A guide on the latest tire shine products and all the varieties of formulas. There are oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based. We cover them all and tell which ones are the best.
I’ll be honest before we researched Tire Shine (or Tire Dressing) we did not know there were so many types of tire shine products to get your tires to look their best. We will take a look at all the varieties of dressings and declare a winner in each category.
By Maurice Rodriguez
December 8, 2021
While tire shine may seem like an unnecessary product they do serve a purpose. Besides making your tires look shiny, tire shines or dressing, can protect your tires from dry rot, cracking, and some even provide UV protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
Tire manufacturers like Goodyear mention that UV rays, low inflation, extreme temperatures, and extended storage can cause tires to begin to degrade and crack. But, in the article from Goodyear, they mention that a good water-based cleaner can help care for your tires and recommend that you stay away from oil/petroleum-based products.
In this article, we will take a look at all the best water-based tire shine products and oil-based ones (if you choose to go your own way) to find the product that will help care for your tires and give you a shine that will make your friends jealous.
Table of Contents
Best Overall Tire Shine:
Chemical Guys VRP
Chemical Guys VRP (Vinyl, Rubber, and Plastic) is by far the most popular protectant you can buy today. The reason it’s so popular is that it’s so versatile in its applications. It can be applied to just about any surface inside and out. VRP is a long-lasting, non-greasy, water-based formula that can protect your dash, trim, and tires from harmful UV rays. But, you want to know if it makes your tires look new again. Well, our testing shows that VRP goes on easy, gives your tires a natural look, and lasts up to 4 weeks.
Pros:
- Water-based – Gentle on vinyl, rubber, and plastic
- Shine lasts 4 to weeks in our testing
- UV blockers to protect from harmful sun rays
- Non-greasy formula provides a deep shine
- Only a small amount is needed and a bottle lasts a long time
- Smells like coconut
Cons:
- No applicator is included
Best Gel Tire Shine:
Meguiar’s Premium Tire Gel
Meguiar’s was a real close second as far as tire shine. We loved the grape smell, it’s easy to apply (no applicator included) as long as you’re careful, and the shine lasts for weeks. But we didn’t feel it was as shiny as the Chemical Guys VRP or as versatile in its uses. But if you want a silicone-based tire shine that goes on easy and provides a long-lasting shine then Meguiar’s may be the product for you.
Pros:
- Silicone Based – Repels water and last weeks
- Love the grape smell
- UV protection from the sun’s rays
Cons:
- Not as versatile as Chemical Guys VRP
- No applicator included
Best Silicone Based Formula:
California Cover All Automotive Tire Shine
Superior Products California Cover All tire shine is another popular product that is used widely by car detailers. Cover All is a solvent (a petroleum product) based tire shine with silicone. The solvent gives the tire the shine while the silicone protects the tire shine by repelling water to give you a longer shine from 2 to 4 weeks in ideal conditions. Cover All provides a layer of UV protection from the sun rays as well.
The manufacturer claims no wiping is necessary. But, we found in one of the car’s tires had some browning that leached out of the tires. This could cause some unnecessary fling onto the paint of your car. This is a reaction to the car’s antioxidants and can appear with any tire shine. Even with high-quality products like Cover All. I would make sure no seepage has occurred before you drive off and have to re-clean your car. Otherwise, we really liked this product and would recommend it.
Pros:
- Silicone-based – repels water to give you a long-lasting shine
- UV protection from the sun’s rays
- Long-Lasting – 2 to 4 weeks
- Spray – No wipe formula
- No sling – Watch for leaching in certain tires
Cons:
- Not cheap
Best Water Based Hi-Gloss:
Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Extra Glossy
We love Chemical Guys’ products and that because they make pro-level products that your detailer uses. So you know they’re good.
Chemical Guys Tire Kicker is the High-Gloss product you need if you want that long-lasting super shiny look. Their product is water-based so it won’t damage your tires but has UV protection to protect you from the sun and keep your tires looking nice. This product can be used on your interior, exterior, trim, and in the engine bay as well.
Pros:
- High Gloss – Super Shiny
- Water-based – so gently on your tires
- UV protection from the sun
- Can be used on plastics, interiors, exteriors, and even the engine bay plastics
Cons:
- None we could find
Best Budget Spray Tire Shine:
Armor All Extreme Tire Shine
Armor All is the original car beautifying product that we all grew up on. Armor All got its start back in 1962 when Joe Palcher invented the original formula to protect vinyl, rubber, and plastic with a UV protectant.
Armor All is still at it and their offering is the Extreme Tire Shine. We found that it did a good job at making the tires shiny but you have to clean the tire properly first if you want the shine to last longer than a few days.
Pros:
- Armor All UV protection
- Does provide a High-Gloss
- No sling
- Easy spray bottle
Cons:
- Doesn’t last if tires aren’t cleaned first
- Priced similar to better products
FAQ
What tire shine products give you shine with no sling?
We highly recommend Chemical Guys VRP if you are for a product that goes on easy with no sling or mess. Find out more about VRP in the video below.
How to apply tire shine?
Material List:
- Tire Cleaner – Chemical Guys Nonsense All Surface Cleaner
- Tire Brush – Chemical Guys Nifty Brush Detailing Brush
- Tire Shine – Pick the one that moves you. Natural or High Gloss. Gel, Cream, Spray, or Foam.
- Tire Shine Applicator – Chemical Guys Wonder Wave Tire Dressing Applicator Pad
- Microfiber Cloth – See our article on the best microfiber cloth for you.
Step 1. Clean the tires. Make sure to remove any excess dirt or grime with water and soap first. Use a brush if needed to get into cracks. Apply a cleaner like Chemical Guys Nonsense All Surface Cleaner to loosen any dirt and scrub any remaining dirt.
Step 2. Dry the tires. Use a microfiber cloth to clean any moisture or grim that you may have missed.
Step 3. Apply your favorite tire shine. We recommend Chemical Guys VRP but if you prefer a high gloss you can use Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Extra Glossy
Step 4. Wipe off any extra residue. Make sure you let the tire shine dry (usually about 30 minutes) and wipe off any excess residue before you drive off.
You can also watch the video below if you want to learn how to properly care for your tires.
What is the number one tire shine?
Meguiar’s Endurance Tire Gel is probably the most recommended tire shine product. In our reviews, it did well and far as shine, endurance, and protection. But it got out “shined” by Chemical Guys versatile product line that can give a natural or high gloss look depending on how you “roll.” Sorry about those.
Does tire shine ruin your tires?
Depends. Are you using a water-based or oil-based tire shine? Does your tire have anti-oxidants that may leach out when tire dressing is applied? Oil/Petroleum-based products are great at making your look shiny, repel water, and last a long time. But can break down your sidewalls’ rubber compounds faster. Generally, water-based tire shine products are gentler on your tires and can be safely used regularly without any worries.
Conclusion:
I am really impressed with Chemical Guys’ product line and all of its offerings. They got you covered if you are looking for both the natural or high gloss look. Plus, their tire shine products are made to be gentle and can also be used on vinyl, rubber, and plastic (hence V.R.P.). They have a great selection of brushes, tire shines, applicators and microfiber cloths to get you the best tire shine you’ve ever had.
We are all things cars.
Maurice is an avid car enthusiast, foodie, and loves hard rock. When he isn’t writing blogs he enjoys traveling and sight seeing.