Tyre blackening

[Raymond Lin]

Instead of buying another separate product I like CarPro PERL the best. I just dilute some and use it for tyres, plastic trims etc. Put it in a spray bottle, easy to apply inside a minute for all 4 wheels.

 

[Muska]

I will second carPro Perl.

Having been a long time fan of Meguiars High Endurance Gloss and trying several other types of tyre dressing Perl gives a lovely finish that has outlasted anything else I've tried. I use it neat on tyres but a tiny amount goes a long way to coating.

 

[Merlin5]

Thanks, CarPro Perl is another for me to consider. But it's water based. Aren't solvent and silicone based like the Endurance gel and Gyeon meant to outlast water based dressings?

 

[Muska]

I've used both the Endurance gel & Gyeon tyre dressing and I've not found either to last as long as Perl personally. Gyeon really didn't last for me
Endurance gel gives a great look if you like the 'wet look' but I find Perl a bit more natural in appearance.

 

[Amos91]

Thanks, CarPro Perl is another for me to consider. But it's water based. Aren't solvent and silicone based like the Endurance gel and Gyeon meant to outlast water based dressings?

The video you quoted earlier said exactly the opposite.

 

[Drumroll]

Tyre shine

I generally use Meguiars Endurance Tyre Gel but I also pick up the spray cans of Simoniz Back to Black Tyre Shine when they're cheap in Costco as they're a quick and easy whip round to tart them up short term.

There are lots of different products depending on if you want a matt finish, satin finish, gloss finish etc.

https://www.cleanyourcar.co.uk/exterior/wheels-tyres/tyre-dressing

Used Meguiars Endurance Tyre Gel for ages, and every other product in between wasn't as efficient. A sponge will make the whole application a lot easier and less wasteful than using a cloth.

 

[Merlin5]

The video you quoted earlier said exactly the opposite.

Ah, I can't remember what he said, I'll take your word for it.
But someone on autogeek said this:

'Solvent dressing works by expanding the pores of the rubber and allowing the silicone to penetrate the surface. They tend to last longer and be more water resistant. Over time some may discolor the tire and or change the composition of the rubber. I've not experienced this very often. Water based dressing sit on the top surfaces more and tend to not last as long.'

 

[Merlin5]

I've got a question for you guys about tyre cleaning as prep before the dressing.

On videos I've watched, some just spray degreaser on, scrub it, rinse and dry.

Some spray degreaser, then add shampoo, scrub it, rinse and dry.

And some spray degreaser, then add shampoo, scrub it, rinse and dry, and then wipe with IPA or mineral spirits.

If I've used degreaser, is shampoo and IPA necessary to make sure tyre is clean enough for dressing to bond?

Do you recommend Surfex HD as degreaser and would a 1 litre bottle last me a while since it can be diluted? It's apparently very good.

And what tyre shampoo is recommended, if needed?

 

[Amos91]

I sometimes use surfed to prep the surface but to be honest I haven’t noticed a massive difference in longevity. If you just apply tyre dressing straight on and happy with how long it lasts then I wouldn’t be too concerned.

 

[Merlin5]

I sometimes use surfed to prep the surface but to be honest I haven’t noticed a massive difference in longevity. If you just apply tyre dressing straight on and happy with how long it lasts then I wouldn’t be too concerned.

I have a habit of getting a bit obsessed and nerdy when I'm learning about something new. Yeah, I think you're right, and if you're not seeing much difference between prepped and unprepped, then maybe I should do what you say and leave the extra effort to the tyre dressing hobbyists.