If you’ve been following my blog, you already know how passionate I am about car care. With a small fleet of vehicles in my family, keeping them in top shape is no small task. While most people focus on maintaining the paint and trim, one detail that’s often overlooked is tire care. After you’ve polished up your car and it’s looking great, taking the extra step to clean and condition the tires adds that perfect finishing touch, elevating your car’s appearance to the next level.
Personally I like Chemical Guys products, they may cost a little more than other brands but at least you know they work well.
1. Start with a Thorough Rinse
Before applying any cleaner, give your tires a good rinse to remove loose dirt and grime. Use a high-pressure hose or even a simple bucket of water and a brush. This helps loosen up the dirt that builds up on the tire surface, making the cleaning process more effective.
Pro Tip: After rinsing, apply Chemical Guys Signature Series Wheel Cleaner. It’s safe for tires and wheels, making it an easy dual-purpose cleaner.
2. Use a Tire-Specific Cleaner
Not all cleaners are safe for tires. For deep cleaning, choose a tire-specific formula. I recommend using Chemical Guys Tire and Rubber Cleaner, which is designed to break down heavy grime, oils, and dirt from rubber surfaces. Simply spray it on, scrub with a tire brush, and rinse off for a deep clean.
3. Scrub with a Stiff Brush
To really lift dirt and debris, use a stiff-bristled brush. A dedicated tire brush will help you reach the grooves and treads, removing the toughest buildup. Scrubbing also helps prepare the tire surface for dressing or conditioning.
Pro Tip: Pair your scrub with Chemical Guys Diablo Wheel and Tire Cleaner, which can be diluted for regular use. Its pH-balanced formula ensures safe and effective cleaning on all tire types.
4. Apply Tire Dressing for a Glossy Finish 
After cleaning, it’s time to make those tires pop. Applying a tire dressing not only gives a glossy finish but also protects the rubber from cracking and fading due to UV rays. The Chemical Guys VRP (Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic) Super Shine Dressing is perfect for adding a rich, dark shine to your tires without leaving them greasy.
5. Finish with a Protective Sealant
To keep your tires looking great longer, use a tire sealant. This step is often overlooked but helps repel dirt, water, and contaminants, keeping your tires cleaner for longer periods. Chemical Guys HydroShield Vinyl, Rubber, Plastic Ceramic Coating offers superior protection and adds a hydrophobic layer to your tires.
Tire cleaning 101 – try to avoid the following:
We just went through a bunch of great products to use on your tires to keep them looking sharp. The list below may be obvious, but just as there are things you can do to keep your tires looking great, some cleaners can mess them up. Please avoid using the following:
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- Household cleaners (like bleach, alcohol, ammonia or dish soap.)
- Scrubbing with a wire brush or abrasive brush
- Always test an inconspicuous spot when trying a new cleaner
- Try to avoid painted surfaces, some tire cleaners are strong and can strip coatings off paint!
Conclusion:
In my opinion clean and shiny tires finish off the look of your car! For the record this post is not sponsored by chemical guys, I just happen to like some of their products for car care, especially tires. I am still a huge fan of Turtle Wax products too!
See some of my other posts