Anyone have a recommendation for a tire cleaner / shinner that doesn't spin off? I have a yellow car, and love the look of deep black tires, but I always end up with spots of the stuff -- sometimes even tiny black spots -- on the sides of my car. Very visible b/c the car is yellow. Even if the spots are clear, they become a magnet for road dust. I've tried Meguire's, both the gel and the spray, and also some type of Armor Al gel. I've even tried wiping off the excess, to no avail. Suggestions???
I used ZEP that I'd get from a buddy at a MB dealer. When that - and my connection - ran dry I switched to a trick some detail shops use on cars they deem unworthy of the good stuff (ZEP): Crisco. Give it a shot. Works pretty well.
An important step that most people miss is the actual cleaning of the tire. I first use a solvent based cleaner (i.e. bug and tar remover) to remove any old and greasy tire dressing and follow up with an alkaline wheel cleaner (assuming you do not have high-polished non-clear coated wheels) to remove any residual residue. They should be squaky clean. The follow up with an application of water-based dressing allowing it to absorb. The first time you may have to apply more than one coat. Allow the dressing ample drying time to prevent the slinging off effect. Matt
