Disappearing Tire Dressing...

MCA · 06-21-05, 02:47

Hey folks,

I have read thru 20+ threads on tire dressings, but I still can't find what I'm looking for. Anyways...when it comes to tire care, I am a complete newbie. On the recommendation of several members I have been cleaning my car's tires with DP tire gel (old version) and using Zaino Z16 or Armor-All (water-based) as my dressing. I have zero problems with this combo. However, when I try the exact same method/combo on my wife's tires, the dressing literally disappears in an hour...it's like the tires "absorb" the dressing. I have to apply the dressing 3 times (sometimes 4) in order to get the "normal" low-sheen look on her tires. I am pretty positive that it is not product or application errors because it works to perfection on my tires. But as I mentioned before, tire care is one thing that completely confuses me so any info would be greatly appreciated. I definitely want to make sure that I am not damaging her tires.

Prep and Products Used:
DP Tire Gel Cleaner w/ Meg's Tire Brush
Zaino z16 or Armor-All w/ E1 Tire Swipe
My Tires: Michelin
Her Tires: Firestone

*NOTE* I am sorry about all the product specifics. I just would to make sure that my question is thorough.

Thanks,
MCA

2wheelsx2 · 06-21-05, 02:50

How old are her tires? If they are older tires, it could be that it's being absorbed by the oxidized rubber. I have found the same on older cars. You can try using an APC of some sort, or a stronger cleaner/degreaser on the tires, and then drying them really well, and applying multiple coats until you get the look you want. After that, they should behave just like your tires.

Bill D · 06-21-05, 02:55

I'd try a more tradtional liquid rubber cleaner. Mothers Rubber and Tire Cleaner before every dressing reapplication hasn't failed me yet on Pirelli, Michelin, Goodrich, and Goodyear.

CutNAction · 06-21-05, 02:59

I dont want to hijack your thread MCA, but your post caught my attention. I have pretty much the same problem. I have bigger tires (Grand Cherokee) and they are fairly new, but it seems like the very next day it looks as if nothing is on the tires anymore. I have tried multipe tire wets. I would like some information as well on this.

Alfisti · 06-21-05, 04:06

How strong a cleaner do you use?

Maybe something like A2Z will strip off *all* contaminants, including oxidised rubber, giving it a virgin surface to start with.

John Styrnol · 06-21-05, 04:31

Try some of the Tropi-Care Tire/Rubber Dressing (New and Old), Tire Cleaner.

2wheelsx2 · 06-21-05, 04:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill D

I'd try a more tradtional liquid rubber cleaner. Mothers Rubber and Tire Cleaner before every dressing reapplication hasn't failed me yet on Pirelli, Michelin, Goodrich, and Goodyear.

I second the Mother's. Really good stuff, but still easy on the wheels. And it doesn't cause the tires to brown like some other cleaners do.

marstang · 06-22-05, 03:08

I like using the Meguiars "Endurance" tire dressing. I'm currently using the high gloss version. It leaves a thin gel type coating on the tire. It doesn't seem to soak into the tire like other dressings I have used and I'm not experiencing the "sling" that several other members have complained about. The tires even keep their gloss after 1 or 2 rainstorms.