So after a much needed wash the other day I dressed my tires with Meguiars hot Shine (previous owner threw in some cleaning supplies to keep it looking good). As I was doing so I noticed the towel was turning black. I though i had scrubbed them pretty well with Meguiar's gold class soap, but that wasnt good enough.

What's a good product to clean tires? I don't think Sonax (picking some up soon) explicitly says it cleans tires.

 

They will always be black residue when shining tires

 

The Tuff Shine cleaner that you use before applying the tire shine is the best I've ever used. No matter how much you've already cleaned them with almost anything else, you'll be surprised how much brown goop comes off when you use it. It may take 2 cleanings/rinsings to get them completely clean. You can buy it separately from the kit. It's not cheap.

 

Tyres containg an in-built protectant (carbon black) so they will always show black on a towel when cleaned

“Tyre Cleaning and Care” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/guide-d...ning-care.html

 

I wholeheartedly agree to this. It's amazing how clean it can get the tire. The clear coat you apply after is also pretty darned good.

 

I agree the TUF SHINE Tire Cleaner is one of my favorite choices. It's one of the only degreasers specifically meant for tires but certainly other options will work.

Greg @ DI

 

^yes, best stuff. If you can't find it, simple green is a decent alternative.

 

I typically just use my Meguiars APC+ (what I use to clean the wheels). When they are dirtier, I use Purple Power APC and the brown residue typically just rinses off. But I will use a brush on the really dirty ones.

 

There is nothing like a good clean tire. If your tires are clean there is no need to shine.