Ever wonder how the tires on some cars stand out looking shiny and new? The answer is Tire Dressing. Tire Dressing is a product detailing shops and car enthusiasts apply to tires in order to make them look shiny, clean, and new. There are many different formulas for tire dressings and in two major categories: Solvent-Based and Water-Based.

All dressings used to be solvent-based. Solvent-based products are sticky. They are popular with people who want a high-gloss or wet look to the tire. Most tire dressing products on the shelf at your local auto parts store are solvent-based. These products are not environmentally friendly and can be very difficult to work with because of their stickiness.

A common concern with a solvent-based tire dressing is sling getting onto the paint of the car. Sling occurs when a car is in motion and the tire dressing flies off the tire, or slings, landing on the rocker panels and rear fenders. Solvent-based products can leave a mark on the paint finish and should be removed right away before it dries or sets.

Because solvent-based tire dressings are sticky, it attracts dust and dirt and can have a tendency to gum up where overspray or excessive application has built. It’s important to always clean the tires before applying a new coat of tire dressing and you will find that solvent-based dressings are more trouble to clean off than water-based.

Water-based tire dressings, on the other hand, provide a more slick feel rather than sticky, and are Environmentally Friendly. Many water-based dressings incorporate UV filters which helps preserve the tires’ built-in sun-block that becomes depleted over time. Protecting the rubber from UV damage helps keep sidewalls supple.

Water-based tire dressings are known for the matte or satin shine it provides. While proper application prevents sling, water-based dressing won’t harm the paint job. Since this dressing isn’t sticky it doesn’t attract dust or dirt and won’t gum up, making cleaning between applications extremely easy. The application can be layered to build a glossier look and can also be applied to rubber bumpers, vinyl, window stripping and other trim making it more versatile than its solvent-based counterpart.

If you would like to try a tire dressing but are concerned about potential long-term harm, stick to water-based formulas that include UV filters and lack silicone oils. This type of dressing is safe and can even be beneficial.

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