10 Best Tire Shine Products & Sprays Tested – Reviews
If you’re an automotive aficionado like me, the answer is no! But a beautiful car only looks that good when it is brand new, right?
It definitely takes some elbow grease but when you know what you are doing and have the right tools, your car can look as good as new (or better!) no matter how old the car is.
It’s perhaps surprising but the way the tires look goes a long way towards making the car look its best. I’ve done a deep dive into the best tire shine products to find which ones really work.
Table of Contents
- 1 TriNova Tire Shine spray – A Long-Lasting Fan Favorite
- 2 Meguiar Insane Shine – Simple Application and “Insane” Wet Look
- 3 Black Magic BM23 Tire Wet – Cheap and Effective
- 4 Black Magic Spray Version – A Thicker Spray for Better Adhesion
- 5 CarGuys Tire Shine – Highly Rated for a Reason
- 6 Chemical Guys Optical Select Tire Shine – Pricy, Advanced Formula
- 7 Armor All Extreme Shine Gel – An Affordable Gel But No Wet, Glossy Shine
- 8 Aerocosmetic Tire Dressing – Not Just For Jets
- 9 Meguiar Hot Shine – A Decent High-Gloss Spray
- 10 Chemical Guys Silk Shine Sprayable Tire Dressing – Versatility and a Car Scent
- 11 Buyer's Guide & FAQ
- 11.1 Can I make Homemade Tire Shine?
- 11.2 What is the best way to use sprays or foam?
- 11.3 Can you use it in the car's interior?
- 11.4 Can I also spray my rims?
- 11.5 I heard that you can use olive oil as well. Is it best?
- 11.6 Is it okay to use tire shine on a motorcycle?
- 11.7 How long does the shining effect last?
- 11.8 Which brand do car dealers use?
- 11.9 Which one in this list will last the longest?
- 11.10 Which is best, Gel VS Spray VS Foam?
- 11.11 Any one of these does not attract dust?
- 12 Final Words
TriNova Tire Shine spray – A Long-Lasting Fan Favorite
It also protects you from the elements and prevents any water spots or stains from salt during the winter time. This not only helps to keep your tires looking great but it can prevent long-term damage.
Another advantage of this spray is that you have control over how much shine you get. If you want a high level of shine, just leave it on the tires for a longer period of time before wiping it off. Similarly, if you want low shine, just wipe it off sooner.
- long-lasting
- large 18-oz bottle
- control of degree of shine
- repels dirt and grime
- protects from elements
- shine doesn’t last as long as other products, becomes more of a matte finish
- for best results, you need to rub it in instead of just wiping
Meguiar Insane Shine – Simple Application and “Insane” Wet Look
The Meguiar Insane Shine spray is also the best tire shine if you’re looking for super easy application. As they say, “Just spray and walk away!” It really is that easy. There is no need for rubbing it in or wiping it down. One big disadvantage of this product is that it just doesn’t last all that long. The tires will still look good but that really wet look will only last a few days, maybe a week at most.
- simple application
- wet-looking shine
- prevents early aging of tires
- affordable
- the wet look doesn’t last all that long
Black Magic BM23 Tire Wet – Cheap and Effective
This is another long lasting tire shine product with a really simple application. All you have to do is spray and let it dry. There is no need to rub it in or wipe it down. It also dries really quickly.
You have a few options for how glossy you want the tires to be. For a lower level of gloss, you should apply the product to a rag or sponge or applicator and then apply that to the tires. For a glossier finish, you should spray it directly on the tire sidewalls.
- really affordable
- easy application
- glossy shine
- long-lasting
- control over shine level
- if not careful with your application, it could result in streaks
Black Magic Spray Version – A Thicker Spray for Better Adhesion
It’s also a residue-free shine. With some other thick sprays, you might see a powdery residue but you won’t get that with this spray.
It’s another easy to use product with some control over the degree of shine.
For a wet-looking gloss, just spray and wait for it to dry. For less shine, apply some to a sponge or applicator and apply to the tire. It dries pretty quickly.
The scent is another thing that makes this product stand out. It has a cherry scent that some might find pleasant but others could find off-putting.
- affordable
- easy application
- thick, clinging formula adheres well to tires
- weather and rinse-resistant
- long-lasting
- cherry scent
- some might find cherry scent to be off-putting
- smaller bottle
CarGuys Tire Shine – Highly Rated for a Reason
This comes in a 1-gallon refill size, offering you a lot of value. The spray is easy-to-use and is dry to the touch almost instantly. You have quite a bit of flexibility in how much shine you want on the tire. You can go from a nice matte, dark black to a deep, wet, glossy shine.
Versatility is another plus. You can use it on your wheel wells or to restore trim on any type of faded rubber, vinyl or plastic.
- large refillable size
- dries almost instantly
- easy application
- versatile
- great reviews
- money back guarantee
- a bit more expensive
Chemical Guys Optical Select Tire Shine – Pricy, Advanced Formula
It can refresh the look of faded plastic mirrors, bumper parts, grilles, and grates, making them look new again. It penetrates deep, resulting in long-lasting black shine results.
The Chemical Guys spray is best applied to your tires via a sponge or applicator. It will leave your tires with that deep black, almost wet look. It finishes dry to the touch but it’s important that you wipe away any excess to avoid any dripping, running, or the dreaded tire sling.
- easy to use
- offers durability and protection
- versatile
- prevents fading from sun
- part of trusted Hybrid V7 sealant line
- expensive
- not as much social proof
Armor All Extreme Shine Gel – An Affordable Gel But No Wet, Glossy Shine
The formula for this gel is fortified with high molecular-weight silicone which is why it has the longevity that it does.
This gel product comes with a special applicator, making it easy to use. The applicator helps to ensure that you apply it evenly. Applying it this way means you won’t have to worry about any messy overspray.
You won’t be able to get that really glossy, wet look with this gel. You will, however, be able to get a really rich black, in more of a matte finish. In addition to giving you that rich, black look, it also offers protection from the elements.
This helps to extend the life of the tires by preventing cracking or fading.
- affordable, especially for a gel
- easy to use
- long-lasting
- protective
- money back guarantee
- the applicator isn’t as durable as it could be
- it’s tough to get a really glossy shine
Aerocosmetic Tire Dressing – Not Just For Jets
In addition to giving you a rich matte black finish, this is an aircraft-grade rubber treatment and conditioner. It will help to restore and protect both rubber and plastic so you can use it for more than just your tires.
This spray is not oily so you won’t have to worry about it being a magnet for dust and grime.
- biodegradable water-based formula
- restores and protects rubber and plastic
- matte/satin finish
- long-lasting
- aircraft-grade trustworthiness
- no wet-looking high gloss finish
Meguiar Hot Shine – A Decent High-Gloss Spray
The formula includes water-resistant polymers, enhanced resin technology, premium silicones, and antiozonants.
This is another one of those tire shine sprays that require almost no effort. You just spray and walk away. It goes on smoothly and levels evenly and quickly to prevent any streaking. The formula then bonds with the tire so your high gloss shine will last for weeks.
- nearly effortless application
- long-lasting
- high gloss shine
- protects tires and stops premature agin
- reasonably priced
- not quite as intense of a shine as Meguiar Insane
- it has a pretty strong odor
- can only has 15 ounces
Chemical Guys Silk Shine Sprayable Tire Dressing – Versatility and a Car Scent
This is an updated version of their previous Silk Shine product, the Weather-Tek formula and it’s five times more durable than the original. Your tires will continue to look great for weeks.
In addition to making the tires look good, they are being protected from the elements.
The water-resistant formula means that rain, snow, or other moisture won’t take away the shiny finish. It’s also UV-resistant so sitting in the sun won’t be a problem.
- not oily or sticky
- long-lasting
- versatile
- car scent
- available in large quantity refillable
- protects against elements
- adhesion isn't as good on plastic and vinyl
- the glossiness of the shine doesn't last as long as it could
Buyer's Guide & FAQ
Can I make Homemade Tire Shine?
There are a few alternatives to using Tire Shine. You can actually use Pledge furniture polish, as YouTube user Ryan Mayer describes. You can also make DIY Tire Shine using dish soap, alcohol, and Castor oil.
If you like DIY projects, it's worth trying. If you'd rather do the least amount of work, it makes sense to purchase the premade product that you know you can count on.
What is the best way to use sprays or foam?
The best way to apply sprays or foam tire shine products to your tires is indirect.
Instead of applying the product directly to the tires, you should put some on a rag and then work it into the tire that way. A special applicator, like the Chemical Guys Durafoam Contoured applicator, is an even better way to use tire shine sprays or foam. This helps you apply the product evenly without risk of dripping and it also results in less product waste.
Can you use it in the car's interior?
Yes, you can use tire shine on some interior locations. Especially if your dashboard is black, it should work well to clean it off and give it a nice shine.
It's perfectly safe to use on vinyl and rubber trim. Just be careful not to use too much of it. Less is more in the interior locations.
Can I also spray my rims?
You can, but it's not really a great idea. Brake dust will stick to rims that have a tire shine product on them and this can be a big mess.
Tire shine can also potentially damage the rims. Instead of tire shine, some kind of auto wax is the best thing to use on your rims. This will give you a nice shine while preventing brake dust from sticking.
I heard that you can use olive oil as well. Is it best?
Yes, you may find success using olive oil as a tire shine product.
The oil can nourish the rubber without drying it out. It will also result in a nice glossy shine. It is also pretty cheap and environmentally friendly.That said, olive oil tends to be somewhat sticky and attracts dirt and debris. This means that your tires may get extra dirty after use.
Is it okay to use tire shine on a motorcycle?
When you want your bike to look its best, it seems like common sense that a tire shine product should be part of that process. However, using tire shine on a motorcycle has the potential to be very dangerous.
It can potentially make your tires slippery which can lead to dangerous sliding and crashes.
The only safe way to use tire shine on your motorcycle tires is to spray some on a rag and apply it that way, being careful to avoid the treads. Never spray tire shine on motorcycle tires because it is too easy to get some on the treads.
How long does the shining effect last?
This varies quite a bit based on how much use the tires get, where you store your vehicle when it's not in use, and the type of tire shine you use. Typically, you can expect your tires to continue looking great for a few weeks.
If you drive the vehicle a lot and leave it parked in the sun all day, the tires may only look great for a few days. If you don't drive it all that often and keep it parked in a covered structure, the tires might stay shining for up to six months.
Which brand do car dealers use?
This varies from dealer to dealer. Most dealers have their favorites.
They are looking for that great first impression so they will often use a product that leads to a great look but doesn't necessarily last. A lot of dealers use Meguiar products, like the Meguiar Insane Shine or the Meguiar Hot Shine.
Which one in this list will last the longest?
Both of the Black Magic tire shine sprays, the Chemical Guys Silk Shine Sprayable, and the Armor All Extreme Shine Gel all offer long-lasting protection.
The TriNova Tireshine spray does last a long time as well but it doesn't hold the full glossiness of the shine for as long. No matter what kind of tire shine product you use, a number of things can affect how long the effect will last.
This includes things like parking in the sun and contact with things like rain or snow.
Which is best, Gel VS Spray VS Foam?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of tire shine product.
Gel lasts a really long time but it can be hard to apply and it tends to be more expensive. Spray is cheap, easy to use, and cleans the tires really thoroughly but it doesn't last as long and it can stain paint if it's not carefully applied.
Foam lasts a long time, doesn't require any scrubbing, and penetrates deep into the tire but it can be messy and the application can be a little tricky.
Any one of these does not attract dust?
The TriNova Tire Shine spray is really good at repelling dust, dirt, and grime. The Black Magic Spray Version is also quite good at resisting the elements which will prevent it from getting dirty. The Aerocosmetic Tire Dressing is another good option for repelling dust because it is a water-based formula and doesn't use any oil.
Final Words
Each of these ten tire shine products will get the job done. The right one for any given individual will depend on personal preference, like how glossy of a shine they are looking for, how important ease of application is, whether or not scent is important to them, and how much room they have in their budget for automotive accessories and products.
Have you used any of these tire shine products? What did you think? Do you have any tips for applying tire shine? Please share in the comments!
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