Tire Protectant (A question update for Junkman2008)
 

Hi Junkman2008,

What tire protectant do you highly recommend?

I would like a formula that does not attract dirt quickly and also does not give you that high-gloss or plastic artificial look. I would like something that looks natural and produce a low-gloss effect. Furthermore, I would like something that is easy and safe on composite rubber.

I know from personal experience that original formula Armor All is the last thing that I would want to use on my tires or any rubber surfaces. From my research, I found that silicone and petroleum distillates are hard on rubber surfaces and are oil-based. In addition, I also found that these same ingredients (silicone and petroleum distillates) are safe on rubber surfaces. Now I am really confused. :confused:

In summary, since there are so many brand names in the market, it makes it difficult to decide on which tire protectant to purchase. It is very possible to spend hundreds of dollars just to find out which one suits your taste and is safe on rubber. Of course, the tire protectant that one chooses will end up being a matter of personal choice.

Your thoughts?

Thank you,

spryor

P.S. Do you recommend any particular pad to be used with tire protectant? 100% terry cloth? Foam Pad? Microfiber? Paint brush (Huh)?

imo, you'd be looking for Zaino's Z-16.

Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss: Zaino Store

It's not a gel. Conditions the tire and gets rid of the dry look, but doesn't really gloss. Doesn't sling, catches very little debris.

It basically just makes the tire look new. Plus, the bottle will last you forever.

Adam's Super VRT water based tire and trim dressing



No sling, water based, nice natural gloss (not oily or greasy) and 110% guaranteed to impress. If you're anything less than satisfied we'll buy it back + 10% of what you paid.

I may be laughed out of here, but I have tried A LOT of tire dressings over the years. Sprays, gels, foams, liquids, applied by hand, with a foam applicator, using a chamois, directly onto the tire, etc...

I have found that the best compromise between maximum shine, long lasting shine, least mess (both when applying and from flying off the tires when driving), and ease of application, is:

Armor All Tire Foam

It's easy to apply, not messy at all, it dries in about 45 minutes to an hour, has a very good shine (not the glossiest out there, but I like that) and is not greasy.

Adam's SVRT

A Dressing like Adam's SVRT is great for tires. Does not attract dust, doesn't sling goop up the side of your paint, dries dry in literally minutes, and makes your tires look brand new. It's a water-based, water-repellent dressing with SPF 30.

Be sure to clean your tires really well with a degreaser, maybe a couple of times, to get all the old product off, and bare rubber, if you will, to dress. Adam's All Purpose Cleaner does great at getting the job done.

Check out the before/after from this 911 I did.
http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/p...o/751d2cce.jpg

http://i418.photobucket.com/albums/p...o/b71ad89e.jpg

-Mook

my main man mookie

You'd have to be at least 40 and your bottle would have to be over 20 years old to have original formula Armor All. Can we stop it with this Armor All thing. It's been a water based formula for a while now. Although it's not what i use, it will be perfectly fine for the average weekend warrior.

I use soap and water to clean the tire, which many of you never do, then a light coating of 303. You get a nice and clean black tire that way. No sling and no glossy shine for me.

Meguiars Hyper dressing works great. It is concentrated and water based. Mix it with water to get your desired shine. Goes on easy and doesnt sling off.:ugh2:
MeguiarsDirect.com:Hyper-Dressing Hyper-Dressing

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