What do you use to dress your tires?

**etyu** · 01-31-2007

I'm confused by the number of products out there to dress the tires and haven't been satisfied with the aerosol ones. So, what do you use to dress your tires?

I'm specifically looking for one that's hand sprayed (non-aerosol) unto a cloth or applicator and then applied to the tires. Any recommendations? What's your favorite brand? Do you really have to wash and dry the tires before application (as stated in some directions)?

**-1-** · 01-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

I'm confused by the number of products out there to dress the tires and haven't been satisfied with the aerosol ones. So, what do you use to dress your tires?

I'm specifically looking for one that's hand sprayed (non-aerosol) unto a cloth or applicator and then applied to the tires. Any recommendations? What's your favorite brand? Do you really have to wash and dry the tires before application (as stated in some directions)?

Let's ask JBanks, he's the King of clean wheels and shiney tires. I've tried them all. I'm currently using Meguiars NXT Insane Shine (aerosol). It's the best I've found that's currently available. I always apply to dry tires with a foam applicator. I apply several times a week. Several years ago, I found some STP tire shine at the local flea market. I bought one can and found out it was excellent. I went back and bought the guy out. I cannot find the STP aerosol brand anywhere, including online. It was the best tire dressing I ever used. STP does currently make a foam cleaner, dressing, that I won't consider. Clean, shiney wheels and tires are a must for me.

N4PWJ · 02-01-2007

autoglym tyre dressing, but it takes ages to dry. it is def worth the wait, but suually seeing as i always seem to be in a rush meguiars tyre gel, smells nice but only lasts a few days and doesn't really give as good a wet look as autoglym.

jun127 · 02-28-2007

I've tried gel type I think made by turtle wax and the shine stayed longer than others I've tried before....Only problem is I can't seem to find the gel types anymore....

Baron7700 · 02-28-2007

Mothers is awesome. Napa, Advanced, A&A, most national autostores sell some sort of gel or spray you put onto a applicator and then put on tire.

Note: If using that, let it dry for about 10 minutes before driving, otherwise it will get on your paint and be a pain to get off.

**V8SLK** · 02-28-2007

i've used the turtlewax aerosol. it's a little messy to apply, but i like it because it gives the rubber a dark black look without the wet look. i know many like the wet look, but i do not.

**alroumi** · 02-28-2007

A Question. Why do you dress the tires?, Is it just to keep them clean or to improve the life expectancy of the tires or something?

Baron7700 · 03-01-2007

No he means the sidewalls, its just an asthetic (sp?) thing, makes them look nice, and keeps the color and shine in them longer.

Clean car, sparkling rims, and DULL flat color tires? no no no

**alroumi** · 03-01-2007

Ahh okay, thank you baron that is what I thought of at first.

**Ynot** · 03-02-2007

STP stuff that -1- mentioned, just spray and go, quick and easy.

Elwood · 03-08-2007

Although I've not done this on my SLk yet...after dressing me Motorbike tyres (When I had it), I always used to use a white tyre paint pen to make the brand name stand out (Avon..Pirelli etc..)

Will probs try that when the weather gets a little more constant.

gmabli · 03-09-2007

I sometimes sound like a broken record singing the praises of Zaino products, but I haven't found one yet that I don't love.
I use their Z-16 Perfect tire gloss available here on their website. It is non oily and has UV protection. Gives the tires (or tyres for our UK members!) a shiny satin finish, not high gloss. Best of all, since the finish isn't oily, it doesn't act as a magnet for every piece of dust on the road.

DesignoSLK · 03-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmabli

I sometimes sound like a broken record singing the praises of Zaino products, but I haven't found one yet that I don't love.
I use their Z-16 Perfect tire gloss available here on their website. It is non oily and has UV protection. Gives the tires (or tyres for our UK members!) a shiny satin finish, not high gloss. Best of all, since the finish isn't oily, it doesn't act as a magnet for every piece of dust on the road.

Huh...I'll have to try that. I love their 9 & 10 for leather. Made my orange leather look, feel and smell better than new! It's always nice to get into a car that smells good...despite me.

gmabli · 03-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DesignoSLK

Huh...I'll have to try that. I love their 9 & 10 for leather. Made my orange leather look, feel and smell better than new! It's always nice to get into a car that smells good...despite me.

Ahhhh!!! That leather smell

!
I just started using Zaino's leather cleaner and dressing this past fall. I think I'm addicted to the smell. They call it "Leather in a Bottle". Nothing like it. As you said, it's better than new.

**jbanks15** · 04-02-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

Let's ask JBanks, he's the King of clean wheels and shiney tires. I've tried them all. I'm currently using Meguiars NXT Insane Shine (aerosol). It's the best I've found that's currently available. I always apply to dry tires with a foam applicator. I apply several times a week. Several years ago, I found some STP tire shine at the local flea market. I bought one can and found out it was excellent. I went back and bought the guy out. I cannot find the STP aerosol brand anywhere, including online. It was the best tire dressing I ever used. STP does currently make a foam cleaner, dressing, that I won't consider. Clean, shiney wheels and tires are a must for me.

here tis:

Meguiar's Gold Class™ Endurance® High Gloss

mbSLRwannabe · 06-15-2007

Stoner's More Shine works extremely well, and is quick to apply. spend a combined one minute and you have a tire shine lasting a good week or two.

**-1-** · 06-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbSLRwannabe

Stoner's More Shine works extremely well, and is quick to apply. spend a combined one minute and you have a tire shine lasting a good week or two.

I took your advice and tried the Stoner's More Shine. I like the way it applies. I don't think it last as long as the Meguiars NXT Insane Shine. The jury is still out.

412driver · 06-15-2007

You all know whats coming

.

Bubba says tha best stuff fer tyres is kerocene. Since usin kerocene on his tractor tyres, he has not had a single critter climb up on tha tractor. He liked tha shine to so he tried it on tha seat, well waz about a week afore he could sit widout squirmin, that stuff galled him bad.

**reallife** · 06-15-2007

Yes, I love all the Zaino products too. The tire gloss is a white liquid that makes them shiny but not really glossy. It lasts longer than anything else I've used in the past. It isn't greasy or oily and doesn't attract dirt. It holds up well in the rain and even snow. I use a foam applicator to apply it so it's easy to keep it on the tire and off the wheels and car body itself. One more thing, I use the Zaino ZFX polish product to do my wheels. Zaino makes them incredibly shiny and the brake dust largely rinses off with the hose.

01-31-2007	#1 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 4,912 Country: Thanks: 314 Thanked 207 Times in 107 Posts	What do you use to dress your tires? I'm confused by the number of products out there to dress the tires and haven't been satisfied with the aerosol ones. So, what do you use to dress your tires? I'm specifically looking for one that's hand sprayed (non-aerosol) unto a cloth or applicator and then applied to the tires. Any recommendations? What's your favorite brand? Do you really have to wash and dry the tires before application (as stated in some directions)? __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.* EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, HyperWhite license plate lamps ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott), bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.
	http://www.slkworld.com/

02-28-2007	#6 (permalink)
V8SLK Life is good... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Home of the brave Vehicle: 05 SLK55 AMG Posts: 1,075 Country: Thanks: 47 Thanked 48 Times in 26 Posts	i've used the turtlewax aerosol. it's a little messy to apply, but i like it because it gives the rubber a dark black look without the wet look. i know many like the wet look, but i do not. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Scott

02-28-2007	#7 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,021 Country: Thanks: 229 Thanked 157 Times in 95 Posts	A Question. Why do you dress the tires?, Is it just to keep them clean or to improve the life expectancy of the tires or something? __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

03-01-2007	#9 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,021 Country: Thanks: 229 Thanked 157 Times in 95 Posts	Ahh okay, thank you baron that is what I thought of at first. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

03-02-2007	#10 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,700 Country: Thanks: 93 Thanked 26 Times in 18 Posts	STP stuff that -1- mentioned, just spray and go, quick and easy. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

02-01-2007	#3 (permalink)
N4PWJ Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Belfast,N.Ireland Vehicle: 2006,slk280,carlsson Other Toys: Caterham Posts: 1,414 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	autoglym tyre dressing, but it takes ages to dry. it is def worth the wait, but suually seeing as i always seem to be in a rush meguiars tyre gel, smells nice but only lasts a few days and doesn't really give as good a wet look as autoglym.

02-28-2007	#4 (permalink)
jun127 SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: MONSEY Vehicle: slk 350 stock Posts: 14 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I've tried gel type I think made by turtle wax and the shine stayed longer than others I've tried before....Only problem is I can't seem to find the gel types anymore....

02-28-2007	#5 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,601 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Mothers is awesome. Napa, Advanced, A&A, most national autostores sell some sort of gel or spray you put onto a applicator and then put on tire. Note: If using that, let it dry for about 10 minutes before driving, otherwise it will get on your paint and be a pain to get off.

03-01-2007	#8 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,601 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	No he means the sidewalls, its just an asthetic (sp?) thing, makes them look nice, and keeps the color and shine in them longer. Clean car, sparkling rims, and DULL flat color tires? no no no

03-08-2007	#11 (permalink)
Elwood SLK World Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Co. Durham Vehicle: SLK 230 1998 Posts: 91 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Although I've not done this on my SLk yet...after dressing me Motorbike tyres (When I had it), I always used to use a white tyre paint pen to make the brand name stand out (Avon..Pirelli etc..) Will probs try that when the weather gets a little more constant.

03-09-2007	#12 (permalink)
gmabli Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Northern NJ, USA Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Other Toys: 1986 HD Heritage Softail - A classic in mint condition! Posts: 71 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Zaino, as usual I sometimes sound like a broken record singing the praises of Zaino products, but I haven't found one yet that I don't love. I use their Z-16 Perfect tire gloss available here on their website. It is non oily and has UV protection. Gives the tires (or *tyres* for our UK members!) a shiny satin finish, not high gloss. Best of all, since the finish isn't oily, it doesn't act as a magnet for every piece of dust on the road.

06-15-2007	#16 (permalink)
mbSLRwannabe Senior SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: CA, USA Vehicle: 2007 SLK55 AMG Posts: 142 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Stoner's More Shine works extremely well, and is quick to apply. spend a combined one minute and you have a tire shine lasting a good week or two.

06-15-2007	#18 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,011 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You all know whats coming. Bubba says tha best stuff fer tyres is kerocene. Since usin kerocene on his tractor tyres, he has not had a single critter climb up on tha tractor. He liked tha shine to so he tried it on tha seat, well waz about a week afore he could sit widout squirmin, that stuff galled him bad.