Do any tire manufacturers have official guidance on tire shine / tire dressing products?

[geetar]

I am trying to gather information on this topic from official sources like the big global tire makers since there are opinions that tire shine can degrade or protect tires depending on who you ask.

I can't make sense of whether silicone is good for tyres or not which some products proudly claim that they do not contain any silicone, whereas others advertise that the silicone protects the rubber!

To complicate things even further, Michelin has started putting its name on some pretty cheap/nasty car products, including tyre shine which is probably full of solvents and surely cannot be good for anything.

I am looking for official guidance or test results from tire manufacturers or independent and impartial tests. I have sent emails to a few manufacturers, and I will report back if they reply.

I have personally used CarPro Perl for the past few years, never had a tire fail, but I have always noticed some cracking which I've just accepted as normal, my tires last 5-6 years which is perfectly fine. I just replaced a pair of tyres that just turned 10 years old and down to the wear bars, they were very cracked and perished.

 

[Boomer]

Why use this stuff? Just wash the tires with a brush when you wash the car.

 

[Jdeere562]

I hate tire shine too. Give them a good scrubbing and call it a day!

 

[geetar]

Why use this stuff? Just wash the tires with a brush when you wash the car.

Why use it? Because it can protect against cracking supposedly - that's the question. Plus it makes the car look good.

I hate tire shine too. Give them a good scrubbing and call it a day!

I don't hate it, it makes any vehicle look good, but the question here is does it have the potential to protect and reduce how soon the rubber becomes cracked.

 

[John105]

I would think there is no benefit and unknown if any detriment. Imagine if it breaks down the sidewall (unlikely)

 

[billt460]

He wants to use it because he likes the looks of it. Just like thousands of others do. He posted asking if these products have any potential negative effects on the rubber. Not to have you guys try to talk him out of using it.

 

[John105]

https://www.consumerreports.org/tires/how-to-keep-your-tires-looking-good/

 

[72C10]

Good question but I haven't found any definitive answer. My guess is that the manufacturers won't endorse any particular type of product. I am interested to see what their responses are though.

 

[Bailes1992]

I love a tyre dressing, but it has to be a subtle satin/matt finish. Nothing shiny.

 

[joekingcorvette]

I use a Meguire's tire dressing that doesn't have any silicone or oils in it and is safe to use in body shops etc. It's only about $36 per gallon and I fill my own spray bottles. It looks great on my vehicles and isn't all greasy or shiny looking. It looks more like a brand new tire.

 

[DriveHard]

There was a post a while back where someone got feedback from a tire mfg. They did a small study and found one cleaner/dressing that did offer UV protection, and did a good job cleaning. I have used this stuff ever since. LOVE IT! It works great, no discoloration after extended periods of non use, and it is truly no-touch.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BO4Z06?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

 

[Highlander 1459]

He wants to use it because he likes the looks of it. Just like thousands of others do. He posted asking if these products have any potential negative effects on the rubber. Not to have you guys try to talk him out of using it.

I doubt the stuff does much good or harm to the tires either way... the shine only lasts a few days..

 

[billt460]

I doubt the stuff does much good or harm to the tires either way... the shine only lasts a few days..

That depends on the product and where you live. If you live where it rains a lot, then yes. Driving a half hour in a driving rain will get rid of most of it.

But in more arid climates there are several products that will last quite long.

 

[wings&wheels]

Not a formal endorsement, but the thread on feedback I received from Vredestein: Vredestein Feedback

 

[geetar]

Here's the email response I got from the Goodyear UK Technical team:

The use of aftermarket tyre cleaners to improve any aspect of the look of a tyre is a choice that must be made by the end user of the tyre, based on the owners need, application and the suitability of the device or substance being considered.

Goodyear Tyres neither recommends, endorses, nor prohibits the use of such substances or devices. The user takes full responsibility for these substances or devices.

---------------

Unless you feel a need to do otherwise use warm soapy water whilst washing the car and avoid jet washing the tyres. Sometimes the power of a jetwash psi is similar to and can also be higher than the psi inflation in a tyre.

Interestingly they have somewhat avoided the question, but also added some detail about specifically using warm soapy water and avoiding the use of high pressure water. This is interesting because most car wash places in the UK don't use warm water, but they definitely do use high pressure water! The same is probably true for the majority of DIYers washing their cars at home.

 

[geetar]

Not a formal endorsement, but the thread on feedback I received from Vredestein: Vredestein Feedback

That's exactly the kind of thing I am interested in. Pretty cool. Sadly I cannot find that product for sale anywhere in the UK.

 

[CharBaby]

Good question but I haven't found any definitive answer. My guess is that the manufacturers won't endorse any particular type of product. I am interested to see what their responses are though.

Most of what I have heard/read over the years is that many tire mfg’s recommend against using any type of tire dressing on tires. IDK their reasons why or what testing they’ve done in order to determine their decision.

 

[John105]

I doubt the stuff does much good or harm to the tires either way... the shine only lasts a few days..

Yeah I think the practical answer is do what you like not gonna hurt in all likelihood. If mfg is against there’s a reason. It was pointed out Michelin has their own branded cleaner?

We are once again overthinking….either way is correct and fine!

 

[geetar]

Yeah I think the practical answer is do what you like not gonna hurt in all likelihood. If mfg is against there’s a reason. It was pointed out Michelin has their own branded cleaner?

We are once again overthinking….either way is correct and fine!

This is an oil forum, we are professionals at overthinking here

 

[John105]

This is an oil forum, we are professionals at overthinking here

And it “is” all good, we care to understand unlike many. Why, I even still use two spaces after a period. Refuse to change hahaha (something is correcting me back to 1 space)

Two. Spaces.

Above typed with two, becomes one once posted.