Tire inks: what are the benefits of caring for the appearance of tires?

Wheels as in the picture

Blackening the rubber is the final touch to sprucing up the exterior of the car. It shows that the owner is not indifferent to details and knows how to make sure that not a single little thing spoils the “polished” appearance of his favorite car.

Not a single car, dazzlingly sparkling in the summer sun with a mirror-like polished xeral, will look perfect if the sidewalls of its tires are covered with a thick layer of unkempt, vulgar dust. Have you ever noticed how cars look at exhibitions, car showrooms and museums ? The deep black color of the tires either sharply contrasts with the rest of the color scheme of the car, or, on the contrary, strictly emphasizes the main black color of the body and rims . And the point here is not that exhibition samples, as a rule, have new wheels installed - for example, this is absolutely not the case with most oldtimers! The secret is in careful tire care.

Note that for ordinary car owners who operate their cars on public roads, this topic is especially relevant in the summer. After all, in winter, snow, reagents and slush greatly limit the opportunity to admire even the most beautiful car - it turns, first and foremost, into a means of transportation. However, even during winter operation it has the right to life, but more on that a little later.

What is tire ink?

The process of blackening car tires refers to the treatment of them with special chemical compounds. This product gives the rubber a beautiful shine with a rich black tint. Such products are freely sold and are available in the assortment of any automobile store. The cost of a bottle with such a liquid varies between 200 rubles. The chemical composition of such a product can vary and mainly includes water and glycerin. Its main task is to give car tires a lasting black tint. Due to its fairly simple composition, the ink can be made with your own hands at home. It doesn’t take too much time to create the product, and you don’t need any special skills to prepare it.

Ease of use

Actually, we wanted to write instructions for using rubber blackening agents, but, to be honest, the ease of use of some of them is simply discouraging; any child can figure it out even without instructions. For example, ASTROhim Tire Ink in a spray or aerosol can allows you to treat all four wheels in just two minutes. It’s elementary: after washing, you need to spray the product on the sidewall of the tire. Thanks to the special “spreaders” included in the product, it will spread itself over the surface (some other products require rubbing with a sponge, like shoe polish, and such a process, of course, cannot be called easy).

No preliminary preparation, such as gluing the disks with masking tape, is also necessary in this case. If the composition accidentally gets on the disc during application, it can be instantly removed with a soft rag; it will not leave any marks on the varnish, chrome, or any other coating.

After processing, you can immediately go anywhere - be it to an exhibition, or go on a date, or even show off your fashionable car to your friends.

Glycerin ink: how to make and apply

To make tire ink, just buy a few small bottles of glycerin at your nearest pharmacy. Glycerin must be diluted with water. You can do this at your own discretion, however, experienced car enthusiasts recommend a 1:1 ratio (use 50 ml of water for 50 ml of glycerin).

1. Before treatment, tires should be washed thoroughly (preferably using detergents). Then the wheel must be thoroughly dried;
2. The prepared solution is poured into a container with a spray bottle (can be from a window cleaner, etc.) and the ink is sprayed onto the surface;
   We also recommend reading the article about what problems are indicated by tire tread wear. From this article you will learn how you can determine possible problems with the chassis by the nature of tire wear, as well as what to look for when assessing the wear of your car tires.

Durability and efficiency

After treatment, the surface of the wheel quickly turns black, as glycerin is actively absorbed into the upper layers of rubber and also dissolves dirt embedded in cracks and depressions. Moreover, glycerin forms a glossy film, giving additional shine.

Immediately after application, a lasting effect is observed in dry weather (provided you drive on dust-free roads) for up to 8-10 days. If the weather is damp, treatment is enough for 1-2 days. The reason is that glycerin is washed off and dissolves in water.

When beauty is the key to health

All this time, the wheel looks fresh, like from a store (that’s why we remembered used car sellers - with such means it is possible to “invigorate” even very “tired” tires). In addition, this product is really useful for the rubber from which the tire is made: the composition “clogs” and “heals” microcracks, preventing them from growing, protects the rubber from drying out and limits contact with an aggressive external environment, creating a protective film.

In fact, it works just like a cosmetic skin moisturizer. Its main task is to maintain the elasticity of the surface layer of rubber: in this case, it does not crack or dry out, effectively protects the cord from damage and, of course, retains its ideal appearance for a long time.

It is recommended to use the same composition to preserve tires during seasonal storage, so when you “change shoes” from “summer” to “winter,” do not forget to treat both sets of tires with the product. This procedure is mandatory in all kinds of elite tire centers, but now it has become available to those who, in the old fashioned way, store tires on the balcony, in the country house or in the common corridor of a high-rise building.

Recommendations

Considering the cost of glycerin, as well as the relatively low consumption and excellent effect, this method is one of the best in terms of quality and price. For this reason, it is recommended to treat rubber with glycerin regularly.

We also recommend reading the article on how to choose the right car tires based on their markings. From this article you will learn what tire markings mean, as well as what features you should pay special attention to when selecting tires for your car.

It is also advisable to periodically treat tires with silicone to preserve the appearance and protect the surface of the tires from exposure to ultraviolet radiation and “drying out.”

Combined with proper rubber storage conditions, the overall service life of car tires can be significantly increased with this approach.

Safety, aesthetics, practicality: the pros and cons of home blackening of wheels

There really is something to be said about the aesthetics of each analogue. Some products give a short-term effect, others - long-term, some dust sticks to a fair amount, and some are not only difficult to apply, but also give a modest result. It makes sense to discuss the degree of harmfulness of each of the compounds, because some really spoil rubber.

Glycerin with water

The most common “handy” ink is probably glycerin diluted with water. The introductory word “perhaps” is used for a reason - the glycerin mixture naturally ages the tire. And the point is this: with prolonged use, cracks appear on the side surface, which put an end to the further use of the tires. However, the harm caused is determined not only by the frequency of use, but also by the concentration of glycerin in the solution.

The medicine in its pure form gives an amazing blackening effect, which greatly attracts dust. Water, which by default is added in a concentration of 1:1, gives glycerin some minor dust-repellent properties. This is the most popular proportion of homemade ink in the glycerin:water format. It is also the most harmful.

A solution in which one part of the pharmaceutical preparation contains 6-7 parts of water is considered safe. However, not everyone wants to deviate from the 1:1 ratio, since the more glycerin mixture in the water, the thicker the shine, and therefore the more natural the result.

There are no comments on application: you can spray it with a spray bottle or rub it with a sponge. Questions for other properties. So the shine, even in sunny weather, lasts for at most two days, if we are talking about a safe ratio of 1:7. Secondly, the layer is instantly washed off with water and it’s as if the shine never existed.

Black shoe polish

In common parlance, shoe polish does not cause any noticeable damage to the tire. However, this does not make it any easier, and the following theses are proof of this:

• Labor-intensive application process: processing the sidewall requires careful and consistent work with a brush or sponge, similar to the principle of applying cream to shoes.
• A pause between completion of work and the trip is required, otherwise a large layer of dust will stick.
• The result is not impressive: the shine is barely noticeable, the color depth is absent by definition.

Detergents

Ordinary laundry soap gives very immodest results. After dissolving a small piece of soap in water, lather the sidewall of the tire and let it dry. The result exceeds all expectations - the shine is bright and deep, despite the trifling cost of the soap.

However, I hasten to warn you - as in the case of glycerin, the soap significantly dries out the rubber, which is why it is not recommended for use. Regular Fairy dishwashing detergent, glass cleaner and other household polishes suffer the same fate.

Coca-Cola

In its pure form, regular Cola is a sweet drink, which means that after drying, everything that comes in will stick to the surface. When paired with water, the properties are not particularly outstanding. There are also recipes on the Internet for a vigorous mixture of Coca-Cola, glycerin and shoe polish, they say that such a composition shines well and does not wash off immediately. However, I do not recommend using such recipes due to their destructive effect on rubber.

Rating of the best rubber inks

Soft99 BLACK BLACK, 110 ML

The first place belongs to the ink from the Japanese company Soft99. The drug is available in the form of a paste and is equipped with an applicator (sponge with hard and soft sides) for application. Before use, the rubber must be washed with a brush to remove the old faded layer. Then drying and solvent treatment is carried out. Adhesion to rubber occurs according to the principle of nanoceramics - quartz along with resin dissolve in alcohol and cover the surface. After the liquid component evaporates, a thin but durable coating remains. The manufacturer promises that the ink will last for 60 days of use, but this is true if you drive a car in Japan. In domestic realities, the product will last on wheels for up to a month.

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We highlighted this ink first in the review due to its economical consumption. The manufacturer claims that the jar is enough to treat 16 wheels. In fact, users note that after covering the rubber on two machines in three layers, more than half of the substance remains in the container. Also in reviews, car owners praise the ink for its excellent resistance to water - there is no difference before and after washing.

Advantages

• The kit includes an applicator for application;
• good water-repellent effect;
• has a non-greasy shine and rich color;
• Suitable for plastic parts (fender liners, plugs, etc.).

Flaws

• it is necessary to work with gloves;
• after washing, the wheels need to be cleaned with a brush and degreased;
• Two coats are required.

Turtle Wax WET N BLACK AERO

Second place goes to Turtle Wax ink, which is popularly called “Turtle”. Rubber protection is made in the UK and consists of a solvent with silicone. This provides a “wet” appearance to the tires. After drying, it remains matte - there is no shine here. There is no water in the composition, so drying occurs in 2 minutes. User reviews like the ease of use - you just need to shake and spray the rubber. The product spreads evenly over the surface, despite the vertical position of the plane. After this, the tires look like new. The ink lasts from several weeks to a month, depending on the use of the car (number of washes, type of roads, careful parking next to the curb, etc.).

We consider the product to be the best due to its fast drying time - you can use the machine in just a few minutes. For example, the previous ink in the review requires 15-20 minutes of mandatory drying. Therefore, “Turtle” is optimal for those who want to quickly restore the shine to their tires.

Advantages

• moderately matte shade;
• pronounced antistatic effect;
• easy application of spray from a bottle;
• prevents premature aging of rubber.

Flaws

• high price;
• 500 ml capacity is enough to service the car twice.

GRASS BLACK RUBBER PROFESSIONAL

In the TOP-3 we placed ink from the Russian company Grass. This is a relatively inexpensive product that is made on the basis of silicone and water. The product is completely safe for humans, although when splashed, a little gets on your hands. Auto chemicals are produced in a plastic container with a sprayer and a built-in hand pump. It is very easy to apply, but buyers in the reviews warn that this can only be done on dry rubber, otherwise there will be no effect. It is advisable to subsequently polish it over the surface to increase shine. The film forms a deep black color and creates a slight water-repellent effect. After driving through a puddle, the wheels will remain clean.

We think this is the best car wash ink because it's affordable and lasts the next day. By treating rubber, plastic inserts and plugs with it, you can give your car a cool look without significantly increasing the cost of the service. In reviews, buyers share that this is the best way to present a car in a favorable light before a sale or some event.

Advantages

• convenient spray bottle;
• fast wheel processing;
• protects rubber from cracking;
• increases antistatic properties.

Flaws

• The composition is water-based, so it dries longer;
• Tire polishing required;
• washed off at the first rain;
• in dry conditions it will last up to a week.

FILL INN FL064

And here is another ink from a domestic manufacturer. It consists of liquid silicone and water. Available in 520 ml containers and applied to rubber as a spray. There is no foam when sprayed; the consistency of the product resembles an oily liquid that spreads well over the tire. If you don’t apply too much ink in one place, then there are no drips. Buyers in the reviews like that the manufacturer cooperates with Pride USA, which inspires confidence in the quality of the ink. The product is safe for moldings, hubcaps and rims. According to the manufacturer, one can is enough to treat 20 tires with size R14. The price of the product is quite affordable, so it is often purchased for private use and pre-sale preparation of a car.

This tire care product perfectly protects rubber from ultraviolet radiation. It is best for those who often leave their car in the yard in a sunny place. With it, your car tires will remain black in summer.

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Advantages

• renews the appearance well - the effect of new wheels;
• eliminates small cracks and pores;
• restores black color;
• affordable price.

Flaws

• if you drive along the highway in pouring rain, the protective coating on the rear wheels will be erased;
• There is no promised shine - the color is more matte.

3TON TS-534 Black Tire

Our review continues with the following domestically produced ink from the 3Ton brand. The product is sold in red bottles with a lizard logo. The silicone base of the drug stays on the rubber surface for a long time and reliably seals small cracks. It is recommended to wash the tires and let them dry before applying. The drug is sprayed in a circular motion from a distance of 20 cm. Customers like the product in reviews because of the packaging method. It uses silicone, but despite this, the ink is produced in a can (aerosol), and not in the form of a spray, so spraying it is especially convenient (you don’t need to swing the lever, but just press the button).

We consider the ink to be the best due to its increased shine. After drying, the film polymerizes and the effect of “wet” rubber appears. Most other products add only a slight shine, or even a completely matte tint. This auto chemical will create the illusion of just washed tires. This is also the most affordable ink in price when compared with other participants in the review.

Advantages

• easy application;
• tires look like new;
• the surface repels water;
• Processing each wheel takes 1 minute.

Flaws

• Not everyone may like the increased shine of rubber - the effect is not for everyone;
• The result remains stable for a week, and then begins to weaken.

AiS Ascot NS 7170101 (1 l)

Here is another product produced in Russia and designed for blackening rubber. The substance consists of a saturated solution with silicone. The ink is supplied in a plastic container with a capacity of 1 liter. To apply the product, you need to use a sponge, so you have to work with gloves, otherwise all your hands will be stained too. The product gives tires a matte shine and slows down aging. Buyers share in reviews that the effect of the ink occurs almost immediately. The product also smells good, so it does not cause discomfort while working with it. Some apply it not only to the side part, but also to the tread. This is done on replaceable tires, which are thus “preserved” until the next season.

According to our experts, the ink is the best in terms of cost-effectiveness. A 1 liter capacity can be enough to process up to 40 tires. This is possible thanks to the concentrate, which is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3, depending on the degree of wear of the tire and the location where the vehicle is used.

Advantages

• drying time 3-5 minutes;
• natural black color of new rubber;
• environmentally friendly;
• protection from drying out;
• Suitable for plastic products.

Flaws

• due to the water base, it dissolves from water during washing or rain faster than other drugs;
• must be diluted before use;
• difficult to apply with a sponge.

Goodyear GY000700

Our review ends with ink from Goodyear. The product comes in a 400 ml bottle and is equipped with a sprayer. Before application, you need to shake the aerosol. It is necessary to spray it over the surface in a circular motion. It is immediately recommended to wipe the tire with a soft brush or sponge to make it matte and eliminate the formation of shiny spots. This treatment reliably protects rubber materials from cracking. In reviews, drivers note that the dirt really sticks much less. The coating can withstand a maximum of two washes, after which it loses its properties. Some have tested it on the plastic of the dashboard and were satisfied. This is a budget-friendly product that will help you maintain the nice appearance of your car on your own.

According to the magazine's editors, the ink is the best in terms of preventing exposure to road chemicals. Often in winter you can see white stains on the side of the tires, which further spoil the appearance of the rubber. The ink is absorbed into the top layers of tires and prevents reagents from penetrating into them. Your wheels will remain clean in winter.

What is the aging process of tires?

The color change is caused not only by operating conditions - sudden changes in temperature, friction, loads - but also by oxidation. Even tires that have not been driven gradually become lighter, since they are constantly subject to oxidation during operation. As a result, a brittle oxide layer of increased strength is formed on the surface of the tire. There is no benefit from such a layer, since at the same time as strength it acquires increased fragility, because it contains sulfide compounds. When a car drives on bad roads, the surface particles of rubber become covered with a fine network of cracks, crumble, and then separate.

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Signs of aging tires are:

1. Release of sulfur-containing particles in the form of flakes.
2. The appearance of specific sounds when starting a car from a high gear.
3. Increasing fading of the tire surface.
4. A constant increase in tread surface temperature when driving under approximately the same conditions.

Let’s add to this the reduced aesthetics of the appearance of your tires, and we will come to the conclusion that the described phenomenon must be combated. Aging, unfortunately, can occur quite quickly. For example, when at some low-prestige car market you were sold tires that had been lying in the seller’s warehouse for a long time, even in packaging.

So, the need to protect tires from aging is obvious. For this purpose, various brands of tire ink are produced.