The 10 Best Tire Shines
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in May of 2018. Gleaming tires make any vehicle stand out, so whether you're hoping to see a customer drive off the lot, getting your car ready for a show, or simply like to pull out of your garage looking sharp, check out these shines. They come in water- and solvent-based formulas, as well as high-gloss and satin varieties, and can offer a bold wet look or just a clean shine reminiscent of brand new rubber. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
February 25, 2021:
Not only have there been no major advancements to the field recently, but some of our recommendations have been favorites of gearheads for many years. Meguiar's Endurance G7516 and Mother's Back-to-Black, for example, offer a wet look and a classy shine, respectively, and are extremely well known among both hobbyist and professional detailers. Opti-Bond Gel has also been around for a while and is known for its long-lasting effectiveness.
Also keep in mind that there are different levels of effort required for various tire shines. The instructions for Black Magic Wet Foam include spraying the foam on the tires, and that's literally all - you're finished. Alternatively, thicker options like the Opti-Bond or Griot's Garage 11044 take a little more elbow grease, but also tend to last somewhat longer. Renew Protect Gloz is another long-lasting option, and in fact, it claims to last multiple years under the right conditions.
For an easier application process with less sling than a gel can sometimes cause, consider Tire Kicker, which is also safe for many interior panels, or Trinova Dressing, which isn't incredibly shiny, but does provide a very deep black.
October 23, 2019:
Replaced the Duragloss 321 with the Trinova Dressing. The Duragloss seems to have a relatively short shine duration. The Trinova provides a long shine period without needing to be caked on and risk being flung off the tire.
Renew Protect Gloz moved to the top spot because of its ridiculously long duration - at least several months. It doesn't provide the glossiest finish, which might be objectionable to some, but many detailers prefer a semi-gloss on their tires. This is particularly true when these dressings are used on trim and weatherstripping because ultra-glossy trim stands out in a way that is not necessarily aesthetically pleasing.
Always test products on non-visible surfaces before applying to visible surfaces to ensure compatibility.