The final step in washing a car is applying tire polish. Tire polish has two benefits: it highlights your tires, which are often neglected on most vehicles, and it protects them from the elements.
After spending a lot of time cleaning your car with one of the best car soaps and waxing it, this extra step may seem unnecessary, but it can make a big difference.
Tires are susceptible to damage from road grime, sunlight, and general wear and tear, which can cause them to fade to an unsightly white or crack over time.
Whether you have off-road tires or high-performance tires, both take a lot of wear and tear and can benefit from a quality tire polish that will further protect them from future damage while keeping them looking like new.
What Is Tire Shine?
Products designed to restore the factory shine to tires are called “tire shine products.” Some tire cleaners can be harmful to your tires, so be sure to do your research before buying any product. Buffing up your tires can also protect them from the damaging effects of the sun and prolong their life.
There are numerous tire cleaners on the market, so be sure to check with previous buyers before making a purchase.
Some tire cleaners are packaged in convenient spray cans that allow for quick application.
There are also tire cleaners in gel or liquid form. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tire cleaners if you want them to last as long as possible (usually several weeks).
6 Best Tire Shines
1. Chemical Guys VRP Dressing
Tire care items abound at Chemical Guys. VRP Dressing is a favorite here. This tire shine has a viscosity that falls somewhere between a gel and a spray, yet is easy to use and requires no drying time. VRP Dressing is made entirely of water, so it will not attack vinyl or plastic.
VRP is one of the better solutions on the market because it is versatile and naturally gives good results, especially if you are not willing to spend a lot of money on a product that can only be used on your tires.
2. Black Magic Tire Wet
This is the only tire cleaner I have ever used, and I have tried several others over the years. It is cheap, effective and easy to use. With Black Magic Wet Tire, your tires will look as shiny as mirrors.
You can apply the tire shine and let it dry naturally for a high-gloss look, or wipe it off for a more subtle shine. Tire Wet has a claimed four-week life, according to Black Magic, but that estimate is pretty optimistic, especially in wet conditions.
One major drawback to Black Magic Tire Wet is the difficulty in using the trigger spray. If you are not careful, you run the risk of the spray damaging the car’s paint or staining the interior. If you are not careful, the spray can spin off if you apply too much and do not give it enough time to dry.
3. Car Guys Tire Shine
Although the price of Car Guys Tire Shine is quite high at over $17 for an 18-ounce container, the kit comes with a microfiber applicator, which is a nice addition.
The manufacturer claims that the unique polymer component of the Tire Shine spray ensures that the shine lasts longer and looks better for longer. In addition, this product provides extra protection from the sun’s harmful rays when applied to your tires.
Tire Shine, like many other Car Guys products, can be used to restore the quality of tires, vinyl siding and plastic parts.
Unfortunately, this product is not waterproof, so it is not suitable for people who live in rainy climates or want to keep their cars clean through the summer.
Any precipitation is enough to remove this substance completely. However, if you are one of those people who do not mind making the effort once a week, then applying the product weekly should be no obstacle.
4. TriNova Tire Shine
Chances are you have never heard of TriNova, but rest assured they make top-notch car care products. The Tire Shine product is not flashy, but it outperforms the competition. It produces a high-gloss finish that can be polished to a medium sheen. TriNova does recommend washing your tires before using this product, but if the condition of your tires is not too bad, it may not be necessary.
Although it is a spray, TriNova Tire Shine can be tricky to apply. Spray the product directly onto your tires from a distance of 6 to 8 inches, as directed by the manufacturer.
However, be careful not to get anything on your car’s paint or rims. Since the product can attack materials that are not rubber, you should remove it as soon as possible and wash it off with soap and water if necessary.
5. Adam’s Tire Shine
If the aroma of the product is important to you, Adam’s Tire Shine is a good choice. The intended aroma of Tire Shine is that of banana toffee. It’s funny to poke fun at the idea of a pleasant-smelling product, but it’s better than alternatives that irritate nasal passages or even require you to wear a mask.
Adam’s Tire Shine has a long-lasting, pleasant-smelling formula that is enriched with silica. It uses a SiO2 solution to give your tires a glossy shine and a protective layer. Adam’s uses a low spin formula so you do not have to leave it on overnight to dry, and it can also be applied to plastic.
Adam’s offers Tire Shine in 1-gallon and 5-gallon containers, so you can buy as much as you need to keep your tires in pristine condition.
6. Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Extra Glossy Tire Shine
Another tire product from Chemical Guys, Tire Kicker Extra Glossy Tire Shine, is a spray rather than a liquid like VRP.
Like VRP, this tire shine is safe for use on rubber, plastic and vinyl, so you can apply it anywhere, even in the engine compartment and cabin. This tire shine contains gloss enhancers and UV blockers to keep your tires looking good and from fading in the sun.
Tires will not stay shiny for long if driven in the rain, as is the case with any shiny tire polish. To avoid messy application, Chemical Guys recommends spraying the solution onto an applicator first and then applying it to the tires.
Benefits Of Tire Shine
Using tire shine is highly recommended if you want your tires to keep their like-new appearance. The surface of a tire is more even and smooth when all the imperfections in the rubber are filled in. Polishing tires also helps prevent wear from sun exposure and prolongs the life of the tires.
And it can help prevent the metal parts of the tire from rusting. A apartment tire can be the result of a tire that has rusted and is losing air. In most cases, tire shine can be applied with a sponge or cloth and dries in minutes.
Is Tire Shine Worth It?
To make your car look better and more presentable, try tire shine. Since it shields the sun and other elements, it can also help your tires last longer.
Tire shine is not only cheap and available everywhere, but it’s also easy to find at most auto parts stores. However, not everyone thinks that polishing tires is a worthwhile activity. It’s not required for tire maintenance, but it can make your car look better. It’s up to you to decide if you like doing it.
Types Of Tire Shines
Tire cleaners come in the form of sprays, gels and pastes. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages; choose the one that best suits your needs.
Let us take a look at the specifics of each product:
- Spray-on tire shine – It is the cheapest and easiest to implement. The disadvantage is that its effect does not last as long as that of other tire cleaners.
- Gel tire shine – It costs extra, but it protects your tires for a longer period of time and makes them look like new.
- Paste tire shine – Although this method is the most expensive, it ensures maximum safety over a longer period of time and produces an exceptionally rich and deep shine.
How To Shop For The Best Tire Shine?
If you care about the appearance of your car, you need shiny tires. With a good tire polish, you can make your tires look like new again and protect them from the elements. There are numerous tire care products available, making it difficult to choose the best one.
To help you choose the most suitable tire polish for your vehicle, please see the following tips:
- Think about the results you want from your tire cleaner: The protective elements in certain tire cleaners not only add shine, but also prevent cracking and fading. Choose a tire cleaner with UV protection if you live in a hot climate.
- Look at the list of ingredients: Most tire cleaners contain either synthetic or natural waxes as the main ingredient. Synthetic waxes provide a lasting shine, but are not as easy to apply evenly. Natural waxes, on the other hand, give a more natural look but do not last as long. Choose a wax that suits your taste.
- Follow the online application process with care: a tire cleaner can be applied manually or by machine. If you choose to go this route, be sure to use only a machine designed for tire cleaner application. Tire cleaner is quick and easy to apply by hand, but a machine will provide a more even coating.
Tire Shines FAQs
How long does tire shine stay on tires?
Even after the first rain or car wash, tire shine can fade within a few days. Choose a quality tire cleaner if you care about the appearance of your tires.
Be sure to check the labels on any tire cleaner you plan to buy to make sure it will not corrode the rubber. Tire protection and shine treatments can keep your tires looking like new for weeks.
Can you drive after putting on tire shine?
To really make your car shine, try tire shine. I wonder if you can drive safely with it, though. Of course, if you want a quick answer, tire shine is perfectly roadworthy.
To be safe, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Before you get behind the wheel, make sure that the tire shine has dried completely. Typically, you’ll need to allow 15 minutes for this to happen. Otherwise, your wheels and tires could pick up the tire shine and look terrible!
Second, since tire shine reduces traction, ease off on the throttle and brakes until you get used to the new conditions.
And finally, you should wash your tires before applying tire cleaner. Otherwise, you risk getting dirt and grime stuck. Now that you have taken these tips to heart, you can bask in the glory of your newly polished vehicle.
How We Chose The Best Tire Shines?
To make sure we know all the brands that are out there, we research extensively on the Internet and with the industry’s leading online retailers before making a final decision.
We consider many factors, such as customer feedback, star ratings, brand philosophy, production methods, raw materials, and ease of access. We take the time to think through the pros and cons so you do not have to.
