Can You Use Tire Shine On Plastic Trim? [The SURPRISING Facts]

Can you use tire shine on plastic trim? when shopping for protectants, the majority of car owners often wonder.

As a car owner, you’re required to have different protectants for your plastic trims, upholstery, tires, and even your car’s paint job.

Well, you’re not alone to have such doubts. If you’re interested in finding out if it’s okay to use tire shine on plastic trim, keep reading.

Can You Use Tire Shine on Plastic Trim?

Tire shine brings back the luster of plastic trim around grills, windows, bumpers, and other parts of your car.

In fact, it gives the faded plastic on your car a glossy finish and protects against cracking and fading from UV rays.

However, several brands use different ingredients to formulate their products.

As such, some of the tire shine products available on the market are suitable for use on plastic trim while others are not.

To prevent damage, it’s recommended to read the instructions on the can.

You may find some of the products mentioned that they are suitable for use on plastic trim while others are not. If the product is not written for use on plastic, refrain from using it.

This is because the ingredients used to formulate the tire shine could cause damage to the plastic.

Is Tire Shine Safe on Plastic?

As aforementioned, tire shine offers excellent results on plastic trim. Not only does it enhance the plastic trim’s aesthetic but it also protects against fading and damage from UV rays.

Reading about this can make you switch to tire shine but not so fast.

Remember, different brands use different ingredients to formulate their tire shine products.

As such, some products are safe on plastic trim while others are not. If the manufacturer of a particular tire shine recommends using the product on plastic trim, then go ahead.

However, if the manufacturer cautions against using their tire shine product on plastic, do not risk it.

When shopping for tire shine, take your time to read the instructions on the can.

How Do I Make My Plastic Trim Shine on My Car?

Shining the plastic trim in your car is an excellent way of keeping your car looking its best.

However, choosing the wrong product can lead to disastrous results.

As aforementioned, before using the tire shine on your plastic trim, take your time to read the instructions on the can.

If the tire shine contains ingredients that are too harsh for plastic, it can cause your plastic trim to wear out or crack.

Before using the tire shine on your plastic trim, use a plastic cleaner designed for automotive use. Follow the instructions on the bottle.

If you don’t have a plastic cleaner, we recommend using soap, water, and a microfiber cloth.

Clean and rinse the plastic trim thoroughly and let it dry. Once dry, apply the tire shine.

How Do You Keep Plastic Trim From Fading?

The best product that will keep your plastic trim from fading is ceramic-based trim restorers.

The ceramic-based restorers can restore your plastic trim’s shine and help it glow. What you need to know is that ceramic-based trim restorers will not necessarily reverse the damage.

However, if your plastic trim is in bad shape, the ceramic-based trim restorer will help. For best results, it’s recommended to clean the plastic trim with isopropyl plastic.

This will ensure there is no residue on the plastic. Once the surface is dry, apply the ceramic-based trim restorer then allow the plastic trim to dry for 6 hours or more.

Why Does Plastic Trim Fade?

Fading plastic trim is almost inevitable for any car owner especially if they haven’t taken the right steps to protect the surface.

Plastic surfaces contain oils and when exposed to the rays of the Sun, the oils degrade. This leads to the plastic surface deteriorating.

Unlike paintwork, plastic trim lacks a protective clear coat that would protect it from the harmful effects of UV rays.

What you need to know is that UV rays cause damage to plastic trims.

These harmful rays usually dehydrate the plastic. When this happens, you may notice a chalky appearance, a color change on the plastic surface, or the surface becoming brittle.

Another cause of fading is exposure to harsh weather plus other contaminants.

Surface water can contain contaminants such as grime. When thrown on your plastic trim, the water harms its appearance.

Conclusion

A tire shine or trim restorer is a great product to have at hand. Not only can the product help to restore the fading appearance of your plastic trim.

But it protects the plastic trim from UV rays which degrade the plastic and cause fading. 

A quality tire shine will be absorbed by the plastic breaking down the oxidation that causes fading.

By nourishing your plastic trim, tire shine products also enhance the appearance of your car.

James Brown

I am passionate about all things automotive and have a deep understanding of the topic. As a mechanic, I use my free time to share knowledge of everyday challenges that any car owner can experience – helping you make informed decisions about tires.