Keeping your tyres in the same, shiny, ‘new tyre’ look can be difficult for a lot of people, but keeping them clean can make your car look sleek and well cared for. That’s why you see car enthusiasts and regular drivers alike spending more time looking after their tyres and making sure they’re always looking brand new. Since tyres are the most fundamental part of a vehicle, it can be hard to maintain their brand new look. This is due to how quickly their condition can degrade. As they are in constant contact with the road, tyres succumb to various elements including dust, debris, and damage on a daily basis which quickly erodes their black shine.
Here are a few basic examples of how to keep on top of your tyres and keep them clean for longer:
- Rinse tyres
Start by rinsing all four tyres thoroughly with a hose to soften any dirt or debris. If you have a high-pressure setting this is ideal for any tough spots where mud or dust proves hard to shift. If you don’t own a hose of your own then you should consider taking your vehicle to your local car wash as an alternative.
- Wash thoroughly
After you’ve rinsed all four tyres, use a solution of warm soapy water to gently cover the rubber surface sidewall of each tyre. If you’re looking for a more up-market option then you should consider investing in a store-bought tyre cleaning spray. This soapy layer should be left on the tyre sidewalls for a few minutes.
- Brush the tread
Using a hard-bristled scrubbing brush, you should massage the cleaner into the surface of your tyres. Apply a moderate amount of pressure to make sure you’re removing any dirt that you couldn’t hose off. For best results, rinse the brush between tyres to avoid transferring any dirt from tyre to tyre.
- Dry them
After giving your tyres a quick rinse again, use a rag to wipe them down. When they are almost completely dry, switch to a microfiber cloth to finish the job. Due to their super-absorbent qualities, microfibre towels are very effective at drying and reduce the risk of leaving any smear marks behind.
You can stop here, but if you want to achieve a super-shiny look, then you can apply tyre dressing.
Tyre dressing
Tyre dressing is made to help restore faded black rubber and is one of the leading options for tyre shine enhancement. This dressing consists of a water-based solution and silicone, helping tyres as they fade over time. Working like a fresh coat of paint, or a lubricant, tyre dressing immediately blackens and enhances the gloss of your tyres. However, some contain a UV reflecting agent that protects your tyre walls against sun damage which is particularly useful for old tyres.
It is extremely easy to use and is available in various types – regular, wax and sealant. The only difference between them is that wax lasts longer in the rehydration of the rubber due to its slightly adhesive properties.
How to use tyre dressing
After deciding what dressing to use, make sure you look to see if it’s specifically marked with a ‘shiny’ or ‘high-gloss’ finish for best results. Ideally, you should use a sponge, rag, or soft-bristled brush to begin applying the dressing. Add a few drops of dressing to your chosen applicator and gently rub over the surface of your tyre walls in a circular motion until the entire sidewall is covered.
It’s important that only the sidewall of your tyres should be treated with tyre dressing as application to the entire tyre may lessen grip and could cause reduced braking efficiency. Make sure you clean off any excess dressing that may have been smudged onto the rims with a kitchen towel (or a microfibre cloth) to ensure the dressing doesn’t damage them. Then, simply wait for no more than ten minutes before wiping or buffing your tyres dry. Generally speaking, the more regular your tyre dressing maintenance, the shinier your tyres will be. It is advised, though, that every fortnight is a suitable amount of time.