Just washed the car today before putting it away for the winter. I gave the wheels and tyres a thorough clean but after it was dry, I noticed the tyre sidewalls were a nasty shade of brown rather than black. This is even more noticeable against the machine grey bodywork and dark gunmetal (almost black) BBS wheels. I would add that the car was purchased new in April 2024 so the tyres are virtually new. Can anyone recommend a product to restore the sidewalls to their former glory over the winter? The current shade of brown rather detracts from the overall look of the car.
I have always used Autofinesse tyre brush and tyre cleaner. Once clean, I then layer on Meguiars tyre shine with a foam applicator. Normally lasts 3 weeks in the summer.
I have used many products over the years but to date the best by far is Meguiars Endurance Tyre Gel.
We have very high UV levels here which does things to cars - tyres, clear coats, interior and exterior plastics - and Endurance definitely does the best job.
As a motorcyclist I am also fond of the old fashioned solution - boot polish - which I first used in 19 mumble something.
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Autoglanz rebound is one of the best to remove the browning, you dont want to go mad scrubbing the life out of them though. A conditioner will last better with a basic clean.
depends what your after if you want the wet look Maguire’s is the one to go for
I’m not a fan of the high gloss look, I prefer a more satin appearance on the sidewalls.
Worth 10 minutes of your time watching this and Heather is an MX5 owner too!
Who’s ‘Heather’?
I’ve always use the Autoglym stuff as above, but never spray it on! Put some in a container then use a small sponge to wipe it on, you don’t then get it everywhere, and it comes up with a nice black sheen finish,
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She runs this Auto Care HQ YouTube channel. She posts some good, no-nonsense , detailing info.
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Autoglym tyre treatment, apply after about every third wash of the car. In-between that I just wipe over the tyre wall with a sponge after I’ve cleaned the wheels. Don’t have the NC any longer but same treatment with my daily driver.
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Thank you for all your advice and suggestions. I eventually opted for the Autoglanz Rebound cleaner and Gtechniq T2 tyre dressing. Interestingly, after using the Autoglanz cleaner, the tyre walls appeared rather browny-grey. I applied the T2 tyre dressing with a cheap washing up sponge and they ended up a nice satin black. I didn’t buff them up because I’m not a fan of the high gloss look. The T2 is quite liquid but not from a spray bottle which in my experience is quite difficult to restrict to just the tyre rather than all over the rims. Not much needed so although the bottle is only 250ml it should last quite a few applications. The car is now clean, sorned and in hibernation for the winter in a heated garage. I have over-inflated the tyres by 6psi and have enough room to roll the car backwards & forwards periodically to avoid flat spots.
Used ArmorAll Tire Foam professionally for car shows and on tractor/vehicle tyres at agricultural shows - also on earthmoving tyres at plant shows (don’t ask!)- works a treat and brings back the black!
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I use CarPro PERL neat for a wetter look, diluted down 1:5 for a more satin finish.
The brown is tyre blooming and is quite normal. I use a dilution of Surfex HD and a brush to clean the tyres before finishing with PERL. I use an old dish sponge to apply then a light buff off with an old microfibre cloth afterwards.
I used to use Megs Endurance Tyre Gel but prefer the less glossy look I can get with PERL. PERL stands for Plastics Engine Rubber Leather so at different dilutions is really useful all around the car. I use it 1:10 on the dash plastics, for example.
That’s an impressive wheel mick 
Agree with PX51 - PERL does a good job on tyres and around the car at various dilutions. I also use Garage Therapy Tyre Serum from time to time for a bit longer lasting finish and top it up with the PERL.
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