Dirty tires can easily ruin a vehicle’s aesthetics. This is why your car tires require just as much attention as the body.
But just washing the wheels is not enough to give them the wet look they need to look attractive and exceptional. It is for this purpose you need a tire shine spray.
In fact, no car detailing would be complete without a good tire shine. But it doesn’t only end with aesthetics; using a shiner can also help to protect the tires from UV damage and keep mud and dirt away.
If you’re looking for the best tire shine spray, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we will be looking at the eight best car tire shine products to give your wheels that finishing touch they deserve.
How We Chose the Best Tire Shine Spray
Before we get into our list, let’s take a minute to see how we arrived at the products. Of course, it’s not possible to review every tire shine in the market. But we still got to research many of them, mostly from the most popular products as well as those from recommended by our experts.
We started by looking at the content of the products. Most shiners, even though they achieve the desired result, may harm the tire and rim in the long run. Also, some may not be good for the wheel finish. We stayed away from such products.
Moreover, we focused on shiners that are not only safe to use but also healthy for the tires and rims. Some dressers only last for a few days and then fade away or get washed off by the rain. As a result, they need to be re-applied again. We also stayed away from such products.
Almost all the shiners on our list last for weeks, although some water-based options may lose some of their shine after a rainstorm. But this is a general problem with water-based tire shine sprays. We’ve also been careful to select products that do not produce any sling.
To ensure we left nothing out, we also interviewed some users of the products and also looked up reviews online. Our in-house auto experts also made it a whole lot easier to identify the wheat among the chaffs. Finally, we ended up with the top eight products in the market.
8 Best Tire Shine Spray Reviews In 2022
Given the huge number of options available, finding the best tire shine spray can be a big decision. In order to make your job a whole lot easier, we’ve reviewed the top eight products currently available. If you’re ready, let’s get into it.
1. Chemical Guys TVD11316 Tire Kicker Extra Glossy Tire Shine
To kick off our list, it is the Tire Kicker from Chemical Guys – one of the most popular tire shine sprays in the market today. It’s no news Chemical Guys make some of the best car care products, and there’s no doubt the Tire Kicker TVD11316 is one of them.
If you’re looking for a water-based polish to restore the looks of your tires and get them to look new again, then this product is meant for you.
Why Choose the Tire Kicker?
The following factors are why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: In terms of quality and performance, it’s hard to find any product in the world of car tire shines that can rival the Chemical Guys Tire Kicker. It is extremely popular and highly rated. We can’t recommend it enough.
2. TriNova Automotive Clear Coat Tire Shine Spray
Having the best tire dresser makes it so much easier to maintain the beauty of your tires. If you’re looking for a shiner that will not only elevate the looks of your tires but also protect it for extended periods, then you cannot go wrong with the Automotive Tire Shine by TriNova.
This product is designed by experts to provide more shine and protection to your tires than what you get with most dressers out there.
Unique Features of the TriNova Automotive Tire Shine
Following are the features why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: Overall, this is an excellent product that is guaranteed to produce good results. Although it costs a little more than many similar products, it brings a lot to the table that makes it worth the price.
3. CarGuys Tire Shine Spray Kit
Another tire dresser that is highly rated for its superior performance and effectiveness is the CarGuys Tire Shine Spray. This product comes as a kit and provides everything you need to give your tires a deep, rich jet-black finish.
It is easy to use and produces the kind of professional results you will hardly get with most standard dressers. Also, the spray is made in the US, which should say a lot about its quality.
Why Choose the CarGuys Tire Shine Spray?
Here are the reasons why this is one of the best tire shines:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: Although this is a more expensive tire shine, but it is hard to find a product that can beat the result it produces.
4. Armor All Extreme Tire Shine
Armor All is one of the more reputable brands in automotive care with some of the best quality supplies. The Extreme Tire Shine is just one of them. And the major reason we selected this product is that it gives your tires a subdued look like most expensive dressers while still being affordable.
Why Choose the Armor All Extreme?
The following factors are why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: The Armor All Extreme is very popular among detailing experts, and it’s very easy to see why. Choose this product if you want something that will adorn and extend the life of your tires.
5. Adam’s Tire Shine Spray
For tires with detailed tire treads such as winter and all-terrain tires, the Adam’s Tire Shine Spray is one of the best options available. It has a lustrous dark shine that is perfect for large tread blocks, which are difficult to dress. Also, being a USA-made product is another reason you should rely on the quality of the product.
Why Choose the Adam’s Tire Shine?
Below are the factors why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: Adam’s Tire Shine is a great option if you need something to give your tires a pristine look that will last. Although it cost a little more than most tire shine sprays in its category, it gives you an unmatched wet shiny finish.
6. Carfidant Ultimate Tire Shine Spray
Having a beautiful tire set doesn’t only say much about your car but also your personality. The Carfidant Ultimate is not just another product on the counter but one that has proven to be very effective while being very easy to use.
Unique Features of the Ultimate Tire Shine
Here we have the reasons why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: We are impressed with the Carfidant Ultimate, and we have no doubt you are going to feel the same way once you try the product. It is highly recommended.
7. California Cover All Automotive Tire Shine
If you’re looking for an aerosol tire dresser that will allow you to cover more area than you would with most options, then look no further than the California Cover Automotive Tire Shine Spray from Superior Products.
This excellent product functions both as a shiner and a tire protector. In other words, it doesn’t only elevate dull tires but also provides layers of protection to fight against dirt and grime.
Why Choose the California Cover All?
The following factors are why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: The Cover All is a professional-grade tire shine that promises to restore the natural look of your car tires and interior, although it’s a bit greasy.
8. Black Magic BM23 Tire Wet Spray
To round up our list is one of America’s favorite – the Black Magic BM23. The Black Magic Tire Wet Spray is one of the oldest leading products in the world of tire cleaners, which explains their huge following.
While we don’t agree it’s the “number one” tire shine in the US, we still consider it one of the options to consider if you want a tire dressing.
Why Choose the Black Magic BM23?
We have stated the points below as to why you should choose this tire shine:
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict: While the BM23 might not produce as much shine as the other dressers we’ve reviewed, it still performs well, especially for its price.
What to Look for before Buying AKA Buying Guide
By now, you should have picked a suitable product for your tire shine. But in case you still need additional insight, this buying guide will serve you right.
Here we discuss the key features and specs to look out for in order to select a tire dressing you will be proud of.
UV-Protection
When it comes to tire dressing, UV protection is extremely important. A tire-shine spray that only gives you a shiny finish but doesn’t provide protection against the UV rays of the sun does an incomplete job.
This is because tires fade and age faster when they are constantly being exposed to the sun. And this happens as a result of the reaction between UV rays and the rubber material leading to the disintegration of the rubber pores.
Thus investing in a spray with UV protection ensures your tire doesn’t only get a good shine but is also protected from sun damage. This is even more important if you live in a very sunny place.
Microfiber Applicator Pad
Tire shine sprays are often used together with a microfiber applicator pad to apply the dressing to the wheels in order to get an even coat. This is really important if you want to get the best possible finish.
Some products are usually supplied with their own microfiber pad, while others aren’t. If yours doesn’t come with one, consider buying it separately.
Longer Lifespan
There is a wide variety of tire shines, each one with its designated lifespan. The best sprays are those that can last for a very long time.
A shiner that washes off on the first contact with water isn’t good enough even if it’s just a single coat. Instead, you want something that will keep your tires shining for days, even if the weather is harsh.
This way, you won’t have to apply the spray often, thus saving yourself time and money.
Water/Solvent Based
Tine shine sprays usually come as water-based or solvent-based solutions. Water-based shiners contain natural ingredients such as natural oils and polymers, which make them safer to use. They are less greasy and usually produce a satin and non-glossy finish.
However, they do not last as long as solvent-based solutions. Conversely, solvent-based shiners contain strong solvents that can tamper with your paintwork.
Ease of Application
Another thing you should consider when shopping for the best tire shine spray is the ease of application. A spray that is quick and easy to use will save you both time and energy.
Luckily most spray shiners do not require as much manual labor as their gel counterparts. And usually feature nozzles that allow you to apply them more quickly.
Benefits of Tire Shine Spray
As earlier indicated, there’s no part of your vehicle that receives tougher beating than the tires. This is why proper dressing is important to ensure they appear clean and new. In case you’re still hesitant about using one of the products above, below are some of the things you stand to gain.
Better Looking Tires
The most obvious effect of using a tire shine is to make your tires look new and shiny. They help to produce a deep black finish, which could either be glossy or matte. Simply put – tire shines help to cure dullness in tires.
Prevent Dirt and Mud
Since tires are always in contact with the road, they tend to accumulate grime and dirt over time. Using a tire shine can help prevent this from happening. Most tire shines bond to the tires to prevent these particles from sticking so that the tires remain clean and sparking.
Protection from the Weather
Apart from reviving dull tires, tire shines also offer protection from the weather, especially harmful UV rays. This helps to protect the tires against cracks and also prevents fading and hardening.
Best Method to Apply Tire Shine Spray?
Tire dressers are generally easy and straightforward to apply. However, it’s still important to follow the provided instructions in order to get the best possible finish. We’ve discussed these steps below; make sure you pay close attention.
Step 1: Start by Washing the Tires
Before anything else, first, wash the tires to remove dirt and get it as clean as possible. Consider scrubbing with a good brush to remove stubborn dirt and grimes.
Step 2: Allow to Dry the Tires
Next thing is to allow the tires to dry properly. Applying a dresser on a wet tire can lead to unexpected results. Even though the product doesn’t condemn mixing with water, it’s still recommended to allow the tires dry completely before applying the shiner.
Step 3: Use the Microfiber Applicator
Don’t apply the product directly to the tires or you’ll risk overloading it. Instead, use a microfiber applicator. Add the shine to the pad, then gently work around the tire surface and into the treads.
Step 4: Allow to Dry the Shiner
Next thing is to allow the shiner to dry on the tire. The amount of time required depends on the particular product and the level of shine you’re looking to obtain. You can check the product packing for more information on how long you have to wait.
Step 5: Remove any Residue or Excess Dressing
Next is to remove any excess dressing that might still be hanging on to the tires after waiting to dry. You can use a soft cloth for this purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the best tire shine sprays.
Can tire shine sprays damage my tires?
Answer: Tires are normally designed to hold up well against harmful chemicals and materials. However, they may wear out before long due to extreme use or harsh conditions.
Using a tire shine spray is one of the recommended ways to restore dull tires and make them look like new. It also helps to extend their useful life by protecting them from the sun and dirt.
How long will the tire dressing last?
Answer: There’s no direct answer to this question. It all depends on the product you’re using. Some tire shine can last for a week; some can stay longer. You can check with the product manufacturer, so you know what to expect.
Do these sprays stain concrete?
Answer: In most cases, yes, however, they go away after some time. You can also use a power washer to clean the stain.
Are there household alternatives to tire shines?
Answer: Yes. Some household items like lemon and castor oil can be very beneficial to tire health. They can be used to give your tires a glossy look. Other options are olive and brake fluid. Although these household items are great, they are not nearly as effective as your regular tire shine spray.
Can tire shine affect my wheel finish?
Answer: Some tire shines may affect your wheel finish leaving behind marks. Most of the time, these marks can be easily removed by wiping with a microfiber. This should be done as soon as you notice the mark.
Final Words
Your vehicle tires play a major role in ensuring your safety and wellbeing on the road. As such, they also require much care and maintenance and deserve to look their best. Using a tire shine is an important step in that direction.
But much of your success is highly dependent upon choosing the right product. Hopefully, with our best tire shine spray reviews, this should be a whole lot easier. Make sure you choose a product that will not only suit your budget but also look best on your tires, whether it’s a glossy or matte finish.
Let us know if you have any other questions or suggestions.