There’s something about a set of pristine, shiny tires that really puts your vehicle’s appearance over the top. But while the right tire shine can give your vehicle a professionally detailed appearance and protect the tires from harmful UV rays, the wrong one can turn into a giant mess and a waste of money.
We understand the importance of getting the right tire shine and gel product, and that’s why we tracked down and reviewed ten of the best tire shine spray and gel products and highlighted them for you here.
Not only that, but we came up with a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help answer any questions you might have and get you the perfect tire product the first time.
10 Best Tire Shine Spray & Gel Products
1. Armor All Extreme – Best Tire Shine Spray Overall
If you’re looking to get the best deal possible on a top-notch tire shine product, then you’re not going to beat the Armor All Extreme Tire Shine Spray. This spray is insanely easy to use and gives your tires an outstanding shine, but what really puts it at the top of our list is the price.
It competes with the top options out there, but it does it at a much lower price. Even better, it comes in a two-pack option that gives you even more value. And like all the top options out there this tire shine not only gives your tires an outstanding look but helps protect them too.
Armor All Extreme Tire Shine is everything you want in a tire shine spray and at a price that you really can’t beat for what you’re getting. However, there is one drawback to this tire shine spray – it simply doesn’t last as long as other options out there.
It’s still a great value and since it’s not hard to apply, it’s not a huge deal but compared to some of the top options, you’ll find that you’re applying it a bit more often.
Pros
- Good mix of price and performance
- It comes in a two-pack for even more value
- Extremely easy to use
- It also protects your tire
Cons
- Not the longest lasting tire shine spray
2. Black Magic Tire Wet Gel – Best Overall Tire Gel
Some people prefer tire shine over tire gel, but it really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer tire gel over tire shine, Black Magic Tire Wet Gel is what you want. For a tire shine gel it’s available for an outstanding price, and it’s hard to find a product that lasts quite as long as this one.
A single application can last up to 8-weeks, and considering its weather-resistant formula, it’s not surprising when it makes it the full 8 weeks before you need to reapply. This product comes with the applicator and everything you need to apply it, which is another great perk.
Still, like all tire gels, Black Magic Tire Wet Gel does produce some tire sling. But when you apply it properly this tire sling is minimal – but it still happens. It’s a definite drawback to tire gel instead of a spray, but the tradeoff is that you won’t need to reapply this product as often and you’ll get a phenomenal shine with tons of protective benefits.
Pros
- Great value for a tire shine gel
- Weather-resistant formula
- It can last up to 8 weeks!
- It has everything you need to apply it
Cons
- Improper application can sling gel when driving
- Slings some gel no matter what
3. Chemical Guys VRP – Best Budget
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want a top-notch tire shine product for your tires, then the Chemical Guys VRP is precisely what you’ve been looking for. It’s an insanely affordable product, but that’s not the only reason it made our list.
It’s also extremely easy to use, and you can use it on a wide array of products. In fact, that’s what the VRP stands for. You can use this product to protect, seal, and shine any vinyl, rubber, or plastic products, making it an excellent choice for a variety of surfaces on your vehicle.
Still, while it’s a versatile product, that doesn’t mean it’s not a top-notch tire shine. It both protects and gives the tire a clean shine, all with zero sling. It uses a water-based formula that is gentle yet effective, and because of this you don’t have to be as careful about overspray.
You still need to watch out for the brakes, but it shouldn’t have any negative impact on other components. Still, while it does provide some shine for your tires, it undoubtedly isn’t as shiny as a dedicated tire shine.
On top of that, it simply doesn’t last as long on your tires as some of the top products out there. You could do far worse at this price range, but if you’re willing to drop a little money you can get a better product.
Pros
- Very affordable product
- Easy to use
- It helps protect your tires
- It uses a water-based formula
Cons
- It doesn’t provide the deepest shine
- It doesn’t last the longest
4. Car Guys Tire Shine – Premium Choice
When you’re shopping for the best possible tire shine product and don’t care about the cost, you want Car Guys Tire Shine. It might not have the same big-name appeal that the Armor All products have, but Car Guys Tire Shine will blow away any other product out there.
It provides a top-tier shine that no other product can match, and it does this while giving your tires all the same protective benefits as other tire shine products. There’s absolutely no runoff or sling, and it’s one of the easiest products out there to apply.
It dries immediately after application, and it gives you a grease-free application that you can even touch! On top of that, it lasts longer than any other spray-on product on our list, meaning you can spend less time on the tires and more time enjoying the benefits.
This tire shine spray comes with everything you need to use it, and the only real drawback is the price. It’s certainly a more expensive choice, but it also has the performance to back up the higher price. If you want the best of the best – you found it.
Pros
- Very long-lasting protection
- Insanely effective product
- Very easy to use
- No runoff or sling
Cons
- More expensive product
5. TriNova Tire Shine Spray
While TriNova Tire Shine Spray didn’t make our top few choices, it didn’t miss it by much. This tire shine spray is an outstanding option for your vehicle. Like all the top options it gives the tires an outstanding shine will also protect them from harmful UV rays that lead to a shorter shelf life.
It’s also easy to use and comes with a top-tier applicator that makes it easy to get the exact appearance you’re looking for. However, while we truly love this tire shine, it did miss our top four for a reason.
The primary concern is that it’s a more expensive option. It’s very similarly priced to the Car Guys Tire Shine product, but it’s just a step behind that option in terms of performance and longevity.
But unlike Car Guys Tire Shine, if you find you like TirNova Tire Shine you can purchase in bulk to drive down the cost a bit. There’s a 1-gallon refill option you can purchase, and when you look at the cost per ounce at that point it’s a phenomenal deal.
Because of the bulk option, it’s not a bad idea to give this tire shine a shot. If you love it, you can potentially get a high-end tire shine product at a budget price. Just keep in mind you’ll need to order refills, and you’ll need to order applicators to get the same high-end results.
It’s a bit more work, but for the savings you can get, we think it’s worth the little extra effort.
Pros
- They offer bulk refills
- Very effective product
- Easy to use
- Produce a deep shine and protects your tires
Cons
- More expensive product
6. Armor All Car Tire and Wheel Shine Gel
Armor All is the largest name in the industry, so it’s no surprise to find their products on our list twice. But while their tire shine spray is our top choice, the Armor All Car Tire and Wheel Shien Gel fell down the list a bit more.
It’s still the second tire shine gel on our list, but it’s a pretty steep drop off from the Black Magic Tire Wet Gel. It’s not that this tire gel won’t produce a top-tier shine while protecting the tire, because it will, it’s that there’s simply too much sling with this tire shine gel.
A proper application will reduce the tire sling some, but with Armor All Car Tire and Wheel Shine Gel there’s no eliminating it entirely. It’ll always produce more sling than Black Magic Tire Wet Gel, and that’s why it couldn’t earn our top spot.
Still, it’s not a bad product, and that’s why it made our list. It will give your tire an outstanding shine and protect it from UV rays for quite some time. It’s really an outstanding mix of price and performance, which is why it’s only the second tire shine gel to make our list.
Pros
- A great mix of price and performance
- Easy to use
- Provides a long-lasting shine
- It also protects your tire
Cons
- Produces some tire sling
7. Griot’s Garage 11044 Long Lasting Tire Dressing
Griot’s Garage is likely a product you’ve never heard of before, but it’s really time you changed that. It’s challenging to find a tire shine product out there that protects your tires better than Griot’s Garage Long-Lasting Tire Dressing.
As the name implies, it lasts a long time, meaning you don’t have to head out every few days to reapply it. Even better, it can handle all types of weather conditions out there, so even after a big rainstorm, you don’t need to worry about whether or not your tires still have UV protection.
Still, for everything this tire shine does right, it did fall down towards the bottom of our list for a reason. Chief among those reasons is that this tire dressing does a better job protecting your tires than giving them a professional-looking shine.
While it does have some shine, it’s simply not on par compared to the other options out there. Not only that, but there’s only one size option to choose from, and it’s a smaller one. This drives up the cost a bit, and it’s not a low-priced option to begin with.
Still, if you’re more interested in the protective features than the shine, Griot’s Garage Long-Lasting Tire Dressing could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Pros
- It lasts a long time
- Easy to use
- It does a great job protecting tires
- Handles all types of weather conditions
Cons
- More expensive option
- It only comes in a smaller size
- Better suited for protection instead of shine
8. Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Sprayable Extra Glossy Tire Shine
Sometimes all you want with a tire shine product is something that makes your tire shine. When your top concern is getting as much shine as possible, Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Sprayable Extra Glossy Tire Shine is an outstanding choice.
It still protects your tires, but if you’re looking for super shiny tires this product can deliver. Even better for you, it’s an affordably priced product so you don’t have to worry about breaking open your bank account to use it.
Not only is it affordable, but you can purchase it in various sizes to allow you to save even more money by purchasing in bulk. And while it’s an affordably priced tire shine product, it’s also extremely versatile.
You can use it on your tires of course, but it also works extremely well on plastic and vinyl, and just about any other rubber product on your vehicle. It’s a sprayable foam that protects and shines, and it can even help pick up and remove some grime.
Our only real complaint with Chemical Guys Tire Kicker Sprayable Extra Glossy Tire Shine is that it doesn’t last as long as other options. That means you’ll need to reapply it more often, and that’s why it fell down our list a bit.
Pros
- Very affordable product
- It comes in multiple size options
- Works on a wide array of products
- Sprayable foam is very easy to apply
- Shines and protects your tires
Cons
- It doesn’t last as long as other options
9. Adam’s Tire Shine
Adam’s Tire Shine is another outstanding product that doesn’t have the same big-name appeal as a few of the other options out there. But just because they’re not a massive company doesn’t mean they aren’t worth checking out.
It’s an extremely long-lasting tire shine that can withstand some of the harshest weather environments. This means less work for you to keep your vehicle looking as great as possible. Moreover, it provides an incredible shine that will make it look like a professional just detailed your vehicle’s tires.
And if you find you like this tire shine there are multiple size options available that let you purchase in bulk. That helps you drive the cost down some, but no matter how you purchase it, you’re going to spend a bit more than you would with another option.
It’s not the most expensive option out there, but it’s not the lowest-priced option either. Not only that but to get the applicator you need to purchase the more expensive combo pack. And since that applicator wears out over time, you’ll find that you need to go back and order the combo pack again some point in the future.
It’s a great tire shine product, but you’ll end up spending a bit more in the long run compared to the options farther up the list.
Pros
- Multiple size options available
- Very long-lasting design
- Provides an excellent tire shine option
Cons
- Applicator only comes in the combo pack
- Slightly more expensive
10. Stoner Car Care More Shine Tire Finish
The Stoner Car Care More Shine Tire Finish is the last product on our list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great choice. Stoner is an American brand, and they make their tire shine right here in the United States.
Not only is it an American product, but it’s extremely easy to apply and does a great job. It provides a UV barrier to help protect the tires, and it does a great job at giving your tires the exact shine you’re looking for. It’s a professional-level shine that you can control simply by pointing and spraying.
There’s likely no product that’s easier to apply since all you have to do is point and spray, but this also means you have to be extra careful about overspray. There’s absolutely no sling though, so you don’t have to worry about making a mess after it’s on the tires.
Finally, we wish that there was more than just one size option to choose from, but for an easy to-to-use spray it’s not a major concern. It’s not our top choice, but it’s far better than many of the other choices out there that didn’t make our list.
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Provides a UV barrier and a great shine
- No sling
- Very quick to apply
Cons
- Hard to prevent overspray
- It only comes in one size option
Tire Shine Buyer’s Guide
With so many top-notch tire shine products out there it can be a bit of a challenge to determine which one is right for your vehicle. We understand the dilemma, and that’s why we came up with this comprehensive buyer’s guide to walk you through everything you need to know to get the right product the first time.
Not only that, but we also answered some frequently asked questions about tire shine and decided to walk you through the proper way to apply it to your vehicle. Everything you need to know about tire shine is right here.
Why You Want to Use a Tire Spray/Gel Product
There are two main reasons you want to use a tire shine product, and every product on our list excels at both options. Those two options are to protect your tire from harmful UV rays and to give your vehicle a clean and distinguished appearance.
While the appearance is a subjective choice, the protection that it gives your tires isn’t. That’s because the rubber compounds in tires start to break down as soon as you expose them to sunlight and using a tire shine product can help with this.
The UV rays in sunlight cause the rubber compounds to break down, crack, and dry rot, and tire shine acts as a barrier between the rubber compounds and the harmful UV rays. This gives the tires an extra layer of protection and helps them last longer.
But keep in mind that tire shine doesn’t do anything for preserving tread – it’s all about preserving the tire long enough so you can use all the tread before you need to replace it for other reasons.
Tire Spray vs Tire Gel
There are two main choices you have to choose from if you’re looking for shiny tires – tire gel and tire shine. But what’s the difference, and which one should you use on your vehicle? We’ll break down the differences and the pros and cons of each option here.
Tire Spray
Tire spray is the most common option to use on your tires, and there are plenty of pros for it. The biggest advantage is that if you use the right tire spray, you don’t have to worry about tire sling. Tire sling is when the spinning of your tire causes the tire shine to “sling” off your tires and onto your vehicle.
The right tire sprays are dry to the touch, which means it never goes anywhere besides the side of the tire. Not only that, but tire spray products are by far the easiest and quickest to apply. If you already have clean tires, you apply the spray in just a few minutes, which means it’s not a large time commitment.
However, for everything that’s right about tire spray, there is one major drawback. Tire spray doesn’t last very long. Typically a top-notch tire spray product will only last for about a week if you leave your vehicle outside all the time.
You can extend this time frame if you leave your vehicle parked inside or if there are simply nice conditions and no rain outside. The worse the weather outside, the quicker the tire spray will wear off, even if it’s a weather-resistant spray.
Tire Gel
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting option that you don’t need to apply as often as tire spray, then you want to consider the tire gel option. The most notable perk of tire gel is that it lasts longer than a tire spray.
However, while that is the most notable perk, it’s not the only one. Tire gel also typically provides a little more protection than a tire spray. That’s because the gel is thicker, so it provides a little wider barrier between the UV rays and the rubber.
However, the main drawbacks to tire gel are that it’s not as easy to apply and it’s messier. Even when you do everything right tire sling still occurs, and you need to take extra precautions to apply as thin as a layer as possible.
This doesn’t make it the wrong choice for you though, especially when you consider that a gel tire shine product often gives a shiner appearance compared to a tire spray. It’s a bit more work because of the tire sling and application process, but since it lasts longer, it does mean that you don’t need to do it as often.
How to Apply Tire Shine or Tire Gel
It doesn’t matter if you get the perfect product if you don’t know how to apply it. That’s why we wanted to walk you through everything you need to do to get the perfect shine on your tires after you have the perfect product.
1. Clean the Tire/Rim
It can be tempting when you get your tire shine in the mail to simply head out and put it on the tires. That would be a mistake. Instead, you need to prepare the tires by cleaning them thoroughly. Don’t just focus on the tire though, also clean the rim up to give your tires a pristine appearance when you finish.
2. Dry the Tires
Once you finish cleaning the tires, it’s important that you take the time to dry them off. Any moisture on the tire will prevent the tire shine from adhering properly and you won’t get the results you’re looking for.
3. Apply the Shine
Once you’ve cleaned and dried the tires, it’s time to apply the tire shine. Follow the directions on the specific product you choose for how much to use. However, no matter the product you choose you only apply tire shine to the side of the tire.
4. Let it sit
Once the tire shine is on your tires, the last thing you want to do is head out and hit the open road. The tire shine needs time to settle into your tire, so give it at least ten to twenty minutes before moving onto the final step.
6. Wipe off the Excess
Once you’ve given the tire shine plenty of time to settle into the tire, use a microfiber cloth to wipe off any excess. This might seem like an extra step, but if you leave excess tire shine on your vehicle then when you start driving your vehicle will sling it all over the place.
Instead of having a professionally detailed appearance, the tire shine product all over the side of your vehicle will make it look worse than ever. On top of that, you’ll need to spend even more time cleaning it up when you could have simply wiped off the excess from the beginning!
How Often Should You Reapply Tire Spray/Gel?
It really depends on the product you choose, but a typical tire shine product can last anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks. Furthermore, it depends on the conditions you keep your vehicle in and how often you drive it.
A vehicle that stays in a temperature-controlled garage 24/7 won’t need nearly as much tire shine as one that spends all its time outside and is your daily driver.
Just keep an eye on your tire’s sidewall, and when the tire shine appearance starts to wear off it’s time to head out and apply another coat!
Dealing With Sling
Tire sling is a common occurrence if you use a tire shine gel product, but that doesn’t mean you just need to leave it alone and accept it. To help reduce tire shine you want to use as little product as possible to get the job done.
Not only that, but you need to wipe off the excess product after you’ve given it enough time to settle in. Next, as soon as you get back from driving your vehicle you want to inspect around the side of your vehicle and in the wheel well. Clean up any tire shine product as soon as possible.
Outside of those few things, there’s not much you can do about tire sling. It’s not the end of the world, but it is something you want to stay on top of to give your vehicle a top-notch look and protect the tires.
Is it good to put tire shine on tires?
Tire shine can be good to put on tires because it makes them look shiny and new. It also helps to protect the rubber from weathering and sun damage. However, most tire shine products only last 1-8 weeks, so if you want to keep it you need to do it quite frequently.
How long does tire shine last?
Tire shine usually lasts anywhere from 1 to 8 weeks, but it depends on how often you drive and the type of tire shine that you use. Driving in wet or dusty conditions can also shorten the lifespan of your tire shine.
Is silicone spray good for tires?
Normal silicone spray is not recommended for the tires. It will attract dust and will make the tires even dirtier fast. There are also arguments that it will cause tire dry rot.
Does Tire Shine prevent dry rot?
Many tire shine products will prevent tire dry rot, but there is no definitive answer to this question since there are a variety of products on the market that are marketed as tire shine, and the ingredients and effectiveness of each may vary. However, most tire shines work by providing a coating that seals the surface of the rubber from exposure to the elements. This can help to prevent cracking and dry rot, but it is not a guaranteed safeguard.
If you’re still a little unsure about which tire shine product is right for your vehicle after reading through the reviews and the buyer’s guide, don’t overthink it. There’s a reason the Armor All Extreme Tire Shine Spray is our top choice, but really any product that made our list will do a phenomenal job on your vehicle.
So, pick one, get it on order and try it out! Because many of the products we highlighted here will do a great job protecting your vehicle’s tires and take the appearance of your vehicle to the next level!
Categories: Cleaning & Detailing, Reviews
