14 inch Alloy Wheels
They are solutions which can be used on the outside or inside of your tyres to protect, repair or lengthen the life of your tyres. They can be used on any type of tyre whether you do regular commuter driving or whether you take your vehicle to a track to do performance driving. People often only think about their tyres when they have a puncture or the tyre is becoming worn and will then seek out a puncture repair kit or replace their tyre entirely. However, by investing in a tyre treatment you could save money, make your tyres look better and make them hold the road or track better which will in turn make your car much safer to drive, giving you peace of mind.
There are two main types of treatment, one is a solution which is rubbed onto and absorbed by the exterior of your tyre and the other one is added through the valve on your tyre which allows the solution to sit and move around inside the tyre. The treatment that you add to the exterior of your tyre uses a specially designed solution that seeps into the surface of the tyre which makes older, worn tyres look newer and give them a greater level of traction. A test to measure the softness of tyres found that after just one application the tyre was significantly less soft. The solution lasts a long time and does not evaporate. For best result, coat the tyre a few days before an event or long drive to give it time to fully absorb the solution. The other type of treatment is a puncture repair or preventative gel. The gel is poured into the valve and remains fluid inside the wall of the tyre. This means that as soon as a hole opens up, measuring up to a diameter of 3mm, it is filled and sealed to ensure that the tyre does not go down or become more damaged. Alternatively, if you already have a hole which is 3mm or less in diameter it can be repaired before more damage is done.
Your car safety and experience can be greatly improved with regards to safety and longevity of tyres by using specially formulated treatments. You can improve traction and therefore safety by using the exterior solution. This should be applied to tyres which are well worn and certainly when the depth of tread has been halved. To make your tyres last longer you can also use the solution on new or nearly new tyres which will significantly increase a tyre's lifespan. Additionally, the exterior treatment will make your tyres look newer and just appear to be far more attractive. The interior treatment can save you money by preventing you from having to replace tyres damaged by a puncture. By using the gel as a preventative measure you will make your car safer to drive too, as any hole will be repaired immediately making a full blowout much less likely. By using both treatments you can give yourself peace of mind that your tyres will hold the road well in all driving conditions and know that you are less likely to have the added expense of having to pay for new tyres after a puncture. Above all else, by using treatments on your tyres you will make your car far safer to drive and for all the passengers in your car. The treatments are long-lasting and inexpensive in comparison to the cost of a new tyre.
Tyre dressing (or tyre shine) is a protective coating applied to your tyres to enhance their appearance and protect them from the elements. It restores that deep black look, masking fading and discoloration caused by UV rays and road grime.
But it’s more than just cosmetic! Good quality tyre dressings contain polymers and waxes that help prevent cracking and drying out of the rubber. This extends your tyres' lifespan and keeps them flexible. There are different types – water-based for a subtle sheen, solvent-based for a high gloss finish.
Applying tyre dressing is easy: just clean the tyres thoroughly, then apply using an applicator pad or spray. Avoid getting it on the tread as this can reduce grip!
The lifespan of tyre sealant varies depending on the type and conditions. Preventative sealants (added *before* a puncture) typically last around 6-12 months, or until the tread wears down significantly. After that, they need to be refreshed.
Sealant used to repair a puncture is even more temporary. It's designed to seal the hole long enough for you to get to a repair shop – usually a few days at most. The sealant can dry out and crack over time, especially in hot climates or with heavy use.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific lifespan recommendations. And remember, even if the sealant is still fluid, a professional inspection and patch are crucial for long-term safety.
No, absolutely not! While WD-40 is a handy all-purpose lubricant, it's the *wrong* thing for your tyres. It’s a solvent and will actually degrade the rubber over time, causing cracking and reducing tyre lifespan.
Tyre dressings are specifically formulated to protect against UV damage, ozone cracking, and general weathering. They also make your tyres look fantastic – restoring that deep black colour. WD-40 does none of that. It’ll just attract dirt and grime making the problem worse.
Think of it this way: you wouldn't use engine oil on your paintwork, would you? Same principle applies here. Stick to tyre-specific cleaning and protection products for best results.
Yes, tyre sealant can be surprisingly effective, but it depends on the size and location of the puncture. The liquid sealants you inject through the valve are designed to coat the inside of your tyre and instantly fill small punctures – typically up to 3-5mm in diameter.
Let's be honest though: it's a temporary fix, not a replacement for a proper repair or new tyre. Sealant works best on tread area punctures, not sidewall damage. Sidewall tears are too large and the flexing stresses will quickly overwhelm any sealant. Think of it as getting you home safely after a nail pickup, but book a professional repair ASAP.
Preventative sealants can also extend tyre life by slowing down air loss from small imperfections in the rubber. But don’t rely on them to fix major damage!
