Why You Should Always Clean Your Tyre Walls

The Ultimate Method For Achieving Perfect Tyre Dressing Results

Tyres are highly vulnerable to road grime and UV damage, which can lead to unsightly browning and even surface cracking over time. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, tyre dressings play a crucial role in creating a protective barrier against these elements. At Auto Finesse, we offer two standout options: Satin, a layer-able, water-based crème for a natural matte finish that also nourishes rubber from within, and Gloss, a fast-acting silicone-based spray designed to deliver a dripping-wet, show-car shine.

To maximize the appearance, durability, and protective benefits of your tyre dressing, there’s one crucial step you shouldn't skip: thoroughly cleaning your tyres during the wash stage. This step removes built-up grime and provides the ideal surface for your dressing to adhere to.

The great news is that cleaning your tyres is both quick and simple. Here's the easy method trusted by professionals...

Begin by using a pressure washer to thoroughly remove loose dirt from all wheel and tyre surfaces. Focus particularly on the sidewalls, but don’t overlook the areas under the arches or the treads of your tyres. This step ensures that the products you apply later can penetrate and work effectively where they’re needed most.

Clean your wheels using your preferred method. For most painted or powder-coated wheels, we recommend a combination of Imperial Wheel Cleaner and Revolution Wheel Soap. For periodic deep cleaning or tackling tough contaminants, Iron Out Contaminant Remover is an excellent choice.

For detailed guidance on cleaning various wheel types, including powder-coated and specialist finishes, refer to our comprehensive guide on cleaning alloy wheels.

To tackle tough grime and remnants of old dressings embedded in your tyres, use Tread Tyre Cleaner. This powerful cleaner penetrates deep, making quick work of the task. Start by spraying Tread generously over the sidewalls.

Next, it's time to scrub, and the best tool for the job is our Rubber Scrubber Tyre Brush.

Apply Tread Tyre Cleaner to your brush, and remember, the more effort you put into scrubbing now, the cleaner and fresher your tyres will look. Work the Tread into the sidewall, but be careful not to let the brush touch the wheel. Continue spraying Tread as you go to ensure you have plenty of fresh cleaning solution to work with.

Now, rinse off the grime and inspect the sidewall. If the tyres haven't been cleaned in a while, you may need to repeat the process. Remember, your tyres can never be too clean!

Drying your sidewalls is crucial to prevent the dilution of any dressings you apply, ensuring they look better and last longer. Use an old microfibre cloth to gently mop up any excess water—but make sure you've washed and rinsed the rest of your car first!

The final step is to apply your tyre dressing of choice—in this case, Gloss. This will provide your tyres with a glossy, show-car finish while also offering a protective layer against the elements and harmful UV radiation.

Admire the results... we believe they truly speak for themselves.