Tyre care involves more than just maintaining the correct pressures (when they are cold, of course).
For many enthusiasts, their tyre care regime ensures that the car’s “shoes” look spiffy as well.
There are no secrets here.
But you’re definitely gonna need some elbow grease to put our tips to use!
Step #1: Start with clean tyres!
Most car owners think that spraying or splashing water on their tyres is “clean enough”.
But for detailing freaks, this is merely the first step of many!
To clean your tyres, you will need a dedicated wheel/tyre cleaner.
Spray the product liberally over your wheels and tyres and let it dwell for up to 30 seconds.
Then, use a detailing brush to agitate the foam.
Ensure that you give them a good scrubbing prior to rinsing them thoroughly.
Step #2: Don’t skimp on repeating Step #1!
Tyre care can be filthy business.
Sometimes, tyres are so dirty that they need a second (or even third round) of scrubbing.
You need to remove dirt and contaminants in order for your tyre care product or tyre shine to adhere properly.
Check if your tyres are clean by rubbing your finger on the sidewall.
If it doesn’t turn black, it is clean enough for product to be applied.
Step #3 Tyre shine should only be applied to dry tyres.
Some enthusiasts, due to a lack of time, may immediately apply their tyre shine product to a wet tyre.
There are products that say this is okay.
But in our experience, tyre shine is best applied to dry tyres.
This lets the product have the best chance of bonding to your sidewalls.
After you’ve parked your vehicle and dried its body, pat the tyres dry.
Step #4: Apply products sparingly!
Tyre care doesn’t require you to slather on thick layers of tyre shine.
On the contrary. a light coating is usually enough.
The problem with thick coatings of tyre shine is the possibility of “tyre sling”.
This happens when there is too much tyre shine on a tyre.
The excess product is flung off the tyre as the car moves.
Some tyre care or tyre shine brands claim that you can control how shiny the tyre looks.
This is achieved by formulating products that enhance the shine with each layer applied.
