Tire shine

What do you guys use on your tires? I want them to be nice and shiny and I want it to last.
L.

I used Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Spray:

Proof:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showpost.php?p=132182&postcount=1

Product:
http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_detailpage.cfm?product=Hot-Shine-High-Gloss-Tire-Coating&sku=G-138

I use the same stuff as Lwclancers. Stuff works great!

And I should add it stayed super shiny for about a week or so. Was above average shiny for another week. Then it rained...The "gloss" is gone but damn if those tires are STILL clean. STuff really helps keep the first off it seems.

Yep, I'd concur w/ that. The stuff rocks. Stays REALLY shiny for at least a week. Even after that they look way nice. Rain, no problem, they still stay clean.

I have to agree on the Meguiars Hot Shine Tire Spray it works. But also my boyfriend has an Acura and is a detailing freak, lol and had some Meguiars NXT Insane Shine Tire Spray and it really works. My tires were still shiny after a week when I went to wash the E again. We were out of it this weekend and so was the Auto Supply place I went to so I picked up some Eagle One Tire Spray. So far it looks as good as the NXT. We'll have to see we are supposed to get some rain later this week.

Looks like I might have to try out this Meguiars Hot Shine tire spray when I'm finished with my ancient can No Touch tire spray.

Last Summer my neighbor came running over to me asking why I was spray painting my tires white...then he realized I was using foaming tire spray. Believe me, I wish I was making this up for the sake of forum entertainment...is it any wonder I want to sell my house and move?

Yep Meguiar's tire stuff is the best I have found.

I use the Endurance stuff. It's a gel the smells like grape candy. It goes on with an applicator pad and lasts for weeks. Well worth the $8 investment considering I'm still on my first bottle from three years ago.

This sounds weird but I used the 303 on the wheels and they look sweet. Also the stuff will not spin off like the Meguiar's and possible damage the plastic panels like the warning states on the bottle I was reading.

http://www.esivart.com/misc/wheel.jpg

This sounds weird but I used the 303 on the wheels and they look sweet. Also the stuff will not spin off like the Meguiar's and possible damage the plastic panels like the warning states on the bottle I was reading.

http://www.esivart.com/misc/wheel.jpg

It will not ruin the pannels. I use the Meguiars Gell, been using it for years and it does not stain the paint or plastic. If you apply it with a tire sponge and use a light coat, it should last you a few weeks. Do not apply too much or it will get all over the place But, still will not ruin anything.

Use a sponge to wipe the tires after you apply the Meguires H/S and it won't spray all over the place.

I just used Meguire's Gold Class Endurance tire gel... one application made my Odyssey's tires look new. I didn't do the second coat to make it really shine, as I was in a hurry (I spent about four hours cleaning and detailing my wife's car as part of mother's day).

Can't vouch for the other tire products, but the advice I got here about Meguire's was right on - I got a gift set and everything has worked out great, from the protectant wipes, which made the dashboard look like new (the difference between treated and untreated area is like night and day), to the Gold Class Car Wash... I didn't wax, but the car looks shiny and new anyway... for the record, the Odyssey is now four years old and is showing it's age (like people with kids, cars also age faster with kids), and my wife couldn't believe how good it looked. Neither can I...

I finished it all off with the tire gel and was really impressed.

Use a sponge to wipe the tires after you apply the Meguires H/S and it won't spray all over the place.

I applied it liberally and worked it into the nooks and crannies, and then rubbed it off with a clean shop towel. Worked great, looks great, and no spray.

I saw some Meguires Hot Shine Tire Spray at Walmart, but couldn't decide what kind to get, the pump spray bottle or the aerosal can. I noticed there was only one aerosal can left on the shelf, but a good supply of pump spray bottles.

Which one do you folks prefer:?

I saw some Meguires Hot Shine Tire Spray at Walmart, but couldn't decide what kind to get, the pump spray bottle or the aerosal can. I noticed there was only one aerosal can left on the shelf, but a good supply of pump spray bottles.

Which one do you folks prefer:?
Hey Uncle Mike,

Well, after using the pump spray bottle I'd probably go for the aerosal can. When I use up this bottle I'll probably replace it w/ the aerosal can. The pump spray bottle seems to be a little messy. I'd agree w/ PP though, I apply w/ a tire sponge and then wipe excess off w/ a shop towell.
Just my .02

I saw some Meguires Hot Shine Tire Spray at Walmart, but couldn't decide what kind to get, the pump spray bottle or the aerosal can. I noticed there was only one aerosal can left on the shelf, but a good supply of pump spray bottles.

Which one do you folks prefer:?

I use the can, much nicer and easier to apply, and the handful of times I have used it there is NO need to wipe anything down...it is usually good to go once it is sprayed. If you put on a little too much a cloth can be used to dab up any excess.

I am glad someone tested it out. That warning kinda worried me at first.
Thanks
Travis

Just as an FYI, any solvent-based tire shine product should not be used on your tires, as the solvents leach vital rubber additives from the tire compounds and actually accelerate sidewall degradation.

Go with a water-based dressing, and your tires will thank you. How do you tell if a dressing has solvent? Dressings that are clear, gel, aerosol-based, or oily/greasy feeling are usually solvent-based. Water-based dressings tend to be white in color.

303 Aerospace, Armor All, Finish 2001, Michelin*, Zaino - all are excellent water-based dressings. Water-based dressings will also tend to be less likely to stain your trim if they "sling."

Just an FYI.


* Michelin just released a line of "tire-safe" wheel and tire care products. Prior to their products, no tire manufacturer approved the use of any dressing on a tire - if you have a warranty issue and the tires are sent in for inspection, your tire warranty could be voided if they determine you've used a solvent-based dressing. Something worth considering.

Just as an FYI, any solvent-based tire shine product should not be used on your tires, as the solvents leach vital rubber additives from the tire compounds and actually accelerate sidewall degradation.

Go with a water-based dressing, and your tires will thank you. How do you tell if a dressing has solvent? Dressings that are clear, gel, aerosol-based, or oily/greasy feeling are usually solvent-based. Water-based dressings tend to be white in color.

303 Aerospace, Armor All, Finish 2001, Michelin*, Zaino - all are excellent water-based dressings. Water-based dressings will also tend to be less likely to stain your trim if they "sling."

Just an FYI.


* Michelin just released a line of "tire-safe" wheel and tire care products. Prior to their products, no tire manufacturer approved the use of any dressing on a tire - if you have a warranty issue and the tires are sent in for inspection, your tire warranty could be voided if they determine you've used a solvent-based dressing. Something worth considering.

Huh? Use Armor All? That stuff will definatley screw up your tires. It turns your tires and dirty brown color. I used the Meguiers tire spray, not the aerosol can, and it works great!!! Yeah, like mentioned previously, I thought it was interesting that it says don't get on plastic panels. Doesn anyone know why? Has anyone tried it on purpose or by accident? If it is okay on tires I don't understand why it wouldn't be on the panels. I looked for a place near me that sold 303 on their website and called them. They don't have it.
L.

Armor All is *totally safe* for your tires. They reformulated the product in 2003, and it is 100% inert. The brown that you see is one of two things:

1) A reaction between water and additives in the tires (often called "blooming," and occurs in most tires), or

2) A reaction between the PDMS (polydimethylsilicone) that's used in safe tire dressings.

Solvent-based dressings tend to use DMS - Dimethylsilicone - which is the cheap silicone that causes so many nightmares for painters.


I wrote an entire 96-page report/test about tire care products and have done years of research for tire and tire care companies. Believe me when I say stay away from solvents... they're nasty on rubber and plastic.


PS: You can find 303 Aerospace Protectant at www.detailersparadise.com - they have awesome service and really know their stuff.

In your opinion, if i use the gel on my tires, what kind of life do you think my tires will have?

I find this a little hard to swallow to an extent. Yea, I can see them being bad if you are applying the solvent based product ALOT, like multiple times a week. But I am talking maybe 6 times a year (1 time a month per month during the "wash" season).

This is like the people who freaked out about shampoos causing cancer...well unless you are letting the shampoo soak on your head for 3 hours a day, its pretty low risk.

Frequency of use doesn't make a whole lot of difference to the tires. Go put some acetone on your skin, and let me know what happens to your skin... for those who don't have access to acetone, I'll save you some headache. :) Your skin dries out instantly, and turns white. You can wash your hands, and the skin will still stay dried out (usually). Eventually, the oils in your skin will rehydrate the skin and it will look normal.

Your tires are the same way - only they have a limited amount of additives, waxes, and anti-ozone agents, and once they're gone, they're gone. Solvents could leach those additives away quickly, so it's possible that after just a few uses, you could significantly deplete the amount of additives in the tire. Will it be enough to ruin a tire? Most likely not, but knowing that the additives are limited, I'd rather do everything possible to maintain them. :)

Once the additives are gone, the environment is free to wreak havoc on your tires. Tire manufacturers go through a lot of trouble and engineering $$ to protect your tires against two major dangers: UV and ozone. Using a product that depletes those additives seems foolish to me, but hey, to each his own.

Most of us don't keep tires on a vehicle long enough to really see the true effects, but at the same time, I've seen tires start to dry-rot (sidewall cracks, usually along the bead area) after just 12-13 months... I've had hundreds of tires and wheels at my lab, evaluating them for degradation, and seeing what I've seen, I stay away (far away) from solvent-based tire shine products.

If you like the look of the solvent-based products, however, go ahead and keep using them... it's only $$, and I'm not here to say "don't do that!" - it's your car, your money, and your personal taste. I was just throwing out some info for those that may have been interested.

:)

from the meguiars website: "Hot Shine guarantees no drips, runs or messy overspray in an aerosol or trigger application. Highly water-resistant polymers combined with anti-ozonant technology keeps your tires looking blacker longer, while preventing cracking, browning, and premature aging. The high gloss formula give your tires a “wet-look” with a dark shine."
http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_detailpage.cfm?product=Hot-Shine-High-Gloss-Tire-Coating&sku=G-138

OK so either they are lieing and you are right, or the stuff I am using is in fact water based???? :grin: Please let me know if the spray I am using in solvent or water based, cause based on their description it sounds OK to me.

I'm not so worried about tire dressings since I've still got the stock tires on my E. Depending how shiny I want them, I'll either use No Touch tire spray or for the low gloss clean, I use 303.

Now this is going back some 19 years ago when I first heard this...brake fluid :shock: wiped onto the tire's sidewall with a cloth for an instant shine. I'll admit I tried it with a spare tire I had lying around at the time...put simply, it worked like sh!t.

OK so either they are lieing and you are right, or the stuff I am using is in fact water based???? :grin: Please let me know if the spray I am using in solvent or water based, cause based on their description it sounds OK to me.


I'll only say this - don't believe everything you read or hear from a manufacturer. A few months ago, when NXT first came out, they told everyone that it contained *no* cleaners - none - zilch - zip - no cleaners of any kind.

I did some testing and evaluating of the product, and discovered that it had both chemical and mechanical cleaners. Meguiar's denied it. I pressed a little harder. And suddenly, after a few emergency internal meetings later, we were told that NXT did have cleaners, but they were "specialized" and "advanced." They tried to spin it... and for the most part, a lot of folks bought into it. But, the truth remains - the product did (and does) have cleaners, despite what they swore otherwise (that it didn't). They called me a shill, a liar, a phony, etc., but when it was all said and done, it did have cleaners.

Meguiar's is a good company that makes decent, over-the-counter products. But, in the competitive world of car care products (it's a multi-billion dollar per year industry with cut-throat competition), even the most honest and stand-up companies can be tempted to say a few things to sway the opnions of customers. Almost every industry does it, so this isn't a bad mark against Meguiar's (or any other car care company); it was just my job to try to call them on things like that...

Do some reserach for yourself and come to your own conclusion as to whether or not Hot Shine has solvents. I'll bet a dollar that it contains petroleum distillates (solvents), acetone, and PDMS.... But, that's just my humble opinion. And again - and I can't stress this enough - if you're using the product, and you like the results, please keep using it. I'm just here to try and share some info and observations from my tiny little corner of the world.

Steve,

Not to hijack this thread, but I check out your blog... good job, but

"The interior can be hosed down if it gets too dirty"

I wouldn't suggest you try that... wiped down yes, hosed down will fry some stuff :)

Yeah - hosed should've been "rinsed." :D

I saw them hose down the interior of an Element at the 2003 press launch... they were rather 'careful' while spraying it. :)

Thanks for the kind words and gentle clarification - much appreciated!

Steve,

I'm gonna check the can I have and get the "ingredients list" and post it here, so we can get you "ok" and "no way" response for each ingredient. Simply put I dont know what ANY of the stuff is they ever list :roll:

If anyone is at home and can check the can themselves please do as I wont be able to check until tonight...and that's if I remember

Steve,

I'm gonna check the can I have and get the "ingredients list" and post it here, so we can get you "ok" and "no way" response for each ingredient. Simply put I dont know what ANY of the stuff is they ever list :roll:

If anyone is at home and can check the can themselves please do as I wont be able to check until tonight...and that's if I remember
Let's see, if memory serves :lol: Meguires Hotshine contains
1} water resistant polymers
2} antiozonant technology ??
3}hexane and acetone

The best stuff for tire sidewalls is brake fluid. It is formulated to protect rubbber brake lines and seals. It is howerver very bad for paint. Applied carefully by placing a rag over the open end of a can and turning the can upside down, then righting the can will allow just the right amount to spread about on a sidewall.

Steve,

I'm gonna check the can I have and get the "ingredients list" and post it here, so we can get you "ok" and "no way" response for each ingredient. Simply put I dont know what ANY of the stuff is they ever list :roll:

If anyone is at home and can check the can themselves please do as I wont be able to check until tonight...and that's if I remember


I'd rather not give specific "ok" or "not ok" for products - that could prove to be trouble... The Meguiar's stuff is a great product, and I'm not specifically trying to ding them (or anyone else), but rather, share information with all of you regarding what the tire manufacturers suggest for use on their tires. While I personally may not prefer the look/performance of an aerosol-based product that may contain petroleum distillates or solvents, that's just me... I do like Meguiar's water-based dressing (I think it's #36 or #40 from their Professional line).

I'll share a little "inside" tip on how I figure out if I'd like to use a product long-term on my vehicle. This may or may not be useful to you, but here it goes:

1. Call the manufacturer of your tire and ask them what they recommend for use on your tires. They'll know the most about what products should and shouldn't be used on your tires.

2. Do some product research on the product that you're currently using. Call the manufacturer, ask them specific questions, and share the information that the tire manufacturer provided you with.

3. When the tire care product mfg'r shares info with you, write down the info and then do some research about it on the web. Google is a great resource, because it will often give you specific examples and definitions of product and chemical names. For example, if you type in "Polydimethylsilicone," you'll find a wealth of useful info.

4. After you've done your research and evaluation, decide whether or not what you've learned is enough to influence your decision to use a certain product. Honestly, if you're happy with how a product is working for you, I always say go ahead and keep on using it. Ultimately, you know what you like, and you know what works for you - anyone else who claims to know what works best for you probably doesn't know what they're talkin' about. :)


I'm extremely picky about this stuff, as it was my job to evaluate car care products for 5+ years. I had to nit-pick, dig deep, and subject products to all sorts of torture tests that any sane person wouldn't ever dream of. As such, I've become a bit of a purist. :) I only shared the solvent/rubber issues with all of you because I thought it might be interesting, and that it might stimulate some thought/discussion/research interests. I'm sorry that I can't chime in and say, "Yep, use that product," or "Nope, don't use that product." I gave some examples of my personal favorites earlier, and in general, I'd say that I prefer to use a water-based product over a product that contains petroleum distillates and/or solvents. But again, that's just my $0.02, so take it for what it's worth.

Best of luck, and sorry for the long post.

Used the Hot Shine today for the first time.. It's a great product but it runs out really quick! After using it once I have a little less than half the bottle left. Am I using too much? Man, the wind was blowing and everything it was NOT fun.. think I even inhaled some of it. :shock:

Used the Hot Shine today for the first time.. It's a great product but it runs out really quick! After using it once I have a little less than half the bottle left. Am I using too much? Man, the wind was blowing and everything it was NOT fun.. think I even inhaled some of it. :shock:
I think you're using too much of it. I've used it 3 times {bottle not can} and still have slightly more tha 1/2 the bottle left. Know what you mean about the wind--have somebody block it for you. :lol:

I have a 2003 DX AWD with 44,000 miles. I bought it new in Feb. 03 (first available Dec. Jan 03) and my VIN # is low. I still have the OEM Goodyear's with decent tread and sidewall. I'm going to replace them at 50,000 either way. I've used both 303, armor-all like products and Maguires on my tires. Maguires does make the tires look great. 303 makes it look good but not nearly as shiny as Maguires. Endurance would have to go to Maguires. 303 isn't as shiny when applied and quickly fades. The maguires offers a deeper shine whick ultimately lasts longer. I'm not sure how much many here but my E drives about 1000 miles/month now (since I moved closer to my office) and used to average 2100 miles/month in the first year of ownership.

Geeky Steve makes a masterful persuasive argument
"make em sick, make em better"

Whats sounds so "significant" and convincing in Geeky's position is the infered purported damage that will occur if solvents are used.

Let me repeat I have 44,000 miles on my oem Goodyears. I've used quite a few products mentioned here and like Maguires the best.

Geeky Steves position might merit some further independent research by some qualified folks, but for me the short answer is my tires are still in good shape and would pass inspection. I've used most of the products mentioned here. Maguires and their ingredients hasn't hurt my tires. No dry rot (my wife's 98 Accord with stock Michelin tires had dry rot at 60,000 miles and they were replaced by Goodyear). No dry rot on the current Goodyear with low miles)

My oem Goodyears are still healthy in spite of Geeky's persuasive dire pronouncements.

I only share what I learned from tire compound engineers at Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Yokohama. I spent 2 years researching tires, tire care products, chemical compounds, and tire additives. Give Goodyear a call and ask them if a solvent-based product is recommended for use on your tires, Nat. I'd be interested to hear their response. :)

And to put your claims into perspective, I know a few 90-year old ladies who smoke 2 packs of cigarettes every day, and have since they were 20 and are in "perfect health"... but I also know a lot of dead 40 year olds who smoked 2 packs a day and died of lung cancer... Same goes for food - I know people who can eat McDonalds 4-6 times a week and are thin and in great health, while other folks eat like a bird and are overweight with heart problems...

This is why I sort of hate chiming in to try and help, because for every one example, there's at least two others, and no matter what I say, someone will claim that there's an agenda, or that there's a guy down the road who puts transmission fluid on his windshield each day and his glass now stops bullets, or whatever.... But, I hate sitting on info and not sharing it...

Anywho, if you like your "Maguires" keep on usin' it. All that matters is that you're happy with the results.

Geeky Steve writes:
I only share what I learned from tire compound engineers at Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Yokohama. I spent 2 years researching tires, tire care products, chemical compounds, and tire additives

Why did you spend 2 years doing research on this topic? Are you involved with the automobile after market business in any way?

Guru Reports

I created the publication, and we published tests on: waxes, glass cleaners, and tire care products. I spent 5+ years researching car care products and their performance, effects, benefits, and detriments. I also spent more than 20 years playing with car care products prior to starting Guru Reports... GR just required me to do it for a living and to take it really seriously. I developed test methodologies that have helped create better products, and have done research and devleopment work for Fortune 100 companies.

Along with GR, I was an automotive journalist, and was lucky enough to have attended many engineering seminars, automotive launches (places like Europe, South Africa, etc), manufacturer driving days (imagine 100+ brands of cars on a race track, and the only rule is "don't wreck the cars please"), and so on.

I'm no longer involved with the company that publishes either of the projects I worked on. The travel got to be too much - I was only home 7-9 days a month, so I took a local job and am much more happy now. :)

This sounds weird but I used the 303 on the wheels and they look sweet. Also the stuff will not spin off like the Meguiar's and possible damage the plastic panels like the warning states on the bottle I was reading.

http://www.esivart.com/misc/wheel.jpg
One thing to notice about the 303, which I think is very nice, is the absence of that non-natural, shellac-looking shine that many tire dressings produce. The 303 goes on milky, and doesn't look very good at first. When it dries, however, one ends up sporting a nice black tire with a subtle, natural-looking luster. The 303 shine looks more like a tire than a Baldwin piano. Anyone who prefers wildly shiny tires should not use 303 Aerospace protectant.

I just switched from the Tirefoam spray to the Mequires Hot Shine in the spray bottle.

First I bought a tire brush and clean the tires really good. That was a mistake I guess. The foam stuff leaves a residue that obviously turns to black tar like crap when you try to clean it off. Made a huge mess on the driveway and all over the rims. A week later and I am still cleaning that crap off the rims after driving.
The good cleaning did reveal my red dots on the rubber (like discussed in another thread).
Anyway I'm not to impressed with the Mequires stuff. Yes it looks great and stays than way for longer than the foam, but no matter how lite I spray it on and wipe it off it seems to always throw drops onto the doors when I drive. I can wait 12hrs before driving and it still does it.
Foam stuff never gave me this problem.

Anyone else have a problem with this?

Meguiars Tire Gell Is The Best I Have Found.a Couple Of Tips,pour It In A Paper Cup And Use A Cheap Paint Brush To Put It On,first Time Give It 2 Coats, Will Last A Month If You Drive Every Day!

Anyone else have a problem with this?

Nope, never have.

well, i tried that meguiars tire shine and it isnt any better than those foam sprays and bottle sprays at half the price. from the looks of the ads and all i expected a real black shine...no such thing. the best stuff i bought was a bottle spray from advance auto parts, their own brand, worked great but it smelled so bad just sitting in the back of the element i had to put it in a plastic zip loc bag.

well, i tried that meguiars tire shine and it isnt any better than those foam sprays and bottle sprays at half the price. from the looks of the ads and all i expected a real black shine...no such thing. the best stuff i bought was a bottle spray from advance auto parts, their own brand, worked great but it smelled so bad just sitting in the back of the element i had to put it in a plastic zip loc bag.

Hmmm...sounds like you did something wrong, cause whenever I use it it stays shiny for well over a week. Might be due to the amount we each used...I put it on rather thick (in relation)

Hmmm...sounds like you did something wrong, cause whenever I use it it stays shiny for well over a week. Might be due to the amount we each used...I put it on rather thick (in relation)
My experience also.

well, i tried that meguiars tire shine and it isnt any better than those foam sprays and bottle sprays at half the price. from the looks of the ads and all i expected a real black shine...no such thing. the best stuff i bought was a bottle spray from advance auto parts, their own brand, worked great but it smelled so bad just sitting in the back of the element i had to put it in a plastic zip loc bag.


that advance auto stuff isn't bad...but my bottle ends up leaking around the nozzle everytime.....it's a mess spraying because it drips all over the place.

in my use...the meguirs hot tire shine (bottle, not can) is ok......but it has been no better than the advance auto, armor all (tire black, not the white stuff), or any other one i've used.

just my experience.

One thing to notice about the 303, which I think is very nice, is the absence of that non-natural, shellac-looking shine that many tire dressings produce. The 303 goes on milky, and doesn't look very good at first. When it dries, however, one ends up sporting a nice black tire with a subtle, natural-looking luster. The 303 shine looks more like a tire than a Baldwin piano. Anyone who prefers wildly shiny tires should not use 303 Aerospace protectant.I agree. I don't much care for the hi-gloss ultra shine look either. I use the Armor-allish products and further wipe it off because it remains even too shiny for my taste.