5 Best Tyre Gels To Get That Perfect Finish

Nothing completes a car detailing job quite like perfectly dressed tyres. That sleek, dark finish on your rubber completes a much needed car wash and provides some much-needed protection against UV rays, premature aging, and environmental contaminants.

But with so many products on the market, which tyre gel should you choose? That’s where our guide comes in!

We've rounded up five of the best tyre gels, each with unique benefits and features, that you can buy right now and restore your vehicle’s tyres to their former glory. But first, let’s take a quick look at what makes a good tyre gel.

What Makes a Good Tyre Gel?

Not all tyre gels are the same. Different brands try different things to stand out in the market, which gives us a mix of good and bad tyre gels. Of course, you want the best tyre gel, and for that, you should take the following things into account:

1. Durability

Low-quality tyre gels will disappear on the first wash or the moment they have to face some rain. On the other hand, a truly effective tyre gel creates a strong bond with the rubber surface and maintains its appearance for 2-4 weeks.

Look for silicone-based tyre gels with hydrophobic properties to keep your tyres fresh and clean for weeks.

2. Finish Type

Choose between satin vs matt vs gloss tyre gel. Matt finishes provide a clean, factory-fresh look, while satin finishes offer a more natural look. And if you want your tyres to have that “wet look” you’ll need a high-gloss tyre gel.

You can either choose a tyre gel that delivers a specific finish every time or get a product that offers customizability through application.

3. Water, Dirt, & UV Protection

A quality tyre gel should be able to maintain cleanliness between washes, creating an almost self-cleaning effect.

It should have some hydrophobic properties so the water rolls off and some anti-static characteristics to keep dirt from accumulating. Look for products marketed as "repellent" rather than just "resistant" for superior performance.

4. Ease of Application

Some gels can be applied with a simple wipe, while others require a specialised tyre gel applicator and some light buffing for best results. Consider how much effort you're willing to put into the application and choose accordingly between a thick or thin tyre gel.

5 Best Tyre Gels

1. CarPro DarkSide

• Price: Starts at £3.99 for 50ml
• Size Options: 50 ml, 500 ml, 1L, 4L
• Rating: 5 Stars

CarPro DarkSide is a premium tyre and rubber sealant that offers a deep, dark satin finish. Its SiO2-infused formula ensures strong water repellency and UV protection. Just let it dry for 1-2 hours, and the DarkSide tyre gel can last for up to 3 months.

Why We Recommend It:

• Self-cleaning & Hydrophobic properties.
  
• 60% polydimethylsiloxane formula.
  
• Reduces browning and fading.
  
• Long-lasting results.

2. Soft99 Digloss Giraedge

• Price: £15.99
  
• Size Options: 70 ml
  
• Rating: 5 Stars

If you want a quick and easy application and a glossy finish, Soft99’s Digloss Giraedge is the best tyre gel for you. The water-based formula leaves a natural-looking sheen, and the built-in applicator makes the application quick and easy.

Why We Recommend It:

• Built-in sponge for mess-free application.
  
• Evenly covers all surface area.
  
• Weather-resistant and long-lasting.
  
• Creates the ‘Wet Tire’ look.

3. Gyeon Q²M Tire Express

• Price: Starts at £19.00 for 500 ml
  
• Size Options: 500 ml, 1L, 4L
  
• Rating: 5 Stars

Gyeon Q²M Tire Express is a water-based tyre dressing that delivers a matt finish and a long-lasting layer without excessive rubbing. Simply apply the Tire Express on dry or damp tyres and evenly spread it with a single wipe. You can also achieve a long-lasting and glossy finish by applying multiple layers.

Why We Recommend It:

• Single-wipe application.
  
• Leaves behind a self-cleaning & water-repellent layer.
  
• Prevent dust and grime build-up.
  
• High value-for-money. Only requires 10 to 15 ml for a set of tyres. 

4. Stjärnagloss Gummi Tyre & Trim Dressing

• Price: £14.00
  
• Size Options: 500 ml
  
• Rating: 5 Stars

Stjärnagloss’s Gummi is a versatile car tyre gel that works for the tyre and the exterior trim. It’s an easy-to-use tyre gel shine that adds a protective layer and leaves a glossy finish.

Dry the surface before application and follow up with light scrubbing for the best results.

Why We Recommend It:

• Versatility. The Gummi works equally well on tyres and trims.
  
• Allows custom shine/gloss by adding extra layers.
  
• Prevents cracking and fading.

5. Duel Profile Tyre & Trim Dressing

• Price: Starts at £14.79 for 500 ml
  
• Size Options: 500 ml, 1 L
  
• Rating: 5 Stars

Rounding out our list of the 5 best tyre gels is Duel’s Profile Tyre and Trim Dressing- another dual-natured tyre gel that restores your tyres and plastic trims. It is a premium dressing that not only enhances appearance but also provides excellent dirt, water, and UV resistance. 

Why We Recommend It:

• No sling formula. 
  
• Durable and dirt-resistant.
  
• Can be layered for extra shine/gloss.
  
• Compatible with rubber tyres and plastic trims.
  

Conclusion

Whether you prefer a subtle satin look or a high-gloss shine, the five best tyre gels listed above provide excellent results when used correctly. Remember to always start with thoroughly cleaned tyres, follow any instructions that come with the product, and use the tyre gel that suits your needs.

FAQs

1. How long does tyre gel last?

Tyre gels and dressing can last for anywhere between 1 to 6 weeks. Along with the quality of the tyre gel, factors like driving conditions, frequency, and product formulation directly affect how long a tyre gel lasts. 

2. How often should I apply tire gel to my tires?

The application frequency depends primarily on the product you choose and your driving conditions. Premium products like CarPro Dark Side may last up to 4-6 weeks when properly applied, while water-based gels might need refreshing after just 1-2 weeks.

3. What's the best way to prep my tires before applying gel?

A clean tyre surface improves appearance and durability. So, start by cleaning your tires with a tire cleaner and stiff brush to remove previous dressings, brake dust, or any built-up dust/debris. After cleaning, rinse thoroughly and let the tires dry completely before application.