Tire Shine

[Dad]

Thought I'd pass this along. I was detailing the Maverick after exiting one of those auto car wash facilities when I happened to notice the newer Chevy Blazer in the stall next to me. It was obvious the car was well maintained, but what caught my eye was the tires. They were as shiny as a Marine's dress shoes. I like shiny tires but I wasn't getting that ultra shine from Armor-All or Meguliar products, so I hit up the owner to let me in on his secret. Turns out it was a little known (at least to me) product by Cristal. He was gung ho on it, said he's tried a bunch of others and loved the results. Frosting on this cake is that the 13oz can is under $5 at Walmart. It's also available at Amazon, but slightly more.

Before and after application pics.

***********UPDATE***********
I want to thank all the member who dropped in their comments and opinions on this product. I would have to agree that a water based product like the 303 line is probably better for the environment and health of the user seeing that it is non-toxic. I can't speak to how long it lasts, but I'm happy to spend a few dollars more on a product that is slightly less shiny.

Sponsored

 

[Islands115]

I get this stuff in a 3-pack from Costco. I want to say it's $10 or $12 for the 3-pack.

 

[RideSolo]

How much effort? Spray on? Spray on and wipe?

 

[Islands115]

Just spray it on.

 

[Oscarcat]

RE: Cristal tire shine - I can't find the answer to this online or in the product description - Is Cristal tire shine WATER BASED or PETROLEUM BASED?

Word is, petroleum based products are not good for rubber and will cause sidewalls to crack, therefore products like Armour All are to be avoided.

 

[Dave O]

I like the 303 Line of Products

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

RE: Cristal tire shine - I can't find the answer to this online or in the product description - Is Cristal tire shine WATER BASED or PETROLEUM BASED?

Word is, petroleum based products are not good for rubber and will cause sidewalls to crack, therefore products like Armour All are to be avoided.

Absolutely
Especially in the Desert Southwest.
UV protection is needed more than shine.

 

[Tbone289]

Absolutely
Especially in the Desert Southwest.
UV protection is needed more than shine.

That's more important to me as well, and that's why I use 303 products like @Dave O mentioned. However, I'm more of a "black tire" guy than a "shiny black tire guy".

 

[Dad]

I get this stuff in a 3-pack from Costco. I want to say it's $10 or $12 for the 3-pack.

Even better! Good hunting!

 

[Dad]

How much effort? Spray on? Spray on and wipe?

Tire application . . . I just sprayed it on. Wiping not needed.
I also used it on the flat black plastic trim on the truck, For those surfaces I sprayed the product on a sponge and wiped on. Again, no need to wipe off, but I used the sponge to even it out.

 

[Dad]

RE: Cristal tire shine - I can't find the answer to this online or in the product description - Is Cristal tire shine WATER BASED or PETROLEUM BASED?

Word is, petroleum based products are not good for rubber and will cause sidewalls to crack, therefore products like Armour All are to be avoided.

Good question. The product contains polydimethylsiloxane, which according to the American Chemical Society is a silicone polymer which is used in many other products ranging from medical devices to shampoos. It seems to be somewhat of a liquid rubber. I did not see a direct reference to petroleum, but perhaps someone here with a better understanding of chemistry can make better sense of that.
The other ingredient is hydrocarbon solvent and that is definitely derived from petroleum and can be toxic.

 

[Dad]

Absolutely
Especially in the Desert Southwest.
UV protection is needed more than shine.

Product is labeled as UV protection, but how does one determine the value of that over another product?

 

[William Buckman]

Great stuff, lasts a long time. Good for all the black plastic on the exterior of the Maverick.

 

[Dad]

Great stuff, lasts a long time. Good for all the black plastic on the exterior of the Maverick.

Thank you for your contribution!

 

[Kenv24]

That's more important to me as well, and that's why I use 303 products like @Dave O mentioned. However, I'm more of a "black tire" guy than a "shiny black tire guy".

TBone...I'm like you. Black tire for sure...but not the "Shine." When my F250 was in for a minor repair last summer, they washed it for me and put some type of tire conditioner on there that was PERFECT. Clean and black...but no shine. I'm going to have to ask my service guy what they used. Best thing...It lasted FOREVER through many/many driveway car washes. Even 6+ months later, that stuff was still on the tires (BFG All Terrains)...just needed a hose rinse to get the dirt off. After reading this post, I'm going to check this week and see if I can find out what type and brand.

Sponsored