The tyre; most cars have four of them, and they’re the one part of a car that should be in contact with the ground which can make it difficult to keep them looking clean, necessitating the entry to the world of the tyre cleaner. Like alloy wheels and the underside of a car, tyres face the brunt of road grime and can quickly pick up dirt, turning the sidewalls and tread brown.
That’s why there’s such a large market for wheel cleaners and protective coatings for the underside of cars. Surprisingly, however, there isn’t such a large market for dedicated tyre cleaners. While rubber is a tough material and can theoretically be washed down with nothing more than water, contaminants can embed themselves in the rubber, causing them to turn brown and look tired.
The best tyre cleaners at a glance:
Editor’s choice: Bilt Hamber Surfex-HD – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best dedicated tyre cleaner: Auto Finesse Tread Tyre Cleaner – Buy now from Amazon UK
Best tyre cleaner and dresser: Meguiar’s Ultimate Tyre Shine Foam – Buy now from Amazon UK
Perhaps it’s because all-purpose cleaners (APCs) have been cleaning tyres more than effectively for years, and products designed for tyres lean rather heavily on marketing trends. No matter what you believe, we’ve found the best products for returning those tyres back to their former glory.
The best tyre cleaners:
Editor's choice
Pros
- The most versatile cleaner on sale
- Biodegradable
Cons
- You'll need a bottle to dilute it into
| Capacity | One litre |
| Used for | Road film, mud |
| Extras | Dilutable, biodegradable, works as a degreaser |
The best dedicated tyre cleaner
Pros
- Prepares the tyre for dressing
- Good cleaner
Cons
- Do you really need it?
| Capacity | One litre |
| Used for | Road film, mud |
| Extras | Prepares the tyre for dressing |
The best wheel and tyre cleaner
Pros
- Time-saving choice
- Solid cleaner
Cons
- Needs a decent bit of agitation to work
| Capacity | 680ml |
| Used for | Road film, mud, iron fallout, rust |
| Extras | Wheel cleaner, prepares the tyre for dressing |
The best tyre cleaner and dressing
Pros
- Really easy to use
- Time-saving
Cons
- That glossy finish isn't for everyone
| Capacity | 538ml |
| Used for | Road film, mud |
| Extras | Applies a tyre dressing |
The best tyre brush
Pros
- Ergonomic
- Great on tyres
Cons
- Be careful; these bristles could damage your alloys
The expert’s tricks to give your tyres the best appearance
Of course, you can just give your tyres a once over with a cleaner, but having read this far, we guess you’re interested in getting your tyres looking as good as they possibly can. So we’ve compiled a list of tips from car valeting experts to help make your tyres look fantastic..
Prepare your work area: Park your vehicle in a shaded area, and make sure the tyres are cool to the touch. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks.
Safety first: Put on gloves to protect your hands from chemicals and dirt.
Rinse the tyres: Use a water hose or pressure washer to rinse off loose dirt, mud, and debris thoroughly. This initial rinse will make the cleaning process more effective.
Apply the cleaner: Spray or apply the tyre cleaner evenly onto the surface of the tyre. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you’re using a specific tyre cleaner product.
Scrub the tires: Use a wheel brush with stiff bristles to scrub the surface. Start at the top and work your way down, applying some pressure to remove dirt, brake dust, and old tyre dressing. Pay extra attention to the sidewalls and any raised lettering or designs on the tyres.
Let it sit: Allow the cleaner to sit on the tyres for a few minutes to break down stubborn grime. This dwell time will make it easier to remove dirt and stains.
Rinse thoroughly: Use the water hose or pressure washer to rinse off the cleaning solution and the loosened dirt. Ensure you rinse all areas, including the sidewalls and crevices, until the water runs clear.
Dry the tyres: Use a clean, dry microfiber or cotton towel to pat the tyres dry. Avoid using the same towel you use for your vehicle’s paint to prevent cross-contamination.
Apply tyre dressing (optional): If you want to give your tyres a shiny finish, you can apply a tyre dressing or tyre shine product at this point. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you’re using. Be careful not to get any dressing on the tread of the tyres, as it can reduce grip.
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your tyres not only improves the appearance of your vehicle but also helps protect the rubber from environmental damage. It’s a good practice to include tyre cleaning as part of your overall car care routine.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers and CAR, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets he can be found looking at old Porsches.
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