasible.

This philosophy goes back to 1930, when founder Hans Anwander began making care products for personal use. From the start, the goal was safety for both the user and the environment — long before sustainability became an industry term.

Today, Swissvax products meet strict international GHS standards and are classified as neither hazardous goods nor harmful to health. They are sold in over 30 countries worldwide.

We rely on natural ingredients wherever possible. Our Wheel cleaner uses peppermint oil as an active ingredient. Our waxes contain high-quality carnauba wax, beeswax, and natural fruit oils. We use only Grade One carnauba wax in cosmetic quality — hand-scraped from carnauba palm leaves, not chemically extracted.

Like all cleaning products — including shampoos and household detergents — Swissvax products contain surfactants and soaps that are generally biodegradable. What matters is dosage. Swissvax products are highly concentrated and designed for maximum effectiveness with minimal amounts, which is reflected in the comparatively small container sizes. Explore the complete Swissvax range, or learn more about Swissvax.