Tyre dressing is a regular discussion point amongst detailing enthusiasts. There are loads around but surprisingly few of them are very good. If they look good, are easy to apply etc, they tend to be lacking in longevity. And some of them are prone to slinging.
If anyone is looking for very good tyre dressing that gives a really superb finish, is extremely long lasting too, easy to apply and no sling - this one is well worth a look - Hi Shine Long Life Tyre Dressing
http://www.achem.co.uk/shop/product-details.php?prdID=62I’ve been using it for quite a while from when it was called Quarts Tyre Dressing. Quarts is no longer around but the same product is now available direct from the supplier 'achem' under the name Hi Shine.
Previously I've tried all sorts in a search for a dressing that combines a great finish with superior longevity. But, as said, if they delivered on one aspect, they disappointed on the other. So I kept returning to trusty Meguiars Endurance gel which is good but not very long lasting - 2 weeks absolute tops. Then Hi Shine came onto my radar.
It's a silicone based formula but thinner than most other silicone dressings, so it applies very easily - goes on more like a water based gel, but with the lovely finish and repellency you get with silicone formulas. And it lasts and lasts and lasts - product info states durability is 2-3 weeks but I would say more like up to 4 weeks, which is good for a tyre dressing. And no sling at all. Despite its slightly misleading name, it’s actually incredibly versatile in terms of finish and can be anything from matt/satin - satin - gloss depending on how you apply it and how many coats you put on. For a matt finish, give a thorough wipe over after each application. For a satin finish, give a light wipe over each application, and for a shine, skip the wipe down altogether. Whatever finish you prefer one coat gives a great finish, two coats even better.
I apply it using a foam pad and then wipe down lightly afterwards with an old microfibre, as I prefer a satin finish opposed to hi-shine. Usually I do two coats, time permitting. Here's how it looks:
On Golf R
On previous GTI
And even nearly 5 weeks after application, on a very dirty car, the dressing (though diminishing) is still evident, despite the wheels being subject to some very muddy sites and conditions
achem do quite a few other car products too and I have also used their Snow Storm snow foam which was very good. My preferred one is still Valet Pro Advanced but the achem one did a good job. Got pics of it on a car if anyone wants to see what it looks like.
Here's a list of tyre dressings I have tried (in order of preference):
1. achem Hi Shine Long Lasting Tyre Dressing - silicone formula - clear thin liquid - easy to apply - very good finish - excellent lifespan (up to 4 good weeks)
2. Meguiars Endurance Gel - purple silicone gel formula - messy to apply even with dedicated applicator - nice finish - ok lifespan (2 weeks max)
3. Chemical Guys New Look Tire and Trim Gel - oil based formula - thick clear gel - moderately easy to apply - nice finish very similar to Meguiars - ok lifespan (2 weeks)
4. Poorboys Bold n Bright Tire Dressing - water based formula - white thin gel - easy to apply but can run - nice finish - poor lifespan (1 week)
5. Blackfire Total Eclipse Tire Gel - water based formula - pink mid thickness gel - easy to apply - ok finish - poor lifespan (1 week)
6. Zaino Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss - water based formula - pale blue very thin liquid - easy to apply, but so thin it runs badly - average finish - very poor lifespan (less than 1 week)
I haven't tried Gtechniq T1 which gets good reviews but that's because I found what I was looking for with the Hi Shine. But if I hadn't found what I was looking for, the next two on my list to try were the T1 and Gyeon Q2 Tire.
Anyway, what are other people's go-to tyre dressings?
