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<\/p>\nTire dressing sling is an issue that many people battle on a regular basis. \u00a0The blame is often placed on the product, however the application process is very important and may be the real culprit. \u00a0In this article I will share my process for ensuring a sling-free, well-dressed tire.<\/p>\n
An important part of keeping your tires looking good is simply ensuring they are completely clean. \u00a0This is a step that is often overlooked by many vehicle owners because well, they’re just tires, right?<\/p>\n
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You may be amazed at the amount of dirt and grime that comes off of your tires if they have not been cleaned in a while. \u00a0This buildup of road grime, dirt, grease, etc. will not only create an ugly looking tire, but it will ensure the tire dressing that you apply does not bond to the tire and therefore won’t last and may create a dirty mess. \u00a0Routine tire cleaning will keep your tires looking great, and will make them easier to dress and maintain. \u00a0I discussed some of my personal favorite wheel & tire cleaning products in my previous article which can be seen here<\/a>. \u00a0After the tires have been cleaned, make sure they are completely dry before applying the dressing of your choice.<\/p>\n Water-based dressings get my vote over silicone based dressings. \u00a0A nice water-based product will actually absorb into the rubber, leaving a nice looking finish that is almost completely dry to the touch. \u00a0Most silicone based dressings that I have tried over the years leave a film that sits on top of the surface, rather than soaking into the rubber, and is therefore more prone to slinging… especially when over applied. \u00a0Silicone dressings will also accumulate\u00a0on the face of the tire and require a fair amount of scrubbing\u00a0to remove with a tire cleaner if the layer of gunk is allowed to build up over time.<\/p>\n Two of my personal favorite water-based dressings are CarPro PERL<\/a> and Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Tire dressing should be applied using as little product as possible. \u00a0 A heavy coat may produce a nice, wet look initially, but it will just create a big mess in the end. \u00a0Applying a thin coat will allow the product to dry relatively quickly. \u00a0I prefer to apply a small amount of product to\u00a0a tuf shine tire applicator sponge<\/a>, then work the dressing into the tire by making numerous passes to ensure that the product has been adequately spread out and there are no areas where excess product has pooled (such as in cracks and grooves of the tire).<\/p>\n It should go without saying that it is a good idea to allow the tire dressing to dry for a while before driving the car. \u00a0I recommend a minimum of 30 minutes between applying your last coat of tire dressing and driving the car. \u00a0It is also a good idea to take an old microfiber towel, or a black all purpose microfiber towel, to lightly wipe your tires before driving the car. \u00a0This will ensure that any excess product that may have built up on the face of the tire, or in the grooves of the tire, has been removed. \u00a0Now is also a good time to simply swipe your finger along the face of the tire to ensure the dressing has dried and little to no residue is transferred to your finger.<\/p>\n Now enjoy your nicely dressed tires without worrying about dressing flinging onto your clean paint. \u00a0If you’ve got your own tips\/tricks to avoid tire dressing sling, please share them in the comments below!<\/p>\nUse Water Based Dressings<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nApply Thin Coats<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nAllow Time to\u00a0Dry & Wipe Away Excess Product<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nBuy Products From This Article<\/h2>\n