Regardless of the product being purchased, if you don’t apply a tire shine in the best way possible, you will always experience the tire sling effect. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to avoid tire sling on your vehicle tires.
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How to apply tire shine?
Step 1
Ensure your tire is clean and properly dried
The mistake some people make is applying tire shine immediately after washing their tires without allowing them to dry properly.
A tire would have to be properly dried before tire shine can do its job, therefore, use a towel to dry your tire before allowing it to air-dry for a little while. If you miss this important step, you may as well just forget about applying a tire shine altogether because it would be of no use. Now you see why it’s not the product’s fault right?
Step 2
Apply water-based dressing over silicon-based dressing
There are basically two types of components used in making tires shine – water and silicon. They both have their pros and cons but for the sake of slinging, it is highly recommended you use water-based dressing, the reason is simple; water-based dressing will easily absorb into your tires thereby leaving you with an excellent finish that feels dry to the touch.
Silicon dressing on the other hand doesn’t guarantee this type of finish as it is likely to form a film on the surface of your tire, thereby making it prone to slinging. This can be minimized though if you apply the silicon product moderately and follow the next steps I will explain below.
Step 3
Use thin coats on the surfaces
Another essential key to avoiding slinging is using as little at a time. In all honesty, using lots of products might give you a sparkling wet look at first, but all that comes to naught when you start driving.
The advantage of applying very little product at a time is that it allows it dry on time. When applying your tire shine (be it water or silicone-based), use a shine tire applicator sponge.
Then gently work the product into your tire by rubbing it round to ensure your tire shine is evenly spread out. Do not allow any form of a pool of the product on your tire, especially around the crack areas and grooves. The product has to be evenly distributed on the surface.
Step 4
Give ample time for drying
After applying your tire shine product, do well to allow it to dry completely before driving your car – let’s say for about 40-minutes.
To make it faster, you can use a microfiber towel to clean around the surface of your tire after application – ensure you don’t use force, and apply lightly. Using a microfiber towel will ensure you don’t have an excess product on the tire that can result in slinging.
To be very sure your tire dressing is completely dried, you can use your finger and swipe across the surface. If it leaves no residue stains, then you can go ahead and drive.
You definitely wouldn’t have any tire sling after following these easy steps.
How to clean your tire to avoid slinging?
Remember I said cleaning your tire properly is the foundation required to avoid slinging, well, below are the steps to help you build a solid foundation.
Step 1
Use washing soaps made specifically for tires
There are various soaps out there you can use to clean your car, but never do the mistake of using the same soap used in cleaning the body of your car to clean the tire of your car or vehicle.
This is because car cleaning soaps are designed to handle stains on the paint of the car as well as clear the coat, and using such soaps on your tire could leave a film on your car tire which could result in slinging when you finally apply tire dressers.Â
The same thing applies to tire cleaners as well. Tire cleaners have a very poor effect on your car paint and should be avoided at all costs. However, note that there are cleaners designed for both the body and tires of cars, and only when such cleaners are available should go ahead and apply them on both surface areas.
Step 2
Allow your tire cleaner to soak in for a couple of minutes
Patience is the keyword here – don’t be in haste. Ensure you allow your tire cleaner to sit on the surface of the tire after application for a couple of minutes – let’s say three – or follow the timing instruction stated on the cleaner.
This is because the rubber used in making tires is not too porous which can make it very difficult to remove dust from tires, but allowing the tire cleaner to sit for a while will do the trick.Â
There are bound to be overspray when applying your tire cleaner, and when they occur, get a rag and clean such areas immediately.Â
Step 3
Use a tire brush to scrub the tires
One thing that’s guaranteed you’ll do when cleaning your tire would be the use of force. Ensure you get the proper brush for cleaning tires which can be large enough brushes with stiff bristles and apply the right pressure needed to get a proper clean as tire dirt can be quite stubborn.
The scrubbing pattern shouldn’t really be much of a concern to you – be it circular or back and forth – as long as it gives you the best result. Resist the temptation to use brushes having steel bristles as they will cause untold damage to your tire in form of leaks.
Step 4
Ruse a pressure hose to rinse the tires
After scrubbing the dirt to your satisfaction, get a high-pressure hose to rinse off the tire. Using a high-pressure hose will ensure you get rid of all the dirt that may linger if you simply rinse it normally.
Don’t be scared to allow the water to flow into your yards as tire cleaners are environmentally safe to use, but ensure you wear goggles to prevent the water from splashing into your eyes.
Step 5
Reapply the tire cleaner if instructed to get the best result
Some cases may require you to reapply the tire cleaner after rinsing, that’s why you shouldn’t ignore reading the instructions on the tire cleaner label to get the best result.
Another case you can choose to apply tire cleaners is if you still notice shades of dirt or brown spots around the sidewall of your tire. Apply the cleaner to the affected areas, allow it to settle in for a while then, proceed to clean the tires by using a brush – these are probably areas you missed while scrubbing.Â
Some cleaners might specify you reapply the tire cleaner only when the tires are dry – another ren instead of the routine black, you would have to use a tire gel.
Most tire gels would require you to use a sponge on the sidewall of your tire to get the best result, but ensure you apply it to the tires one at a time and rinse off to avoid it getting dried on your tire. Note that you can only apply tire gel to tires that are already clean, the state of the tire – be it wet or dry – depends on the manufacturer’s instruction.
FAQs
Does tire shine cause tire rot?
The first answer that comes to mind is a resounding NO. For starters, tires are made of rubbers so rut is even out of the question. Instead, tire shine works effectively with tires to ensure they retain their beauty for many years to come – not the other way round.Â
Does tire shine mess up your rim?
Tire shines are made up of polymers that do not harden or stiffen when left to dry on your rim. The only mess it creates is a sticky residue that can attract dust but is definitely not difficult to wash off later.
Does tire shine cause tires to crack?
No, tire shine does not cause tires to crack; just the same way it doesn’t cause a tire to rot. It helps to enhance its properties unlike many of the conspiracy theories out there.
How do I make my tires shine?
You can make your tires shine by using a tire dresser as vividly explained in this article.
How To Keep Tire Shine From Slinging – Conclusion
After following the steps listed in this article, tire slinging shouldn’t be a problem for you anymore. As long as you have your tires in the right working conditions, you are good to go. Kindly drop your comments and suggestions in the comment section. Cheers…   Â
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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.