Keeping the car, including the tires, neat and clean is important for many vehicle owners. To keep tires looking pristine, some owners use tire shine, but how long does this product last? We were also curious about this, so we researched it to help you find the answers.
Tire shine will keep your tires looking pristine anywhere from three days to a couple of months. This is highly dependent on the type of tire shine that you will use. Tire shine comes in different types, and the longevity of these tire shines is dependent on the ingredients used by the product.
Using tire shine on your car's tires will make them look polished all the time. In this post, we will discuss the different kinds of tire shine you can use and how to use them properly. We'll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using tire shine, so keep reading, and we hope you enjoy this post!
How Long Does Tire Shine Last?
Maintaining a car doesn't mean only taking care of its engine. It also means taking care of the car's exterior by keeping it in tip-top shape. Aside from the regular car wash, it's also a good idea to make your tires shine and make them look brand new again.
Enhancing the appearance of your tires can be achieved with several products. Typically, you want to look for tire dressings or what you will commonly find as tire shine. They come in different kinds, made up of different ingredients to achieve that formula.
Generally speaking, the longevity of the tire shine depends on what kind you use and the amount of activity your tires experience on a day-to-day basis. For cars that go through dustier or muddier roads than usual, expect that you'll need to apply more tire shine than other car owners.
Most tire shine products will help keep your tires looking new for about three days. However, some tire shine products can last longer, anywhere from a week to a few months. Depending on your use, choose the tire shine that is best suited for your lifestyle.
Kinds Of Tire Shine
As we have mentioned earlier, different kinds of tire shine are available on the market today. They are all applied to the tires differently. Here are some kinds of tire shine you can use on your cars.
Dressing
Tire dressing products are made of silicone or petroleum ingredients. These tire dressings prevent water from getting absorbed by the tires. One of the benefits of tire dressings is that they prevent the adverse effects of sun exposure and weather elements. Most tire dressing products come in liquid or spray form.
Wax
Wax tire shine products are also made of silicone as their main ingredient. However, aside from silicone, it also contains wax ingredients that make the tires look shiny. One of the benefits of using wax tire shines is its ability to provide protection against weather elements; the tires will look less scratched when applied.
Sealant
If you are looking for tire shine that is more durable, tire shine sealants are the best option. Tire shine sealants can be applied by hand, and they seep through the nook and crannies of the tires. Sealants also penetrate the surface of the tires and harden the pores. This helps protect the tire from sun damage and other weather elements.
Does Tire Shine Ruin Tires?
One of the greatest misconceptions people have about tire shine is that it ruins tires by weakening the rubber. Contrary to popular belief, good tire shine products can actually lengthen your tires' lifespan.
Before getting tire shine, make sure to pick a good brand that uses quality ingredients. Note that petroleum-based tire shines can be detrimental to your tires, especially if they are a little old. This is because petroleum can dry out the sidewall of the tires, leading them to crack even more.
When choosing tire shine, consider getting silicone-based products. You should also apply the tire shine properly by cleaning the tires before application and applying it correctly. This will prevent the tires from cracking and browning prematurely.
How To Apply Tire Shine
Applying tire shine is a simple process that you only have to do every once in a while. With most tire shine products, you'll only apply them every couple of weeks. If the tires still look good after a few weeks, you can even reduce applications to every few months.
1. Clean the tires
One of the first things to do before applying tire shine is to clean it properly. Most people forget this step which causes the tire shine to dull quicker because it does not penetrate the tire surface. Clean the tires beforehand using a good tire cleaning solution.
Check out this tire cleaner on Amazon.
Use a brush to scrub away any debris and soil that may be stuck on the tire treads. For best results, you can also use a pressure washer to clean the spaces in between effectively.
2. Dry the tires
Using a sponge, remove the excess water from the tires. Leave them to dry completely. This step is important because wet tires can prevent the tire shine from sticking to the surface properly. Wet tires can also cause the tire shine to fling, drip, or flick away from the tire surface.
3. Apply the tire shine
Before applying the tire shine, read the instructions carefully. Different products have different application instructions, and it is best to follow them properly. Some products have specific applicators that can help you properly lay down the product on the tires. Use gloves for safety reasons when applying the tire shine.
4. Let it sit
After applying the tire shine, let it sit out to air dry. Most products will give you the duration of how long the tires should sit out to dry before you can drive them. Typically, you can leave them for 10 to 20 minutes so that they are completely dry.
5. Wipe excess off
After the specified duration on your car tires, remember to wipe the excess product off. Using a sponge, remove the excess to prevent dust, dirt, and grime from clinging to the tires. This will also prevent the tire shine from drying out with drips on the surface of the tires.
Best Tire Shine
Many tire shine products are available on the market, and it can be a little difficult to choose the best one for your vehicle. The right tire shine for your car will depend on where you typically drive the vehicle and your personal preference. Some people prefer quick applications, while other people enjoy spending time cleaning their cars.
Get this One-step tire shine spray on Amazon.
This tire shine is easy to use because you only need to do one step, and then you're done. This ArmorAll Extreme Tire Shine is simple to apply—just spray and wipe on your tires to protect and condition the tire surface. It also has additional gloss enhancers, so your tires will surely have this intense, mirror-like shine.
Check out this tire shine gel on Amazon.
This Black Magic tire shine gel has an advanced silicone formula that makes your tires look glossy and shiny. One of the benefits of tire shine gel is its longevity—the tire shine can last for up to 8 weeks. The tire shine has its own applicator, but it will require a little bit more elbow grease compared to other products.
Grab this long-lasting tire dressing on Amazon.
This tire dressing is best for those who prefer a more natural rubber look. This tire dressing will offer the best protection and shine if you have expensive tires. This product is meant to give your tires long-lasting protection and shine, even in tough weather conditions.
Wrapping Things Up
Applying tire shine to your car tires can make them look shiny and brand-new, even when they are not. They can also help lengthen your car tires' life because one of this product's benefits is protection from the sun and elements. Apply tire shine to make your tires gleam, and you'll definitely have shiny wheels that look good on your cars.
Would you like to learn more about your vehicle's tires? We have a couple of articles that might help you: