If you want to give your car a showroom shine, you can't neglect the tyres.
While they might not be the flashiest part of the car, their appearance can make a big difference to the overall look. Tyres are exposed to dirt, dust, mud and harsh weather conditions, which can make them look dull and faded over time. A good tyre dressing can restore their original lustre and protect them from further damage.
What is a tyre dressing?
A tyre dressing is a product that you apply to the sidewall of your tyres to enhance their appearance and prevent cracking, fading and ageing. They come in different forms including sprays, gels and liquids, and they can have different effects ranging from glossy to matte to satin.
There are two main types of tyre dressings: water-based and solvent-based. Water-based dressings are more eco-friendly and safer for your tyres, as they don't contain harsh chemicals that can dry out the rubber. They also tend to last longer and repel dirt and water better. Solvent-based dressings, on the other hand, are more potent and can give your tyres a wetter and shinier look, but they can also damage the rubber and attract more dust and grime.
What should you look for in a tyre dressing?
When choosing a tyre dressing, keep in mind the finish you want (high-gloss, wet look or a more natural, matte look), the durability you need (especially if you'll often be driving in the rain) and the ease of application. Some dressings come with applicators or spray nozzles that make the process a breeze and more precise, while others require you to use your own cloth or sponge.
We've rounded up all of the best tyre dressings below
Meguiar's G192215EU Hot Shine Reflect Tire Dressing
Meguiar's G192215EU Hot Shine Reflect Tire Dressing is a great choice for anyone who wants to give their tyres a glossy and reflective shine that lasts for weeks. It uses exclusive technology that creates a sparkling effect when light hits with a high-gloss formula that delivers a wet-look finish that enhances the appearance of the tyres. It has durable protection that resists water, dirt and road grime and also has a convenient spray applicator that allows you to easily coat your wheels with a uniform layer of product.
Buy now £17.81, Amazon
Williams Racing WIL0023 Tyre Dressing
Williams Racing’s WIL0023 Tyre Dressing is a premium-grade product that gives your tyres a glossy finish and protects them from dirt and dust. It's easy to use, covers well and lasts long, even in rainy weather. Made by Williams Racing, a renowned Formula One team, it's a heavy-duty product that can handle any road condition and keep your tyres looking new. It's also non-acidic, so it won't damage your wheels or paintwork and comes in a huge bottle, making it a great value option too. If it’s good enough for the pros...
Buy now £17.89, Amazon
Glart 45RK Car Tyre Shine 500 ml with Sponge
This Glart 45RK Car Tyre Shine comes with a sponge applicator that helps you spread the tyre shine evenly and precisely, which means you don't have to worry about making a mess or wasting anything. Promising a long-lasting shine that resists water and dirt, it contains silicone and polymers that protect your tyres and trims from fading or cracking. It also enhances the natural colour and gloss of the rubber, giving it a wet look that lasts for weeks. You can adjust the level of shine by applying more or less coats, depending on your preference.
Buy now £12.33, Amazon
CarPlan TSS505 Tyre Silk
This CarPlan TSS505 Tyre Silk has been unbeaten in more than 20 years of testing by Auto Express and is impressively easy to use - you just need to spray it on clean tyres and let it dry. No need to wipe or buff. This affordable bottle gives a long-lasting and natural-looking shine, without being too glossy or greasy. It also resists dirt and water better than some competitors, according to plenty of reviews. Its light consistency means it dulls faster but, if you're looking for more of a natural finish, it ticks all the boxes.
Buy now £15.69, Amazon
Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing
The Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing is a product that can make your tyres look shiny and new in no time, either by spraying it directly onto the tyre sidewall, or applying it with a sponge or applicator pad. The latter method gives you more control and prevents overspray on the wheel. You can also choose the finish you want: glossy or matte. For a glossy finish, just let the product dry on the tyre. For a matte finish, wipe off any excess with a microfibre cloth. It can last up to three weeks without fading, even if you wash your wheels with a wheel cleaner.
Buy now £11.50, Autoglym
King of Sheen Eco Tyre Shine
As its name suggests, the King of Sheen's Eco Tyre Shine is a top choice when it comes to quality and quantity. This water-based, solvent-free tyre dressing leaves a really good shine on your tyres and is safe for any rubber finish. It comes with a handy applicator that makes it easy to apply precisely and evenly, and it smells good too. It can restore the colour and appearance of faded or greying trim, making your car look like new. It also lasts well, keeping your tyres and trim looking fresh for weeks, even in rainy weather.
Buy now £9.89, Amazon
Simoniz Back To Black Wet Look Tyre & Trim
If you're looking for a car wax that can give your tyres and trim a wet look that lasts, it's definitely worth trying this Simoniz Back To Black Wet Look Tyre & Trim. Easy to use, effective and affordable, this aerosol spray gives fine and even coverage, and the bottle should last you for several applications. It restores the black colour and gloss of faded and dull rubber and plastic, making them look like new. You can also adjust the level of shine by applying more or less coats, depending on your preference.
Buy now £5.99, Amazon
Turtle Wax Wet’n’Black Tyre Dressing
This Turtle Wax Wet’n’Black Tyre Dressing has a fast drying formula that means no messy 'fling-off' onto your car's paintwork and is made up entirely of silicone and solvent, which delivers a super fast drying time and sling-free results. It has a special blend of silicone polymers that penetrates the tyre rubber to lock in a longer-lasting shine that will look lot-fresh for weeks. The product also comes with a trigger spray that provides a targeted application for instant wet shine – simply spray and walk away. Better yet, its UV inhibitors protect your tyres and trim from fading and cracking.
Buy now £5.19, Amazon
Angelwax Elixir
The Angelwax Elixir is a tyre and rubber dressing that comes in a water-based formulation that adheres to the surface of rubber, vinyl and plastic, creating a waterproof barrier and leaving a stylish finish. Unlike some other products that are oily or greasy, this composition is easy to apply and does not attract dust or dirt. You can use it on your tyres, bumpers, trim and any other rubber or plastic parts of your car. It's a top choice for durability and longevity, even in harsh weather conditions.
Buy now £12.45, Amazon
The Treatment Black-On Tire Shine System
The Treatment Black-On Tire Shine System is a four-step process that involves cleaning, conditioning, sealing and shining your tires. It comes with a microfibre applicator pad and a pair of gloves and its system is designed to work on any type of tyre, whether it's black, white or coloured. It's widely considered a top choice for its ease of use, durability and the glossy finish of the product. If you're looking for tyres that are especially wet-looking and black, this is a bottle that promises good results, even after several weeks.
Buy now £19.98, Amazon
Verdict
When it comes to tyre dressings, the Meguiar's G192215EU Hot Shine Reflect Tire Dressing is a top choice for a solution that's budget-friendly, impressively versatile and easy to find online or in-store.
