Car washing is more than just about making it look better. It’s also a form maintenance. As with all tasks, it is possible to do it wrong and cause damage. You can also go too far when you want to achieve a high-quality shine. Detailing often includes giving your car’s tires shine. Is that something you should do?
Is tire shine good or bad for your tires?
Tire shine, also known as “tire dressing”, is a term used to describe a range of chemicals that are meant to enhance the appearance of a tire. It makes the tire look new and shiny. As Consumer Reports points out, certain products can protect your tires from harmful elements like salt and ultraviolet light. These contaminants can make your tires brown, crack and even rot, reports. Tire debris is an harmful pollutant.
If you’re storing tires for a long time, it is best to not polish or dress them. Some tire shine products can cause damage to the tires over time, reports. Some even warn you to not let them in waterways, truckTrend reports. What’s the deal?
CarWashCountry explains that the key lies in the tire shine formula. While solvent-based cleaners make your tires shiner for longer, they dry them out faster, Autoblog reports. While not as durable, water-based dressings are much more gentle than the tire compounds, Autoblog and Roadshow reports. They don’t leave behind a film which helps to prevent further headaches Detail Image reports. But more later.
A water-based tire shine product, when used correctly, can be beneficial to your tires.
How do you shine your car tires?
It is easy to shine your car tires Autoweek reports. It is important to properly apply the dressing and clean it up.
First, ensure that your tires and wheels are clean before you shine them. TheVehicleLab reports. This means thoroughly cleaning the tire and wheel surfaces to remove brake dust and dirt. and Hagerty also explain. You should avoid using a stiff brush as this can cause more damage. Make sure your tire is cool before you shine it reports.
The type of tire dressing that you are using will determine the next steps. You can avoid spray- or aerosol-based shine products by applying it using a microfiber towel, Avalon King reports. Gel-based tire dressings require a special applicator such as a brush, pad, or towel.
It doesn’t matter what, let it dry for a few minutes after being applied. Use a microfiber towel or cloth to remove any excess. If your car’s tire is still not shiny enough, you can give it another coat. Detailed Images suggests waiting at least 30 min before you drive the car.
Things to keep in mind before you shine
For several reasons, drying-and-waiting is crucial. It prevents tire shine from being scattered around due to tire rotation. Now your sparkling-clean car is filthy again. This is another reason to use water-based treatments. They are less susceptible to tire slinging, Autoblog reports, and tire sling.
Second, waiting for the dressing drying reduces another possible downside to shining your tires. One that could happen is if the product gets into the tire sidewalls. Loss of traction.
Tire shine can cause tire tread wear and reduce tire grip. Your car’s tires are looking great but it is now sliding faster and taking longer to stop. You won’t find dressing on motorcycle tires. RideNow Powersports explains.