Tyre dressings are a product group that is often overlooked. However, dressing the tyres can really add the finishing touch to any detail. It should be noted that regardless of the dressing, they should never be applied to the tyres on motorbikes and bicycles.
Also, be sure to use a high quality applicator when applying any of these dressings.
Last update on 2023-03-28 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing
The first pick on this list is Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing. It’s previously been covered in this review. However, for those short on time, here’s a brief run down on why it’s my number 1 pick.
The price per 500ml bottle is extremely low. So low in fact that it would cost more for a Big Mac and chips with a milkshake. In addition to this, it’s really easy to apply the dressing. A few squirts of it onto an applicator pad (you can read my top picks of those by clicking here) and it’ll be enough to cover a tyre.
By applying it this way, you’ll get an natural, OEM look. However, if you prefer a shiny tyre, then re-apply it more liberally. It really doesn’t take long at all to apply Instant Tyre Dressing to the tyres and it lasts up to two weeks. For something that takes less than five minutes to apply and looks that great whilst being really cheap to by, it’s a no brainer. The durability is right in line with the price as well. One bottle will last you a long time. My last bottle lasted just over a year, so it really is a great way to save some money when it comes to detailing.
- Spray-on tyre care solution can leave you with a gloss or satin finish, whichever you prefer
Last update on 2023-03-28 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Duel Autocare Profile Tyre & Trim Dressing
Unlike the other tyre dressings on this list, Profile from Duel Autocare can be used on plastic trim as well as tyres.
It is a gel based product, and a little does go a long way. Personally, I prefer a satin look, so I only applied a small amount to the side wall initially. In terms of the consistency, Profile flows great from the bottle onto an applicator pad. Even with just one application, it really helped restore a black finish to the tyre which had started to turn brown.
It also dries extremely quickly and there’s no oily residue left behind on the sidewall of the tyre after it’s been applied.
After leaving it to absorb into the tyre, I went back again an hour later an applied a second, more liberal coat to see how glossy it would look. The following morning, it looked glossy, but not overly glossy like you get with those el cheapo tyre dressings that don’t last a day in the rain. I like that regardless of the look you prefer, you’ll get it Profile.
An added bonus is that it also smells great, almost like a cherry bakewell. It worked really well on the plastic trim on the car as well. It’s a great dressing for tyres, and I’m glad to say that even after taking the car out for a rather spirited drive the morning after applying it, there was no sling onto the paint work.
It’s a tad bit more expensive than the Instant Tyre Dressing mentioned above, but at the same time, it’s dual purpose. It is available on Amazon and also directly from Duel Autocare.
Last update on 2023-03-28 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
303 Tyre Balm & Protectant
303 are well known for the exterior and interior coatings. One area that they’re not as well known for is their tyre dressings. They have a few on the market, but one in particular that really caught my attention was their Tyre Balm Protectant.
This a gel based dressing that is really easy to apply to the sidewall of the tyres. What I really like about it is that despite it being gel based, it doesn’t cause any sling. Sometimes gel based tyre dressings will sling if they’re not fully penetrated into the sidewall of the tyre, but that isn’t the case with the 303.
A little does go a long way with it. Application is really easy and it absorbed into the sidewall fairly quickly. A bonus for me is that it gives the tyre a matt, OEM look with a light coat. For those that prefer a high gloss look, I tried applying a few layers and this was enough to make the tyres look very glossy. By all means if that’s your bag then this is a great product for you.
For those that are worried above UV rays damaging the structural integrity of the sidewall of the tyre, this product will protect it. It has UV protectants in it not unlike the way that suntan lotion helps to protect your skin from UV rays.
Due to this added feature, it is a bit more expensive than the Autoglym Instant Tyre Dressing. My recommendation would be to have 303 Balm & Proctecant for the summer months where the UV is high, and then use Instant Tyre Dressing in the winter.
Duration wise, I got just over two weeks with this product from 303, which isn’t too bad, although I would have like a bit longer considering the price point.
- Water-based tyre dressing
Last update on 2023-03-28 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Meguiar’s Endurance Long Lasting High Gloss Tire Gel
For those that like deep, glossy black tyres off the bat without having to add additional coats, this is the dressing for you. I’ve never been a fan of overly glossy tyres, but I can deny that this product does exactly what it says on the tin, without the need of several applications that end up burning through the bottle quicker. If you want it even glossier than normal, then you can apply another layer. Be warned though that it will be super glossy!
Durability wise, I got just under 3 weeks with this dressing, which is at the 350 mile mark. I found it really easy to apply, and thankfully there wasn’t any sling to it either.
Much like the 303 dressing mentioned above, this offering from Meguiar’s also offers UV protection. It’s nearly triple the price of the Instant Tyre Dressing, so you need to weigh up if the increase in price is worth the UV protection, as well as the longer lifespan. It also needs to be applied to a 100% dry sidewall, whereas the Instant Tyre Dressing can be applied on wet or dry tyres.
- Advanced, long-lasting formula endures even through washing and rain
Last update on 2023-03-28 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.