Having durability issues with Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss

I

Inzane

New member
Having the Guru Report's Top 2 finishers in the tire dressing tests is not a bad spot to be in, but I have to say from my initial testing of Z-16 (scored #2 in the test), I'm not too impressed with its durability.



Compared to Armor All Original (#1 in the test), I think that Z-16 LOOKS better. In fact for the first few days Z-16 looks nicer than most other dressings I've tried to date, and may even be my new favorite. But I can't say it lasts any longer, maybe less even, than AAO.



Has anyone else been disappointed with Z-16's durability?



I still have the intent to try PB's Bold n' Bright.



Any BnB vs Z-16 observations?



Thanks.
 
I find it, and any dressing for that matter, work better nad ultimately last longer when applied to fully scrubbed and cleaned tires. Whenever I apply mine I make it standard procedure to fully clean the tires first. I think Z16, like all Z products in the spirit of properly prepped surface first, responds to this best.
 
I have not been too happy with my Z16. It looks great when at first , but after the first rain or wash it's gone. Even without contact with water it does not seem to last a week.
 
Considering the extremely positive reviews people give it, Z16 disappointed me. It has the perfect appearance and it is a breeze to apply but its durability--even on squeaky clean tires--is not any better than Pinnacle, Wolfgang, and even Four Star (least durable).



As for BnB, I think Z16 is a superior product.
 
Bill D said:
I find it, and any dressing for that matter, work better nad ultimately last longer when applied to fully scrubbed and cleaned tires. Whenever I apply mine I make it standard procedure to fully clean the tires first. I think Z16, like all Z products in the spirit of properly prepped surface first, responds to this best.
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Bill you hit the nail squarely on its head. :bow

Z16, like Bill mentioned, needs a clean canvas (tire) to perform properly. If the tire is not clear of all previous tire dressing, especially the silicone ladden ones, the leeching of these old dressings to the surface will displace the most recently applied dressing. In this post Z16. With that said it is very difficult to clear all old dressing that has migrated into the rubber of a tire, This may take many APC washing sessions or a single Xyxlene and APC washing.



Sidenote: The acetone in NXT Inzane tire dressing may serve this function (rapid leeching and cleaning) which contributes to it longevity. Pretty slick idea by Meguiars.
 
Three cars i used it had new tires (2 where on new cars). I wash with A2Z and scrub with a brush. So I am now using NXT on one, Hot shine on the other and they last very well.
 
blkZ28Conv said:
...a single Xyxlene and APC washing.

Sidenote: The acetone in NXT Inzane tire dressing may serve this function (rapid leeching and cleaning) which contributes to it longevity. Pretty slick idea by Meguiars.
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That may be true, but the NXT Tire Cleaner, which is touted to "remove tire dressing buildup" doesn't have any acetone, only PNP Glycol Ether. I always thought the acetone in the Insane Shine was to carry the product. Oh, BTW...xylene and APC? :soscared:
 
XYLENE : AROMATIC HYDROCARBON Solvent

Xylene just dissolves the old migrated dressings and penetrates deeper than an scrub brush and APC.

This is not a every wash procedure but a good protocol if someone is switching tire dressings and want to fairly evaluate its performance. This is more of a product testing protocol than a detailer or weekend warrior tire cleaning procedure.



Wipe down surface vigorously with the xylene outdoors. Allow tire to dry completely (evaporation of xylene that pentrated rubber). Follow with a good APC (Simply Green) scrub and allow to dry. Do not mix xylene and APC. :nono



Ether is a very good cleaner and also in the same family of chemical structurally as acetone - ketones. Mike. I was only hypothesizing about the acetone in Insane dressing. :)
 
From what I read about this chemical, if it is going to be used, as you cover, it should be used very occasionally. It's strong stuff and can do damage.
 
Bill D said:
From what I read about this chemical, if it is going to be used, as you cover, it should be used very occasionally. It's strong stuff and can do damage.
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Correct. Once a year max per tire. One can test 4 products per year. Test tires (not ever to be used on a vehicle) infinity.:xyxthumbs
 
It would appear that I'm in the minority when it comes to the perfomance of the Z16. I'm finding the durability of the Z16 to be "above average". I can honestly say that when applied to clean tires ( thanks to A2Z), the Z16 is lasting about 2 weeks with 2 coats applied. I wash my truck 1 to 2 times a week & have had no problems with the Z16 washing off. Like many have said previously......starting with a clean surface makes the difference. Here's how I've done it........ Spray the A2Z on the tire & let it soak in for about 1 minute........agitate with a soft tire brush then rinse thoroughly. Wipe the tire dry with a terry towel and let the tire sit for 20 minutes..........apply a thin coat of Z16 with a tire swipe ( or insert you favorite applicator here ) & let it soak in for 10 to 15 minutes......then apply second thin coat of Z16. It may sound strange, but I prefer to dress my tires in the shade & let them "cure" in the shade. In any event......this method works for me.
 
I find Z16 to be above average when it comes to durabilty. Just not on tires. Nothing I ever used lasts a month on tires. It beads for a long while, but the tires get dirty and the shine is gone after a week or two. The reason I like z16 is because it dry's and has no sling. I also like stoners for ease of use, but you do have to follow it up with a wipe or you'll get sling. Now when I use z16 on the abs moldings, it lasts and lasts.
 
I know this is a thread re: Z16, but here's a product that's given me outstanding durability. I started using the Meguiar's #38 Tire and Trim Dressing Gel on the rails of my trucks' bedliner & mud guards. 1 application has lasted roughly 6 weeks! ( even after about 10 washes!) Have yet to use it on my tires, though. Maybe I'll give the #38 a test run on the tires this week.
 
BlkTac05 said:
I know this is a thread re: Z16, but here's a product that's given me outstanding durability. I started using the Meguiar's #38 Tire and Trim Dressing Gel on the rails of my trucks' bedliner & mud guards. 1 application has lasted roughly 6 weeks! ( even after about 10 washes!) Have yet to use it on my tires, though. Maybe I'll give the #38 a test run on the tires this week.
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Many gels will have sling, because they don't dry and tires spin real fast. If it doesn't dry just wipe off excess, or you'll have splatter all over your baby.
 
I use Z-16 on my garage queen. I love it. Although the car doesn't see any rain it will last months. I know thats no durability test but it doesn't really fade out or discolor the tires at all. I'll sometimes at another coat here and there and doesn't have biuld up characteristics. Which I really dont like with gels.
 
If you mean directly ater you cleaned and right as your ready to apply the dressing, I'd say yeah. At least that's always been how mine have appeared right before dressing.
 
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