Top Tyre Cleaning Tips

Dressing your tyres is often called the "final step" in detailing, but in reality, prepping and cleaning your rubber is one of the very first. Getting that flawless tyre finish involves more than meets the eye. Here are three essential tyre cleaning tips to help you achieve it…

1. Alway Clean Your Tyres First

It may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people skip this crucial step, opting to layer on too much "shine" over dirty tyres. This prevents the dressing from properly adhering to the rubber and often results in splattered product on your freshly detailed paintwork. To avoid this, make sure to thoroughly clean your tyres with a dedicated tyre cleaner like Tread during the wheel wash stage. Not only does this keep things tidy, but it’s essential for ensuring that dressings bond properly.

The fastest way to clean your sidewalls, even when dealing with heavy soiling, is by following a thorough wheel wash routine. Start with your pressure washer and a suitable tyre cleaner, such as Iron Out Fallout Remover, Imperial Alloy Wheel Cleaner, or Revolution Wheel Soap. Afterward, use a small amount of Verso All Purpose Cleaner with a soft detailing brush to tackle any remaining dirt. Once rinsed off, your tyres will be primed and ready for the application of your preferred tyre dressing.

A premium tyre dressing, such as our Satin Tyre Crème, creates a long-lasting protective barrier against the elements while also containing UV inhibitors to protect your tyres from the damaging effects of sunlight. Unlike many low-quality "tyre shine" products that leave a sticky residue, Satin Tyre Crème won’t attract dirt the moment you drive off, keeping your tyres cleaner for longer.

2. Remember, it’s all about protection.

Whether you prefer a subtle satin or a high-gloss wet look, your sidewalls deserve the perfect finishing touch. But keep in mind that the best tyre products offer more than just aesthetic appeal—they provide crucial protection too. As the only part of your vehicle in direct contact with the road, your tyres endure constant exposure to salt, grime, and UV radiation, which can lead to unsightly browning and eventual cracking. To safeguard your tyres from these elements and achieve your desired finish, it’s essential to choose a tyre dressing that offers both protection and shine.

Another key factor to consider is nourishing the rubber to maintain its condition. Water-based tyre products are typically absorbed more easily, providing a subtle, classic finish. In contrast, silicone-based products tend to offer a glossy, wet look but are less readily absorbed. The advantage of Satin Tyre Crème is that it combines the best of both worlds. This layerable, water-based gel absorbs quickly to nourish the rubber, allowing you to start with a clean, natural matte finish and build up layers for an increasingly high-gloss shine.

3. Application Is Everything

Remember, your tyres are constantly in motion, and often at high speeds. So, in addition to choosing a tyre dressing that is "low sling" and dry to the touch, it's equally important to apply the product carefully and in the right amount. One of the most common mistakes in detailing is applying too much product, whether by spraying or painting it on too liberally. Not only does this waste your product, but it also leads to unnecessary expense.

For optimal results and even coverage that won’t cause your dressing to sling, we recommend using our dedicated Tyre and Trim Applicator or the 85mm Waffle Tyre Spot Pad (designed to work with our Handi Polishing Puck). Using these specialized tools, rather than spraying or applying directly from the bottle, will make the job much easier and, of course, a lot cleaner.