My Perfect Tire Cleaner

[XxBoostinxX]

That seems like 3 applications to get clean tires cleaner? That would mean 3 times the cost of product? Why not use something that works on really dirty tire (tuf shine) and be done with it? Jus t saying.

I have Tuff Shine Concentrate and I am not a fan. It only dilutes at 1:1 and doesn't stay foamed up long in a high humid climate. When I could get it to cooperate it still took 3 applications to clean a tire. Which is the same amount of time it takes me with Megs D143. At $59.99 a gallon I don't recommend it to anyone. I think it is overpriced and frankly, overrated.

3 year old thread or not, I'll add my thoughts in. Most APCs, when diluted AND SCRUBBED properly will do a decent job of cleaning the tires, though most take more than one scrubbing/rinsing. My favorite is Meguiar's Hot Shine All-Wheel-Cleaner or Megs All-Wheel Cleaner (probably the same thing, just with a different label). When I spray it on, I can immediately see the brown running off the tire, and when I start scrubbing, the suds immediately turn black. Once rinsed (IMO) the tire look almost good enough to leave undressed (almost).

Meguiar's D143 is virtually the same product as Megs Hot Rims Wheel and Tire Cleaner. It can be diluted up to 3:1 and at $16.99 a gallon it is hard to beat.

Meguiars Non-Acid Wheel & Tire Cleaner D-14301

 

[Swanicyouth]

I see a lot of people are using different things.

Tuff Shine works the best IME, because it strips all remnants of previous dressings (repeated applications)...

However, it's not necessary to do this unless you are applying a tire coating - and it's damn expensive.

I use LA Totally Awesome consistently. It works better than most detailing marketed APCs and its dirt cheap. I keep it mixed 1:1 and use it around the house as well for a variety of things. You can also use it to clean pads and for wheel wells.

Last thing I used it for was to clean these new Adirondack chairs to prepare them for staining:

I wouldn't let LATA dry on paint or sensitive wheels. It's pretty strong. I use it to scrub concrete if something spills that can stain. I use it almost daily for something.

 

[Bill D]

I'm a huge fan of LATA too. I've been using it for over 10 years now. Never fails me.

 

[The Driver]

I either use W99 or OPC, esp being opc is engineered to be a little less harsh (If you read Dr.G's write up).

 

[ShaneB]

I was using Meg's non acid wheel and tire for a bit until I came across some tired with megs endurance tire gel on them. Good luck taking that off with anything but a dedicated tire cleaner. I tried APC, degreaser AND the non acid wheel and tire, nothing worked. Hit it with bleche wite, not only did the tire come clean, but my black brush (from all the failed attempts before) came clean and was white again. Been using tuf shine ever since. I don't think it's very expensive at all when you buy the 1 gal concentrate. 4 sprays and I typically have the whole sidewall covered. Any more and you're just wasting product. I've recently found that it takes less applications and scrubbing when rinsed with a pressure washer rather than just the hose as well.

 

[jrock645]

I always clean my tires with Stoner's Tarminator after a scrub with OPC and before dressing. Makes a big difference in how well the tire takes the dressing and improves appearance and longevity.