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It's more enviro-friendly and doesn't contain VOCs or petroleum distillates, which tend to prematurely age the surface of tires. I'd post a link were it not for the absurd rules about posting links to commercial websites. Suffice to say you can find it at several detailing supply retailers.
45 years ago, we used brake fluid to shine and blacken the tires.
55 years ago when my dad owned a gas station (there may a few on here that don't know what that is/was) he mixed sugar and water to make the tires black, and shine.
However I wouldn't recommend it.
I've had very good results with 3M Tire and Rubber dressing. Especially when sprayed on to an applicator before dressing the tire. For best results it's best to let it set a while and then buff it with a rag or a towel.
I found that Adams VRT gives me the look I want. Nothing comes off and stays on after multiple washes. Zaino Z-16 would be my second choice. Looks good but it did sling a little on my quarters.
I've been using the same bottle of Meguiars Hot Shine for about 3 years now and I've got 4 vehicles. I don't care for the super shiny look so I apply the tire dressing to a tire sponge and wipe it on sparingly. It makes the tires black (I hate brown tires!) and does not sling off. The tire sponge goes into a ziplock bag so that it doesn't dry out.
I saw a program on a Calif. detail shop. They used motor oil. On the Paint Forum, a concern was mentioned that tire materials can be absorbed on the underside of the wheel well and cause paint damage like the A/C compressor oil on the C2s. As a result, I don't use anything on the tires.
Not into the super glossy tire look myself, and tried all kinds of gunky products. Just settled on regular Armorall. Maybe doesn't last as long, but quick to apply, and gives the natural look I prefer. Gotta be a reason this stuffs still flying off the shelves.
Every time one of these threads is posted, some people assume it means you are talking about SHINY, super glossy tires, dressing your tires doesn't necessarily mean that.
Originally Posted by Emfuser
Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel
It's more enviro-friendly and doesn't contain VOCs or petroleum distillates, which tend to prematurely age the surface of tires. I'd post a link were it not for the absurd rules about posting links to commercial websites. Suffice to say you can find it at several detailing supply retailers.
Really??? prematurely age tires that wear out in 15,000-25,000 miles?? NEVER EVER seen it.
Originally Posted by usraptor
Nothing. The sidewalls are so short, why bother. I spend more time making sure the chrome rims are clean and shinny.
They may be short but they sure can get ugly, tire dressing (of some sort) is definitely needed for them.
Originally Posted by DASHZNT
Zaino for me, it does ALOT more than shine and best of all, it stays put and dries to a natural shine!
There are a lot of options other than Zaino that are as good or better for much, much cheaper.
Originally Posted by Dave Tracy
On the Paint Forum, a concern was mentioned that tire materials can be absorbed on the underside of the wheel well and cause paint damage like the A/C compressor oil on the C2s. As a result, I don't use anything on the tires.
That makes no sense, the underside of the wheelwell is a plastic liner, not even painted, I wouldn't believe everything you watch on TV.
Every time one of these threads is posted, some people assume it means you are talking about SHINY, super glossy tires, dressing your tires doesn't necessarily mean that.
The OP seemed disappointed that when he wiped off the excess dressing he lost the "glossy shine". That's probably why he assumed that..