NOT finishing car detail with tyre shine is like putting on a tuxedo and not doing up the bow tie - it looks unfinished and unsightly.
What’s more, tyre shine products help to prevent wheels picking up all that roadside debris, meaning it’s easier to keep the car clean with a little bit less effort. Tyre shine products need to be developed carefully.
Powerful detergents can begin to break down the rubber in the tyre walls and make them less safe.
Considering this, it’s a big no-no to substitute household products for the real thing.
Tyre shines available today provide both savings on time and cost by lasting longer on your wheel and protecting the rubber, rather than attacking it.
Choosing which one to buy depends on the driving you do, or if you’re planning on selling the motor in question.
From a mix of our own expert knowledge, user reviews and industry tests, we’ve created this guide to the six best tyre shines out on the market today.
Follow our guide to have the long-lasting, clean and glossy tyres you deserve in 2019.
1. Auto Finesse Imperial wheel cleaner
- Auto Finesse Imperial wheel cleaner, 500 ml, £8.95 from Amazon - buy here
Auto Finesse Imperial Tyre Shine is a favourite amongst avid detailers.
This acid-free wheel cleaner contains a blend of cleaning agents and degreasers that actually separate brake dust from general road debris.
The formula is highly concentrated so it’s economical and safe to use on all modern coated wheel finishes, but it’s also gentle enough that it can be used for cleaning tyres.
The high-foaming formula makes light work of what can be the most arduous of tasks and the price is nothing to be sniffed at either.
2. Meguiar’s Endurance
If you have a few extra pennies to spend, other detailers say Meguiar’s Endurance High Gloss pips Imperial tyre shine at the point.
Meg’s produces a shine that is long-lasting, which means cleaning your tyres every few weeks, not every few days - great if you want to maintain that new look for longer.
Its formula works on ensuring tyres don't turn putrid brown, eliminating overspray, drips, streaks and spotted driveways.
It’s easy to apply too.
3. Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing
Autoglym products are used by experts and novices alike.
Autoglym gives worn rubber a deep black-as-new finish.
The shine can be applied to high or low-sheen finishes, on wet or dry tyre walls, so it doesn’t interfere with the manufacturer’s tyre finish.
A fair price, as with many Autoglym products, a little will get you far and like Meguiar’s, this tyre dressing need only be applied every second wash, if you’re using a shampoo and protect, rather than stripping shampoo.
4. CarPlan Trade Tyre Slik
CarPlan Trade Tyre Slik is the most affordable option on this list.
Containing a special rubber lubricant that helps combat the effects of crazing on tyre walls, its "superflow" valve allows the product to "flow freely" even in an upside down position
That gives you maximum control with less wastage, making it much easier to use and even better value-for-money.
Users recommend regular use of Tyre Slik to reduce the effects of ageing and keep your tyres in the best condition.
5. Chemical Guys Silk Shine Sprayable Dressing
US brand Chemical Guys has some choice products available here in the UK.
Some pros rely on their 5-litre high-value bulk buy bottles. And for good reason, the stuff lasts for ages.
This Silk Shine Sprayable Dressing is durable.
Offering a high-shine finish, Chemical Guys Silk Shine can be used on dashboard and leather interiors, as well as tyres.
The “weather-tek” pH balanced formula not only prevents restored colours from fading, but is also gentle on materials and your hands, leaving behind a lovely new-car scent.
6. Simoniz Tyre Shine
Simoniz is a brand with mixed talents when it comes to the performance of its products.
The new formulation is glossier, with an easy-to-use spray bottle for application.
This is important as you can really direct the product on to the tyre and not catch the paintwork.
Simoniz offers a guarantee for its tyre shine to restore, protect and shine, so if your tyres are looking a bit tired, this is your go-to solution.
We recommend a second coating if you’re treating particularly scruffy black circles, or if it’s a warm day—plenty of those in recent years.
More from sun selects motoring
If you're planning on giving your car a bit of love, check out our selection of the best car wax, pressure washers, and car polish.
Enjoyed our roundup of the best tyre shines? Check out our dedicated Sun Selects motoring section.
To browse our full range of Sun Selects recommendations, be sure to head back to the Sun Selects page.
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