MINI COOPER :: North American Motoring

Gluhwein · #1 05-12-2009, 12:48 PM

So now that I have the fancy carwash solution, wheel cleaner, grit guard washbucket, chamois, paint cleaning clay, interior cleaner, special sponges and towels and Glass Wax, how can I make my tires look all purdy like the day the dealer brought my car around to me? It's probably just a waste of time to make the tires all shiny, but I'd like to re-create that look just once. What should I use?

RJKimbell · #2 05-12-2009, 01:09 PM

Most MINI Owner's don't go the "Shiney" Tire route. Products like Nero, which I use, is great for cleaning the tire, but does not create a shine. Meguire's Hot Shine High Gloss Tire Coating is what it's called will bring back the shine if that is the look you are after.

kenchan · #3 05-12-2009, 01:14 PM

yah, you first need to buy a wingtip

and then get some meguiar's
tire shine. i think they call it hot shine or something in a spray bottle.

then get a Vroom applicator from Target, spray product
into the foam, then apply lightly. dont over apply cause
it will look like a glazed donut (dealer style).

iwashmycar · #4 05-12-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

yah, you first need to buy a wingtip

and then get some meguiar's
tire shine. i think they call it hot shine or something in a spray bottle.

then get a Vroom applicator from Target, spray product
into the foam, then apply lightly. dont over apply cause
it will look like a glazed donut (dealer style).

personally most of the spray on foam is crap :( slings all over the side of the car and goes away in a day lol..

If you get some of the stuff that you use with a applicator its usually much better...more of a gel

this has been my recent favorite:

yes, some does sling up on the fenders but no biggie.... The other meg's gel (Endurance) that I had that didnt sling up would actually get gunky on the tire even using chemicals to clean the tire (it was that strong lol)

cadfael_tex · #5 05-12-2009, 01:37 PM

For me, Optimum Optibond tire gel. Not shiney, more matte, like a new tire. Just started using it so can't speak to the durability. Longer than two weeks IME ;) Came very highly recommended on a detailing site.

RandomGemini · #6 05-12-2009, 01:43 PM

Just so you can see the label of the Hot Shine product... it's what I use as well, and if I'd known there were gel based products that were longer lasting... I'd be using those instead.

I'm only posting it now, because I took the picture and I have to do something with it LOL!

kenchan · #7 05-12-2009, 01:54 PM

iwashmycar- i already tried those (below) actually THOSE fling all over the
side of the car because gels are harder to apply thin.

if you read my post i mention that i spray
INTO THE FOAM APPLICATOR then apply thin onto
the tire. you can't really apply gels very thin unless
you're sitting there rubbing the sidewall back and
forth, back and forth, and repeat a few more times
sections at a time. it's just too time consuming.

the InsaneShine spray bottle that ive been using easily
lasts through several rain showers.

and ZERO fling
ups cause i can quickly apply thin. that HotShine bottle
RG posted is whats in my detailing cart after im
completely out of the InsaneShine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwashmycar

personally most of the spray on foam is crap :( slings all over the side of the car and goes away in a day lol..

If you get some of the stuff that you use with a applicator its usually much better...more of a gel

this has been my recent favorite:

yes, some does sling up on the fenders but no biggie.... The other meg's gel (Endurance) that I had that didnt sling up would actually get gunky on the tire even using chemicals to clean the tire (it was that strong lol)

cadfael_tex · #8 05-12-2009, 02:11 PM

I dilute the gel 1:1 with water and spray on. Works well for me and makes the product go farther.

kenchan · #9 05-12-2009, 02:34 PM

if you dillute it, it's basically the same as the thinner HotShine.

i thinks.

cadfael_tex · #10 05-12-2009, 02:38 PM

Perhaps, but it seems to work. I used to use hot shine but this seems to be a bit more durable.

kenchan · #11 05-12-2009, 02:49 PM

yah, i gave away my bottles of the endurance stuff long time ago. that gel is messy to use with that lid too. but watever works for you.

Hawkeye · #12 05-12-2009, 02:56 PM

I recommend a product called "More Shine". It is made by Stoner out of Quarryville, PA. Their phone number is 717.786.0804. I have an account with them so I order a case of 12 cans at a time to receive a good discount. They make a whole array of products including a window cleaning one called Invisible Glass.

Their tire coating product is not a foam, is long lasting and easy to apply. Web site, if interested, is moreshine.com.

bee1000n · #13 05-15-2009, 06:17 PM

Keep some nice, sticky summer tires and they'll wear out before they start looking old. Problem solved!

MiniMaybee · #14 05-15-2009, 07:45 PM

Ask the Wizard and he will deliver -

DetailersParadise

Or you can always do the Zaino Z-16

Zaino

I wouldn't trade either of these products for any Meguair's OTC stuff.

Yo'sDad · #15 05-16-2009, 09:04 AM

The shiney, donut glaze look is apparently the new fad look. I guess anything that is super easy and in a spray can will appeal to the 'road most traveled' crowd. I'm old school, but the best look I have ever gotten is to scrub the tires with Comet cleanser with a bristle brush, then when dry, apply Nero, let it soak in, then wipe any XS off. Now the tire is clean, black, not shiney and stays that way a long time. Just my thoughts.

YD

kenchan · #16 05-17-2009, 07:03 PM

I personally don't like that shiny look either, but I think those came out when Armorall started selling crap to people(?).

Back then shiny dashboards were also popular, I suppose...lol