Fresh, black tires are the finishing touch on a clean car. But nobody likes greasy spots flung down the side of the paint after the first drive. "Tire sling" almost always comes from two things: dirty tires and too much product. Here's how to get a rich black finish that stays where it belongs.
What you need
- 7WASH Tire Shine & Dressing Set with applicator sponge
- A stiff tire brush and 7WASH Car Wash Shampoo
- A microfiber cloth for wiping off excess
Step by step: how to apply tire shine
- Scrub the tires clean. Brown, faded tires are usually covered in old dressing, road film and brake dust. Scrub the sidewall with shampoo and a stiff brush until the foam stays white-ish, then rinse.
- Let them dry completely. Dressing on a wet tire won't bond and will run.
- Put product on the sponge, not the tire. A small amount is enough for one tire.
- Work it into the sidewall with smooth, even strokes until the color is uniform.
- Wipe excess from the lettering and edges with a microfiber cloth.
- Let it set for a few minutes before driving.
- Want more gloss? Add a second thin coat instead of one heavy layer.
Mistakes that cause sling and blotchy tires
- Applying to dirty or wet tires.
- Using too much product at once.
- Spraying near brakes, rotors or the tread. Tire shine goes on the sidewall only.
- Applying on hot tires in direct sun – common in summer in the South and Southwest.
Complete the look
Clean wheels make shiny tires pop. See how to clean wheels and remove brake dust. For trim and rubber around the car, try 7WASH 3D Protector.
FAQ
How long does tire shine last?
It depends on weather, driving and how clean the tire was. Rain, road salt and frequent washing shorten it. Reapply after washes as needed.
Can I put tire shine on the tread?
No. Tire dressing goes on the sidewall only – on the tread it could reduce grip.
Why do my tires turn brown?
Old dressing, road film and natural compounds in the rubber can create a brown haze. A good scrub with a stiff brush and shampoo removes it.
Always read the label and safety information on each product page before use.