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The best tyre dressing to give the best tyre shine

  • Shiny tyres can make a car look even better
  • Choose between a gloss or satin finish
  • Be careful not to overdo it though!

Written by Ryan Gilmore Published: 21 November 2022 Updated: 6 December 2023

The idea of applying the best tyre dressing to a freshly washed car really is the final step, except for maybe stepping back and admiring all your hard work. The images of of old tyre shine, applied by unscrupulous car dealers to make tired tyres look slick is no more, modern tyre dressings will make your rubber look better, and even provide a layer of paint protection.

Most modern tyre dressings will let you choose between a satin or matte finish, and shouldn’t fling tyre dressing all over your car as you drive, so long as you’re buying quality dressings.

This is where tyre dressing comes in. Not only does it make the grubbiest of rubber look fresh and glossy, but it’s also very easy to apply and will make your tyres shine, and your car stand out from the crowd. We’ve found the best examples on the market, as well as a selection of applicators, to ensure you get the best results possible.

The best tyre dressing

Editor's pick

Price: £9.99
This is the perfect introduction to tyre dressing, thanks to a complimentary applicator. This eco-friendly option is not only non-toxic to the planet but is guaranteed to not damage your tyres at all. The glossy finish looks great, and it is a quick-drying product.

Pros

  • Comes with an applicator
  • Good for the environment

Cons

  • Cannot choose your finish

Best durable tyre dressing

Price: £11.79
Choose between a high gloss or satin 'new tyre' look with this gel from Autoglym. It's also very easy to apply to your tyres; simply use an applicator on wet or dry rubber. The best part is this is the most durable tyre dressing, thanks to the inclusion of active silicone polymers.

Pros

  • Choose your finish
  • Very durable once applied

Cons

  • You'll need an applicator

Best value tyre dressing

Price: £17.99
If you own a lot of cars, then a five-litre bottle might be your best option. This heavy-duty option from Williams Racing will provide you with shiny tyres for a very long time. You need to be fairly liberal with your coating, but the end result is fantastic.

Pros

  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Need to use a fair amount of product

Best instant dressing

Rrp: £11.49

Price: £8.18
An instant tyre dresser from Autoglym, this is quicker to apply than the gel and still offers the active silicone polymers, so you'll know it'll stay on your tyres. It won't be as comprehensive as other options, but will still improve the look of your tyres.

Pros

  • Quality finish
  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Not as durable as applicator-applied dressings

Best wet-look tyre dressing

Price: £5.99
Another spray-on option, this time from Simoniz. This tyre dressing offers a wet-look finish. You simply spray the formula onto your tyres and wipe off any excess residue. It will make even tired tyres a rich black colour.

Pros

  • Easy to apply

Cons

  • Wet look isn't for everyone

Best tyre dressing applicator pad

Price: £14.23
A great option that will keep your hands clean, this tyre applicator has a plastic case, so there's no risk of running into the mucky tyre dressing. It also comes in a handy storage box to keep it clean when not in use.

How to apply tyre dressing:

Wash your tyres to remove dust, dirt, and debris. It might be a good idea to use a pressure washer to properly clean your wheels.

You can wait for your tyres to dry if you want, but most tyre dressing can be applied to wet tyres, too.

Apply tyre dressing to the tyres using an applicator. Make sure to never apply the dressing to the tyre tread or brakes.

Wait for the product to dry and wipe off any excess residue. After that, you’ll have some fresh-looking tyres.

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